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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Brussels travel costs.

Oslo

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

Brussels and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Oslo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Oslo is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Brussels and Oslo have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brussels. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

Oslo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

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 Brussels or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Oslo.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

If you're looking for night time activities Oslo has a few options to choose from. 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 Brussels or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is notable for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Brussels to see the historical old town. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Oslo?

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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 Brussels or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Brussels is very family-friendly. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

Is Brussels or Oslo Better for Couples?

Brussels is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Brussels or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels 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 Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Oslo is a good 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 Brussels or Oslo Better for Students?

Brussels and Oslo are great places to visit for students.

Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Brussels and Oslo.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Brussels or Oslo a more walkable city?

Brussels and Oslo both are great when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

Oslo is a very walkable city. 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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Oslo?

In either Brussels or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Brussels has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Brussels than Oslo. However, 1-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Brussels or Oslo?

Brussels 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. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The city of Oslo offers nightlife and food. 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 Brussels or Oslo?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Brussels or Oslo?

Brussels 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.

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 Brussels or Oslo?

The multicultural city of Brussels offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Oslo, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Oslo?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Oslo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Oslo. Many visitors come to Brussels 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.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives less rain than Oslo. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Oslo. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Brussels is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels 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. The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In January, Brussels is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives more rain than Oslo. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city.

Brussels is much warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Brussels