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

Should you visit Bratislava or Alesund?

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

Should I visit Bratislava or Alesund? 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.

Bratislava

Bratislava is a under-rated, genuine, and cultural city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Alesund

Alesund is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bratislava and Alesund: 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
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
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
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bratislava or Alesund?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Alesund. Although Bratislava and Alesund are both popular with visitors, Alesund has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Alesund is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Bratislava is known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Alesund is more touristy than Bratislava and is known for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. It is also home to the Art Nouveau Center. Bratislava is popular for its local beer, charming old town, and scenic mountain setting.

How is Bratislava different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bratislava
Alesund

Bratislava is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Bratislava offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Despite its small size, the city is packed with interesting sights and attractions. A highlight of a visit is exploring the Bratislava Castle. Other notable sights include Michael's Gate, the Slovak National Theatre, Grassalkovich Palace, and Primate's Palace & Hall of Mirrors.

Alesund offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.


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

Bratislava
Alesund

Alesund is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Bratislava has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Slovakian food is hearty and uses a few staple ingredients like cheese and dumplings. The dishes are warm and filling on a cool day, so it's nice to step into a cozy restaurant and rest after a day of exploring. Popular local dishes include bryndzové halušky (sheep's cheese gnocchi), kapustnica (cabbage soup), and goulash.

Is Bratislava or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Bratislava
Alesund

Bratislava is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Bratislava offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has grown in popularity as a center for nightlife with many people visiting from nearby Vienna. There are a growing number of stag and hen parties around town, but you'll also find sophisticated wine bars and a refined social scene. Many of the city's clubs are found in old town around Michalská, Obchodná and Ventúrska streets as well as Hviezdoslavovo and SNP squares.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is Bratislava or Alesund Better for its Old Town?

Bratislava
Alesund

Bratislava 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 Bratislava. The old town is filled with diverse architecture as well as traditional and upscale restaurants.

Alesund does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bratislava or Alesund?

Bratislava
Alesund

Both Bratislava and Alesund are good shopping destinations.

Bratislava is a great destination for shopping. Shopping has come to life here, with three large shopping malls and many shopping streets where you'll find local boutiques. The city has both global brands as well as more traditional shops where you can buy local items. Popular things to purchase while you're in town include traditional clothing, wooden crosses, corn husk dolls, and local alcohol such as slivovica.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alesund. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Is Bratislava or Alesund Better for Families?

Bratislava
Alesund

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bratislava or Alesund.

Bratislava is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the lack of tourist crowds when compared to other European cities, even during school holidays. You can explore the city and enjoy a laid back vibe without the chaos of navigating through tour groups and large crowds. There's also a nice old town as well as gardens, playgrounds, palaces, and the Bratislava Castle.

Alesund is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Bratislava or Alesund Better for Couples?

Bratislava
Alesund

With fun activities for couples, both Bratislava and Alesund make for a good place to visit.

Bratislava is a nice destination for couples. Couples that enjoy stepping away from tourist crowds will appreciate this relaxed city. There is the beautiful Janko Kráľ Park as well as the Bratislava Castle that you can explore. It's enjoyable to simply walk around the old town and soak up the atmosphere as well. There are also many great restaurants and wine bars where you can enjoy a night out.

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 Bratislava or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bratislava
Alesund

Bratislava is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bratislava. The city offers an affordable and unique alternative to some of the larger and well known cities that are nearby. There are a couple of hostels and some affordable hotels that will help you keep your expenses down.

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 Bratislava or Alesund Better for Students?

Bratislava
Alesund

Alesund is a popular place for students. However, Bratislava is not popular with students.

Alesund is a good city to visit for 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.

Bratislava is not popular with students.

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

Bratislava
Alesund

Bratislava is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Bratislava can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams, buses, and trolleybuses.

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


Is Bratislava or Alesund a more walkable city?

