Experience the best of Oslo, Norway’s capital, where world-class museums meet modern architecture. Our practical two-day itinerary unlocks Oslo’s unforgettable places. From walking up the Oslo Opera House roof and among 200+ sculptures at Vigeland Sculpture Park to exploring Bygdøy Peninsula’s world-class museums, it’s all here.
Discover an authentic side of Oslo with our guide to this vibrant, walkable city.
Table of Contents
2 Days in Oslo Itinerary
This detailed overview of our 2-day Oslo itinerary is organized by day and neighbourhood. Many Oslo museums and public transit are free with the Oslo Pass.
Day 1
Start your visit in Sentrum Oslo (City Centre).
- Begin at the iconic Tiger statue outside Oslo Central Station.
- Admire the Baroque grandeur of Oslo Cathedral and its stunning ceiling frescoes.
- Stroll down the pedestrian street of Karl Johans Gate to Parliament and the National Theatre.
- Watch the changing of the guard at The Royal Palace and explore its gardens.
Learn about the city’s early history at the Akershus Fortress (Kontraskjæret Neighbourhood).
- Tour the Renaissance halls at Akershus Castle with its medieval towers on the waterfront.
Explore Oslo’s Bjørvika (The Modern Waterfront).
- Walk up the Oslo Opera House’s iconic sloping roof for panoramic city views.
- Discover over 26,000 artworks at the MUNCH Museum, including The Scream.
- Taste local flavours and global influences at one of the many great downtown Restaurants.
Day 2
Begin your second day exploring the Frogner Park Neighbourhood and Oslo’s largest green space.
- Find the iconic Angry Boy and Monolith and over 200 other sculptures in Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Spend the afternoon exploring world-class museums at Bygdøy Peninsula (The Museum Island).
- Wander through 160 historic buildings, including the Gol Stave Church, at the Norwegian Folk Museum.
- See Thor Heyerdahl’s original balsa raft at the Kon-Tiki Museum.
- Board the legendary polar ship Fram and explore its original interior.
- Explore centuries of seafaring heritage at the Norwegian Maritime Museum.
Discover the shops, restaurants, and cultural venues of the Aker Brygge area.
- Tour Oslo City Hall with its monumental frescoes.
- Explore 400,000 artworks spanning centuries at the National Museum.
- Enjoy Nordic cuisine and sunset at a restaurant on the Aker Brygge Promenade.
Oslo Attractions Map
Use our attractions map to discover all the major attractions on our 2-day itinerary.
Sentrum Oslo (City Centre)
While Oslo’s medieval roots lie further east, Sentrum is the city’s vibrant commercial heart and primary transportation hub. With cobbled streets, grand squares, and classic government buildings, this walkable area is the perfect introduction to the city. Bounded by the harbour promenade and Karl Johans gate, Sentrum stretches from City Hall and the Royal Palace to Central Station.
Oslo Central Station
Opened in 1980, Oslo Central Station is Norway’s main rail hub, connecting travellers to destinations across the country.
Jernbanetorget (Railway Square) sits directly in front of the station. Trains, trams, buses, and metro lines converge in this meeting-friendly plaza.
The striking 4.5-metre bronze Tiger sculpture, Tigeren by Oslo artist Elena Engelsen, was unveiled in the square for Oslo’s millennium anniversary in 2000. The fierce tiger commemorates the city’s nickname, Tigerstaden, “The Tiger City”.
Walk several blocks west along Karl Johans Gate then north on Kirkgata to Stortorvet square.
Oslo Cathedral (Domkirke)
Oslo’s main cathedral stands at the edge of the square. This cruciform building is the site for major national events and royal weddings. Its Baroque tower rises above the busy market below. Consecrated in 1697, it features Dutch brick walls and bronze doors depicting the Sermon on the Mount.
Step inside to see the ceiling murals, painted by Hugo Lous Mohr between 1936 and 1950. These vibrant works cover the entire ceiling vault, offering a modern artistic contrast to the cathedral’s historic structure. On our initial visit, the cathedral was closed. We noticed it had reopened while passing by on the tram later. It was well worth doubling back to see the interior.
