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

Should you visit Oslo or Pisa?

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

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

Pisa

Pisa is a classic, charming, and iconic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Oslo and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Pisa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oslo than Pisa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Oslo is very popular for its big city activities, while Pisa attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. It is also well known for The Royal Palace. Pisa is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Oslo different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Oslo and Pisa have very good 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 Pisa. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Pisa 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, Pisa makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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 Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Pisa is notable for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Pisa has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa Better for Beaches?

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

Pisa has a beach worth visiting. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Oslo or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is notable for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Pisa to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Pisa?

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

Pisa is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

Oslo is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Oslo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Oslo or Pisa Better for Couples?

Oslo and Pisa are both nice to visit as a couple.

Oslo is a nice destination for couples. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Pisa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Oslo or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa 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 Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa 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.

Pisa is a great destination for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Oslo can take you anywhere. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Oslo or Pisa a more walkable city?

Oslo and Pisa both are very good 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.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oslo and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than in Pisa. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

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

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

One day in Oslo or Pisa?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pisa. 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 Pisa?

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.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

Oslo is a clean 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 museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Pisa. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oslo or Pisa?

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 world-famous city of Pisa offers nightlife and food. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Oslo and Pisa, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Pisa?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Pisa. Many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Oslo is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oslo in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Pisa averages at about 23°C (73°F).

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

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Pisa. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pisa because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oslo is generally much colder than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 7°C (45°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In October, Oslo usually receives less rain than Pisa. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Oslo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Oslo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

The weather in Oslo can be very cold. Oslo is much colder than Pisa in the winter. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

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

Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Pisa. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Pisa. The activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oslo is much colder than Pisa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oslo in April average around 6°C (42°F), and Pisa averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Pisa. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Oslo