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

Should you visit Bath or Oslo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bath and Oslo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a historical, beautiful, and architectural spa town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty in Bath as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Bath travel costs.

Oslo

Oslo is a green, clean, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums. See Oslo travel costs.

Bath and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bath or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oslo than Bath, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Oslo is more popular for its big city activities, while Bath is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bath is popular for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. 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 Bath different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bath is an amazing spa town to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Bath that are not to be missed. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Bath and Oslo can be an enjoyable experience.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oslo. 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 Bath or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Both Bath and Oslo have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bath. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

Oslo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Bath or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Bath to see the historical old town. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bath or Oslo?

Bath is notable for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Bath is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

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 Bath or Oslo More Beautiful?

Bath is an amazing spa town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Bath as well. Seeped in history, this city is one of the most beautiful in the region.

Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bath or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bath. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

Is Bath or Oslo Better for Couples?

Bath is an amazing spa town to visit for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Bath has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

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 Bath or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bath and Oslo are both good destinations for backpackers.

Bath is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Bath or Oslo Better for Students?

Both Bath and Oslo are excellent destinations for students.

Bath is very popular with students. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Oslo is a great spa town to visit as a student. 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 Bath 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, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Bath, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

Is Bath or Oslo a more walkable city?

Bath is an amazing spa town 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 Bath on foot. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

Oslo is a very walkable spa town. 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 Bath Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Bath?

How long in Bath or Oslo?

In either Bath or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than Bath because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bath, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

One day in Bath or Oslo?

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

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 Bath or Oslo?

Bath is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Bath or Oslo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Bath. This spa town 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 progressive 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 Bath or Oslo?

The beautiful spa town of Bath 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 progressive 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Bath and Oslo, we can see that Bath 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 Bath would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bath 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 Bath Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bath or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bath. When comparing the sizes of Bath 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.