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

Should you visit Oslo or Rotorua?

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

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

Rotorua

Rotorua is a diverse, cultural, and natural town. Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Rotorua travel costs.

Oslo and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Rotorua?

You'll generally find more things to do in Oslo than Rotorua. Oslo is bigger than Rotorua, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oslo is better known for its big city activities, while Rotorua is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Also, Oslo is famous for The Royal Palace. Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Oslo different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Oslo and Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Rotorua 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, Rotorua makes for a great culinary experience. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Oslo and Rotorua.

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 Rotorua. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Oslo or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

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

Rotorua is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Rotorua?

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

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

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 Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Oslo or Rotorua Better for Families?

Oslo and Rotorua are both first-rate destinations for the whole family.

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.

Rotorua is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Is Oslo or Rotorua Better for Couples?

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

Rotorua has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is an amazing town to visit for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rotorua is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Rotorua Better for Students?

Oslo is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua is not popular with students.

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.

Rotorua is not popular with students.

Is Oslo or Rotorua 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, Rotorua 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 Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Oslo or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Oslo is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Oslo is a very walkable destination. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oslo and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than in Rotorua. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

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

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

One day in Oslo or Rotorua?

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer.

Rotorua is a fun place to experience. 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 Rotorua?

Oslo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the world-renowned destination of Rotorua. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oslo or Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oslo. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The cultural town of Rotorua offers nightlife and food. 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oslo and Rotorua, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oslo is in Europe and Rotorua is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo than you might in Rotorua.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Rotorua?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Oslo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Oslo or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Oslo during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oslo is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 18°C (64°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Rotorua. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Oslo is much colder than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

In October, Oslo usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Rotorua. Many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Oslo is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oslo in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

Oslo usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Rotorua in the Spring?

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

In April, Oslo is generally much colder than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 6°C (42°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In April, Oslo usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Oslo