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

Should you visit Sydney or Oslo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Oslo, 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.

Sydney

Sydney is a glamorous , diverse, and energetic 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Oslo

Oslo is a clean, progressive, and park-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Sydney and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Oslo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sydney than Oslo. Sydney is bigger than Oslo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sydney is well known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Sydney different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney 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 Sydney that are not to be missed. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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 Sydney or Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sydney 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, Sydney makes for a great culinary experience. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Sydney 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.

Sydney has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Oslo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sydney has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Oslo Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Oslo Better for Hiking?

Sydney is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Sydney is a popular spot for hiking. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Oslo?

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

Sydney is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney or Oslo Better for Families?

Sydney and Oslo are both amazing destinations for the whole family.

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Oslo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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 Sydney or Oslo Better for Couples?

Sydney 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.

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney or Oslo Better for Students?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Sydney and Oslo.

Visitors in Sydney can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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.

Is Sydney or Oslo a more walkable city?

Sydney and Oslo both are superb when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

Oslo is very walkable. 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 Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Oslo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sydney or Oslo?

Sydney is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the big city destination of Oslo. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sydney or Oslo?

Sydney is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

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.

Five days in Sydney or Oslo?

Sydney is a adventurous big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

A week in Sydney or Oslo?

Sydney is a diverse city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, 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 Sydney and Oslo, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Oslo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific 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 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Oslo?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Oslo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Oslo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Oslo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Oslo. The summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

In the summer, Sydney is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sydney in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during summer. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sydney usually receives more rain than Osloin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sydney or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Oslo. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In April, Sydney is generally much warmer than Osloin October. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 19°C (65°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Osloin October. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sydney usually gets more rain in April than Osloin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. Sydney is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Sydney usually receives more rain than Osloin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sydney or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Sydney during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Sydney is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sydney in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the spring, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Osloin April. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets more rain in October than Osloin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Sydney