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

Should you visit Monaco 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 Monaco and Oslo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Monaco

Monaco is a thrilling, posh, and glitzy coastal resort area. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Monaco is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food. See Monaco travel costs.

Oslo

Oslo is a clean, progressive, and park-filled 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. See Oslo travel costs.

Monaco and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Oslo are popular destinations, Monaco has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monaco is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Oslo attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Monaco is more touristy than Oslo and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also well known for Monte Carlo. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Monaco different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oslo is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Monaco 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, Monaco makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine is heavily influenced by both French and Italian cuisines. You'll find many dishes that take advantage of the coastal location, with seafood being very common. The national dish is Barbagiuan, which is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese, Swiss chard, and other vegetables.

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 Monaco or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Monaco has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's where sophistication meets glam, with many luxury nightclubs, cocktail bars, casinos, and even opera houses that you can explore. The city attracts celebrities, wealthy business people, and jetsetters who are looking to socialize, see, and be seen.

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 Monaco or Oslo Better for Resorts?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its resorts. However, Oslo is not a resort destination.

Monaco offers an unforgettable resort vacation. As the playground for the rich and famous, this city has its share of luxury resorts. Famous hotels include the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, and the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Oslo is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Oslo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monaco has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are both beaches that offer walk-in snorkeling spots as well as boat tours that you can book that will take you to some of the best snorkeling and dive sights around Monaco.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Oslo Better for Beaches?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oslo is not a beach destination.

Monaco has a beach worth visiting. Located along the French Riviera, the beaches are a mix of pebbles and sand. The only public beach is Plage du Larvotto in Monte Carlo and there are a number of activities available including jet skis and wind-surfing. This is also a very family-friendly beach that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Oslo?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Monaco is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. A visit would not be complete without experiencing the city's shopping. There are couture, luxury brands as well as local boutiques that are frequented by the wealthy and famous. Popular shopping areas include Le Metropole Shopping Center, Fontvieille Shopping Centre, and La Condamine Market.

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 Monaco or Oslo More Beautiful?

Monaco is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Monaco is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's located along the French Riviera and it is a captivating area with an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Monaco or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-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.

For families, Monaco is not always the best place to visit. The city has a few family-friendly activities like an Oceanography Museum, a Zoological Park, and a harbor where kids can explore. You can also check out the Changing of the Guards in the Old Town. The public beach in town, Plage du Larvotto, is very family-friendly as well.

Is Monaco or Oslo Better for Couples?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Monaco has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Filled with luxury, a couple can enjoy perusing the yachts in the harbor, dining on fine cuisine at an award winning restaurant, or staying at one of the many fancy hotels in town. You can also explore the area by air, by taking a truly spectacular helicopter tour.

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 Monaco or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oslo is very good for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Oslo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Monaco is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Known for it's luxury accommodation and posh visitors, this coastal area isn't known for its backpacker friendly atmosphere. Most budget travelers skip the glitz and glam of this microstate in order to save a few bucks.

Is Monaco or Oslo Better for Students?

Oslo is well known for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Oslo is very popular with students. 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.

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Monaco 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, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Monaco offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system.

Is Monaco or Oslo a more walkable city?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area 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 Monaco on foot. It's small and compact size means that it is easy to explore the entire area on foot in a short amount of time.

Oslo is a very walkable coastal resort area. 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 Monaco Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Oslo?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oslo than Monaco 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 Oslo.

One day in Monaco or Oslo?

Monaco is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the big city destination of Oslo. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Monaco or Oslo?

Monaco is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Monaco or Oslo?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the thrilling big city of Monaco. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Monaco or Oslo?

The posh coastal resort area of Monaco offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 570 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco 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.