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

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Oslo?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a historic, religious, and inspirational city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Santiago de Compostela and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santiago de Compostela or Oslo?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Oslo. While Oslo is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Oslo attracts visitors for its big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Oslo and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also well known for the Cathedral of Santiago. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santiago de Compostela or Oslo?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela that are not to be missed. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santiago de Compostela 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, Santiago de Compostela makes for a great culinary experience. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

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

Santiago de Compostela has plenty to do after the sun goes down. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

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

Santiago de Compostela offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Oslo Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Santiago de Compostela draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Oslo?

Santiago de Compostela is notable for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Santiago de Compostela is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Oslo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Oslo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santiago de Compostela and Oslo make for a nice place to visit.

Santiago de Compostela makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Oslo is a good city for couples to visit. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Oslo Better for Students?

Oslo is well known for students. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Oslo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

It's common for students to visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

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

Oslo is terrific for its public transit. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Oslo can take you anywhere. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

While Santiago de Compostela offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Oslo a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela and Oslo both are very good when exploring on foot.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable city. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

Oslo is a very walkable destination. 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 Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Santiago de Compostela?

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Oslo?

In either Santiago de Compostela or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than Santiago de Compostela because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Santiago de Compostela, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Santiago de Compostela or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Oslo is a big city with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Oslo?

Santiago de Compostela 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.

Oslo is a big city with plenty to do. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or Oslo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Santiago de Compostela. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Oslo?

The inspirational city of Santiago de Compostela offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Oslo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Oslo. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, 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 Santiago de Compostela and Oslo, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

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

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela or Oslo?

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 Santiago de Compostela or Oslo in the Summer?

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

In July, Santiago de Compostela is generally around the same temperature as Oslo. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 19°C (66°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during summer. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Oslo. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Oslo. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping 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.

Santiago de Compostela is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in October than Oslo. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. In the winter, Santiago de Compostela is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Oslo. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Oslo in the Spring?

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

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

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Santiago de Compostela