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

Should you visit Oslo or Reykjavik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo or Reykjavik, 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 green, clean, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Oslo and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oslo than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Oslo is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Oslo is popular 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. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Oslo different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oslo is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Oslo is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Oslo. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Oslo or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Oslo and Reykjavik.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Oslo or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Reykjavik is a great destination for shopping. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

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 Reykjavik Better for Families?

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Oslo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Oslo or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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 Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Oslo and Reykjavik are good 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.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Oslo or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Oslo is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Oslo is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Oslo or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Oslo and Reykjavik both are superb 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Reykjavik?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oslo than Reykjavik 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 Oslo.

One day in Oslo or Reykjavik?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Oslo or Reykjavik?

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.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Reykjavik?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the green destination of Reykjavik. This city 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 Reykjavik?

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.

The clean city of Reykjavik offers nightlife and shopping. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Reykjavik?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Oslo during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

Oslo is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Oslo. In the summer, Oslo often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Reykjavik. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the autumn, Oslo is a little warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oslo in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Oslo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oslo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. In January, Oslo is generally much colder than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around -4°C (25°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Oslo often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. Oslo is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 6°C (42°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Oslo usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Oslo