A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alesund vs. Sao Paulo for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Alesund or Sao Paulo?

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

Should I visit Alesund or Sao Paulo? 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 scenic, laid back, and welcoming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Alesund offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Alesund travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a cultural, dynamic, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Alesund and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Alesund or Sao Paulo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sao Paulo than Alesund, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sao Paulo is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Alesund is more popular for its impressive beauty. Alesund is well known for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. Sao Paulo is well known for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. Also, Sao Paulo is famous for Ibirapuera Park.

How is Alesund different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Alesund
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo that are not to be missed. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

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 Sao Paulo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alesund
Sao Paulo

Foodies will find both Alesund and Sao Paulo both to be very good destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Alesund makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Sao Paulo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

Is Alesund or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

Alesund
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo just to party. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

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 the Shopping Better in Alesund or Sao Paulo?

Alesund
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo 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.

Sao Paulo is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

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 Sao Paulo More Beautiful?

Alesund
Sao Paulo

Alesund is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Alesund offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The architecture, viewpoints, and nearby fjords make this a great stop off on any Norwegian adventure.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Alesund or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

Alesund
Sao Paulo

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Alesund or Sao Paulo.

Alesund is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Alesund or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

Alesund
Sao Paulo

With fun activities for couples, both Alesund and Sao Paulo make for a notable place to visit.

Alesund is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Sao Paulo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.


Is Alesund or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alesund
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a popular place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Sao Paulo. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

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 Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Alesund
Sao Paulo

Alesund and Sao Paulo are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Alesund is a good city to visit for 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.

Plenty of students visit Sao Paulo. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

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

Alesund
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a world-class destination 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.

With a huge network, the transit system in Sao Paulo can get you around easily. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

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


Is Alesund or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Alesund
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo 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.

Sao Paulo is very walkable. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

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 Sao Paulo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Alesund?

How long in Alesund or Sao Paulo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo.


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

One day in Alesund or Sao Paulo?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alesund. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Sao Paulo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Sao Paulo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Alesund. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Sao Paulo 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sao Paulo has to offer.


Five days in Alesund or Sao Paulo?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming city of Alesund. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sao Paulo 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 Alesund or Sao Paulo?

Alesund is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sao Paulo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sao Paulo. 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 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Alesund?

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 Alesund is $133, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $60. 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 Alesund and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alesund $58
    Sao Paulo $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alesund $116
    Sao Paulo $56
Compare Hotels in Alesund and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Alesund or Sao Paulo? 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 Alesund


Hotels in Sao Paulo


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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alesund $28
    Sao Paulo $5.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $215
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $163
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $150
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Molde Port: $150
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $125
  • Private Transfer from Molde Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $125
  • Private Transfer To OR From Airport in Ålesund: $119
  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $105
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $52
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $52
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) (SDU): $16
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) Private Transfer to Sao Paulo City/Hotels: $27
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
  • Receptive and Transfer Airports, Cities and Coast: $42
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $65
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $67
  • Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $77
  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
  • Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Alesund or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Alesund 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
    Alesund $57
    Sao Paulo $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

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

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alesund $18
    Sao Paulo $3.89

Tours and Activities in Alesund

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

  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $113
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $46
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $133
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $137
  • Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $71
  • All About the Fjords in One Tour by Boat and Bus from Ålesund: $164
  • All About the Fjords in One Tour by Bus and Boat from Ålesund: $164
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $186
  • Fjord paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $144
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $215
  • Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $124
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $61

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $48
  • Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $50
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour - In English: $55
  • Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour - In English: $65
  • São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $66
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $68
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
  • Shared tour of the tourist attractions of São Paulo: $77
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alesund $13
    Sao Paulo $3.38

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alesund and Sao Paulo, we can see that Alesund is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alesund is in Europe and Sao Paulo is in South 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 Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Alesund would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alesund than you might in Sao Paulo.

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


Which is Bigger, Alesund or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Alesund and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alesund as well as Sao Paulo. Many travelers come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alesund is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin January. Daily temperatures in Alesund average around 12°C (54°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. Alesund usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Alesund gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Alesund 12°C (54°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Alesund or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Alesund are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Alesund in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Alesund is much colder than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alesund averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Alesund. In October, Alesund usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Alesund gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Alesund 9°C (48°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Alesund or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Alesund during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alesund can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Alesund is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alesund in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. Alesund usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Alesund gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Alesund 3°C (37°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Alesund or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alesund and Sao Paulo. The spring months attract visitors to Alesund because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

The weather in Alesund can be very cold. In April, Alesund is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Alesund average around 5°C (40°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In April, Alesund usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin October. Alesund gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Alesund 5°C (40°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Alesund

Alesund Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)