A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Southampton for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Aalborg or Southampton?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Aalborg and Southampton. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a charming, local, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Southampton

Southampton is a up-and-coming, waterfront, and dynamic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aalborg and Southampton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Aalborg or Southampton?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Aalborg than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than Aalborg, Aalborg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aalborg is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and small town charm, while Southampton attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Aalborg is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. It is also well known for the Utzon Center. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Aalborg different from Southampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Southampton and Aalborg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aalborg or Southampton?

Aalborg
Southampton

Both Aalborg and Southampton have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aalborg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.

Southampton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.


Is the Food Better in Aalborg or Southampton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg
Southampton

Aalborg is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Aalborg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Aalborg or Southampton Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg
Southampton

Aalborg is a great town for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Aalborg has something for everybody. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Is Aalborg or Southampton Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg
Southampton

Aalborg is a popular place for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Aalborg. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Southampton?

Aalborg
Southampton

Shopping is a popular activity in both Southampton and Aalborg.

Aalborg is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is Aalborg or Southampton Better for Families?

Aalborg
Southampton

Both Aalborg and Southampton are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aalborg. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Southampton offers lots of family activities. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Aalborg or Southampton Better for Couples?

Aalborg
Southampton

Southampton is a great destination for romance. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Southampton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Aalborg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.


Is Aalborg or Southampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg
Southampton

Aalborg is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aalborg. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aalborg or Southampton Better for Students?

Aalborg
Southampton

Aalborg is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Aalborg. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Southampton is not popular with students.

Is Aalborg or Southampton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aalborg
Southampton

Aalborg is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

While Aalborg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.


Is Aalborg or Southampton a more walkable city?

Aalborg
Southampton

Aalborg and Southampton both are nice when exploring on foot.

Aalborg is somewhat walkable. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

Southampton is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

For even more information, also check out Is Aalborg Worth Visiting? and Is Southampton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Southampton or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Southampton?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aalborg and Southampton. In our opinion, Aalborg has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Aalborg than Southampton. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Southampton.

Families should spend more time in Aalborg than Southampton. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aalborg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aalborg than Southampton if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Aalborg.


  • How many days in Aalborg or Southampton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aalborg 2-3 
    Southampton 1-3

One day in Aalborg or Southampton?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming town of Aalborg. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Southampton, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Aalborg or Southampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Aalborg. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Southampton, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Southampton has to offer.


Five days in Aalborg or Southampton?

The historic town of Aalborg offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Southampton is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Aalborg or Southampton?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aalborg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Southampton. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Southampton or Aalborg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aalborg is $156, while the average daily cost in Southampton is $164. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aalborg and Southampton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $87
    Southampton $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $174
    Southampton $212
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Southampton

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Southampton? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aalborg


Hotels in Southampton


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aalborg Hotel Prices and Southampton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $32
    Southampton $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg (AAL) Airport to City centre: $131
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg city centre to Aalborg airport: $131
  • Private Airport and City Transfers in Aalborg: $87
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg Airport (AAL) to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg City Hotels to Skagen Cruise Port: $46

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Southampton

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Southampton:


  • Ferry to Isle of Wight
    $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Southampton

Also for Southampton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • "Private Group Transfer: Southampton Port to London.": $290
  • "Private Stress-Free Transfer: Southampton to Heathrow.": $109
  • "Private Transfer: Heathrow to Southampton Port.": $110
  • From Cruise Terminal to London transfer: $650
  • Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port - Private Transfer: $300
  • Heathrow Airport to Southampton Ports - Private Transfer: $275
  • London to Southampton Cruise Terminal Private Transfer: $651
  • London to Southampton Port | Private Transfer: $300
  • London to Southern England Cruise Terminals Transfers: $119
  • London: City Center and Heathrow to Southampton Transfer: $131
  • Private Minicab Transfer from Southampton Port to London: $287
  • Private Port Arrival Transfer Southampton Cruise Terminals to Gatwick Airport: $226

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Southampton?

Prices for flights to both Southampton and Aalborg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aalborg $47
    Southampton $46

Typical Food Prices in Southampton

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Southampton:


  • Breakfast
    $4.98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $24
    Southampton $24

Tours and Activities in Aalborg

Here are a few actual costs in Aalborg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3-Hours Street Art Tour in Aalborg: $44
  • Aalborg during WW2: Self-guided Audio Tour with StoryHunt: $14
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $246
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $480
  • The best of Aalborg walking tour: $219

Tours and Activities in Southampton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Southampton.

  • Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • Private Southampton Walking Tour: $22
  • Isle of Wight Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • New Forest Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Winchester from Southampton Port: $112
  • Walk the Secrets of the Titanic: Private Tour: $114
  • Shuttle Service Southampton Cruise Terminals to Heathrow Airport and London: $153
  • Private cruise arrival from Southampton to London or airport: $159
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Windsor from Southampton Port: $160
  • London to Southampton and Portsmouth Cruise: $191
  • Oxford and Blenheim Palace Day Tour from Southampton: $191
  • Private Day Tour To Bath And The Cotswolds: $406

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aalborg $19
    Southampton $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Southampton

Also in Southampton, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Southampton Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When comparing the travel costs between Aalborg and Southampton, we can see that Southampton is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aalborg Expensive? and Is Southampton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Southampton?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Southampton, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Aalborg or Southampton?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aalborg or Southampton in the Summer?

Both Southampton and Aalborg during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aalborg is cooler than Southampton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aalborg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Southampton averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Aalborg usually gets more rain in July than Southampton. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Southampton 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Southampton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Southampton. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Southampton in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Aalborg is generally cooler than Southampton. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 9°C (48°F), and Southampton fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In October, Aalborg usually receives more rain than Southampton. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Southampton 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Southampton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Southampton. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Southampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Southampton can be very cold during winter. Aalborg can get quite cold in the winter. Aalborg is much colder than Southampton in the winter. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Southampton fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in January than Southampton. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Southampton 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Southampton in the Spring?

Both Southampton and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Southampton because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Aalborg is much colder than Southampton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aalborg in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Southampton averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In April, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Southampton. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Southampton 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Southampton and Aalborg

Aalborg Southampton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)