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

Should you visit Paris or Oslo?

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

Should I visit Paris or Oslo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Paris and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris than Oslo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Paris is more touristy than Oslo and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Oslo is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Oslo and Paris. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paris or Oslo?

Paris 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 Paris that are not to be missed. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Paris or Oslo Better for Theater?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for theatre. However, Oslo is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Oslo is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Paris is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Paris 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.

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Oslo Better for Music?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Oslo is not a live music destination.

Paris is a world class music destination. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Oslo is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Oslo?

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

Paris is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or Oslo Better for Christmas?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Oslo does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a fantastic destination at Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Oslo does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Oslo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Paris or Oslo.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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.

Is Paris or Oslo Better for Couples?

Paris 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.

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris 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.

Paris is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris or Oslo Better for Students?

Paris 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.

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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.

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

Paris and Oslo both offer fantastic public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Oslo has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Is Paris or Oslo a more walkable city?

Paris and Oslo are very good when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Paris?

How long in Paris or Oslo?

In either Paris or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than Oslo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

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

One day in Paris or Oslo?

Paris is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Oslo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this clean big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Oslo?

Paris is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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.

Five days in Paris or Oslo?

Paris is a iconic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Oslo is a fun place to experience. In Oslo, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Paris or Oslo?

Paris is a iconic city where you can fill many days. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the progressive 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Oslo?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Oslo, 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 Paris or Oslo?

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 Paris or Oslo in the Summer?

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

Paris is a little warmer than Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paris. In the summer, Paris often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Oslo in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Paris is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paris in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Paris usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Oslo. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or Oslo in the Winter?

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

The weather in Oslo can be very cold. Paris can be very cold during winter. In January, Paris is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 5°C (40°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in January than Oslo. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Oslo in the Spring?

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

Paris is much warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives more rain than Oslo. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Paris