A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Lillehammer for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Faro or Lillehammer?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Lillehammer, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Faro

Faro is a popular, busy, and active resort town. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a sporty, natural, and adventure-filled city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Faro and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Lillehammer?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lillehammer. Although Faro and Lillehammer are both popular with visitors, Lillehammer has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lillehammer is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, hiking, and small town charm, while Faro is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Faro is more touristy than Lillehammer and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Lillehammer is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. It is also home to Lillehammer Olympic Park.

How is Faro different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Faro or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is great for skiing. However, Faro is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Faro is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Faro or Lillehammer?

Lillehammer is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Lillehammer is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Faro or Lillehammer? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lillehammer is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lillehammer. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Faro or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Faro is well known for nightlife. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Faro is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

If you're looking for night time activities Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Faro or Lillehammer Better for Resorts?

Faro is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Lillehammer is not a resort destination.

Faro offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Lillehammer is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Lillehammer Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Faro has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Lillehammer is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Lillehammer Better for Beaches?

Faro is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Faro has a beach worth visiting. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Faro to see the historical old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Faro or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is great for hiking. However, Faro is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lillehammer for the hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Lillehammer?

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and Lillehammer both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Faro. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Lillehammer offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Faro or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Lillehammer is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Lillehammer is a very family-friendly destination. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Faro or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Lillehammer is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Lillehammer is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Faro or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Lillehammer are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Lillehammer is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Faro or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Lillehammer is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Faro is not popular with students.

Is Faro or Lillehammer Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Faro and Lillehammer both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Faro offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Lillehammer has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Faro or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Faro and Lillehammer are good when it comes to walkability.

Faro is somewhat walkable. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

For even more information, also check out Is Faro Worth Visiting? and Is Lillehammer Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Faro?

How long in Faro or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Faro or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Faro due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lillehammer than Faro 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 Lillehammer.

One day in Faro or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the popular resort town of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. 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.

A weekend in Faro or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active destination of Faro. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This resort town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lillehammer is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Faro or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the active resort town of Faro. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find food and shopping around the adventure-filled destination of Lillehammer. 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.

A week in Faro or Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Faro. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The adventure-filled city of Lillehammer offers shopping and museums. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, 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 Faro and Lillehammer, we can see that Faro is more expensive. And not only is Lillehammer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lillehammer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lillehammer 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 Faro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Faro than you might in Lillehammer.

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Lillehammer?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Lillehammer, 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.