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

Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Zurich and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Oslo?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zurich than Oslo. While Oslo is larger than Zurich, Zurich has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zurich is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Oslo attracts visitors for its big city activities. Zurich is famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Zurich different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Zurich and Oslo.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Oslo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

Zurich 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, Zurich makes for a great culinary experience. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

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

Zurich has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Oslo Better for Music?

Zurich is notable for live music. However, Oslo is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Oslo is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

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

Zurich offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Oslo?

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

Zurich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zurich 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zurich. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

Is Zurich or Oslo Better for Couples?

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

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Oslo are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Zurich or Oslo Better for Students?

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

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

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.

The public transit in Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Zurich or Oslo a more walkable city?

Zurich and Oslo both are great when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Oslo?

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Oslo?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. 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 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 Zurich or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Zurich. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Zurich or Oslo?

The beautiful city of Zurich offers shopping and museums. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the progressive 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zurich and Oslo, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Oslo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene 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, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°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 Zurich. Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Oslo in the Autumn?

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

Zurich is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Oslo. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Zurich can be very cold. In the winter, Zurich is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Oslo. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Oslo in the Spring?

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

In April, Zurich is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Zurich 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 Zurich