Things to do in Oslo: Your Down-to-Earth Guide to Norway’s Capital
Things to do in Oslo: Your Down-to-Earth Guide to Norway’s Capital
Hey there! Ready to explore one of the world’s most expensive cities that’s somehow totally worth every krone? Oslo is this incredible mix of sleek architecture, inspiring museums, and endless nature – seriously, you can take the metro to go hiking! Let me walk you through everything you need to know about this Nordic gem.
When’s the Sweet Spot to Visit? – Let’s break down Oslo’s seasons (spoiler: they’re all pretty special):
Summer (June-August): This is Oslo at its liveliest. The days are incredibly long (hello, midnight sun!), everyone’s outside, and therefore the vibe is infectious. Parks are full of BBQs, and the fjord is dotted with swimmers and kayakers. This makes it a perfect time for outdoor concerts and festivals!
Winter (November-March): Okay, it’s dark and cold, but because of this Oslo knows how to winter. The city turns into this cozy wonderland with ski slopes literally within the city limits. Want to try cross-country skiing? This is your chance – the locals do it after work!
Spring/Fall: My secret favorite time of year becuase, tourist crowds are thin, prices drop a bit, and you get either the beautiful spring blooms or the gorgeous autumn colors in Ekebergparken.
How to Get Around (It’s Actually Super Easy)
Oslo’s public transport is so efficient it’s almost boring:
– Ruter App: Download this immediately – it’s your ticket to buses, trams, metros, and ferries
– Oslo Pass: Includes transport AND museums – do the math, it often saves you money
– City Bikes: Available April to December (though honestly, who bikes in December?)
– Walking: The city center is pretty compact, and walking lets you discover those hidden coffee shops
What are the best Neighborhoods in Oslo?
Grünerløkka
Think Oslo’s Brooklyn, but with Norwegian twists:
– Vintage shops that’ll make your wallet cry happy tears
– Coffee shops every three steps (not exaggerating)
– Street art that’ll flood your Instagram
– The Akerselva River with its old factory buildings turned cultural spaces
Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen
Modern Oslo at its finest:
– Waterfront restaurants (yes, they’re pricey, but those views!)
– Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
– Perfect for people-watching with an ice cream
– Summer evenings here are magical
Oslo Central & Bjørvika
Where old meets incredibly new:
– Oslo Opera House (climb the roof, it’s allowed!)
– Barcode Project (those cool leaning buildings)
– Oslo Central Station area (getting cooler by the minute)
– The new Munch Museum (MUCH more than The Scream)
Where to go for the best Food (It’s Not All Lutefisk)
Traditional Norwegian Bites
– Mathallen Food Hall: Try everything! Especially the brunost (brown cheese)
– Vippa: Street food market with killer views
– Must-tries:
– Kjøttkaker (Norwegian meatballs – sorry, Sweden!)
– Krumkaker (waffle cookies that’ll change your life)
– Fresh shrimp from the harbor (in summer)
Modern Oslo Eats
– Vaaghals: New Nordic cuisine without the pretense
– Himkok: Not food, but this cocktail bar/distillery is legendary
– Tim Wendelboe: Coffee that’ll ruin all other coffee for you
What are the Best Hotels in Oslo
Luxury Life
– The Thief: Art hotel in Tjuvholmen (even the bathroom views are incredible)
Located close to Aker Brygge and Karl Johan Gate, THE THIEF provides a marina, a rooftop terrace and a coffee shop/cafe. Active travellers can enjoy amenities, such as fishing and cycling, at this hotel. Treat yourself to aromatherapy, a detox wrap or a facial at the on-site spa. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, children’s meals and Scandinavian cuisine. Enjoy the 24-hour gym, as well as activities such as boat tours. In addition to a playground and a hair salon, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
– Hotel Continental: Old-school luxury with the best location
Close to Karl Johan Gate and Aker Brygge, Hotel Continental provides a free breakfast buffet, a coffee shop/cafe and dry cleaning/laundry services. Make sure that you enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the two on-site restaurants. In addition to 4 bars and a 24-hour gym, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Mid-Range & Cozy
– Scandic Vulkan: Next to Mathallen food hall – Upscale hotel located in Grünerløkka
– Citybox: Modern, efficient, and affordableFamily-friendly hotel near Karl Johan Gate
Budget-Friendly
– Anker Hostel: Clean, central, and social
– Saga Poshtel: ‘Posh hostel’ isn’t an oxymoron here
The Fun Stuff
Must-Do Activities
– Climb the Opera House (it’s like a giant iceberg you can walk on)
– Take the T-bane (metro) to Frognerseteren for sledding in winter
– Island hopping in the Oslo Fjord (in summer, obviously)
– Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park (weird but wonderful)
We have found the Viator.com offers amazing things to do in Oslo for all the family. Check out their website here for the best things to see in Oslo.
Culture Hits
– Viking Ship Museum: Closed for renovation until 2026 but check out the Museum of Cultural History instead
– Munch Museum: Not just The Scream – promise!
– Norwegian Folk Museum: Open-air museum showing how Norwegians lived (and yes, there are viking buildings)
– Holmenkollen Ski Jump: The views! The history! The slight vertigo!
Hidden Gems Most People Miss
– Emanuel Vigeland Mausoleum: Darkest room you’ll ever visit, covered in incredible frescoes
– Oslo Underwater Opera Trail: Snorkel past sunken statues (summer only, unless you’re very brave)
– Røa Watermill: Beautiful spot for photos most tourists never find
– Korketrekkeren: Legendary 2km toboggan run in winter
Yes, Oslo is expensive. Here’s how to handle it:
Daily Budget Guide
– Budget: 800-1000 NOK/day
– Mid-range: 1500-2000 NOK/day
– Living Large: 2500+ NOK/day
Saving Tips
– Grocery stores like Rema 1000 are your friends
– Many museums are free on Thursdays
– Use public transport (taxis will destroy your budget)
– Bring a water bottle – tap water is perfect
Whats on in Oslo?
– May 17th: Constitution Day (biggest party of the year)
– Christmas Markets: Cozy doesn’t begin to describe it
– Øya Festival (August): Music festival in Medieval Park
– Oslo Jazz Festival (August): World-class jazz in cool venues
Day Trips from Oslo
– Drøbak: Cute coastal town, home to Santa’s post office (2 hours)
– Fredrikstad: Best-preserved fortress town (1.5 hours)
– Son: Artist village with great seafood (1 hour)
Pro Tips Before You Go
– Book restaurants in advance – Norwegians plan ahead
– Learn to say “takk” (thanks) – it goes a long way
– Dress for the weather – there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing (as Norwegians love to say)
– Don’t plan too much for each day – Norwegians value work-life balance, and so should you!
Best Photo Spots
– Opera House roof at sunset
– Holmenkollen Ski Jump
– Ekeberg Sculpture Park (especially at golden hour)
– Sørenga seawater pool (summer)
– Damstredet & Telthusbakken (cutest old streets)
Oslo might seem quiet at first, but give it time – this city has a way of surprising you. Between the incredible access to nature, the booming coffee scene, and the general quality of life, don’t be shocked if you start checking out those Norwegian language courses by the end of your trip. Just remember to embrace the Norwegian concept of “kos” (coziness), take your time, and yes, spend some time outdoors – even if it’s raining!
If Oslo isn’t your style then why not check out out Ultimate Travel Guide to Stockholm!
