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

Should you visit Oslo or Split?

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

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

Split

Split is a budget-friendly, historic, and active city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Oslo and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Split?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Split than Oslo. While Oslo is larger than Split, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Oslo attracts visitors for its big city activities. Split is more touristy than Oslo and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Oslo different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Oslo and Split have great 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 Split. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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

Split 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, Split makes for a great culinary experience. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

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 Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Split has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

Split is notable for its resorts. However, Oslo is not a resort destination.

Split is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Oslo is not a resort destination.

Is Oslo or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Split to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oslo or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is notable for its beaches. However, Oslo is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Split. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Oslo or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Split to see the historical old town. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Split?

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

Split is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

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 Split Better for Families?

Oslo is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Split is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Is Oslo or Split Better for Couples?

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

Split has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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 Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Split is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

Oslo and Split are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Split. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Is Oslo or Split 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, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Oslo or Split a more walkable city?

Oslo and Split both are great 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.

Split is a very walkable city. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Oslo or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Oslo due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

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

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

One day in Oslo or Split?

Each neighborhood in Oslo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Split. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Split is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Split?

Oslo is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Oslo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the active destination of Split. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oslo or Split?

You'll find nightlife and food around the park-filled big city of Oslo. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The active city of Split offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oslo and Split, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. And not only is Split much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Split would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Split 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 Split.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Split?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Oslo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Split in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Oslo is much colder than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oslo in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Oslo. In the summer, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Split. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Split. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Split. Many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Oslo is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 7°C (45°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oslo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Split. Most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Split because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oslo can be very cold during winter. Oslo is much colder than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Split. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Split. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the spring, Oslo is much colder than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oslo in April average around 6°C (42°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Split. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Oslo