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

Should you visit Oslo or Kotor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo or Kotor, 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 clean, progressive, and park-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Kotor

Kotor is a beautiful, charming, and historic coastal town. 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 Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oslo. Although Oslo and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Oslo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oslo is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Oslo is more touristy than Kotor and is known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. It is also home to The Royal Palace. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Oslo different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oslo is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is an amazing coastal town 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, Kotor is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Oslo is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Oslo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Oslo or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Oslo is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Oslo is not a resort destination.

Is Oslo or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oslo or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Oslo or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

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

Kotor offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is Oslo or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Kotor draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Kotor?

Oslo is a city with a few options for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Oslo or Kotor Better for Families?

Oslo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Oslo or Kotor Better for Couples?

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

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor 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 Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Students?

Oslo is well known for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Oslo is very popular with students. 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Oslo is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Oslo or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town 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 Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Oslo or Kotor. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Oslo or Kotor?

Each neighborhood in Oslo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Oslo or Kotor?

Oslo is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Oslo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal town 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 Kotor?

You'll find nightlife and food around the clean big city of Oslo. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Because Kotor 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oslo and Kotor, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor 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 Kotor.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Kotor?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Kotor. Most visitors come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Oslo is much colder than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oslo usually receives more rain than Kotor. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oslo or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Kotor. The autumn months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In the autumn, Oslo is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oslo in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Oslo usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Oslo in the winter. In January, Oslo is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around -4°C (25°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Oslo usually receives less rain than Kotor. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oslo or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Oslo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Oslo is much colder than Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 6°C (42°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oslo usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Oslo