A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Delft for Attractions, Old Town, Families, and Food

Should you visit Aberdeen or Delft?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Delft? 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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a cultural, architectural, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Aberdeen travel costs.

Delft

Delft is a charming, historic, and quaint town. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Delft travel costs.

Aberdeen and Delft: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Delft?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen than Delft, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Delft is popular for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery.

How is Aberdeen different from Delft?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Delft?

Aberdeen is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Aberdeen. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Delft offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Delft? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Aberdeen and Delft can be an enjoyable experience.

Aberdeen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Delft has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Aberdeen or Delft Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Aberdeen or Delft Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Aberdeen and Delft.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Delft. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Delft?

Both Aberdeen and Delft are good shopping destinations.

Aberdeen is a great destination for shopping. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Delft. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Is Aberdeen or Delft Better for Families?

Aberdeen is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly destination. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Delft. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

Is Aberdeen or Delft Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aberdeen and Delft make for a good place to visit.

Aberdeen is a nice destination for couples. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Delft makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

Is Aberdeen or Delft Better for Students?

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

Delft is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Delft Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Public transit in Delft is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is Aberdeen or Delft a more walkable city?

Delft is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Delft on foot. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

Aberdeen is a very walkable city. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Delft Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Delft or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Delft?

Aberdeen and Delft both offer plenty of fun activities. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aberdeen than Delft because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 1 day is enough time in Delft.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Delft than Aberdeen 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 Delft.

One day in Aberdeen or Delft?

In Aberdeen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The town of Delft offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Delft?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Delft is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. A weekend 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Delft?

Aberdeen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Delft is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Delft?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Delft is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from London, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Delft?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Delft, 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 Aberdeen or Delft?

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 Aberdeen or Delft in the Summer?

Both Delft and Aberdeen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Delft for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Aberdeen is cooler than Delft in the summer. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Delft fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Delft, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Delft. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 202 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets less rain in July than Delft. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Delft receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Delft in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Delft. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Delft because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Aberdeen is cooler than Delft. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aberdeen in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Delft averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Delft during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Delft. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Delft receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Delft in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Delft. The winter months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Delft this time of year.

It's quite cold in Delft in the winter. The weather in Aberdeen can be very cold. In January, Aberdeen is generally much warmer than Delft. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 3°C (38°F), and Delft fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Aberdeen often gets more sunshine than Delft. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 47 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in January than Delft. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Delft receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Delft in the Spring?

Both Delft and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.

Aberdeen is cooler than Delft in the spring. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Delft fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Delft during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Delft. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Delft receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Delft and Aberdeen