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

Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Oslo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Dubai and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Oslo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dubai than Oslo. Dubai is bigger than Oslo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Oslo Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Oslo is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Oslo is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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 Dubai or Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubai 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, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

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 Dubai or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Dubai has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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 Dubai or Oslo Better for Music?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Oslo is not a live music destination.

Dubai is a world class music destination. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Oslo is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Oslo Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Oslo is not a resort destination.

Dubai offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Oslo is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Oslo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Dubai has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Oslo Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oslo is not a beach destination.

Dubai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Oslo?

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

Dubai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Dubai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Is Dubai or Oslo Better for Couples?

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

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

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

Is Dubai or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oslo is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known 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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Oslo Better for Students?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Dubai is a great destination for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Students come from all over to stay in Oslo. 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 Dubai or Oslo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oslo is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Oslo can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Oslo a more walkable city?

Oslo is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Oslo?

In either Dubai or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than Oslo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

One day in Dubai or Oslo?

Dubai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Oslo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this green big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Oslo?

Dubai is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Oslo?

Dubai is a glamorous big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Oslo is a fun place to experience. In Oslo, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Oslo?

Dubai is a modern city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the progressive big city of Oslo. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 Dubai and Oslo, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Oslo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Oslo?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Oslo?

Oslo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Oslo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Oslo. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Oslo. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can be very cold during winter. Dubai is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March in Dubai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Dubai or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Oslo. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Dubai