Just beside the cathedral, the Iron Roses Memorial (Jernrosene) is in memory of the 77 victims of the July 2011 terrorist attacks. The memorial consists of roughly 1,000 unique iron roses forged by smiths from around the world. Survivors and bereaved families participated in crafting the flowers. The number of roses honours the global outpouring of love and support following the attacks. It’s simple and powerful
Curving around the cathedral’s eastern side, the Oslo Bazaars occupy beautifully preserved 19th-century red brick buildings. These Romanesque Revival structures originally housed butcher shops. Today, restaurants and shops selling Norwegian handicrafts, sweaters, ceramics, and jewellery occupy the stalls.
We admired the beautiful flowers in the market at Stortorvet, Oslo’s historic central square and main marketplace since 1736. A produce and flower market operates here on weekdays.
A life-sized bronze statue of King Christian IV stands at the centre of the square. The Danish-Norwegian king governed Norway around 1600 for 60 years. One hand points down commemorating the spot where he chose to rebuild the city after the great 1624 fire. He named the rebuilt city “Christiania”. The city was renamed “Oslo” in 1925.
Karl Johans Gate (Main Street)
Oslo’s main street links the Central Station area to the Royal Palace. It’s named for the French general elected crown prince in 1810, later known as Karl Johan. The eastern half is pedestrian-only, filled with boutiques and the domain of street musicians and artists.
Return to Karl Johans Gate and walk to the yellow-brick Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget) building. It has symbolized Norwegian democracy since its inauguration in 1866. If timing works, you can arrange a visit.
Across the street, the Grand Hotel Oslo opened in 1874 and has hosted Nobel Peace Prize winners since 1901. We popped in for photos of the lobby and bar’s crystal chandeliers and gold-framed paintings. Oslo lore tells that Edvard Munch once traded paintings for meals here.
Continue west to the Spikersuppa Pool. In 1956 a swimming pool was built. In the mid-1970’s the original pool was demolished due to subway construction and replaced by today’s decorative fountain and pool. Since 1994, the pool is transformed each winter into a popular ice skating rink.
The National Theatre is just beyond the fountain. The ornate building is Oslo’s premier dramatic arts venue. Opened 1899, it seats over 700 in its main auditorium. Bronze statues of playwrights Henrik Ibsen and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson guard the entrance.
Studenterlunden Park wraps around the National Theatre. Dating to 1837, the three-block-long green space contains sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, a music pavilion, mature trees, and fountains.
Across from the park, on the north side of Karl Johans Gate, the University Aula (Great Hall) houses eleven monumental murals by Edvard Munch, including The Sun. It is the only Munch artwork that still hangs in the exact spot for which it was originally designed and painted. The building is not usually open to the public. For a tour, visit the university’s Open Aula webpage. This ceremonial building hosted Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies from 1947 to 1989.
Across Fredriks Gate, at the western end of Karl Johans Gate, is the official residence of Norway’s royal family since 1849.
The Royal Palace
The pale, smooth-faced, neoclassical palace was designed by Danish architect Hans Linstow for French-born King Charles XIV John (known in Norway as Karl III Johan). Construction began in 1824 but, due to delays, the king didn’t live to see its completion in 1849.
Palace tours are available during the summer months, when the royal family is not in residence, and fill up quickly. Check the schedule on the official Royal House of Norway website. If you can, catch the changing of the guard ceremony, held every day at 1:30 pm. In the summer, there’s often a full parade with a marching band. It is very popular so arrive early for a good spot. Unfortunately we didn’t have time for either on our visit.
We strolled the winding, gravel paths of Royal Palace Park, and enjoyed its ponds and peaceful surroundings. The 22-hectare park surrounds the palace on all sides, with majestic trees and statues throughout. Open to the public since its creation, the park provides a welcome escape from the bustle of the city centre.
Sentrum Museums
The city centre has several museums within walking distance of Karl Johans Gate, with exhibits ranging from Viking artifacts to contemporary art and interactive experiences. These museums are a great option for those rainy days.
| Name | Known for |
| Historical Museum | Norway’s largest collection of Norwegian cultural and historical objects, from the Stone Age to modern times |
| The Viking Planet | Digital VR experiences and exhibitions centred around the Viking Age, life-sized holograms, and a 270-degree cinema |
| Paradox Museum Oslo | Over 70 interactive optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits |
| The Artists’ House (Kunstnernes Hus) | Artist-run contemporary art gallery in a landmark 1930 building. |
| IBSEN Museum & Theatre | Henrik Ibsen’s restored apartment where he lived from 1895 to 1906 and a 147-seat modern theatre |
From the Palace, walk back to Studenterlunden Park and past the National Theatre on the south side. Continue beyond the twin towers of City Hall to the south and the waterfront. It’s just a short walk along the harbour to your left and up the hill to the medieval walls of Akershus Fortress.
