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

Should you visit Oslo or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo or Bologna, 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.

Oslo

Oslo is a park-filled, green, and clean city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bologna

Bologna is a historical, culinary, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oslo and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Bologna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Oslo than Bologna. Oslo is bigger than Bologna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oslo is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Bologna is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Oslo is more touristy than Bologna and is known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Also, Oslo is famous for The Royal Palace. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Oslo different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oslo is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Oslo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

Bologna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It has many historical and religious landmarks, active squares, and impressive museums including the Basilica of St. Petronius, St. Stephen Basilica, the Leaning Towers, and the Portico of the Madonna di San Luca.

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

Bologna 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, Bologna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Foodies will appreciate the city's well earned culinary reputation. Some people even consider Bologna to be a food capital in Italy. There are cooking classes and food tours around town, as well as many great restaurants that serve up local dishes. Visitors should try Tagliatelle with Ragu (now famously known around the world as Bolognaise), Tortellini in broth, and Mortadella (salami).

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 Oslo or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

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

Bologna has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population that is filled with international students means that the city has a fun and active nightlife scene. Some of the city's best neighborhoods for nightlife include Centro Storico, where the tourists hang out, the University District, which is perfect for students in their 20s, and Via dell'Indipendenza, which is popular for an upscale evening out.

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 Oslo or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Bologna to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Bologna?

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

Bologna is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city hosts regular open-air markets where you can pick up local produce or local items. It is among the best shopping destinations in the region. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Piazza Maggiore, Mercato di Mezzo, Mercato delle Erbe, or Via Rizzoli.

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 Oslo or Bologna Better for Families?

Oslo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Oslo is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Bologna is a family-friendly city. There are kid-friendly museums such as Museo Geologico Cappellini and the interactive history museum of Museo della Storia di Bologna. There's even a museum solely dedicated to gelato - Gelato at Carpigiani Museum. If your kids need a bit of time in nature, check out Dulcamara farm or the Botanic Garden. On the weekend you many be able to catch a show at Margherita's Puppet Theatre.

Is Oslo or Bologna Better for Couples?

Oslo and Bologna are both notable to visit as a couple.

Oslo is a nice destination for couples. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Bologna makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful museums, interesting architecture. and lively squares, this is a great city for a couple's holiday. It's filled with romance, but it has less tourist crowds than some of Italy's more popular cities.

Is Oslo or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bologna. It's not a popular as some of the other cities in Italy and Europe, but it still has a number of hostels and a good backpacker scene.

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 Oslo or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna 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.

Bologna is a great destination for students. It's a top study abroad destination in Italy and is home to a few great universities including the well ranked University of Bologna. There are many great activities for students and a variety of fun places to explore.

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

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

With a huge network, the transit system in Oslo can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Bologna has some public transit options. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Oslo or Bologna a more walkable city?

Oslo and Bologna both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

Bologna is a very walkable city. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Oslo Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oslo and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than in Bologna. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

One day in Oslo or Bologna?

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bologna. 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.

A weekend in Oslo or Bologna?

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer.

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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.

Five days in Oslo or Bologna?

Oslo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Bologna. 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.

A week in Oslo or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oslo. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The culinary city of Bologna offers nightlife and food. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Bologna?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Bologna, 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 Oslo or Bologna?

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 Oslo or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oslo is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 18°C (64°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oslo usually receives more rain than Bologna. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oslo or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Oslo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

Oslo is much colder than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oslo usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Bologna. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. It's quite cold in Oslo in the winter. In the winter, Oslo is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oslo in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oslo usually receives less rain than Bologna. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oslo or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Oslo is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 6°C (42°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Oslo