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

Should you visit Oslo or Florence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo or Florence, 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 progressive, park-filled, and green city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oslo and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Florence?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Florence than Oslo. While Oslo is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Oslo attracts visitors for its big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Oslo and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Oslo different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence 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 Florence that are not to be missed. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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

Florence 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, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Oslo and Florence.

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 Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Oslo or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Florence offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Florence?

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

Florence is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence Better for Families?

Oslo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Oslo or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence 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.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this 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 Oslo or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence 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.

Florence is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence 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.

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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 Florence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oslo is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Oslo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Oslo or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Florence?

Both Oslo and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Oslo. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

One day in Oslo or Florence?

Oslo is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Oslo or Florence?

Oslo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Florence 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 Florence?

Oslo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the iconic destination of Florence. This 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.

A week in Oslo or Florence?

Oslo is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the iconic city of Florence. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Florence?

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

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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Florence. The summer months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In the summer, Oslo is cooler than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oslo in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In the summer, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Florence. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oslo is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 7°C (45°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

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

In October, Oslo usually receives less rain than Florence. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Oslo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. Oslo is much colder than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

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

Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Florence. Many visitors come to Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Oslo is much colder than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oslo in April average around 6°C (42°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

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

In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Florence. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Oslo