Copenhagen or Oslo: Which Scandinavian city is better for your next holiday

Are you planning a holiday escape to Scandinavia and trying to decide where to go? In this guide we help you decide if Copenhagen or Oslo is the better option for your next trip. From accommodation, to attractions, and food we have you covered.

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Copenhagen or Oslo: Some background

Before we get into the Copenhagen vs Oslo debate here is some background on each city.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, and is located on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amage. The city is often being touted as one of the happiest places in the world to live. And honestly it isn’t hard to see why.

One of the principles of the city, and country as a whole is hygge. It’s a concept that translates to this idea of cosiness, good atmosphere, good people, and generally just being happy.

Wondering is Copenhagen worth visiting? Checkout this post.

Oslo

Oslo is the capital of Norway, and the overall largest city in the country with over 630,000 inhabitants. The city is considered the centre of trade, industry, banking, and shipping in Norway.

It has also been said that residents of Oslo are some of the healthiest in the whole country. Apparently people here walk more than the national average, and consume less sugary drinks.

Oslo is also home to the Nobel Peace Prize. Or at least this is where it is awarded each year in City Hall. So if you get a chance to visit the building Oslo you are essentially visiting a huge part of modern day history.

Wondering is Oslo worth visiting? Checkout this post.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is better for accommodation

An important factor to consider when visiting a new destination is accommodation. You want to choose somewhere with good options at a reasonable price

Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a lot of accommodation, although in our experience this is not cheap. If you are looking for mid range hotels, in the centre you should expect to pay at lest €160 per night.

There are a lot of good areas to stay in Copenhagen including, Indre By, which is the central inner city area Vesterbro is another good area that is close to the centre and a lot of nightlife.

If you want something more scenic and touristy Nyhavn is a great choice with accommodation to suite all budgets.

The good news is, it doesn’t really matter where in Copenhagen you stay as the public transport links are great, and many attractions are walkable.

Oslo

We found accommodation in Oslo to be a lot more reasonable in price compared to Copenhagen. There are also a lot of different accommodation options to suit various budgets.

Sentrum is a good option for first time visitors or those with only a short amount of time in the city. This does cover a big part of the city so you will find a lot of choice here. Majorstuen is another recommendation although this area is best suited to those looking to enjoy the nightlife in Oslo.

Whatever you choose, just make sure you book well in advance for the best deals.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

Both Copenhagen and Oslo have a lot of choice when it comes to accommodation, but in our experience we found it to be slightly cheaper in Oslo. And in this economy that’s not a bad thing. For that reason Oslo is our winner.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is better for attractions

If you are wondering if Copenhagen or Oslo is better for attractions this section has you covered. We cannot possibly list everything single thing to do in each city, but these are at least the highlights to help you decide which one to visit.

Copenhagen

There is a lot to do in Copenhagen and it is a great city to walk around and get lost in. Here are some of our highlights for things to do.

And if you want more tips you can checkout our 3 day Copenhagen itinerary.

Visit Nyhavn

Nyhavn is very stereotypically Danish, and very touristy, but you have to go at least once. It’s full of colourful buildings, quirky shops, and a whole lot more.

Do a boat tour

From Nyhavn you can get yourself on a canal cruise. It’s worth it to see the city from a different perspective. Just keep in mind tours are very popular so you do need to book in advance.

Rosenborg Castle

If you like exploring palaces and royal residences you should visit Rosenborg Castle. You can explore the outside for free but entry inside will set you back about 125 DKK.

Copenhagen Botanical Gardens

 Home to Denmark’s largest collection of living plants the Copenhagen Botanic Gardens are a really relaxed way to spend some time in the city. The gardens are free but if you want to explore the Palm House or the Butterfly House you will need to pay. They are worth paying a little bit extra for if you have the time.

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens opened in 1843 and is the 3rd oldest working amusement park in the world. You do need to pay for entry even if you don’t want to go on the rides.

The Little Mermaid Statue

Personally I think this 4.1 foot bronze statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid is a tad over rated. But it has become a symbol of the city, and tourists love it so I’m adding it to this list.

Rundetårn

Started in 1601 the Round Tower as it is known in English is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. It’s great to visit if you want some fantastic views over Copenhagen. There are no stairs just a ramp that ascends to the top so it makes for a pretty easy walk.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

The Glyptotek is one of the more popular galleries with a mix of modern and ancient art. It was founded in 1888 by the famous brewer Carl Jacobsen, known for Carlsberg. It not only includes impressive art work but is also home to a gorgeous winter garden.

