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

Should you visit Oslo or Venice?

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

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

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. 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, shopping, and museums.

Oslo and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Venice?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Venice than Oslo. While Oslo is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Oslo is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Oslo and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. 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 Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Venice that are not to be missed. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Oslo and Venice can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Oslo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Venice has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Oslo or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Oslo is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice 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 Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Oslo or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Venice offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Venice?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Venice is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Oslo is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Oslo is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Venice is a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Oslo or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice 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.

Venice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Venice is a great destination for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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.

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

Both Oslo and Venice offer terrific public transit options.

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

Venice has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

Is Oslo or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is an amazing city 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 Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Venice?

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

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

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

One day in Oslo or Venice?

Oslo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Venice. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Venice?

Oslo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Venice is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the magical destination of Venice. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Venice?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the progressive big city of Oslo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the historic city of Venice. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Venice?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Venice. Most visitors come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Venice because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oslo is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 18°C (64°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In the summer, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Venice. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Venice. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

Oslo is much colder than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Venice during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oslo usually receives more rain than Venice. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Oslo during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Venice. It's quite cold in Oslo in the winter. In the winter, Oslo is much colder than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oslo in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Venice. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Venice. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Venice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Venice. Many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

Oslo usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Venice. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Oslo