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

Should you visit Lisbon or Aalborg?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Aalborg? 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.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a stunning, picturesque, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of Lisbon is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Lisbon travel costs.

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.

Lisbon and Aalborg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Aalborg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Aalborg. Lisbon is bigger than Aalborg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lisbon is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Aalborg is more popular for its small town charm. Lisbon is more touristy than Aalborg and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge. Aalborg is well known for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting.

How is Lisbon different from Aalborg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon that are not to be missed. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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 Lisbon or Aalborg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Aalborg Better for Nightlife?

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

Lisbon is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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 Lisbon or Aalborg Better for Music?

Lisbon is renowned for live music. However, Aalborg is not a live music destination.

Lisbon is a world class music destination. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Aalborg is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Aalborg Better for Beaches?

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

Lisbon offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Aalborg is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Aalborg Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon is one of the most recognized in the world. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

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 Lisbon or Aalborg?

Lisbon is renowned for shopping. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Lisbon is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aalborg. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Is Lisbon or Aalborg More Beautiful?

Lisbon is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Aalborg is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Lisbon is one of the main draws. With its bright colors and dramatic hills, many people consider it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many spectacular viewpoints that look out over the city.

Aalborg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lisbon or Aalborg Better for Families?

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

Lisbon is a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon or Aalborg Better for Couples?

Lisbon is a great destination for romance. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Lisbon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or Aalborg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Lisbon is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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

Is Lisbon or Aalborg Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

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

Lisbon has a great public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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

Is Lisbon or Aalborg a more walkable city?

Lisbon is renowned for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Lisbon on foot is easy. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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 Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Aalborg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aalborg or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Aalborg?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Aalborg?

Because Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Aalborg?

Because Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Aalborg?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Aalborg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Because Lisbon 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, and The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark.

When comparing the travel costs between Lisbon 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 Lisbon Expensive? and Is Aalborg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Aalborg?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Aalborg in the Summer?

Both Aalborg and Lisbon during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lisbon is a little warmer than Aalborg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Aalborg averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Aalborg. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Aalborg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Aalborg. The autumn months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year.

In October, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Aalborg. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Aalborg fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In October, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Aalborg. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Aalborg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Aalborg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Aalborg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Aalborg. Lisbon is much warmer than Aalborg in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Aalborg fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Aalborg. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Aalborg in the Spring?

Both Aalborg and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Aalborg in the spring for the small town charm.

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

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Aalborg. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aalborg and Lisbon