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

Should you visit Cologne or Oslo?

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

Should I visit Cologne 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant, colorful, and fun 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 clean, progressive, and park-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Cologne and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Oslo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cologne than Oslo. Cologne is bigger than Oslo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cologne is well known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. Also, Cologne is famous for The Cologne Cathedral. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Cologne or Oslo.

Cologne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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 Cologne or Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Cologne and Oslo can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cologne area. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Oslo. 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 Cologne or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

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

Cologne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

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 Cologne or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cologne to see the historical old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Oslo?

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

Cologne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

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 Cologne or Oslo Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Oslo does not offer Christmas activities.

Cologne is a fantastic destination at Christmas. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Oslo does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Oslo Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Oslo does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit Cologne because of the beautiful Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Oslo does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Oslo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Cologne is a very family-friendly destination. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

Is Cologne or Oslo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Oslo make for a notable place to visit.

Cologne is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

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

Is Cologne or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Oslo are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Oslo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Cologne or Oslo Better for Students?

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

Cologne is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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 Cologne 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 Cologne and Oslo.

Visitors in Cologne can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

Oslo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Is Cologne or Oslo a more walkable city?

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

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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 Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Oslo?

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

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

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

One day in Cologne or Oslo?

Cologne is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Oslo, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Cologne or Oslo?

Cologne 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.

In Oslo, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Cologne or Oslo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the accessible big city of Cologne. 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 Cologne or Oslo?

The colorful city of Cologne offers nightlife and food. 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, 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 Cologne and Oslo, we can see that Cologne 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne 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 Cologne Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Oslo?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne 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 Cologne or Oslo in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Cologne is around the same temperature as Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Oslo. Many visitors come to Cologne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, 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.

In October, Cologne is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Cologne often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, 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. Cologne can be very cold during winter. Cologne is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cologne usually receives more rain than Oslo. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Oslo in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Cologne is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Cologne gets 55 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 Cologne