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

Should you visit Oslo or Zagreb?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo or Zagreb, 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 clean, progressive, and park-filled city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a beautiful, authentic, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oslo and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb than Oslo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zagreb is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Oslo attracts visitors for its big city activities. Oslo is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Oslo different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Oslo and Zagreb 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 Zagreb. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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

Zagreb 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, Zagreb makes for a great culinary experience. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

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 Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is notable for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Zagreb has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

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 Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is notable for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Zagreb to see the historical old town. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Zagreb?

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

Zagreb is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, 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 Zagreb Better for Families?

Oslo is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Zagreb offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is Oslo or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Oslo and Zagreb are both nice to visit as a couple.

Oslo is a nice destination for couples. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Zagreb makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

Is Oslo or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb 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 Zagreb. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

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 Zagreb Better for Students?

Oslo and Zagreb 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 Zagreb. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

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

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

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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Oslo or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Oslo and Zagreb 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.

Zagreb is a very walkable city. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Oslo or Zagreb. 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 Zagreb.

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

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

One day in Oslo or Zagreb?

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

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

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.

Zagreb 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 Zagreb?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Zagreb. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oslo or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the clean 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.

The beautiful city of Zagreb offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Oslo or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Zagreb. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Oslo is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oslo in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oslo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oslo or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Zagreb. Many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Oslo is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 7°C (45°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. Oslo can be very cold during winter. Oslo is much colder than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oslo usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oslo or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Oslo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the spring, Oslo is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oslo in April average around 6°C (42°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Oslo often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Oslo