Freetown Christiania

Freetown Christiania a very controversial place. It is the result of a group of people squatting here in the 1970s when it was a military base. These days it’s sort of self run and can feel sketchy at times. You will see people selling drugs, but do not take photos of them. The police tend to stay clear of the area, so just stay out of trouble is our advice. It’s worth visiting and it does feel safe and there are lots of tourists.

Church of Our Saviour

One of the most distinguishable churches in Copenhagen has to be the Church of Our Saviour. It has a spire at the time that allows you to climb it and enjoy some pretty awesome views of the city. This one is probably not for those who are scared of heights.

Oslo

There is a lot to do in Oslo, from exploring the urban sprawl to getting lost in nature. Here are some of the best things to do in Oslo.

Fore more information on Oslo you can checkout our guide to spending a weekend in Oslo.

Visit Nordmarka

Nordmarka is a beautiful forest area located in the Northern part of Oslo. In the summer you can explore the many hiking trails, and in the winter you can go skiing.

Visit Vigeland Park

Vigeland Park is a sculpture park dedicated to the work of Gustav Vigeland. There is a museum as well as several outdoor sculptures to explore.

Do a Fjord Cruise

A cruise along the Oslo Fjord is an absolute must on your trip to the city. It’s so picturesque and relaxing, and you can book tours that include food and drinks.

Go Island hopping

Another must is to do an Island hopping tour where you can explore some of the beautiful islands in the Oslo Fjord. You do need to book in advance.

Oslo Cathedral

This stunning cathedral which is the main church for the Church of Norway diocese of Oslo. Whilst it is quite basic on the outside, as far as churches go, the real beauty lies inside.

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle that was designed to protect Oslo. The castle grounds are beautiful to walk around and explore, and the views from here are great as well. Guided tours take place over the summer months if you want to get to grips with the history of the fortress.

Museums of Oslo

There are a lot of different museums that you can visit in Oslo. And some of these may have entry included with your Oslo Pass.

You have museums like the Viking Ship Museum, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, and the Nobel Peace Prize museum to name a few.

There is also the Munch Museum which was our favourite as it contains the works of the famous Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, whose most famous work includes The Scream.

Oslo Opera House

With a modern design the Opera House, located by the harbour appears to rise up from the water. It’s a great example of modern Norwegian architecture and has received many awards. The views from the top of the Opera House are also well worth the walk.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

We think Copenhagen has the better attractions because there is a just that little bit more to do.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is more picturesque

If you are wondering if Copenhagen or Oslo is the more picturesque destination, here are our thoughts.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a very beautiful city. Whether you are exploring the fairy tale that is Nyhavn, or walking around the quaint streets in Christiania you will find something beautiful to photograph. You also have the magical setting that is Tivoli Gardens which in our opinion is so much more beautiful at night.

Oslo

Oslo is also very picturesque, but it’s more the natural beauty here that will take your breath away. You can do a cruise and explore the fjords, or even hike in Nordmarka and enjoy some incredible views and scenery.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

Copenhagen is a more beautiful urban landscape, whereas Oslo is more beautiful for natural beauty. It really depends on what kind of a vacation you want.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one has the better vibe

Deciding to go somewhere based on vibe sounds a bit out there I know, but hear us out.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen has pretty relaxed and laid back vibe. There is a general air of happiness that you can feel in the city. It’s clean, it’s colourful, and it is really friendly. There are also some areas that have a hipster vibe but without the pretentiousness.

Oslo

The vibe in Oslo is a bit more reserved than in Copenhagen. It’s also got a way more cosmopolitan urban vibe, with a subtle hip and cool tone. People are still incredibly friendly and love to have a good party.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

We preferred the vibe in Copenhagen mostly because it was a bit more laid back and chilled.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is easier to get to

The ease of getting to a destination will obviously play a part when deciding where to visit. Here we look at Copenhagen and Oslo and decide which one os easier to get to.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a popular European destination, with regular flights from European countries, the US, and Asia. And good news a lot of budget airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet also fly here.

Once you arrive at the airport getting into Central Copenhagen is easy. You just hop on the Metro and this will take you right into town. Tickets can be purchased from machines before you ride, and there are lots of staff around to assist you.

