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

Should you visit Graz or Oslo?

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

Should I visit Graz 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.

Graz

Graz is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Graz and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Graz or Oslo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oslo than Graz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Oslo is very popular for its big city activities, while Graz attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Graz is famous for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. 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 Graz different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Graz
Oslo

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

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

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 Graz or Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Graz
Oslo

Graz 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, Graz makes for a great culinary experience. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

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 Graz or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Graz
Oslo

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

Graz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

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 Graz or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Graz
Oslo

Graz is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Graz offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Oslo?

Graz
Oslo

Graz is notable for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Graz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

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 Graz or Oslo Better for Families?

Graz
Oslo

Oslo is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Graz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

Is Graz or Oslo Better for Couples?

Graz
Oslo

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

Graz is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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 Graz or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Graz
Oslo

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

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 Graz or Oslo Better for Students?

Graz
Oslo

For students, both Graz and Oslo are very good places to visit.

Graz is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Oslo is very popular with students. 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 Graz or Oslo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Graz
Oslo

Oslo is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Oslo has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Graz offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.


Is Graz or Oslo a more walkable city?

Graz
Oslo

Graz is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Graz on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

Oslo is a very walkable city. 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 Graz Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Graz?

How long in Graz or Oslo?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Graz or Oslo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Graz 2-3 
    Oslo 1-5

One day in Graz or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Graz. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Graz or Oslo?

Graz is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Graz or Oslo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Graz. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Oslo is a green 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 Graz or Oslo?

The cultural city of Graz offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 park-filled 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Graz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Graz is €112, 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 Graz and Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Graz 67
    Oslo 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Graz 134
    Oslo 152
Compare Hotels in Graz and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Graz 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 Graz


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: Graz Hotel Prices and Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Graz 18
    Oslo 22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58
  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207

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 Graz or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo and Graz 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
    Graz 32
    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.
    Graz 13
    Oslo 18

Tours and Activities in Graz

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Kunsthaus Graz Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Graz city tours: $14
  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Guided Tour: Courtyards of Graz: $138
  • Tour with Private Guide: $176
  • Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $191

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
    Graz 16
    Oslo 10


When comparing the travel costs between Graz 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 Graz Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Graz or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Graz. When comparing the sizes of Graz 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 Graz 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 Graz or Oslo in the Summer?

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

In July, Graz is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 23°C (73°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 Graz. In the summer, Graz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Graz. Graz usually gets more rain in July than Oslo. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Graz 23°C (73°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Graz or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Oslo. Many visitors come to Graz in the autumn for the shopping scene 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.

Graz is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Graz usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Graz usually receives less rain than Oslo. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Graz or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Graz as well as Oslo. Most visitors come to Graz for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Graz can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Graz is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Graz in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Graz often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Graz 1°C (34°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Graz or Oslo in the Spring?

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

In April, Graz is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 13°C (55°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Graz usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during spring. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Graz usually receives more rain than Oslo. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Graz

Graz Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)