A Travel Price Comparison for Norway Tromso vs. Oslo for Families, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Tromso or Oslo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tromso and Oslo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tromso

Tromso is a spectacular, remote, and one-of-a-kind town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tromso and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tromso or Oslo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Oslo than Tromso. Oslo is bigger than Tromso, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oslo is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Tromso is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Tromso is well known for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Also, Oslo is famous for The Royal Palace.

How is Tromso different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oslo is a great city for its historical sights. However, Tromso does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

Tromso 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, Tromso makes for a great culinary experience. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

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 Tromso or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Tromso and Oslo.

If you're looking for night time activities Tromso has a few options to choose from. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Tromso or Oslo Better for Hiking?

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

Tromso is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tromso or Oslo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tromso and Oslo both offer plenty of respectable spots.

Tromso has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Oslo is a good destination for shopping. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Tromso or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Tromso is a very family-friendly place to visit. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Is Tromso or Oslo Better for Couples?

Tromso is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Tromso is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

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 Tromso or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tromso and Oslo are notable places to visit.

Tromso is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Plenty of backpackers visit Oslo. 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 Tromso or Oslo Better for Students?

Oslo is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for 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.

Tromso is a good town to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Oslo is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Visitors in Oslo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Tromso or Oslo a more walkable city?

Tromso and Oslo are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Tromso is a very walkable destination. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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 Tromso Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Tromso?

How long in Tromso or Oslo?

In either Tromso or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than Oslo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Tromso, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oslo than Tromso 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 Oslo.

One day in Tromso or Oslo?

Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. 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.

Oslo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Tromso or Oslo?

Tromso is a fun place to experience. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Tromso or Oslo?

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town 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 Tromso or Oslo?

Even though Tromso is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 green 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tromso and Oslo, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. And not only is Tromso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tromso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tromso 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 Tromso.

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

Which is Bigger, Tromso or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Tromso 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 Tromso 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 Tromso or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Tromso during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tromso is cooler than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tromso in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tromso. In the summer, Tromso often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Tromso gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Tromso usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Tromso gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tromso or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tromso and Oslo. The autumn months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In October, Tromso is generally much colder than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around 3°C (37°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Tromso usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Tromso gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tromso usually receives more rain than Oslo. Tromso gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tromso or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tromso as well as Oslo. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tromso this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. It's quite cold in Tromso in the winter. Tromso is cooler than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Tromso often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Tromso gets 3 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Tromso usually gets more rain in January than Oslo. Tromso gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tromso or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Tromso are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In the spring, Tromso is much colder than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tromso in April average around 1°C (33°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Tromso usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during spring. Tromso gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tromso usually receives more rain than Oslo. Tromso gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Tromso