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

Should you visit Belfast or Oslo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Oslo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and shopping.

Oslo

Oslo is a park-filled, green, and clean city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Belfast and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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 Belfast or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oslo than Belfast, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Oslo is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Belfast is known for its shopping. Oslo is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. It is also home to The Royal Palace. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Belfast or Oslo?

Belfast
Oslo

Oslo is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oslo can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Belfast
Oslo

Oslo is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Oslo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Belfast
Oslo

Both Belfast and Oslo are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 the Shopping Better in Belfast or Oslo?

Belfast
Oslo

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

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

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 Belfast or Oslo Better for Families?

Belfast
Oslo

Oslo is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Oslo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Oslo Better for Couples?

Belfast
Oslo

Oslo is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Belfast
Oslo

Oslo is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.


Is Belfast or Oslo Better for Students?

Belfast
Oslo

Oslo is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Oslo is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Belfast
Oslo

Oslo is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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 is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Oslo a more walkable city?

Belfast
Oslo

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

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.


For even more information, also check out Is Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Oslo?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oslo than Belfast 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 Oslo.


  • How many days in Belfast or Oslo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Belfast 1-3 
    Oslo 1-5

One day in Belfast or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Oslo?

Belfast is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Oslo 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 Oslo has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Oslo?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the affordable destination of Belfast. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Oslo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Belfast or Oslo?

The affordable city of Belfast offers nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oslo. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Belfast?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Oslo is £109. 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 Belfast and Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast £68
    Oslo £65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast £136
    Oslo £130
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Belfast 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 Belfast


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: Belfast Hotel Prices and Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast £14
    Oslo £19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Private Belfast Arrival Transfer- Belfast City Airport to Belfast Hotel / Accomm: $44
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Belfast Airport: $44
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Crawfordsburn: $50
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Groomsport: $57

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

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


  • Tram Ticket
    £5.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim - Arrival Transfer : $40
  • Private Transfer:Oslo Gardermoen Airport(OSL) to Oslo City Center: $70
  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim- Round-Trip Transfer: $81
  • Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Drammen: $83
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo Cruise Port: $89
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo Airport (OSL): $89
  • Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo Airport (OSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • Olso: Private Transfer from the City Center to Oslo Airport: $106
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo to Oslo Airport OSL by Business Car: $114
  • Arrival Private Transfer Oslo OSL Airport to Oslo by Business Car: $115
  • Oslo Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Oslo hotels: $129
  • Airport & City Transfers in Trondheim: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo and Belfast 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
    Belfast £51
    Oslo £24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

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

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

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

  • Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $58
  • Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship : $61
  • Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $74
  • Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $112
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $117
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belfast £18
    Oslo £15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

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

  • Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
  • Museum Ticket: $6.90
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $12
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
  • Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
  • 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Oslo

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

  • Explore Oslo with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Walking Tour in Oslo in English: $4.41
  • Tour a Pie en Oslo en Español: $4.41
  • Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
  • An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Oslo Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $8.02
  • Discover Oslo's Heart: Audio Tour Through Time and Beauty: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Fram Museum Admission Ticket: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belfast £7.86
    Oslo £8.82

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


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

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


Which is Bigger, Belfast or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Belfast or Oslo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Belfast or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

Belfast is cooler than Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Oslo. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives less rain than Oslo. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belfast 15°C (59°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Belfast is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belfast in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Oslo. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belfast 9°C (48°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Oslo. Many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. In January, Belfast is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Belfast usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Oslo. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belfast 4°C (39°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Oslo. Many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months.

Belfast is a little warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belfast 8°C (46°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Belfast

Belfast Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)