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

Should you visit Paros or Oslo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Paros and Oslo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Paros

Paros is a diverse, stunning, and breathtaking island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Paros and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paros. Although Paros and Oslo are popular destinations, Paros has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paros is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Oslo attracts visitors for its big city activities. Paros is famous for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. It is also well known for The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Paros different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Paros and Oslo.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Paros. There are many interesting archeological sights and museums around the island. Some interesting places to visit are the Venetian Castle in the old port of Naoussa, the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani near Parikia, and the beautiful church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Detis, which dates back to the 17th century. There's also the Archeological Museum of Paros, which is found in the capital of Parikia.

Oslo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

Paros is an amazing island 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, Paros is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Cheese and wine are mainstays on the island and restaurants in general pride themselves on using locally-sourced, high quality ingredients. Many of the traditional recipes can be found in restaurants, but they're also still prepared in the homes of the residents as well. Seafood, vegetables, and grains are all common ingredients.

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 Paros or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

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

Paros has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It doesn't have the hard core party scene that you find on some Greek islands, but it does have plenty of dance clubs, bars, and music venues. There's a wide diversity of options on the island, from quiet local bars to beach clubs that host wild parties, and everything in between.

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 Paros or Oslo Better for Resorts?

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

Paros is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The island is relatively large and you'll find everything from local hotels and guesthouses to large resorts and backpacker hostels. Many resorts have pools and great views.

Oslo is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Oslo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Many visitors go to Paros to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is filled with caves and interesting rock formations that make for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There are a number of tours available that take you to the island's best dive and snorkeling spots. There are also private and group courses available for those who are learning to scuba dive.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Oslo Better for Beaches?

Paros is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Oslo is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Paros are among the best in the world. The beaches are clean, diverse, and relatively easy to access. There are a range of options, from quiet hidden gems to beaches with clubs and bars nearby. Favorite beaches on the island include Kolymbithres Beach, Chrissi Akti Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Oslo Better for Hiking?

Paros is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Paros has hiking trails worth exploring. The island has about 35 kilometers of hiking trails that pass by small cottages, stone farm homes, and around the beautiful landscapes. You'll find tucked away windmills and watermills as well as breathtaking views and hidden coves.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Oslo?

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

Paros is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find some of the best shopping in Kastro, which is the old quarter of Parikia. There are shops selling clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and other unique souvenirs. Many shops stay open late into the night, so you'll have plenty of time to browse.

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 Paros or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Paros 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.

Paros is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will appreciate the beautiful beaches, great swimming opportunities, abundance of water sport activities, and child-friendly food options. There's also a folklore museum and several great archeological museums.

Is Paros or Oslo Better for Couples?

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

Paros has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The island makes a perfect honeymoon destination with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages. There are also many great local hotels and wonderful dining opportunities. If you're looking for an idyllic setting, then this is it.

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 Paros or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros 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 Paros. You'll find some nice hostels and apartments on the island. There's also a decent nightlife scene and the island is more affordable than many Greek islands.

Oslo is a good island 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 Paros or Oslo Better for Students?

Oslo is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Paros is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Paros is not popular with students.

Is Paros or Oslo 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, Paros 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Paros. There's a reliable bus system on the island that has some routes making a loop around the outside of the island and routes traveling inland to the smaller villages.

Is Paros or Oslo a more walkable city?

Oslo is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Paros is a somewhat walkable island. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but it's a large island that requires some form of transportation to explore it in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Paros?

How long in Paros or Oslo?

In either Paros or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Paros has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Paros than Oslo. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paros, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

One day in Paros or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Paros. 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.

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.

A weekend in Paros or Oslo?

Paros is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Paros or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the diverse destination of Paros. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. 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.

A week in Paros or Oslo?

The historical island of Paros 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Paros and Oslo, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Paros or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros 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.