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

Should you visit Oslo or Portofino?

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

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

Portofino

Portofino is a luxurious, glamorous, and picturesque seaside village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. 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 shopping, nightlife, and food.

Oslo and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Portofino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portofino. Although Oslo and Portofino are popular destinations, Portofino has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portofino is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Oslo attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Portofino is more touristy than Oslo and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also well known for its scenic harbor. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

Its scenic harbor

How is Oslo different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oslo is notable for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

Oslo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

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

Portofino 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, Portofino makes for a great culinary experience. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

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 Portofino Better for Nightlife?

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

Portofino has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

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 Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its resorts. However, Oslo is not a resort destination.

Portofino offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Oslo is not a resort destination.

Is Oslo or Portofino Better for Beaches?

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

Portofino has a beach worth visiting. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Oslo or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Portofino to see the historical old town. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is Oslo or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Portofino is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Portofino?

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

Portofino is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

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 Portofino Better for Families?

Oslo is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-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.

Portofino is not always a place people visit with their families. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

Is Oslo or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Portofino has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

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 Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oslo is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Oslo. 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.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

Is Oslo or Portofino Better for Students?

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

Oslo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

Oslo is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

Is Oslo or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village 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 Portofino on foot. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

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 Portofino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Portofino?

In either Oslo or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Portofino has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Portofino than Oslo. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

One day in Oslo or Portofino?

People visit Oslo because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Portofino is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. 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 Portofino?

People visit Oslo because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Portofino?

People visit Oslo because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This seaside village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Portofino?

Oslo is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Portofino 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Portofino?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 1100 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Portofino, 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.