A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Quepos for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Aalborg or Quepos?

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 Aalborg and Quepos. 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.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a local, historic, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Aalborg travel costs.

Quepos

Quepos is a local, laid-back, and relaxed town. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Quepos travel costs.

Aalborg and Quepos: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Aalborg or Quepos?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aalborg than Quepos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aalborg is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and small town charm, while Quepos is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Aalborg is well known for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. Also, Aalborg is famous for the Utzon Center. Quepos is well known for its big game sport fishing.

How is Aalborg different from Quepos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Aalborg
Quepos

Aalborg is very good for its museums and history. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its 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.

Quepos offers a few options for museum-goers. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.


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

Aalborg
Quepos

Aalborg is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Aalborg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Quepos offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

Is Aalborg or Quepos Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg
Quepos

Aalborg is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Aalborg has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Quepos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

Is Aalborg or Quepos Better for Resorts?

Aalborg
Quepos

Quepos is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Aalborg is not a resort destination.

Quepos has a few resort options worth checking out. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.

Aalborg is not a resort destination.


Is Aalborg or Quepos Better for Beaches?

Aalborg
Quepos

Quepos is a good destination for its beaches. However, Aalborg is not a beach destination.

Quepos offers a nice beach destination. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

Aalborg is not a beach destination.

Is Aalborg or Quepos Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg
Quepos

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

Aalborg has an old town worth visiting. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Quepos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Quepos?

Aalborg
Quepos

Shopping is a popular activity in both Quepos and Aalborg.

Aalborg is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Quepos. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.


Is Aalborg or Quepos Better for Families?

Aalborg
Quepos

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

Quepos is a very family-friendly place to visit. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

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 Aalborg or Quepos Better for Couples?

Aalborg
Quepos

Quepos is renowned for romance. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Quepos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

Aalborg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Is Aalborg or Quepos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg
Quepos

Quepos is renowned for backpackers. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Quepos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

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


Is Aalborg or Quepos Better for Students?

Aalborg
Quepos

Aalborg is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Quepos is not popular with students.

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.

Quepos is not popular with students.

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

Aalborg
Quepos

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aalborg and Quepos.

You'll find some public transit in Aalborg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system around town.

While Quepos offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Is Aalborg or Quepos a more walkable city?

Aalborg
Quepos

Aalborg and Quepos both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Quepos is a somewhat walkable place. It is a relatively walkable town.


For even more information, also check out Is Aalborg Worth Visiting? and Is Quepos Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quepos or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Quepos?

It's fun to spend time in either Aalborg or Quepos. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quepos due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quepos.

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

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


  • How many days in Aalborg or Quepos? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aalborg 2-3 
    Quepos 2-4

One day in Aalborg or Quepos?

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.

In Quepos, you'll find shopping and nightlife. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aalborg or Quepos?

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.

In Quepos, you'll find nightlife and 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 Quepos has to offer.

Five days in Aalborg or Quepos?

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.

Quepos 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.


A week in Aalborg or Quepos?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quepos. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Quepos. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Quepos or Aalborg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aalborg is $209, while the average daily cost in Quepos is $139. 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 Aalborg and Quepos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $96
    Quepos $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $192
    Quepos $152
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Quepos

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Quepos? 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 Aalborg


Hotels in Quepos


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: Aalborg Hotel Prices and Quepos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $35
    Quepos $9.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

  • Private Transfer from Aalborg City Hotels to Skagen Cruise Port: $210
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg Airport (AAL) to Skagen Cruise Port: $210
  • Private Airport and City Transfers in Aalborg: $96
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg city centre to Aalborg airport: $144
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg (AAL) Airport to City centre: $144

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos

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

  • Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220
  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $99
  • Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $229

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Quepos?

Prices for flights to both Quepos and Aalborg 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
    Aalborg $89
    Quepos $51

Typical Food Prices in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Seafood Dinner (for 1)
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
  • Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
  • Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
  • Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $26
    Quepos $17

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: $48
  • Denmark: Tour of Aalborg in Spanish: $118
  • Wonderful Christmas in Aalborg - Private Walking Tour: $1,434

Tours and Activities in Quepos

For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $25
  • Quepos Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $26
  • Manuel Antonio Park: Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $27
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $27
  • 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $29
  • Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour : $29
  • Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park: $29
  • Manuel Antonio National Park guided Tour: $30
  • Manuel Antonio National Park: Guided Tour with Beach Time: $30
  • Manuel Antonio with Mauro / Tickets not Included! : $30
  • Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aalborg $21
    Quepos $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aalborg and Quepos, we can see that Aalborg is more expensive. And not only is Quepos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aalborg is in Europe and Quepos is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Quepos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quepos 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 Aalborg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aalborg than you might in Quepos.

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


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Quepos?

Aalborg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Quepos, 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 Aalborg or Quepos?

Aalborg has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Aalborg or Quepos in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Quepos. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

In July, Aalborg is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 16°C (61°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Quepos. Aalborg usually gets less rain in July than Quepos. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Quepos 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Quepos in the Autumn?

Both Quepos and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Aalborg is much colder than Quepos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In October, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Quepos. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Quepos is December to April. The hurricane season in Quepos is May to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Quepos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Quepos in the Winter?

Both Quepos and Aalborg during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

Aalborg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Aalborg is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aalborg in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Quepos averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Aalborg usually gets more rain in January than Quepos. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Quepos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Quepos in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Quepos. The spring months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the small town charm. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Aalborg is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 6°C (43°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

In April, Aalborg usually receives more rain than Quepos. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Quepos is the dry season. May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Quepos 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Quepos and Aalborg

Aalborg Quepos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)