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

Should you visit Lisbon or Oslo?

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

Should I visit Lisbon 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.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty in Lisbon as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Lisbon travel costs.

Oslo

Oslo is a green, clean, and progressive 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. See Oslo travel costs.

Lisbon and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Oslo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lisbon than Oslo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lisbon is well known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Lisbon different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon that are not to be missed. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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 Lisbon or Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon 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, Lisbon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon 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.

Lisbon has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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 Lisbon or Oslo Better for Music?

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

Lisbon is a world class music destination. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Oslo is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Oslo Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oslo is not a beach destination.

Lisbon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

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

Lisbon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Oslo?

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

Lisbon is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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 Lisbon or Oslo More Beautiful?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Lisbon as well. With its bright colors and dramatic hills, many people consider it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many spectacular viewpoints that look out over the city.

Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lisbon or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Lisbon is a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Is Lisbon or Oslo Better for Couples?

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

Lisbon is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon 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.

Lisbon is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or Oslo Better for Students?

Both Lisbon and Oslo are very good destinations for students.

Lisbon is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

Visitors will find fantastic public transit in both Lisbon and Oslo.

Visitors in Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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.

Is Lisbon or Oslo a more walkable city?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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 Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Oslo?

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

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Oslo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lisbon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Lisbon or Oslo?

Lisbon 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the big city destination of Oslo. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Oslo?

Lisbon 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Oslo?

Lisbon is a stunning 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Oslo?

Lisbon is a vibrant 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the park-filled big city of Oslo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Oslo, we can see that Lisbon 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon 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 Lisbon Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Oslo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Oslo. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lisbon is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music 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.

In October, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Lisbon is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Oslo. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Oslo. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

In the spring, Lisbon is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Oslo. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Lisbon