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

Should you visit Glasgow or Oslo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow 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.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a friendly, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. 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.

Glasgow and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glasgow. Although Glasgow and Oslo are roughly the same size, Glasgow has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glasgow is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Oslo is more popular for its big city activities. Oslo is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Glasgow is well known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. Also, Glasgow is famous for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

How is Glasgow different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Oslo and Glasgow.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Glasgow can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

Both Glasgow and Oslo offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Glasgow is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Oslo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Glasgow or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow 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.

Glasgow has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

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 Glasgow or Oslo Better for Music?

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

Glasgow is a world class music destination. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Oslo is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Glasgow to see the historical old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Oslo?

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

Glasgow is a great destination for shopping. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

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 Glasgow or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Glasgow is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Is Glasgow or Oslo Better for Couples?

Glasgow and Oslo are both notable to visit as a couple.

Glasgow is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

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

Is Glasgow or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Oslo are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Glasgow. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Oslo is a good city 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 Glasgow or Oslo Better for Students?

For students, both Glasgow and Oslo are superb places to visit.

Glasgow is a great city to visit as a student. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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

Oslo is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Public transit in Glasgow is fairly effecient and thorough. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Is Glasgow or Oslo a more walkable city?

Glasgow and Oslo are superb when it comes to walkability.

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored 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 Glasgow Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Oslo?

In either Glasgow or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than Glasgow because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

One day in Glasgow or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Glasgow. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Glasgow or Oslo?

Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Oslo?

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy destination of Glasgow. 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 Glasgow or Oslo?

The friendly city of Glasgow offers shopping 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, 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 Glasgow and Oslo, we can see that Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Oslo?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Oslo in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Glasgow is cooler than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Oslo. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Oslo in the Autumn?

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

In October, Glasgow is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Oslo. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Oslo. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the museums, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Glasgow. Glasgow is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Oslo. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Oslo in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Glasgow is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Oslo. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Glasgow