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

Should you visit Brisbane or Oslo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Brisbane and Oslo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a cultural, active, and relaxed coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Brisbane and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Oslo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brisbane than Oslo. Brisbane is bigger than Oslo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brisbane is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Oslo is more popular for its big city activities. Oslo is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. Also, Brisbane is famous for the Cultural Centre.

How is Brisbane different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Oslo and Brisbane.

Many visitors head to Brisbane specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Brisbane and Oslo can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Brisbane is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

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.

Is Brisbane or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane is notable for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Brisbane has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

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 Brisbane or Oslo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Brisbane has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Oslo Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is notable for its beaches. However, Oslo is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Brisbane. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Oslo Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Oslo?

Brisbane is notable for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

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 Brisbane or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

Oslo is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Brisbane is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Brisbane or Oslo Better for Couples?

Both Brisbane and Oslo are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Brisbane is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

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

Is Brisbane or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is notable for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Oslo is a good coastal city to visit for backpackers. 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 Brisbane or Oslo Better for Students?

For students, both Brisbane and Oslo are excellent places to visit.

Brisbane is very popular with students. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Oslo is a great coastal 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.

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

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

Public transit in Oslo is top-notch. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Brisbane or Oslo a more walkable city?

Brisbane and Oslo are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Oslo?

In either Brisbane or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than Brisbane because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Brisbane, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

One day in Brisbane or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Brisbane. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Oslo is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brisbane or Oslo?

Brisbane is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Oslo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brisbane or Oslo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the active destination of Brisbane. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Oslo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brisbane or Oslo?

The diverse coastal city of Brisbane offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Oslo is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Brisbane 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. Even though Brisbane is in Pacific and Oslo is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Oslo?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Oslo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Oslo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Brisbane or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Brisbane during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brisbane is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brisbane in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F)in July.

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the summer, Brisbane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Osloin July. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually gets more rain in January than Osloin July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Oslo. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In April, Brisbane is generally much warmer than Osloin October. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 22°C (71°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Brisbane gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Osloin October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brisbane or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Oslo. Many visitors come to Brisbane in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can be very cold during winter. Brisbane is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the winter, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Osloin January. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Brisbane usually gets more rain in July than Osloin January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Brisbane is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brisbane in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during spring. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Osloin April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Brisbane