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

Should you visit Alesund or Rio de Janeiro?

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

Should I visit Alesund or Rio de Janeiro? 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.

Alesund

Alesund is a friendly, scenic, and laid back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Alesund offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Alesund travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a festive, diverse, and high energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty in Rio de Janeiro as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Alesund and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alesund or Rio de Janeiro?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Alesund, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Alesund and is known for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. Also, Rio de Janeiro is famous for Christ the Redeemer. Alesund is well known for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords.

How is Alesund different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alesund or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rio de Janeiro that are not to be missed. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

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 Alesund or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Rio de Janeiro is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

Alesund has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Alesund or Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Rio de Janeiro just to party. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

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 Alesund or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Alesund is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Alesund is not a beach destination.

Is Alesund or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Alesund is not a hiking destination.

People visit Rio de Janeiro specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Alesund is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alesund or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Rio de Janeiro is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

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 Alesund or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Rio de Janeiro as well. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Alesund is a beautiful place to visit, too. The architecture, viewpoints, and nearby fjords make this a great stop off on any Norwegian adventure.

Is Alesund or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

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 Alesund or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

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 Alesund or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rio de Janeiro is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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 Alesund or Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Alesund is a city with good options for students. However, Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

Alesund is popular with students. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro can move around easily with public transportation. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

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

Is Alesund or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Rio de Janeiro is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Rio de Janeiro is very walkable. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Alesund Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Alesund?

How long in Alesund or Rio de Janeiro?

Alesund and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Alesund because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Alesund, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Alesund or Rio de Janeiro?

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

Because Rio de Janeiro is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Alesund or Rio de Janeiro?

Alesund is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Rio de Janeiro is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Alesund or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alesund. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rio de Janeiro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rio de Janeiro has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Alesund or Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Alesund. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rio de Janeiro. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tours for Seniors to Norway, The Best Contiki Tours to Norway, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

When comparing the travel costs between Alesund and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Alesund 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. Even though Alesund is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Alesund or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Alesund and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Alesund or Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Alesund has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Alesund or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alesund and Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Alesund in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Alesund is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Alesund average around 12°C (54°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Alesund usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Alesund gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alesund or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alesund as well as Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Alesund is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alesund averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Alesund receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Alesund usually gets more rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Alesund gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Should I visit Alesund or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Alesund are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Alesund because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

The weather in Alesund can be very cold. In the winter, Alesund is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alesund in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Alesund. In January, Alesund usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Alesund gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alesund or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Alesund during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alesund this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Alesund in the spring. In April, Alesund is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Alesund average around 5°C (40°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Alesund usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Alesund gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Alesund