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

Should you visit Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a surprising, undiscovered, and authentic city. 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.

Vilnius and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Oslo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oslo. Although Vilnius and Oslo are about the same size, Oslo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oslo is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Vilnius attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Oslo is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. It is also well known for The Royal Palace. Vilnius is famous for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oslo is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Vilnius and Oslo can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Vilnius. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Oslo is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Vilnius or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

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

Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

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 Vilnius or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is notable for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Vilnius to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Oslo?

Vilnius is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Vilnius is a great destination for shopping. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around 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 Vilnius or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Vilnius is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

Is Vilnius or Oslo Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Oslo both nice destinations for a couple.

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

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

Is Vilnius or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius 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 Vilnius. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

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 Vilnius or Oslo Better for Students?

Oslo is notable for students. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Vilnius. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Oslo is top-notch. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Vilnius has some public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Is Vilnius or Oslo a more walkable city?

Oslo is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Oslo?

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

Families should spend more time in Oslo than Vilnius. 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.

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

One day in Vilnius or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Vilnius or Oslo?

Vilnius 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.

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Oslo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the surprising destination of Vilnius. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Oslo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Oslo?

The authentic city of Vilnius offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, 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 Vilnius and Oslo, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. And not only is Vilnius much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vilnius would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vilnius 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 Vilnius.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Oslo in the Summer?

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

In July, Vilnius is generally around the same temperature as Oslo. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°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 Vilnius. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Vilnius during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for 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.

Vilnius is around the same temperature as Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Oslo. The winter months attract visitors to Vilnius 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 Vilnius can be very cold. In the winter, Vilnius is cooler than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Oslo. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Oslo in the Spring?

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

In April, Vilnius is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Vilnius