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

Should you visit Malaga or Oslo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Malaga and Oslo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Malaga

Malaga is a friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. 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 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.

Malaga and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga. Although Malaga and Oslo are popular destinations, Malaga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Malaga is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Oslo attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Malaga different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oslo is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga 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, Malaga makes for a great culinary experience. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

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 Malaga or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Malaga has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Oslo Better for Music?

Malaga is notable for live music. However, Oslo is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Malaga. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Oslo is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Oslo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Malaga has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Oslo Better for Beaches?

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

Malaga has a beach worth visiting. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Malaga to see the historical old town. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Oslo?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Malaga is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

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 Malaga or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Oslo is very family-friendly. 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.

Malaga is a family-friendly port city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Malaga or Oslo Better for Couples?

Malaga and Oslo both nice destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

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

Is Malaga or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Malaga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Oslo is a good port 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 Malaga or Oslo Better for Students?

Malaga and Oslo are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Oslo is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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 Malaga or Oslo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oslo is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Malaga has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Is Malaga or Oslo a more walkable city?

Malaga and Oslo both are great when exploring on foot.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

Oslo is a very walkable destination. 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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Oslo?

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

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

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

One day in Malaga or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Malaga. 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Oslo?

Malaga is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Malaga or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the historic destination of Malaga. This port 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 Malaga or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful port city of Malaga. 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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Oslo, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°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 Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Oslo. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Malaga is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Oslo. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Oslo in the winter. In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Oslo. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Oslo. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city.

In April, Malaga is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Oslo. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Malaga