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

Should you visit Odense or Alesund?

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 Alesund. 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.

Alesund

Alesund is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Odense and Alesund: 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
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Odense or Alesund?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Alesund than Odense, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Alesund is more touristy than Odense and is known for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. Also, Alesund is famous for the Art Nouveau Center. Odense is well known for

How is Odense different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alesund 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 Alesund?

Odense
Alesund

Alesund 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 Alesund. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Odense
Alesund

Alesund 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 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.

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 Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Odense
Alesund

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

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Odense or Alesund?

Odense
Alesund

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

Many visitors go to Alesund to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Odense or Alesund Better for Families?

Odense
Alesund

Odense 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.

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.

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 Odense or Alesund Better for Couples?

Odense
Alesund

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

Alesund is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

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 Alesund Better for Students?

Odense
Alesund

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

Odense
Alesund

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

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

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Odense or Alesund a more walkable city?

Odense
Alesund

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

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

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Odense?

How long in Odense or Alesund?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Odense or Alesund?

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 Alesund. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Odense or Alesund?

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.

Alesund 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 Alesund?

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 Alesund. 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 Alesund?

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 laid back destination of Alesund. This city 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 Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Odense?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Odense is $160, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $99. 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 Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Odense $80
    Alesund $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Odense $160
    Alesund $106
Compare Hotels in Odense and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Odense 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 Odense


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: Odense Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Odense $44
    Alesund $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • 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 Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Molde Port: $37
  • Private Transfer from Molde Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Maloy Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund city hotels to Maloy Cruise Port: $58
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $135
  • Tour from Alesund to Trollstigen Land of Trolls with Transfer: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Odense or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund 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 $51
    Alesund $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Odense $29
    Alesund $16

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: $57
  • Inspiring Odense - Walking Tour for Couples: $478
  • Christmas Charms in Odense - Walking Tour: $584

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: $101
  • 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: $139
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Odense $22
    Alesund $12


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


Which is Bigger, Odense or Alesund?

Odense has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Odense 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.