A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oslo vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Oslo or Cinque Terre?

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

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

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Oslo and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Oslo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Oslo is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Oslo and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Oslo different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?

Oslo is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region 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, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Oslo is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Oslo or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Oslo is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Oslo is not a resort destination.

Is Oslo or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oslo or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

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

Cinque Terre has a beach worth visiting. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Oslo or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is Oslo or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Cinque Terre?

Both Oslo and Cinque Terre are respectable shopping destinations.

Oslo is a good destination for shopping. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

If you're looking to go shopping, Cinque Terre has some nice offerings. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Oslo or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Oslo is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Oslo or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

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

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Oslo or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Oslo and Cinque Terre are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Oslo. 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.

Cinque Terre is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Oslo or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Oslo is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Oslo is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Oslo is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Oslo or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region 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 Cinque Terre on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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 Oslo Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Cinque Terre?

In either Oslo or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Cinque Terre has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cinque Terre than Oslo. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Oslo or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Oslo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Oslo or Cinque Terre?

Oslo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre 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.

Five days in Oslo or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Oslo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Oslo or Cinque Terre?

Oslo is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Cinque Terre?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Oslo or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Oslo during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

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

In Cinque Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Oslo. In the summer, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Cinque Terre. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Oslo is much colder than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Oslo usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. In the winter, Oslo is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oslo in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Oslo is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 6°C (42°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Oslo