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

Should you visit Oslo or Hvar?

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

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

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Oslo and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Oslo and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Oslo attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Hvar is more touristy than Oslo and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. 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 Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oslo is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Hvar 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, Hvar makes for a great culinary experience. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

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

Hvar has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Hvar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oslo or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is notable for its beaches. However, Oslo is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hvar. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Oslo or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Hvar has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Hvar?

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

Hvar is a great destination for shopping. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

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 Hvar Better for Families?

Oslo is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Oslo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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 family-friendly things to do in Hvar. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Oslo or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hvar is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Oslo is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Oslo is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Oslo or Hvar a more walkable city?

Oslo is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Oslo or Hvar. 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 Hvar.

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

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

One day in Oslo or Hvar?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Hvar?

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.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Hvar?

Oslo is a park-filled 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historic destination of Hvar. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oslo or Hvar?

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 party-oriented island of Hvar offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oslo and Hvar, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. And not only is Hvar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hvar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hvar 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo than you might in Hvar.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oslo Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Hvar?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Oslo is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oslo in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oslo usually receives more rain than Hvar. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oslo or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Oslo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oslo is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 7°C (45°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hvar. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Hvar. Many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. Oslo is much colder than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Oslo or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oslo is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oslo in April average around 6°C (42°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the spring, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Oslo