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

Should you visit Christchurch or Oslo?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Oslo? 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.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a cultural, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Oslo

Oslo is a clean, progressive, and park-filled city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Christchurch and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Oslo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oslo than Christchurch. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Oslo is very popular for its big city activities, while Christchurch attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Oslo is more touristy than Christchurch and is known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. It is also well known for The Royal Palace. Christchurch is famous for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Christchurch different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Christchurch and Oslo.

Christchurch offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

Many visitors head to Oslo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

Christchurch 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, Christchurch makes for a great culinary experience. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

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 Christchurch or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

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

Christchurch has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

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 Christchurch or Oslo Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Christchurch. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or Oslo Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Christchurch is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Oslo?

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

Christchurch is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

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 Christchurch or Oslo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Christchurch or Oslo.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Christchurch is a very family-friendly destination. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

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.

Is Christchurch or Oslo Better for Couples?

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

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for couples. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

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 Christchurch or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch 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 Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

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 Christchurch or Oslo Better for Students?

Christchurch and Oslo are very good places to visit for students.

Christchurch is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Oslo is very popular with students. 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 Christchurch or Oslo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oslo is terrific for its public transit. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Oslo can take you anywhere. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Christchurch or Oslo a more walkable city?

Christchurch and Oslo both are very good when exploring on foot.

Christchurch is a very walkable city. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Oslo is a very walkable destination. 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 Christchurch Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Oslo?

In either Christchurch or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than Christchurch because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

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

One day in Christchurch or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Christchurch. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Oslo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Christchurch or Oslo?

Christchurch 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Christchurch or Oslo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Each neighborhood in Oslo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Christchurch or Oslo?

The cultural city of Christchurch offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, 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 Christchurch and Oslo, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Oslo is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo than you might in Christchurch.

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

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Oslo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Oslo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Oslo. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Christchurch is generally around the same temperature as Osloin July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Osloin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Christchurch or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Oslo. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Christchurch is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in October.

In the autumn, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Osloin October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Osloin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oslo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Oslo can be very cold. In the winter, Christchurch is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F)in January.

Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Osloin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Christchurch or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Christchurch during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

In October, Christchurch is generally much warmer than Osloin April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the spring, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Osloin April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Osloin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Christchurch