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

Should you visit Athens or Oslo?

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 Oslo. 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 historic, ancient, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Athens or Oslo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Oslo. Athens is bigger than Oslo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

The Acropolis
The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens
Oslo

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Oslo 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 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.


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

Athens
Oslo

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Athens is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Athens or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Athens
Oslo

Athens is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Athens has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Athens or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Athens
Oslo

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Athens offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Oslo?

Athens
Oslo

Athens is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Athens or Oslo Better for Families?

Athens
Oslo

Oslo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Oslo is very family-friendly. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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.

Is Athens or Oslo Better for Couples?

Athens
Oslo

Athens and Oslo 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.

Oslo is a nice destination for couples. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.


Is Athens or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens
Oslo

Athens is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 backpackers visit Oslo. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Athens or Oslo Better for Students?

Athens
Oslo

For students, both Athens and Oslo are great places to visit.

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

Oslo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

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

Athens
Oslo

Oslo is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Oslo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.


Is Athens or Oslo a more walkable city?

Athens
Oslo

Athens and Oslo are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Athens?

How long in Athens or Oslo?

In either Athens or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Oslo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Athens than Oslo. 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 Oslo 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 Oslo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Athens 3-7 
    Oslo 1-5

One day in Athens or Oslo?

Athens is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the big city destination of Oslo. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Oslo?

Athens is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Oslo 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 Oslo?

Athens is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Oslo?

Athens is a energetic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the clean big city of Oslo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Oslo is €130. 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 Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Oslo 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Oslo 154
Compare Hotels in Athens and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Oslo? 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 Oslo


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 Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Oslo 22
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:

  • Bus Transfer to/from Argos: $14
  • One way Private Transfer Athens City Center to / from Piraeus Port: $19
  • Mercedes Private Transfer Athens - Piraeus: $21
  • Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens City Center: $21
  • Private Transfer from Athens City Center to Piraeus Port: $21
  • Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens City: $22
  • Private Transfer from Athens City to Piraeus Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from Athens City to Piraeus Port: $22
  • Private transfer between Athens hotels and Piraeus Port: $22
  • Piraeus Port: Private One-Way Transfer to Athens City Center: $23
  • From Athens Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Rafina Port: $23
  • Athens Private Transfer: Piraeus Cruise Port to Central Athens : $24

Typical Local Transportation prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    6.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Private Transfer From Oslo To Bergen With a 2 Hour Stop: $914
  • Private Transfer From Oslo to Bergen: $856
  • Private Transfer From Oslo To Kristiansand With a 2 Hour Stop: $639
  • Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Kristiansand: $601
  • Oslo Airport (OSL): Private Transfer to Oslo Cruise Port: $484
  • Private Transfer From Oslo To Geilo With a 2 Hour Stop in Drammen: $456
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Minibus: $433
  • Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Geilo: $397
  • Oslo Private Airport Transfer (OSL): $303
  • Oslo Lufthavn Airport to Kvitfjell Round Trip Private Transfer: $292
  • Private Transfer Oslo Lufthavn Airport OSL to Hemsedal: $292
  • Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL): Transfer to Oslo City Center: $254

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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 37
    Oslo 28
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 Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $23
  • Greek Meatballs Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Guided Greek Cooking Class with Dinner & Wine: $42
  • Greek cooking crash course : $45
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $48
  • Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $49
  • Athens Small-Group Food Tour: $53
  • Sights and Food Tour on an Electric Bicycle: $55
  • Greek Food Tour for Health and Wellness with a Full Lunch: $56
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.

  • Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship : $61
  • Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $76
  • Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $115
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $120
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $123
  • A Well Balanced History and Food Tour with Focus on the Scandinavian Kitchen: $298

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Oslo 18

Tours and Activities in Athens

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Hadrian's Library Skip-the-Line Ticket: $4.33
  • Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $5.33
  • Audio Tour Walk discovering Plaka: $5.33
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Athens: $5.40
  • A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus Skip-the-Line Ticket: $5.95
  • Roman Agora of Athens Skip-the-Line Ticket: $5.95
  • 360 Virtual tour of Ancient Athens: $6.00
  • Ancient Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.24
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of Ancient Agora: The Highlights: $6.48
  • Self guided Audio Tour of Athens National Garden (no ticket): $6.48

Tours and Activities in Oslo

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

  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour through Oslo with a Local Guide: $811
  • 2 Hour Sea Kayak Tour in Oslo: $73
  • 2 Hours Retro Motorcycle with Sidecar Oslo Holmenkollen Tour: $209
  • 2 Hours Sea Kayak Tour in Oslo: $85
  • 2-Hour Essential Oslo in the City Center Guided Walking Tour: $31
  • 2-Hour Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise: $43
  • 2-Hour Private Tour in Oslo, Norway: $201
  • 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour or Munch Tour: $209
  • 3- Hour Kayak Tour on the Oslofjord: $105
  • 3-Hour Norwegian Evening Cruise Aboard a Wooden Sailing Boat on the Oslo Fjord: $58
  • 4 DAYs & 3 NIGHT TOUR PACKAGES IN RWANDA WITH GORILLA & CHIMPANZEE TREKKING: $2,900
  • 4 Hours Island Hopping Tour in Oslo: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Oslo 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

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

  • Polykala Distillery showroom. A125 years of history along with liqueur tasting.: $15
  • Athens Pub Crawling: $17
  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
  • The Original Athens Pub Crawl - Athens Drunk Tour: $20
  • Greek Wine Tasting: $23
  • Wine Tasting: $34
  • Athens Wine Tasting: $35
  • 1 Hour Private Four Greek Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Athens: $35
  • Athens Speakeasy & Alternative Bar Crawl: Discover Hidden Gems: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Nightlife Guided Tour with Cocktail: $42
  • Noble Greeks Acropolis Wine Tasting with Private Sommelier: $42
  • Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $43


When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Oslo, we can see that Oslo 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.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Oslo?

Athens is bigger, and its population is about 26% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the population of Athens vs. Oslo, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Athens or Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Athens is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Athens or Oslo in the Autumn?

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

In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Oslo. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Athens or Oslo in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Oslo in the winter. Athens is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Athens or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Oslo. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Athens

Athens Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Athens vs. Oslo Travel Comparison

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