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

Should you visit Istanbul or Oslo?

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

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

Istanbul

Istanbul is a historic, diverse, and beautiful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oslo

Oslo is a park-filled, green, and clean city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Istanbul and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Oslo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more touristy than Oslo and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Oslo is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Istanbul different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Istanbul that are not to be missed. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul or Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

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

Istanbul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

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 Istanbul or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

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

Istanbul offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Oslo?

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

Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

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 Istanbul or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Istanbul is very family-friendly. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

Is Istanbul or Oslo Better for Couples?

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

Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

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 Istanbul or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Istanbul is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul or Oslo Better for Students?

Istanbul and Oslo are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

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

Both Istanbul and Oslo offer amazing public transit options.

Public transit in Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Oslo has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Is Istanbul or Oslo a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Oslo both are superb when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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 Istanbul Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Oslo?

In either Istanbul or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Oslo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

One day in Istanbul or Oslo?

Istanbul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

The city of Oslo offers nightlife and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Oslo?

Istanbul is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Oslo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Oslo?

Istanbul is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Oslo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Istanbul or Oslo?

Istanbul is a high-energy city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Oslo is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Oslo?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Oslo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Istanbul or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Oslo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Oslo. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Istanbul is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Oslo. Many travelers come to Istanbul 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. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Oslo. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Oslo. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months.

Istanbul is much warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Istanbul