Akershus Fortress and the Kontraskjæret Neighbourhood
This historic district anchors Oslo’s waterfront heritage with viewpoints, museums, and broad walking paths.
The hilltop has held defensive structures since around 1300. The surrounding Kontraskjæret area houses several museums covering Norwegian military history, architecture, and resistance movements.
Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress stands on a rocky peninsula, its thick stone walls and bastions right above the water. In the 13th century, Akershus began as a stone castle perched on a cliff to guard the harbour.
It wasn’t until the 17th century that it evolved into today’s vast military complex. To defend against modern cannons, King Christian IV surrounded the original royal residence, Akershus Castle, with the star-shaped ramparts and outer walls that now define the fortress grounds. The site still functions as an active military area while remaining open to visitors.
The castle was closed when we reached the fortress but we enjoyed exploring the grounds. Walking the grounds is free, but there is an entrance fee to the castle itself. For opening hours and ticket information, visit the Akershus Castle website.
Kontraskjæret Area Museums
In addition to the Akershus Castle, two of Oslo’s war-related museums cluster in the Kontraskjæret neighbourhood.
| Name | Known for |
| Norway’s Home Front Museum (also known as the Resistance Museum) | Norwegian resistance history during WWII occupation. |
| Norwegian Armed Forces Museum | Norway’s military history and hardware from Viking Age to modern era. |
| Nordic Bible and Book Museum (Nordisk Bibelmuseum) | Collection of over 6,000 Norwegian, Nordic and foreign Bibles, including an original page from a Gutenberg bible. |
| The National Museum – Architecture | Norway’s architectural history, a collection over 300,000 items; including drawings, models, objects, plans and photos from 19th century to now. |
Museum lovers should consider a combined ticket to see the Akershus Castle, the Resistance Museum and then walk to the Armed Forces Museum. All 3 are within the Fortress grounds.
After exploring the fortress, walk the waterfront promenade eastward for about 15 minutes to the ultra-modern Bjørvika district.
Bjørvika (The Modern Waterfront)
Oslo’s former industrial port has been transformed into one of Europe’s most ambitious urban renewal projects. The Bjørvika district is a modern waterfront built for walking, swimming, and museum-hopping, and connected by a 9-kilometre promenade.
To the south of Oslo Central Station, Christian Frederiks Plaza is a compact square with a fountain and a small dose of public art. Just steps away stands Deichman Bjørvika, Oslo’s striking main public library. We went in and wandered around the five-story building, which opened in June 2020. The top floor cantilevers out over the plaza, offering spectacular city and fjord views from its terrace.
On the fjord’s edge is the stunning modern home of the Norwegian Opera and Ballet.
Oslo Opera House
Opened in 2008, its design allows visitors to walk directly onto the roof, making it one of the city’s most accessible landmarks. The building’s exterior is clad in granite and Carrara marble. It won the European Union Architecture Prize in 2009. We walked up the Oslo Opera House’s sloping white roof for panoramic views of the city and surrounding water.
She Lies, a 12-metre-tall floating sculpture of glass panels on a stainless steel framework, is best viewed from the Opera House roof. It sits on a concrete platform in the fjord and slowly rotates with the wind and currents in the fjord. Its position is never quite the same from one visit to the next.
On the waterfront, just to the southeast, is a modern museum clad in recycled perforated aluminum.
MUNCH Museum
Opened in 2022, the MUNCH Museum houses the world’s largest collection of works by Edvard Munch, the Norwegian expressionist. On display are selections from the collection of over 26,000 works. A version of Munch’s The Scream is always displayed, either a painting, drawing or print. There are 8 in total. To minimize damage due to temperature, humidity and oxygen levels, along with limiting light exposure, none of the eight can be permanently displayed. We enjoyed exploring the museum’s many galleries.
Get full information, including pre-booking tickets, directly on the MUNCH Museum website. Tickets are timed-entry. You can stay as long as you like once you enter. Tickets can be purchased on site providing the time slot is not full. This also applies to Oslo Pass holders who must wait for open time slots to enter for free.
Continuing south, the old Sørenga docks are now a vibrant neighbourhood connected to the MUNCH and the Opera House by a walkway. The Sørenga Sea Pool is at its southernmost point. This summer swim zone features a 50-metre competition pool, diving tower, and small sandy beach, all free to the public.
