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

Should you visit London or Oslo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between London and Oslo can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a iconic, global, and international 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, live music, and food.

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.

London and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Oslo?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Oslo. London is bigger than Oslo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is more touristy than Oslo and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

Big Ben

How is London different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London 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 London that are not to be missed. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 London or Oslo Better for Theater?

London is an amazing city to visit for theatre. However, Oslo is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in London. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Oslo is not a theatre destination.

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

London 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, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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 London or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

London 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.

London has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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 London or Oslo Better for Music?

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

London is a world class music destination. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Oslo is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Oslo?

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

London is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Oslo Better for Christmas?

London is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Oslo does not offer Christmas activities.

London is a fantastic destination at Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Oslo does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Oslo Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Oslo does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit London because of the beautiful Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Oslo does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Oslo Better for Families?

You'll find terrific kid-friendly activities in either London or Oslo.

London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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.

Is London or Oslo Better for Couples?

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

London has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London 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.

London is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Oslo Better for Students?

London is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

London is a great destination for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

London and Oslo both offer terrific public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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

Is London or Oslo a more walkable city?

London 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 London on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or London?

How long in London or Oslo?

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

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

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

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

One day in London or Oslo?

London is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 London or Oslo?

London is a fun place to experience. 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 London or Oslo?

London is a global 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.

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 London or Oslo?

London is a historic city where you can fill many days. 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 green 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in 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 London and Oslo, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, London or Oslo?

London has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and London during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, London is around the same temperature as Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, London often gets less sunshine than Oslo. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Oslo. Many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, London is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit London or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to London as well as Oslo. Many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can be very cold during winter. London can get quite cold in the winter. London is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, London often gets more sunshine than Oslo. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Oslo. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and London are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, London is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and London