You can also get a taxi or Uber into town but this will be more expensive. For ease we will give you the cost in Euros, and this is about €40 – €50.

Oslo

Oslo is also a popular European destination, and there are several budget airlines that fly here as well as European carriers, US, and Asian airlines.

Getting from the airport to Oslo centre is also pretty easy with the Flytoget Airport Express train getting you into the centre within 20 minutes. You also have a number of buses and local trains that will get you to the centre as well.

You can get a taxi, but you are looking at over €80 to get from the airport to town.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

Both destinations are easy to get too, but Copenhagen is a little more popular so you do get more flights. Also it’s a lot easier getting from Copenhagen airport into the city centre.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is easier to get around

Getting around a city is another important factor when deciding to visit. But is Copenhagen or Oslo easier to navigate?

Copenhagen

The public transport in Copenhagen is efficient and easy to use. You can purchase the Copenhagen Card as a tourist and this will allow you to use public transport including buses, the metro, and trains.

Most of the time on our trip we stuck to using the Metro as most tourist attractions were nearby but we also caught the bus from time to time as well. The best way to use this is alongside GoogleMaps so that you know exactly where and when to get off public transport.

Oslo

Oslo also has a relatively simple public transport network. The regional buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains and ferries, are all included in one ticketing system. The best ways to make use of this networks is to download the Ruter app onto your phone.

It’s important to note that the city and surrounding areas are made up of different travel zones. Oslo itself falls under Zone one. But if you are travelling to Oslo Airport Gardermoen you need to purchase a ticket that covers 4 zones.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

Both cities have excellent public transport links. Copenhagen was a little easier to navigate and the ticketing system was a bit more straight forward though.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is better for food

Food is an important part of visiting any city, so between Copenhagen and Oslo which one is better?

Copenhagen

Copenhagen takes its food seriously. So much so that there are actually 14 restaurants in the city that have at least 1 Michelin Star. But these restaurants are very popular so make sure you book well in advance of your trip to avoid missing out.

Want something a little cheaper? Let’s start with some breakfast pastries. The Spandauer which is a classic Danish Pastry will have your mouthwatering as will the Kanelsnegle. There are some fantastic bakeries across the city so make sure you visit.

The street food in Copenhagen is also pretty decent. Even the hotdogs being sold on the street will tickle your tastebuds. Basically if you like food you will love Copenhagen.

Oslo

Oslo also has some great food choices. You get a lot of excellent seafood dishes about the harbour, and a lot of restaurants in the city will only use Norwegian ingredients so you know its going to be good.

Norway is very multicultural which is reflected in the food. If you want to try something a bit different head to Vippa. It’s a lively street food court with foods from around the world.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

Copenhagen is the better choice for foodies. It’s known for its fine dining scene which if you can afford is really good!

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is better for nightlife

If you are looking to party you might be wondering if Copenhagen or Oslo is the place for you.

Copenhagen

Surprisingly (to us anyway) Copenhagen has a pretty exciting nightlife scene. Whether you like cocktails, beers, wine bars or clubbing you will find something here to entertain you. Just don’t expect it to come cheap.

Oslo

We found that the nightlife in Oslo was actually pretty decent. Obviously that is keeping in mind you have money to enjoy it. Alcohol is taxed quite heavily making going out for drinks very pricey.

The nightlife in Oslo has a little something for everyone. In one night we drank wine in a fancy wine bar, listened to a live heavy metal band from England whilst sipping beers, danced to cheesy pop, and drank sake at a Japanese style cocktail bar.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

Both Copenhagen and Oslo have a great nightlife scene. We preferred Oslo slightly as a lot of the bars are edgy and quirky, but if you are into clubbing we have been told Copenhagen is the best.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is better for safety

Safety is an important factor when deciding on your next holiday. Here we look at Copenhagen and Oslo to determine which one is safer.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a relatively safe city. We never felt unsafe here at all even walking around at night. As with any popular tourist place you get issues with pickpocketing and petty theft. So keep an eye on your belongings, and take the usual precautions.