To the west of the opera house, the KOK Oslo Sauna offers a different waterfront experience. These wood-fired floating saunas let visitors alternate between intense heat and cold fjord immersion while taking in harbour views.
Just west of KOK, check out SALT – Art & Music for a pre-dinner drink, and often art, music, or just a lively crowd. We had dinner at Barcode Street Food, a vibrant food hall beneath the striking Barcode high-rises north of the Opera House. A variety of cuisines are available under one roof.
Frogner Park Neighbourhood
This prestigious district, west of central Oslo, is home to embassies and classic Norwegian architecture on wide, tree-shaded streets. At its heart lies Frogner Park (Frognerparken), the city’s largest public green space. The 45-hectare park blends broad lawns, old trees, and rose gardens with Gustav Vigeland’s world-famous sculpture park.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
This open-air gallery within Frogner Park contains over 200 bronze, granite, and wrought-iron sculptures. Happily, the park is free to enter, a double-edged sword as it is often very busy. Make this park your first stop in the morning.
Just inside the southeast park entrance, see the bronze statue of artist Gustav Vigeland. The park has 5 distinct zones set in a southeast-northwest line about 850 metres long designed as an exploration of the human life cycle. The park and all the sculptures were the brainchild of Vigeland between 1924 and 1943.
Continue northwest to the Bridge which holds 58 bronze figures, including the park’s most famous resident: the Angry Boy (Sinnataggen). The 1-metre bronze sculpture captures a furious toddler mid-tantrum, his fists clenched. The Bridge opened in 1940, and was the only part of the park Vigeland lived to see completed. He died in 1943.
At Vigelandsfontenen (Vigeland Fountain), six giant figures hold a wide basin overhead. Water cascades around them, each representing a different stage of life. Surrounding the fountain, 20 tree-group sculptures trace the human journey from birth to death.
The Monolith sits at the park’s highest point. The 17-metre granite column was carved from a single 180-ton block. 121 tightly intertwined human bodies spiral upward. It is surrounded by sculptures of humans of all ages. We found it both fascinating and unsettling. Three sculptors spent 14 years completing the work.
The last zone of the park is The Wheel Of Life, a bronze ring of four adults and an infant locked in eternal motion.
We enjoyed a leisurely morning walk through the park. If it is a rainy day, you may want to do a quick walk and then enjoy the area’s museums.
Frogner Area Museums
The museums clustered around the park round out the sculpture walk with context on Oslo’s history and Gustav Vigeland’s working life.
| Name | Known for |
| Oslo City Museum | Oslo’s urban history, housed in the 18th-century Frogner manor. |
| The Vigeland Museum | Vigeland’s original models and preserved living quarters, housed in his former studio. |
| The Skating Museum | Exhibits of ice skates, Norway’s trophies and champions; Norway’s only permanent ice skating museum at Frogner Stadium. |
| Oslo Tramway Museum | Vintage trams and buses, interactive driving simulator within Oslo transit’s former Carriage Hall 5. |
| The International Museum of Children’s Art | Arts and crafts made by children of 180 countries. |
If you are up for more walking, our next neighbourhood is a 30 to 40 minute walk south of the park. We rode public transit, free with the Oslo Pass but the most scenic route is by ferry from the city centre.
Bygdøy Peninsula (The Museum Island)
The Bygdøy Peninsula serves as the city’s cultural and recreational escape. Visit world-class collections celebrating Norway’s Viking past, polar explorations, and cultural heritage. There are quiet walking trails and scenic urban beaches. Norway’s Royal family makes their summer home on the peninsula which is often described as Oslo’s “Museum Island”.
Norway’s largest cultural history museum is the perfect place to start exploring.
Norwegian Folk Museum
The Norwegian Folk Museum (Norsk Folkemuseum) is a huge open-air complex, featuring over 160 historic buildings relocated from across the country. In summer there are often costumed interpreters and craft demonstrations spread across the grounds. Lifestyle and culture exhibits help connect the architecture to everyday Norwegian life.
The Gol Stave Church serves as the museum’s centrepiece. Built around 1200, it’s a rare chance to see medieval timber construction up close. Look for the layered roof lines and intricate interior woodwork.
Nearby the Loft Storehouse is a two-storey log building dating to the early 14th century. It’s a practical look at how farms protected food and valuables, with storage below and living space above.
