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

Should you visit Lille or Oslo?

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

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

Lille

Lille is a historic, under-rated, and fascinating city. 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. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Lille and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Oslo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oslo than Lille. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Oslo is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Lille attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Oslo is more touristy than Lille and is known 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. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Lille different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oslo is notable for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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

Lille 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, Lille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

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 Lille or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

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

Lille has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

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 Lille or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Lille is notable for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lille to see the historical old town. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Oslo?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Lille is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

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 Lille or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city 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.

Lille is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Is Lille or Oslo Better for Couples?

Lille and Oslo are both nice to visit as a couple.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Oslo is a good city for couples to visit. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Lille or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lille and Oslo are nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lille. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

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 Lille or Oslo Better for Students?

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

Lille is a great city to visit as a student. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

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

Oslo is very popular for its public transit. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Lille offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Is Lille or Oslo a more walkable city?

Lille 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 Lille on foot. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored 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 Lille Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Lille?

How long in Lille or Oslo?

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

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

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

One day in Lille or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Each neighborhood in Oslo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lille or Oslo?

Lille 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lille or Oslo?

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating destination of Lille. 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Oslo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lille or Oslo?

The fascinating city of Lille offers shopping and nightlife. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the green big city of Oslo. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Lille 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 Lille 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 Lille or Oslo in the Summer?

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

In July, Lille is generally around the same temperature as Oslo. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 17°C (63°F), 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 Lille. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives less rain than Oslo. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lille or Oslo in the Autumn?

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

Lille is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Lille often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Oslo. Many travelers come to Lille 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 Lille. In the winter, Lille is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lille in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Lille usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lille usually receives more rain than Oslo. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lille or Oslo in the Spring?

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

In April, Lille is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 8°C (47°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Lille often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Oslo. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Lille