Oslo

Oslo too is a safe city. Crimes against tourists in Oslo are pretty rare. Like mentioned above you should have your wits about you no matter where you are, particularly as pickpocketing is common. Apart from that we never felt unsafe.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

Both cities are on par when it comes to safety. Exercise caution and use your common sense and you should be ok.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is better for couples

Planning a romantic couples break? In this section we decide if Copenhagen or Oslo is the better choice when travelling together.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is an incredibly romantic city to visit. There is so much to do as a couple like exploring Tivoli Gardens, cruising down some of the beautiful canals, and indulging in some great food and drinks. There are so many hidden gems in Copenhagen including gorgeous little wine bars, and cool cocktail lounges.

Oslo

Oslo is also a great place to go for some romance. For starters you can cruise down the fjords and admire the views with your beloved. Or you can do a hike in Nordmarka, and find somewhere beautiful to picnic. Plus you have a great food and drink scene which is perfect for those romantic date nights.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

Copenhagen and Oslo are both perfect for a romantic break, albeit an expensive one. It just depends on what you want. If you are looking to explore the city head to Copenhagen, and if you want romance in nature head to Oslo.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is better for families

If you are travelling with kids you might be wondering if Copenhagen or Oslo is the better destination choice.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is expensive so it’s definitely not going to be a budget family destination. That being said there are a number of interesting museums for kids to enjoy in the city.

There is also a lot of nature, the Botanic Gardens especially is perfect for families with young kids, as there is a really cool butterfly garden you can explore.

Copenhagen also has the Tivoli Gardens which is pretty much guaranteed family fun!

Oslo

Like Copenhagen, Oslo is expensive, so you won’t have a cheap family break here. That being said there is a lot to do to keep the kids entertained.

For starters you have the Natural History Museum where you can check out dinosaurs and preserved Norwegian wildlife. You can also programme a robot at the Museum of Science and Technology.

And if you really want to do something fun you can drive a bit out of Oslo and head to Tusenfryd which is Norway’s biggest amusement park, filled with roller coasters, ferris wheels, and much more.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

We found Copenhagen to be a little more kid friendly, as a lot of the family activities are found in the city itself. And honestly Tivoli Gardens is an institution.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is better for solo travel

If you are planning to travel solo you might be wondering if Copenhagen or Oslo is the better choice for you. Here are our thoughts.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is an excellent destination to visit if you are planning to travel solo. It’s a safe city, and very easy to get around. There are also so many awesome things to do so you won’t be bored.

You can book yourself onto boat tours, food tours, and pub crawls as well if you are wanting to get out there and meet other people.

Oslo

Oslo is also a relatively safe city so you shouldn’t have any issues travelling here alone. Again you can book group tours if you are looking to meet other people. But if not there are plenty of museums, galleries, and attractions to keep you entertained.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

Both Copenhagen and Oslo are great for solo travel. There is a lot to see and do and they are both safe cities to visit. Copenhagen probably has just that little bit more to do though, and for that reason we think it is the better destination for solo travel.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is cheaper

Costs are always a big factor when booking your next vacation. And so you might be wondering if Copenhagen or Oslo is cheaper. Here are our thoughts.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is notoriously expensive. And a lot of the reason behind this is because taxes are so high.

The currency in Copenhagen is the Danish Krone (DKK). For a very rough comparison, US$1 is equal to about 6.82 DKK. And €1 is about 7.45 DKK. Obviously this changes frequently so only use this as a very rough scale.

To put things into context for you here is what we paid for things in Copenhagen.

2 x Whiskey Cocktails – 280 DKK or €37

2 x Burger Meals at a fast food restaurant (without drinks)– 258 DKK or €34

Pastries and coffee for 2 – 258 DKK or €34

On the plus side you don’t have to tip in Copenhagen and taxes are included so the price you see is the price you pay. It’s a small consolation right?

When it comes to budgeting for a mid range trip we found that we needed somewhere between 1325-1765 DKK per day for both of us. This isn’t including accommodation as we booked this well in advance. Accommodation varies in price, depending on the time of year you visit but expect to pay somewhere between €130 – €150 per night for mid range hotels.

Oslo

Similarly Oslo is an expensive city to visit. Again due to high taxes. This translates to a decent standard of living for its inhabitants but an expensive trip for tourists.

Oslo uses the Norwegian Kroner (NOK). For comparison €1 is about 11.48 NOK, and US$1 is 10.51 NOK. Again take this as a rough guide as this can change quickly. To put things into perspective here are some of the average costs in Oslo.

Small bottle of beer – 97.00 KR equivalent to $9.24 USD

Cup of coffee – 65.00 KR equivalent to $6.10 USD

Main meal at a restaurant: 378 NOK equivalent to $36.00 USD

Copenhagen or Oslo?