The daily schedule of events as well as ticket information is on the Norsk Folkemuseum website.
We found more than enough to fill a half day but watch your time, as there are 4 more excellent museums nearby. Walk about 250 metres south on Langviksveien to the next museum.
Museum of the Viking Age
Known as the Viking Ship Museum until its closure in 2025 for a major renovation, it houses the world’s oldest and best-preserved Viking ships, including the legendary Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune vessels from the 9th century.
It is scheduled to reopen in 2027 with double its original exhibition space and an laboratory where you can observe archaeologists at work. Opening updates and ticket information are on the Museum of the Viking Age website.
The walk to the next 3 museums is 15 to 20 minutes and follows the main road Langviksveien which becomes Bygdøynesveien. Enjoy the walk through one of Oslo’s most prestigious neighbourhoods with traditional and modern Norwegian villas. This is also the route that the #30 bus travels so if your timing is right, just hop on board. The bus turns around in front of the Kon-Tiki Museum.
Kon-Tiki Museum
This museum showcases the daring expeditions of Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl. He crossed three oceans in vessels built using ancient techniques and materials. The main exhibit hall displays the original Kon-Tiki raft which he sailed 6,900 kilometres from Peru to Polynesia in 1947. In the lower exhibition hall, see the Ra II, a papyrus reed boat from his 1972 Atlantic crossing.
For hours and ticket information, visit the Kon-Tiki Museum website.
The last 2 museum options are across the street.
The Fram Museum
The Fram Museum was built around the wooden, polar ship Fram in the 1930’s. The meticulously restored ship is open to step aboard and explore. While we stood on the Fram’s original deck, a projected storm simulation on the ceiling made the polar adventure feel surprisingly immersive. I swore the deck moved! (It didn’t.)
The Fram holds records for sailing both farthest north and farthest south of any wooden vessel. Museum exhibits detail the legendary polar expeditions of Nansen, Sverdrup, and Amundsen.
Don’t miss visiting the Gjøa, which has its own dedicated hall just to the south. The Gjøa carried Roald Amundsen and a crew of six on the first successful navigation of the Northwest Passage (which connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Canada’s arctic waters) between 1903 and 1906. It spent two years iced-in at a natural harbour, now the community of Gjoa Haven, where the crew lived alongside the local Inuit.
Current hours and ticket information are on the Fram Museum website.
Norwegian Maritime Museum
At the Maritime Museum (Norsk Maritimt Museum) explore the country’s relationship with the sea. Packed with ships, ports, lighthouses, and navigational gear, the institution itself dates back to 1914, though the main building opened in 1960.
For a list of current exhibitions and ticket information, check the Maritime Museum website.
After exploring as many museums as you have time for, walk to the Bygdøynes Ferry dock. The short ferry ride across the water to Aker Brygge is one of the simplest ways to get a waterfront view without committing to a longer cruise. In season, April to October, the boats run roughly every 20 minutes, and the crossing is under 15 minutes.
Aker Brygge (The Waterfront Promenade)
Oslo’s Aker Brygge is a vibrant waterfront district of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. This was the site of Norway’s largest shipyard for over a century until it closed in 1982. The long redevelopment preserved its industrial character while adding modern architecture. The sleek promenade draws 12 million visitors yearly for stunning fjord views, upscale dining, and Norwegian design boutiques.
The ferry from the Bygdøy Peninsula lands as Rådhusbrygge 3. Look north to the twin towers of Oslo City Hall.
Oslo City Hall
The monumental red-brick Rådhuset, on the waterfront, is instantly recognizable by its towers, each rising over 60 metres. Constructed in the mid-20th century, the walls of its main hall are covered in massive frescoes depicting Norwegian history, labour movements, and wartime resistance. Each December, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place in this grand space. The building is free to visit during business hours.
Just to the southwest, the Nobel Peace Center adds context to what you see at City Hall. In a converted 1872 railway station, interactive exhibits track laureates and peace work across decades.
Next door is the largest art museum in the Nordic region.
National Museum (Art Gallery)
The National Museum showcases over 400,000 works across 86 exhibition halls on two floors. We found it impressive, and took the obligatory selfie in front of Edvard Munch’s iconic The Scream (the 1893 original).
For ticket information and to plan your route through the galleries, visit the National Museum website.
After the museum, enjoy the lively waterfront, lined with excellent restaurants and cafés.
