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

Should you visit York or Oslo?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oslo

Oslo is a park-filled, green, and clean city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

York and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oslo than York, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Oslo is more popular for its big city activities, while York is known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. York is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Oslo is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. It is also home to The Royal Palace.

How is York different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Oslo have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Oslo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

York is an amazing 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, York is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal 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 York or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

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

York has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

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

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Oslo?

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

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

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 York or Oslo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either York or Oslo.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Oslo is one of the most popular family destinations. 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 York or Oslo Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend 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 York or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York 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 York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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 York or Oslo Better for Students?

Oslo is a well-known place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

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.

York is not popular with students.

Is York 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, York is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Oslo a more walkable city?

Oslo is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or York?

How long in York or Oslo?

In either York or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than York because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

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

One day in York or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of York. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Oslo?

York is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 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.

Five days in York or Oslo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of York. 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 park-filled big city where you can fill many days. This 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.

A week in York or Oslo?

The historic city of York 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.

The park-filled city of Oslo offers museums and nightlife. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between York and Oslo, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

York is around the same temperature as Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Oslo. York usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Oslo. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, York is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Oslo. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Oslo. Most visitors come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. York can be very cold during winter. In January, York is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Oslo. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

York is a little warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, York often gets less sunshine than Oslo. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and York