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

Should you visit Oslo or Como?

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

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

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Oslo and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Como?

You'll generally find more things to do in Oslo than Como. Oslo is bigger than Como, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oslo is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Como is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Oslo and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Oslo is well 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.

How is Oslo different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oslo is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como is an amazing lake area 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, Como is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Oslo and Como.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Como. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Oslo or Como Better for Beaches?

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

Como has a beach worth visiting. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Oslo or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Como is a popular spot for hiking. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Como?

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

Como is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Families?

Oslo is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Como 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.

Como is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Is Oslo or Como Better for Couples?

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

Como has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como 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 Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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 Como Better for Students?

Oslo is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como 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.

Como is not popular with students.

Is Oslo or Como 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, Como 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 Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Oslo or Como a more walkable city?

Oslo and Como both are superb 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.

Como is a very walkable city. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Oslo or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Oslo due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

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

One day in Oslo or Como?

Oslo is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Como. 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 Como?

Oslo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Como is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Como?

Oslo is a progressive 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Como. This lake area offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oslo or Como?

The park-filled city of Oslo offers museums and nightlife. 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.

The fun lake area of Como offers shopping and nightlife. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Como?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

Both Como 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. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In July, Oslo is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 18°C (64°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Oslo. In the summer, Oslo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Como. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Como in the Autumn?

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

Oslo is much colder than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Oslo usually receives less rain than Como. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Como in the Winter?

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

Como can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. In the winter, Oslo is much colder than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oslo in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Como. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Como. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Como in the Spring?

Both Como 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 Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

Oslo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Como. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Oslo