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

Should you visit Graz or Alesund?

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

Should I visit Graz 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.

Graz

Graz is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Alesund

Alesund is a scenic, laid back, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Graz 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Graz or Alesund?

Both Alesund and Graz have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Graz is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Alesund attracts visitors for its big city activities. Graz is more touristy than Alesund and is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Alesund is famous for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords.

How is Graz different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Graz
Alesund

Graz 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.

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

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 Graz or Alesund? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Graz
Alesund

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Graz and Alesund.

Graz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Dining out in Alesund is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Graz or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Graz
Alesund

Graz 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.

Graz offers plenty to do in the evening. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

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 Graz or Alesund Better for its Old Town?

Graz
Alesund

Graz is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Alesund does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Graz is revered around the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Alesund does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Alesund?

Graz
Alesund

Graz is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Graz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

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 Graz or Alesund Better for Families?

Graz
Alesund

Graz is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Graz is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz or Alesund Better for Couples?

Graz
Alesund

Graz 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.

Graz is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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 Graz or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Graz
Alesund

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

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 Graz or Alesund Better for Students?

Graz
Alesund

Graz is a well-known place for students. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Graz is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Plenty of students visit Alesund. 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.

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

Graz
Alesund

Graz 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 Graz can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

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


Is Graz or Alesund a more walkable city?

Graz
Alesund

Graz 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 Graz on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact 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 Graz Worth Visiting? and Is Alesund Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Graz?

How long in Graz or Alesund?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Graz or Alesund?

In Graz, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Alesund. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Graz or Alesund?

In Graz, 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 Graz has to offer.

Alesund is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Graz or Alesund?

Graz 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Alesund. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Graz or Alesund?

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

The scenic city of Alesund offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Graz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Graz is €112, 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 Graz and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Graz 67
    Alesund 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Graz 134
    Alesund 98
Compare Hotels in Graz and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Graz 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 Graz


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: Graz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Graz 18
    Alesund 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58
  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Geiranger Port: $185
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund city centre to Aalesund airport: $135
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $135
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $64
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $60
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Graz or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Graz 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
    Graz 32
    Alesund 28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Graz 13
    Alesund 15

Tours and Activities in Graz

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Kunsthaus Graz Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Graz city tours: $14
  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Guided Tour: Courtyards of Graz: $138
  • Tour with Private Guide: $176
  • Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $191

Tours and Activities in Alesund

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

  • Ålesund Round Trip – A Great Kayak Adventure: $186
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $102
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $140
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $163
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Graz 16
    Alesund 11


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


Which is Bigger, Graz or Alesund?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Graz 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 Graz or Alesund?

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 Graz or Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Graz during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Graz because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

In July, Graz is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 23°C (73°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Graz. Graz usually gets more rain in July than Alesund. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Graz or Alesund in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Alesund. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Graz 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.

Graz is a little warmer than Alesund in the autumn. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Graz usually receives less rain than Alesund. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Graz or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Graz as well as Alesund. Many travelers come to Graz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Graz. In the winter, Graz is much colder than Alesund. Typically, the winter temperatures in Graz in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Alesund averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Alesund. Graz usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Graz 1°C (34°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Graz or Alesund in the Spring?

Both Alesund and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Graz in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, 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. In April, Graz is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 13°C (55°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In April, Graz usually receives less rain than Alesund. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Alesund and Graz

Graz Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)