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

Should you visit Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo or Rio de Janeiro, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oslo

Oslo is a clean, progressive, and park-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Oslo travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a high energy, colorful, and multicultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty in Rio de Janeiro as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Oslo and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rio de Janeiro than Oslo. Rio de Janeiro is bigger than Oslo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Oslo and is known for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. Also, Rio de Janeiro is famous for Christ the Redeemer. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Oslo different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city 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 Rio de Janeiro that are not to be missed. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

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 Oslo or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro 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, Rio de Janeiro is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

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 Oslo or Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

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 Oslo or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Oslo is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Rio de Janeiro are among the best in the world. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Oslo or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Rio de Janeiro draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

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

Rio de Janeiro is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA 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 Oslo or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Rio de Janeiro as well. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Oslo or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Oslo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Oslo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very family-friendly destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Oslo or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

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

Rio de Janeiro is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

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 Oslo or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rio de Janeiro is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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 Oslo or Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Oslo is a great destination for students. However, Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Oslo is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Public transit in Rio de Janeiro is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Is Oslo or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Oslo and Rio de Janeiro both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable city. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

For even more information, also check out Is Oslo Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

Oslo and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Oslo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Rio de Janeiro. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

Oslo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Rio de Janeiro is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the colorful big city of Rio de Janeiro. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Oslo. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 colorful city of Rio de Janeiro offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oslo and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oslo is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo than you might in Rio de Janeiro.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Oslo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Oslo or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Rio de Janeiro. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oslo is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 18°C (64°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Oslo usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oslo or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Oslo is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Oslo usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Should I visit Oslo or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Oslo is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oslo in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Oslo usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oslo or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Oslo during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Oslo is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 6°C (42°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Oslo usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Oslo