Aker Brygge Promenade
We walked the Aker Brygge Promenade, looping past cafés and outdoor seating with the fjord always in view. This is a great place to enjoy golden hour.
Look for the Aker Brygge Clock Tower, a copper landmark that once signalled workers’ breaks. Further southwest, the free Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park displays contemporary outdoor artwork. The set of seven sculptures were designed by Renzo Piano.
At the peninsula’s tip, the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art showcases contemporary art in striking timber-clad buildings beneath a sweeping glass roof which are part of the visit. The collection includes lots of American work from the 1980s onward.
The Oslo Pass: Is it Worth it for 2 Days?
Is the pass worth it? The answer is a resounding yes. The Oslo Pass is essentially an all-inclusive ticket that grants you free entry to over 30 museums, including must-sees like the MUNCH Museum, The National Museum, and the Fram Museum. It also includes unlimited free travel on all public transport in the city including the Bygdøynes Ferry. There are discounts on experience packages as well as free travel to and from Oslo Airport Gardemoen with local trains operated by VY.
Because Oslo is an expensive city, paying for individual entry tickets and tram rides adds up incredibly fast. We found that by visiting just two or three major sites and using the public transport system to get between them, the pass easily paid for itself. Beyond the savings, the convenience of using the Oslo Pass app was unbeatable. We loved hopping on buses, trams, and even the ferry to Bygdøy without ever having to fumble with ticket machines. If you plan to be an active sightseer like we were, this pass is a no-brainer.
A full list of what is included (museums, transit and more), current pricing and FAQ’s are on Visit Oslo‘s Oslo Pass webpage. Each museum’s ticket information page also notes whether the museum is free with the Oslo Pass.
Oslo Restaurants
Oslo’s culinary scene offers a dynamic blend of Michelin-starred Nordic fine dining, global cuisines from Japanese to Italian and Indian, sustainable plant-based options, and historic bakeries, all celebrating local ingredients and innovative techniques.
These are some of the most popular restaurants in Oslo.
| Restaurant | Known For |
| The Salmon | Waterfront restaurant dedicated to Norwegian salmon with smokehouse, sushi, and educational exhibits. |
| Maaemo | Oslo’s three-starred Michelin fine dining experience with seasonal tasting menus featuring foraged, organic Norwegian ingredients. |
| Mehfel Restaurant | Traditional Indian, including Punjabi, cuisine in an elegant setting. |
| Mamma Pizza | Authentic stone-fired pizzas and fresh pasta dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. |
| Den Glade Gris | Specializing in hearty, slow-cooked pork dishes, smoked whale, and good Norwegian food with large beer selection. |
| Yokoso Restaurant (Aker Brygge) | Modern Japanese restaurant featuring izakaya, sushi, robata grill, and ramen at Aker Brygge. |
| Nordvegan | Award-winning vegan cuisine by a Michelin-trained chef, including desserts. |
| Riviera Restaurant & Bar | Classic dishes with roots in Italian cuisine combined with seasonal ingredients and local flavours. |
| STOCK Restaurant | Modern Norwegian cuisine with seasonal ingredients, known for innovative reindeer steak in Barcode district. |
| Barcode Street Food | Popular street food market with multiple vendors, offering a diverse range of international cuisines, in Barcode district. |
| W.B. Samson Egertorget | Historic 1894 family bakery, famous for Oslo’s oldest cinnamon buns and custard-filled school bread, serves lunch and light dinners. |
| Baker Hansen Stortingsgata | Norway’s oldest bakery (1861) offering traditional Norwegian breads, pastries, and cinnamon buns. |
Oslo Accommodations
Looking for a hotel in Oslo? Check out these great options.
- Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel – Stylish rooms located near Oslo Central Station.
- Hotell Bondeheimen – Great hotel in central area near the Parliament.
- Explore more great hotels in Oslo.
Know Before You Go – Visiting Oslo
What is the best time of year to visit Oslo?
The best time to visit Oslo is from May to August when temperatures are mild and daylight lasts well into the evening. This allows for comfortable sightseeing and outdoor activities along the fjord. For fewer crowds. though slightly cooler, consider visiting in September.
How many days in Oslo is enough?
Two days in Oslo is enough time to see the city’s major highlights without feeling rushed. A well-planned 48-hour itinerary allows you to explore the Opera House, Vigeland Sculpture Park, and top museums like the MUNCH Museum as well as enjoying the local cafe culture and fjord views.
What to do with 1 day in Oslo?