Bratislava
Alesund

Bratislava is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Bratislava on foot. One of the best ways to experience the city is to walk around. The old town is also a large pedestrian zone.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Bratislava?

How long in Bratislava or Alesund?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bratislava 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 Bratislava.


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

One day in Bratislava or Alesund?

In Bratislava, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With museums and nightlife around the laid back 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.

A weekend in Bratislava or Alesund?

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

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.


Five days in Bratislava or Alesund?

Bratislava 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.

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.

A week in Bratislava or Alesund?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bratislava. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bratislava. 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovakia, The Best River Cruises in Slovakia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Bratislava?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bratislava is €122, while the average daily cost in Alesund is €93. 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 Bratislava and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bratislava 49
    Alesund 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bratislava 98
    Alesund 98
Compare Hotels in Bratislava and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Bratislava or Alesund? 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 Bratislava


Hotels in Alesund


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: Bratislava Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bratislava 26
    Alesund 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:

  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $24
  • Bratislava Airport to Bojnice Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Bratislava Airport to Turčianske Teplice Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bratislava to Vienna City Center: $87
  • Bratislava Airport BTS to Piestany Round Trip Private Transfer: $94
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava City to Vienna City: $98
  • Vienna Airport VIE to Bojnice Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice Resorts - Round Trip Transfer: $131
  • Bratislava - Budapest Transfer: $199
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $202
  • Private transfer from Bratislava to Vienna: $263
  • Bratislava-Budapest One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $58
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $60
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $64
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Bratislava or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Bratislava 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
    Bratislava 45
    Alesund 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bratislava

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bratislava.

  • Local Beer & Food Tour: $142
  • Bratislava Traditional Food Tour: $169

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bratislava 30
    Alesund 15

Tours and Activities in Bratislava

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Top experience walking tour with bonus and castle: $4.36
  • Bratislava Old Town In App Audio Tour (ENG): $5.43
  • City & Castle Tour - Introduction to Bratislava: $5.45
  • Historic City Centre Self-guided Tour: $6.31
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Bratislava Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.95
  • Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $6.95
  • Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $7.10
  • The jewels of Bratislava a Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87

Tours and Activities in Alesund

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

  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • Varden Molde Panorama Hike Tour: $46
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $102
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • Sightseeing Tour in Trollstigen - Land of Trolls: $140
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bratislava 19
    Alesund 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Bratislava

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:

  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier in Bratislava: $14
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $15
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $21
  • Bratislava 3-Hour Wine Tasting: $104
  • Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting: $144
  • Devin Castle Tour with Wine Tasting: $158
  • Bratislava Food and Wine Tour: $180
  • Little Carpathian Wine Tour: $201
  • 6-Hour Carpathian Wine Tour and Tasting: $209


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bratislava and Alesund, we can see that Bratislava 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 Bratislava would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bratislava 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 Bratislava Expensive? and Is Alesund Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bratislava or Alesund?

Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Bratislava and Alesund, 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 Bratislava or Alesund?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bratislava or Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Bratislava are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Bratislava because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

Bratislava is much warmer than Alesund in the summer. The daily temperature in Bratislava averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In July, Bratislava usually receives less rain than Alesund. Bratislava gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bratislava 23°C (73°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Bratislava or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Bratislava during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bratislava is a little warmer than Alesund. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bratislava in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Alesund averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bratislava usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Bratislava gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bratislava 12°C (54°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Bratislava or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bratislava and Alesund. Many travelers come to Bratislava for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alesund in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alesund can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bratislava. In January, Bratislava is generally cooler than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Bratislava average around 2°C (36°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bratislava usually receives less rain than Alesund. Bratislava gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bratislava 2°C (36°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Bratislava or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bratislava as well as Alesund. Many visitors come to Bratislava in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Alesund can be very cold during spring. Bratislava is much warmer than Alesund in the spring. The daily temperature in Bratislava averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Bratislava usually gets less rain in April than Alesund. Bratislava gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bratislava 13°C (55°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Bratislava

Bratislava Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)