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

Should you visit Oslo or Positano?

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

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

Positano

Positano is a charming, picturesque, and colorful Mediterranean village. 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, beaches, and hiking.

Oslo and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Positano than Oslo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Positano is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Oslo is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities. Positano is more touristy than Oslo and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Also, Positano is famous for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Oslo different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oslo is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village 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, Positano is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

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 Positano Better for Nightlife?

Oslo is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Oslo has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Oslo or Positano Better for Resorts?

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

Positano offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Oslo is not a resort destination.

Is Oslo or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a moderate Mediterranean village for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oslo or Positano Better for Beaches?

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

Positano has a beach worth visiting. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Oslo or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Positano offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is Oslo or Positano Better for Hiking?

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

Positano is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Positano?

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

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

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 Positano Better for Families?

Oslo is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Oslo is very family-friendly. 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.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Oslo or Positano Better for Couples?

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

Positano has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon 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 Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Oslo and Positano are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Positano is a good city to visit for backpackers. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Oslo or Positano Better for Students?

Oslo is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Oslo is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.

Oslo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Oslo or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean 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 Positano on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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 Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Positano?

Both Oslo and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Oslo. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

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

One day in Oslo or Positano?

Oslo is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping 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 Positano?

Oslo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 Positano?

Oslo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This Mediterranean 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 Positano?

Oslo is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Positano?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Positano. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oslo is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 18°C (64°F), and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In the summer, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Positano. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Oslo is much colder than Positano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In October, Oslo usually receives less rain than Positano. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Oslo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Positano because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Oslo can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Oslo is much colder than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oslo in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Positano. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Positano. The spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

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

Oslo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Positano. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Oslo