With one day in Oslo, focus on the compact city centre and waterfront areas to maximize your time. Walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House, stroll down Karl Johans Gate to the Royal Palace, and then take a tram to explore the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
What should I not miss in Oslo?
You should not miss walking on the roof of the Oslo Opera House for panoramic views of the fjord. Other essential stops include the unique sculptures at Vigeland Sculpture Park and the MUNCH Museum to see The Scream. History buffs must visit the Fram Museum on Bygdøy.
Is Oslo a walkable city?
Yes, Oslo is definitely a walkable city with a compact city centre and wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. Most major attractions, including the Opera House and Aker Brygge, are located within walking distance of each other. For destinations further afield, like Bygdøy Peninsula, the city offers excellent public transportation connections.
Is Oslo cheap or expensive?
Oslo is widely considered one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Expect high prices for accommodation, dining out, and alcohol compared to other European capitals. However, many outdoor attractions, like walking the harbour promenade or visiting Vigeland Sculpture Park, are completely free to enjoy.
What are the must-try local foods in Oslo?
You must try Brunost (brown cheese), a sweet, caramel-flavoured staple served on waffles or bread. Fresh seafood is also essential, particularly smoked salmon and pickled herring. For a quick street food snack, grab a pølse (hot dog) wrapped in lompe from a local kiosk.
What’s the tipping etiquette in Oslo restaurants?
Tipping is not mandatory in Oslo as a service charge is almost always included in the bill. However, it is common etiquette to round up the bill or leave a 5% to 10% tip for exceptional service at restaurants and bars.
How English friendly is Oslo?
Oslo is extremely English-friendly, and you will have no trouble communicating without speaking Norwegian. Nearly all locals speak fluent English, and menus, signs, and public transportation information are almost always available in English. It is one of the easiest European cities for English speakers to navigate. Consider adding a warm Takk (said “Tahk”) at the end of an English sentence. Takk means “Thank you” and is always appreciated by the polite Norwegians.
How to get to Oslo
By Air: Most international travellers arrive at Oslo Airport (OSL), located 47 kilometres from the city centre.
From the airport, the fastest and most frequent way to reach downtown are the Flytoget Airport Express Trains, which depart every 10 to 20 minutes and take roughly 19 minutes to reach Oslo Central Station. These high-speed trains are the best choice for those prioritizing speed and efficiency.
For a more cost-effective journey, take the Vy regional train (lines RE10, 11 or 12). While it runs slightly less frequently than the Express, the travel time is just a bit longer (about 23 minutes). Note: This route is included in the Oslo Pass (Zones 1-4N), making it “free” if you’ve already activated your pass. If buying a standalone ticket, it is significantly cheaper than the Flytoget. We used the Vy trains and found them very reasonable. The Vy app worked well.
By Train: Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) is a major hub connecting the city to the rest of Norway and Sweden. Popular routes include the scenic Bergen Line from the west and direct trains from Stockholm or Gothenburg. The station is located right in the heart of the city centre.
By Ferry: You can reach Oslo by ferry from Denmark (Copenhagen or Frederikshavn) and Germany (Kiel). Operators like DFDS and Color Line dock at terminals fairly close to the city centre, offering a scenic arrival through the Oslofjord.
How to get around Oslo without a car
Metro or Public Buses: Oslo has a world-class public transport system called Ruter, which integrates the Metro (T-bane), buses, trams, and ferries. A single ticket works across all modes of transport. Most tourist attractions are located within Zone 1, making it easy and affordable to navigate the city. The Oslo Pass covers all modes of transit.
Taxis or Uber: Taxis are available but are very expensive in Oslo compared to other European cities. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt operate in the city and are generally cheaper than hailing a traditional taxi from the street or a taxi stand.
Explore All of our Norway Travel Guides
Discover our complete series of detailed Norway guides to help you plan your perfect adventure from Oslo to the Arctic.
Main Article: Norway 14-Day Road Trip
Part 1: Oslo – Capital city, harbourfront museums, and Viking history (You’re reading this guide now!)
Part 2: Bergen – Bryggen wharf, fish market, and fjord gateway
Part 3: Longyearbyen – Svalbard’s capital with tours, museums and midnight sun
Part 4: Ny-Alesund – Northernmost civilian settlement and Arctic research base
Part 5: Honningsvag – North Cape gateway and northernmost edge of mainland Europe
Part 6: Norway Cruise Ports – Norway’s most popular cruise stops
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