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

Should you visit Giverny or Oslo?

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

Should I visit Giverny 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.

Giverny

Giverny is a peaceful, serene, and inspiring town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food and museums.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Giverny and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • 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 Giverny or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oslo. Although Giverny and Oslo are popular destinations, Oslo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oslo is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Giverny attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Oslo and is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Oslo is famous 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.

How is Giverny different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Giverny
Oslo

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Giverny and Oslo.

Giverny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

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 Giverny or Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Giverny
Oslo

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Giverny and Oslo can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Giverny has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Oslo area. 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 Giverny or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Giverny
Oslo

Oslo is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Oslo has a few options to choose from. 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Giverny or Oslo?

Giverny
Oslo

Oslo is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Giverny or Oslo Better for Families?

Giverny
Oslo

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Giverny or Oslo Better for Couples?

Giverny
Oslo

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

Giverny is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

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 Giverny or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Giverny
Oslo

For backpackers, both Giverny and Oslo are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

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 Giverny or Oslo Better for Students?

Giverny
Oslo

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

Oslo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Giverny
Oslo

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Oslo is top-notch. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Giverny has a few public transit options. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Is Giverny or Oslo a more walkable city?

Giverny
Oslo

Oslo is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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

Giverny is a somewhat walkable town. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).


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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Oslo?

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

Families should spend more time in Oslo than Giverny. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oslo than Giverny 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 Oslo.


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

One day in Giverny or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Giverny. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Giverny or Oslo?

Giverny 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.

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Giverny or Oslo?

You'll find museums and food around the peaceful destination of Giverny. This town 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 Giverny or Oslo?

The inspiring town of Giverny offers food and museums. 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 Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Giverny?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Giverny is €125, 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 Giverny and Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Giverny 60
    Oslo 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Giverny 120
    Oslo 152
Compare Hotels in Giverny and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Giverny 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 Giverny


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: Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Giverny 48
    Oslo 22

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 Giverny or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo and Giverny 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
    Giverny 35
    Oslo 28

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.
    Giverny 26
    Oslo 18

Tours and Activities in Giverny

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

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $96
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294

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
    Giverny 6.64
    Oslo 10


When comparing the travel costs between Giverny and Oslo, we can see that Oslo 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 Giverny Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Giverny or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 1030 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny 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 Giverny 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 Giverny or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Giverny during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Giverny is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 20°C (68°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Giverny. In the summer, Giverny often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Giverny 20°C (68°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Oslo. Many visitors come to Giverny in the autumn for the small town atmosphere 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.

Giverny is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Giverny usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Giverny usually receives less rain than Oslo. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Giverny 13°C (56°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Oslo. Most visitors come to Giverny for the museums 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. Giverny can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Giverny is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Giverny in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Giverny often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets more rain in January than Oslo. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Giverny 5°C (40°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

In April, Giverny is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 11°C (52°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Giverny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during spring. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Giverny usually receives more rain than Oslo. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Giverny 11°C (52°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Giverny

Giverny Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)