A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alesund vs. Bressanone for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Alesund or Bressanone?

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

Should I visit Alesund or Bressanone? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Alesund

Alesund is a friendly, scenic, and laid back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a charming, quaint, and picturesque town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Alesund and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Alesund or Bressanone?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Alesund than Bressanone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Alesund is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Bressanone is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alesund is well known for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. Also, Alesund is famous for the Art Nouveau Center. Bressanone is well known for its charming old town and its idyllic setting.

How is Alesund different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alesund or Bressanone?

Alesund
Bressanone

Both Alesund and Bressanone have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Alesund is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.

Bressanone offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.


Is the Food Better in Alesund or Bressanone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alesund
Bressanone

Foodies will find both Alesund and Bressanone both to be excellent destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Alesund makes for a great culinary experience. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

Bressanone has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Alesund or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Alesund
Bressanone

Alesund is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Alesund has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Alesund or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Alesund
Bressanone

Bressanone is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Alesund does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Alesund does not have a historic old town.


Is Alesund or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Alesund
Bressanone

Bressanone is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Alesund is not a hiking destination.

Bressanone is a popular spot for hiking. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Alesund is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alesund or Bressanone?

Alesund
Bressanone

Both Alesund and Bressanone are notable shopping destinations.

Alesund is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bressanone. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

Is Alesund or Bressanone Better for Families?

Alesund
Bressanone

Alesund is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Alesund. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.


Is Alesund or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Alesund
Bressanone

Bressanone is a well-known place for romance. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Bressanone is a very popular place to visit for couples. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Alesund makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Alesund or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alesund
Bressanone

Bressanone is a popular place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Alesund or Bressanone Better for Students?

Alesund
Bressanone

Alesund is a city with good options for students. However, Bressanone is not popular with students.

Alesund is popular with students. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

Bressanone is not popular with students.


Is Alesund or Bressanone Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alesund
Bressanone

Both Alesund and Bressanone offer notable public transit options.

Alesund has a few public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Bressanone has some public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Alesund or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Alesund
Bressanone

Bressanone is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Bressanone is very walkable. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

Alesund is a somewhat walkable place. The city center can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alesund Worth Visiting? and Is Bressanone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Alesund?

How long in Alesund or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Alesund or Bressanone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Alesund than Bressanone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Alesund, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bressanone.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bressanone than Alesund. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bressanone that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bressanone than Alesund 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 Bressanone.


  • How many days in Alesund or Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alesund 2-3 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Alesund or Bressanone?

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Alesund, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bressanone is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town 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 Alesund or Bressanone?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Alesund, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bressanone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bressanone has to offer.

Five days in Alesund or Bressanone?

Alesund, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bressanone is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Alesund or Bressanone?

Alesund is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bressanone. Since Bressanone is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Tours for Seniors to Norway, The Best Contiki Tours to Norway, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone or Alesund?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Alesund is $103, while the average daily cost in Bressanone is $154. 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 Alesund and Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alesund $55
    Bressanone $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alesund $110
    Bressanone $160
Compare Hotels in Alesund and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Alesund or Bressanone? 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 Alesund


Hotels in Bressanone


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: Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alesund $26
    Bressanone $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $138
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund city centre to Aalesund airport: $138
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $72
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Geiranger Port: $189
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Alesund or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone and Alesund 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
    Alesund $31
    Bressanone $52

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    $2.46

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alesund $17
    Bressanone $22

Tours and Activities in Alesund

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:

  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $33
  • Geiranger Fjord Tour (Hellesylt-Geiranger one way): $35
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $43
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $46
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $57
  • Ljøen Farm Tour in Hellesylt Norway: $66
  • Hjørundfjord Fjord Tour Roundtrip from Ålesund: $81
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $113
  • Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $114
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $128
  • All About the Fjords in One Tour by Boat and Bus from Ålesund: $142
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $143

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alesund $13
    Bressanone $29

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    $10
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    $7.81


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alesund and Bressanone, we can see that Bressanone is more expensive. And not only is Alesund much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alesund would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alesund and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bressanone would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bressanone than you might in Alesund.

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


Which is Bigger, Alesund or Bressanone?

Alesund has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bressanone. When comparing the sizes of Alesund and Bressanone, 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.