A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Aalborg for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Athens or Aalborg?

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 Athens and Aalborg. 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.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Athens travel costs.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a local, historic, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Aalborg travel costs.

Athens and Aalborg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Acropolis
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Athens or Aalborg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Aalborg. Athens is bigger than Aalborg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Aalborg is more popular for its small town charm. Athens is more touristy than Aalborg and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Aalborg is well known for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting.

The Acropolis
The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Aalborg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens
Aalborg

Athens is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Aalborg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.


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

Athens
Aalborg

Athens is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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

Is Athens or Aalborg Better for Nightlife?

Athens
Aalborg

Athens is renowned for nightlife. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

The nightlife in Aalborg has something for everybody. 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.

Is Athens or Aalborg Better for its Old Town?

Athens
Aalborg

Athens is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Aalborg. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.


Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Aalborg?

Athens
Aalborg

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Aalborg both offer plenty of notable spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

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

Is Athens or Aalborg More Beautiful?

Athens
Aalborg

Athens is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Aalborg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Aalborg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Athens or Aalborg Better for Families?

Athens
Aalborg

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

Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Aalborg Better for Couples?

Athens
Aalborg

Athens and Aalborg both notable destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Aalborg is a nice destination for couples. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Is Athens or Aalborg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens
Aalborg

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

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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

Is Athens or Aalborg Better for Students?

Athens
Aalborg

Athens is a great destination for students. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

It's common for students to 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.


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

Athens
Aalborg

Athens is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Athens can move around easily with public transportation. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

While Aalborg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system around town.

Is Athens or Aalborg a more walkable city?

Athens
Aalborg

Athens is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Aalborg or Athens?

How long in Athens or Aalborg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Aalborg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Aalborg. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aalborg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Aalborg 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 Athens.


  • How many days in Athens or Aalborg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Athens 3-7 
    Aalborg 2-3

One day in Athens or Aalborg?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Aalborg. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Athens or Aalborg?

Because Athens 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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.

Five days in Athens or Aalborg?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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.

A week in Athens or Aalborg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, and The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark.


Which place is cheaper, Aalborg or Athens?

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 Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Aalborg is €178. 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 Athens and Aalborg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Aalborg 82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Aalborg 164
Compare Hotels in Athens and Aalborg

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Aalborg? 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 Athens


Hotels in Aalborg


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: Athens Hotel Prices and Aalborg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Aalborg 30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

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

  • Athens Airport Transfer: $118
  • Athens City - Airport Transfer with Private Minivan : $131
  • Santorini Airport Private Transfer: $25
  • Transfer from Athens-Pireaus-Athens Airport to Corinth-Loutraki-Agioi Theodoroi: $239
  • AIRPORT TRANSFER to/from hotel (up 14 in a luxurious Minibus ) : $33
  • Airport Athens - Piraeus Port Transfer with Private Minivan: $149
  • Airport Private Transfers: $86
  • Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $75
  • Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $146
  • Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Business Car: $94
  • Arrival Transfer from Αthens Airport to Piraeus Port: $51
  • Arrival Transfer from Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $135

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Aalborg?

Prices for flights to both Aalborg and Athens 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
    Athens 64
    Aalborg 76
Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • Souvlaki
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Athens Greek Wedding Party Dinner Show with Acropolis Views: $42
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $51
  • Cooking Class at Diamond Roof Garden: $66
  • The Bizarre Food Tour of Athens: $78
  • Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $78
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $81
  • Athens Walking Food Tour with Visit to Varvakios Central Market: $82
  • Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens: $82
  • Traditional Cooking Classes incl. Drinks: $82
  • Taste of Athens Small-Group Food Tour: $84
  • Athens Evening Food Tour: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Aalborg 22

Tours and Activities in Athens

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

  • A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • Self-Guided Greece Grand Tour with Audio Guide: $7.65
  • The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Athens Interactive City Tour: $8.36
  • Private Self-Guided Audio City-Tour in Athens: $9.56
  • Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $9.99
  • Secret A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Athens Olympic Museum ticket: $11
  • Ancient Agora of Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $14
  • Athens Museum of Cycladic Art | AdmissionTicket : $14
  • Athens Museum of Illusions Ticket: $15
  • Private Tour and Tasting at Zeginis Winery: $16

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Aalborg 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

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

  • Greek Honey Tasting Experience at our Old Distillery: $14
  • Polykala Distillery: 128 years of history & liqueur tasting.: $17
  • The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl: $19
  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $19
  • Saturday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Athens, Greece: $25
  • Experience Ouzo Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $26
  • Athens Ultimate Bar Crawl: $48
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $59
  • Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $59
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $59
  • Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $67
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $71


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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Aalborg?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Aalborg, 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 Athens or Aalborg?

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 Athens or Aalborg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Aalborg. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year.

In the summer, Athens is much warmer than Aalborg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Aalborg averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Aalborg. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Athens or Aalborg in the Autumn?

Both Aalborg and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aalborg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Aalborg. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Aalborg fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Aalborg. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Athens or Aalborg in the Winter?

Both Aalborg and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Aalborg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Aalborg can get quite cold in the winter. Athens is much warmer than Aalborg in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Aalborg fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Aalborg. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Athens or Aalborg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Aalborg. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Aalborg for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Aalborg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Aalborg averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Aalborg. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Aalborg and Athens

Athens Aalborg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)