Things To Do
in Oslo

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a vibrant city known for its green spaces, museums, and maritime history. Nestled between the Oslofjord and forested hills, it offers a mix of urban and natural beauty. With a rich cultural heritage, visitors can explore its art, music, and cuisine, as well as enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

Oslo is a modern city with a commitment to sustainability, making it an appealing destination for eco-conscious travelers.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Oslo
morning
:

Start your day at the iconic Opera House, where you can walk on the roof for panoramic views. Then visit the nearby Aker Brygge waterfront for a leisurely breakfast at one of the cafes.

afternoon
:

Head to the Viking Ship Museum to see well-preserved Viking ships and artifacts. Afterward, take a stroll through the beautiful Frogner Park, home to the famous Vigeland sculptures.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant in Aker Brygge, followed by drinks at a cozy bar in the area.

day 2
Day 2: Culture and Nature
morning
:

Begin your day at the Munch Museum to admire the works of Edvard Munch. Next, take a tram to the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and jump tower for stunning views of the city.

afternoon
:

Explore the Bygdøy peninsula, visiting the Norwegian Folk Museum and relaxing on the beach. Don’t miss the chance to take a ferry ride back to the city center.

evening
:

Wrap up your trip with dinner at a traditional Norwegian restaurant and enjoy some local music or a performance at a nearby venue.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍕Pizza$15
Coffee$5
🍺Beer$10
🥗Salad$12
🚇Public Transport Ticket$4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural and historical attractions.
  • Beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
  • Safe and clean city with a high standard of living.
  • High cost of living, making it expensive for travelers.
  • Limited daylight during winter months.
  • Public transportation may be crowded during peak times.
  • "Hei" - Hello
  • "Takk" - Thank you
  • "Vær så snill" - Please
  • "Hvor er toalettet?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Ja" - Yes

Places to Visit in Oslo

Visit one of these nice places.

Aker Brygge

A picturesque waterfront area with stunning views of the fjord and modern architecture.

Vigeland Park

Home to over 200 sculptures, making for unique and artistic photographs.

Holmenkollen Ski Jump

An iconic landmark offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape.

Culinary Guide

Food in Oslo

Oslo's culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Norwegian flavors and modern cuisine. Visitors can explore a variety of local dishes influenced by the country's rich maritime history and access to fresh ingredients.

Oslo Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Raspeballer

Traditional potato dumplings often served with meat or gravy.

Must-Try!

Fårikål

A hearty lamb and cabbage stew, considered Norway's national dish.

Lapskaus

A comforting meat stew with vegetables, perfect for cold days.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mathallen Oslo

A vibrant food hall where you can sample local delicacies and international cuisines.

Street Food at Grünerløkka

A trendy area with food stalls offering everything from hot dogs to gourmet burgers.

Climate Guide

Weather

Oslo experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with long daylight hours, while winter temperatures can drop to -10°C (14°F) or lower. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons, offering mild weather but can be unpredictable with rain. Snow is common in winter, providing excellent conditions for winter sports.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is important in Norwegian culture, and lateness can be seen as disrespectful.

Personal Space

Norwegians value personal space; avoid standing too close to others in public.

Quiet Public Behavior

Keeping conversation volumes low in public places is appreciated; loud behavior can be frowned upon.

Safety Guide

Safety

Oslo is generally a safe city, with low crime rates, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and hospitals are available for urgent medical needs.

Tipping in Oslo

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Norway; however, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for excellent service is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and many places do not accept cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild weather with blooming flowers, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring parks.

Summer

Long days and warm temperatures ideal for hiking, biking, and enjoying outdoor festivals.

Autumn

Cooler weather with beautiful fall foliage, a great time for photography and cultural events.

Winter

Cold and snowy, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and experiencing the cozy atmosphere of Christmas markets.

Nightlife Guide

Oslo at Night

Oslo's nightlife is diverse and vibrant, offering everything from trendy bars and pubs to nightclubs and live music venues. The Grünerløkka district is particularly popular among locals and tourists alike, featuring a range of bars with unique atmospheres. For those interested in live music, venues like Vulkan Arena and Parkteatret host concerts from local and international artists. The nightlife generally starts late, with many places staying open until the early hours of the morning.

Hiking in Oslo

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Bogsnesåsen Trail

A scenic trail located about 30 minutes from Oslo, offering beautiful views and varying terrain.

Sognsvann Trail

A popular hiking spot just north of the city, featuring a lovely lake and well-maintained paths for all skill levels.

Airports

How to reach Oslo by plane.

Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL)

The main international airport serving Oslo, located about 35 kilometers northeast of the city center, providing connections to numerous international destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

Oslo is a highly walkable city, with a compact city center that makes it easy to explore on foot. Many attractions are within walking distance, and pedestrian-friendly streets are common. The city also offers a network of walking and biking paths, encouraging outdoor exploration.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young Professionals

Oslo is home to a growing number of young professionals, attracted by job opportunities in tech and green industries.

Students

With several universities and colleges, a large student population contributes to the city's vibrant culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cross-Country Skiing

A popular winter sport in Norway, with extensive trails available in and around Oslo.

Football (Soccer)

Football is the most followed sport, with local teams playing in the top leagues, and matches often attracting large crowds.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Oslo can be heavy during rush hours, especially in the city center. The public transportation system, including trams, buses, and metro, is efficient and widely used, making it easy to navigate the city without a car. Biking is also a popular mode of transport, with designated bike lanes available throughout the city.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Oslo.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian/Vegan

Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, but it’s advisable to check in advance.

Gluten-Free

There are gluten-free options available, but always confirm with the staff as cross-contamination can occur.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Norway has a high-quality healthcare system, and residents have access to comprehensive services. Emergency medical services can be reached easily, and hospitals are well-equipped. For tourists, medical care is available, but it is advisable to have travel insurance to cover any expenses.

Discover Norway

Read more in our Norway 2025 Travel Guide.

Norway Travel Guide