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

Should you visit Faro or Oslo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Oslo, 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 nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Faro and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Faro or Oslo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oslo. Although Faro and Oslo are both popular with visitors, Oslo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oslo is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Faro is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Faro is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Oslo is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. It is also home to The Royal Palace.

How is Faro different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Faro
Oslo

Oslo is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Faro
Oslo

Oslo is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

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 Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Oslo

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

Faro has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

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 Faro or Oslo Better for Resorts?

Faro
Oslo

Faro is an amazing resort town to visit for its resorts. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo is not a resort destination.


Is Faro or Oslo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Oslo

Faro is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Oslo Better for Beaches?

Faro
Oslo

Faro is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Oslo

Faro is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Oslo?

Faro
Oslo

Faro is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Faro is a great destination for shopping. 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.

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 Faro or Oslo Better for Families?

Faro
Oslo

Oslo is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Oslo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

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 Oslo Better for Couples?

Faro
Oslo

Faro and Oslo are both good to visit as a couple.

Faro is a nice destination for couples. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

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 Faro or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Oslo

For backpackers, both Faro and Oslo 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.

Oslo is a good resort town 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 Faro or Oslo Better for Students?

Faro
Oslo

Oslo is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

Oslo is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro
Oslo

Oslo is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

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.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.


Is Faro or Oslo a more walkable city?

Faro
Oslo

Oslo is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Faro?

How long in Faro or Oslo?

In either Faro or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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


  • How many days in Faro or Oslo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Oslo 1-5

One day in Faro or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Faro. 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.

Oslo 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.

A weekend in Faro or Oslo?

Faro is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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. 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 Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active destination of Faro. This resort town 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 clean big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Faro or Oslo?

The popular resort town of Faro offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The clean city of Oslo offers museums and nightlife. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Faro?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, while the average daily cost in Oslo is €127. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Faro and Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Oslo 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Oslo 152
Compare Hotels in Faro and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Oslo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Faro


Hotels in Oslo


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Faro Hotel Prices and Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Oslo 22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lisbon Oriente Station: Transfer to/from Faro City Center: $4.23
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Quarteira & Vilamoura: $19
  • Faro Airport: Private transfer to Vilamoura & Quarteira: $19
  • Private Transfer from Faro Airport to Albufeira: $26
  • Private Transfer: Faro to Faro International Airport (FAO): $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Faro Airport to Algarve Hotels: $29
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Almancil: $30
  • Private Car or Van Transfer Faro Airport FAO to Albufeira Area: $36
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Faro HTL-APT (FAO): $36
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Olhao: $37
  • Private Transfer from Loulé to Faro (FAO) Airport: $37
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Vilamoura: $38

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    6.17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Oslo Airport (OSL): Private Transfer to Oslo Cruise Port: $486
  • Oslo Lufthavn Airport to Kvitfjell Round Trip Private Transfer: $295
  • Private Transfer Oslo Lufthavn Airport OSL to Hemsedal: $295
  • Transfer Between Oslo City Center & Gardermoen Airport: $255
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Van: $238
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Van: $229
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $228
  • Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $214
  • Oslo Private Transfer from Oslo city centre to Oslo airport: $204
  • Oslo Lufthavn Airport (OSL) to Trysil - Arrival Private Transfer: $187
  • Oslo Lufthavn Airport OSL to Hafjell- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo and Faro change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Faro 36
    Oslo 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.

  • Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $58
  • Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship : $61
  • Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $74
  • Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $112
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $117
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Oslo 18

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • Camera Obscura - Tavira Eye - Admission Ticket: $5.45
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Tavira Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Algarve Life Sciences Center Museum Family Ticket: $13
  • Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop: $18
  • Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Tour: $21
  • Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon from Faro: $22
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • Tavira Route Boat Tour: $27

Tours and Activities in Oslo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Sea Kayak Tour on Oslofjord from Central Oslo: $94
  • 2-Hour Private Tour in Oslo, Norway: $197
  • 2.hr Oslo Kayak Tour “Fjord City”: $91
  • 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $214
  • 3- Hour Kayak Tour on the Oslofjord: $108
  • 4 Hours Island Hopping Tour in Oslo: $48
  • 4 hours Winter View of the Oslofjord Walk Tour : $148
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
  • Akerselva River Kayak Tour; An Urban Paddling Adventure: $91
  • Akerselva River Tour : $94
  • An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Authentic Oslo bike tour: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Oslo 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48


When comparing the travel costs between Faro and Oslo, we can see that Faro is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro or Oslo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Faro or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Faro during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

Faro is a little warmer than Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Faro or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Oslo. The shopping scene are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Faro is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Faro in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives less rain than Oslo. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Faro or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Faro as well as Oslo. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Faro is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 12°C (54°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Oslo. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Faro or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Faro in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months.

Faro is much warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives less rain than Oslo. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Faro

Faro Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)