If you are wondering is Copenhagen or Oslo is cheaper, we have to say they are pretty on par. We did find Oslo to be slightly more expensive but we visited at completely different times so this could be because of changing exchange rates too. Either way if you are visiting Copenhagen or Oslo expect things to be pricey.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is better for nature

If you are a nature lover this is the section for you. Here we look at Copenhagen and Oslo and decide which one has the best nature.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen itself is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Whilst the city centre itself doesn’t have tons of green space you can head out to the suburbs and visit some of the glorious parks like Sydhavnstippen and Søndermarken.

If you are looking for nature a little closer to the centre, we recommend Freetown Christiania or the Copenhagen Botanic Gardens for some great walks.

Oslo

Oslo is a great place to visit if you love nature. In fact it’s the perfect blend of urban sprawl and natural beauty. This basically means you don’t have to venture too far out to experience green spaces.

The Oslofjord is really beautiful and perfect for a chilled out day of island hopping or sailing. But the real gem of Oslo is Nordmarka, this is where you will find dense forest perfect for summer hikes or winter sports. Not only is it easy to get to, but there are several hiking routes you can take, as well as a number of bodies of water that you can kayak or canoe over.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

Oslo is the winner when it comes to nature. There is so much to explore and so close to the city.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is better in summer

If you are planning to visit Scandinavia during the summer months you might be wondering if Oslo or Copenhagen is the better choice.

Copenhagen

Summer is a popular time to visit Copenhagen. For starters the weather is mild and averages between 12- 22 degrees Celsius. the city also comes alive with lots of festivals and activities. You will see people cruising down the canals drinking beers on boats, or splashing about in the water.

It’s probably no surprise that summer is also peak travel season, with tourists flocking to the city to take advantage of the good weather. This also means hotel prices will increase, and you will need to book tickets to attractions in advance to avoid missing out.

Oslo

Summer in Oslo is also a great time to visit. The days are bright, and the temperatures are mild. You are looking at temperatures between 10 – 23 degrees Celsius.

It’s the perfect time of year to visit Oslo if you want to hike, bike ride, or just chill out one of of the Oslofjord islands. It’s also the best time of year to enjoy rooftop bars, al fresco dining, and just walking around exploring.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

This one is a tie. It depends on what kind of a vacation you are after with Oslo being the more outdoorsy choice. But Copenhagen and Oslo both peak in the summer months.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is better in winter

Or if winter is more for you, here are our thoughts on visiting Copenhagen and Oslo at this time of year.

Copenhagen

Winter in Copenhagen can be quite cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The average high at this time of year is around 5 degrees Celsius. Make sure you dress appropriately.

There are less tourists in winter, but keep in mind daylight hours are shorter, and some attractions may be closed. On the plus you do get to experience the Christmas Markets which are incredibly magical.

Oslo

Winter in Oslo is a completely different experience to the summer months. Like Copenhagen it does get cold so expect temperatures of -5 to 1 degree Celsius. Don’t think that the city shuts up shop though, this is the perfect time for activities like skiing, sledding, and ice skating.

The Christmas Markets also create a magical winter atmosphere throughout December.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

Oslo is the better choice for a winter break, especially if you are looking to do more outdoor activities like skiing. Its close proximity to nature and mountains means that you don’t have to leave the city to enjoy it either.

Copenhagen or Oslo: which one is for me

Well done for making it to the end of this epic list. And now it is time to decide if Copenhagen or Oslo is the best place to go for your next Scandinavian Break.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the perfect place for a quaint city break. The streets and architecture are beautiful and you could spend days just walking around getting lost. It’s also one of the best places in Europe for top quality food.

Oslo

Oslo is perfect if you are wanting to explore the city, but also make the most of nature. From the scenic forests of Nordmarka to the stunning fjords. There are also great places to eat and drink, and where you can experience the Norwegian culture.

Copenhagen or Oslo?

Personally we favoured Copenhagen over Oslo. Whilst there is more natural beauty in Oslo, we felt there was more character and atmosphere exploring the neighbourhoods of Copenhagen.

Overall if you want to explore a mix of nature and urban living you should visit Oslo.

If you want more of a city break where you can explore neighbourhoods and get a feel for the city, you should go with Copenhagen.