Should I Visit Copenhagen or Oslo? Which is Better for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip (2024)

Should you visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a progressive, friendly, and happy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oslo

Oslo is a green, clean, and progressive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Copenhagen and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Oslo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Copenhagen than Oslo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Oslo attracts visitors for its big city activities. Oslo is more touristy than Copenhagen and is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Copenhagen is famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also well known for Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Copenhagen and Oslo.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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.

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

Copenhagen 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, Copenhagen is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around 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 Copenhagen or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

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 Copenhagen or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Copenhagen to see the historical old town. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Oslo?

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

Copenhagen is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen or Oslo Better for Families?

Both Copenhagen and Oslo are first-rate to visit with kids.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 amusem*nt parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

Is Copenhagen or Oslo Better for Couples?

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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 Copenhagen or Oslo Better for Students?

Both Copenhagen and Oslo are high quality destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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.

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

Visitors will find first-rate public transit in both Copenhagen and Oslo.

Copenhagen has a great public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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

Is Copenhagen or Oslo a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around Copenhagen on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

Oslo is a very walkable city. 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 Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Oslo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Copenhagen or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. 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.

When visiting Oslo, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Oslo?

Copenhagen 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.

When visiting Oslo, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Oslo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the laid-back destination of Copenhagen. 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.

Oslo, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Oslo?

The laid-back city of Copenhagen 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.

Oslo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Norway, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Oslo, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Oslo?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Oslo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Oslo. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Copenhagen is generally around the same temperature as Oslo. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

Copenhagen is a little warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Oslo. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Copenhagen during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Furthermore, 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 Copenhagen in the winter. In the winter, Copenhagen is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Copenhagen usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Oslo. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Oslo. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

In April, Copenhagen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Copenhagen