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

Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a cosmopolitan, professional, and diverse port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oslo

Oslo is a park-filled, green, and clean 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.

Shanghai and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Oslo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shanghai than Oslo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Shanghai is famous for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Shanghai different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Shanghai is an amazing port 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 Shanghai that are not to be missed. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai or Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is an amazing port 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, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Shanghai and Oslo.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

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 the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Oslo?

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

Shanghai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Shanghai. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Is Shanghai or Oslo Better for Couples?

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

Shanghai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city 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 Shanghai or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Oslo is a good port 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 Shanghai or Oslo Better for Students?

Shanghai and Oslo are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Oslo is a very popular port 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.

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

Oslo is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Oslo can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

The public transit in Shanghai can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Is Shanghai or Oslo a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Oslo both are great when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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 Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Oslo?

In either Shanghai or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Shanghai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Shanghai than Oslo. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

One day in Shanghai or Oslo?

Shanghai 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.

The city of Oslo offers nightlife and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Oslo?

Shanghai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Oslo?

Shanghai is a modern big city where you can fill many days. This port 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Oslo?

The trendy port city of Shanghai offers nightlife and food. 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 Shanghai and Oslo, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai is in Asia and Oslo is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai 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 Shanghai.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Oslo?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Oslo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Oslo. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Shanghai is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Oslo. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Oslo in the winter. The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In the winter, Shanghai is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Oslo. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Oslo. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city.

In April, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Shanghai