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

Should you visit Oslo or Milan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo or Milan, 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Oslo and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Oslo. Milan is bigger than Oslo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oslo is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Oslo different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Oslo and Milan have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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

Milan 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, Milan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan Better for Nightlife?

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

Milan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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 Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Oslo is not a live music destination.

Milan is a world class music destination. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Oslo is not a live music destination.

Is Oslo or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

Milan offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Milan?

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

Milan is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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 Milan Better for Families?

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Oslo or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

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 Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan 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 Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

Milan 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.

Milan is a great destination for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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

Both Oslo and Milan offer first-rate public transit options.

Public transit in Oslo is top-notch. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Milan has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Is Oslo or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan 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 Milan on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Milan?

In either Oslo or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Milan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Milan than Oslo. However, 1-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Oslo or Milan?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the big city destination of Milan. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Oslo or Milan?

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.

Milan 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 Milan?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the trendy big city of Milan. 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 Milan?

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.

The trendy city of Milan offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Milan. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In the summer, Oslo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Oslo or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

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

Should I visit Oslo or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Oslo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milan can be very cold during winter. Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Oslo is much colder than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oslo in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

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

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

Should I visit Oslo or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Milan. Most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Milan and Oslo