A Travel Price Comparison for Denmark Odense vs. Aalborg for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Odense or Aalborg?

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 Odense and Aalborg. 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.

Odense

It's also known for food.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a local, historic, and charming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Odense and Aalborg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Odense or Aalborg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aalborg than Odense, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aalborg is more touristy than Odense and is known for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. Also, Aalborg is famous for the Utzon Center. Odense is well known for

How is Odense different from Aalborg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Odense
Aalborg

Aalborg is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aalborg. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Odense
Aalborg

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

Dining out in Aalborg is an experience not to be missed. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

Is Odense or Aalborg Better for Nightlife?

Odense
Aalborg

Aalborg is notable for its evening party scene. However, Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Aalborg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Odense or Aalborg Better for its Old Town?

Odense
Aalborg

Aalborg is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Odense does not have a historic old town.

Aalborg offers a nice historic old town area. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Odense does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Odense or Aalborg?

Odense
Aalborg

Aalborg is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Aalborg to go shopping. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Odense or Aalborg Better for Families?

Odense
Aalborg

Odense is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Odense is a very family-friendly place to visit. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

Aalborg offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Odense or Aalborg Better for Couples?

Odense
Aalborg

Aalborg is a good destination for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

Aalborg is a good town for couples to visit. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.


Is Odense or Aalborg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Odense
Aalborg

Aalborg is a good destination for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Is Odense or Aalborg Better for Students?

Odense
Aalborg

Odense and Aalborg are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Odense is a good city to visit for students. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

Plenty of students 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.

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

Odense
Aalborg

Aalborg is a good destination for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

Aalborg has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system around town.

Odense does not have public transit.


Is Odense or Aalborg a more walkable city?

Odense
Aalborg

Aalborg is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

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

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Aalborg or Odense?

How long in Odense or Aalborg?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aalborg than Odense 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 Odense or Aalborg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Odense 2-3 
    Aalborg 2-3

One day in Odense or Aalborg?

In Odense, you'll find food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aalborg. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Odense or Aalborg?

In Odense, you'll find food. 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 Odense has to offer.

Aalborg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Odense or Aalborg?

Odense 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aalborg. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Odense or Aalborg?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Aalborg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark.


Which place is cheaper, Aalborg or Odense?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Odense is $163, while the average daily cost in Aalborg is $158. 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 Odense and Aalborg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Odense $81
    Aalborg $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Odense $162
    Aalborg $176
Compare Hotels in Odense and Aalborg

Looking for a hotel in Odense or Aalborg? 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 Odense


Hotels in Aalborg


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: Odense Hotel Prices and Aalborg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Odense $44
    Aalborg $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

  • Private Transfer from Aalborg Airport (AAL) to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg City Hotels to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Airport and City Transfers in Aalborg: $88
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg (AAL) Airport to City centre: $133
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg city centre to Aalborg airport: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Odense or Aalborg?

Prices for flights to both Aalborg and Odense 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
    Odense $52
    Aalborg $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Odense $30
    Aalborg $24

Tours and Activities in Odense

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

  • River Cruise on the Odense River: $16
  • GoBoat Self-drive Boat Tour: $58
  • Inspiring Odense - Walking Tour for Couples: $488
  • Christmas Charms in Odense - Walking Tour: $596

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: $45
  • The best of Aalborg walking tour: $221
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $249
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $488

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Odense $22
    Aalborg $19


When comparing the travel costs between Odense and Aalborg, we can see that Odense 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 Odense Expensive? and Is Aalborg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Odense or Aalborg?

Odense has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Odense and Aalborg, 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.