Comparison · Copenhagen vs Oslo · Denmark / Norway
Copenhagen vs Oslo
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Moahim, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Copenhagen for Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn; choose Oslo for Oslo Opera House and Edvard Munch. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 483 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 483 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Copenhagen
- May–September
- Best time for Oslo
- May–September
Side by side
| Copenhagen | Oslo | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Denmark | Norway |
| Known for | Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and Cycling | Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch and Vigeland sculptures |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $240–$420 | $250–$400 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | July, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 0°C (32°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | Amager Strandpark | Huk |
| Airports | CPH | OSL, TRF |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Copenhagen for…
Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn. Copenhagen is a flat, compact harbour city where cycling is the normal way to get around and the harbour water is clean enough to swim in. The medieval centre, with Strøget and the Round Tower, sits between Tivoli Gardens and the painted townhouses of…
Choose Oslo for…
Oslo Opera House and Edvard Munch. Oslo sits at the head of the Oslofjord, with a compact centre running from the Central Station along Karl Johans gate to the Royal Palace. The waterfront has been rebuilt over the past two decades: the marble Opera House, the MUNCH museum and the Deichman…
Top sights compared
| # | Copenhagen | Oslo |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tivoli Gardens | Oslo Opera House |
| 2 | Nyhavn | MUNCH |
| 3 | Rosenborg Castle | National Museum |
| 4 | Christiansborg Palace | Vigeland Park |
| 5 | Amalienborg | Akershus Fortress |
Food compared
| Copenhagen | Oslo |
|---|---|
| Smørrebrød | Brown cheese |
| Danish pastries | Norwegian waffles |
| Danish hot dog | Fish soup |
| Stegt flæsk med persillesovs | Shrimp sandwich |
Which is cheaper?
Copenhagen and Oslo cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $240–$420 in Copenhagen and $250–$400 in Oslo (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Oslo on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Copenhagen and Oslo are about 483 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Copenhagen and 3 in Oslo.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Copenhagen or Oslo cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $240–$420 in Copenhagen and $250–$400 in Oslo (estimates).
+Is Copenhagen or Oslo better for a first trip?
Pick Copenhagen for Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn, or Oslo for Oslo Opera House and Edvard Munch.
+How far is Copenhagen from Oslo?
About 483 km in a straight line.