Let’s talk about what you can do in Oslo! This Norwegian capital has something for everyone. If you're a foodie, you'll be in heaven with all the amazing restaurants and food halls. For history buffs or art lovers, there are loads of museums to explore. Looking for more adventure? Within 30 minutes you can be hiking through Oslo’s forests or even sledding and skiing in the wintertime. Oslo is Norway’s largest city but it has kept a small-town, laidback vibe. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed week or weekend getaway!
Check out our list of things to do in Oslo
- Explore Oslo City Centre
- Sail the Oslofjord
- Walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House
- Visit Museums in Oslo
- Stroll through Frogner Park & Vigeland Sculpture Park
- Explore the Akershus Fortress
- Sweat it out in a Floating Sauna
- Explore the Nordmarka Forest
- Shop Scandinavian Design
- Taste the Oslo Food Scene
- Walk up to the Royal Palace
1. Explore Oslo City Centre
Oslo is Norway’s capital and has all the excitement you’d expect from a large city. At the same time, this city has a very relaxed and laid-back vibe. The best way to soak up the typical Oslo vibe is by wandering around the city centre and exploring the different neighbourhoods on foot.
Oslo is a very walkable city. Most sights, shops, restaurants and points of interest are within 30 minutes walking distance from each other. If you don’t want to walk crisscross around town it’s best to divide the centre into several areas and spend one day or half day in each area. Walk around, try the local restaurants, go for a drink, visit a museum and don’t forget to enjoy the sights!
One of the best ways to see Oslo’s main highlights is by joining a guided bike tour along the scenic Oslo Fjord! You'll explore iconic spots like Vigeland Sculpture Park, Akershus Fortress, and the lively Karl Johans Gate—and even have the chance to swim in the fjord during summer months! Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into Oslo’s history and culture.
Here’s a breakdown of the different areas around Oslo city centre:
Sentrum & Kvadraturen:
Sentrum is Oslo’s compact and bustling city centre. Here you’ll find both the central business district and the historical area known as Kvadraturen, with its many well-preserved historic buildings. It’s a vibrant area with a mix of shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. A popular spot is the 13th-century Akershus Fortress.
Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen:
These waterfront neighbourhoods are located on the west side of Oslo. They are known for their modern architecture and upscale shops and restaurants. There are several waterfront restaurants and cafes that offer scenic views of the Oslo Fjord while you’re enjoying a bite to eat. A bridge connects Aker Brygge to Tjuvholmen ('the thief islet'). Tjuvholmen is one of Oslo’s newest quarters. Here you’ll find galleries, the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art and many art installations in between the modern buildings. This area is also a great spot to walk around the promenade and enjoy the scenic view of the fjord.
Bjørvika & Barcode:
The port district Bjørvika is known for its striking contemporary architecture, including the Oslo Opera House and the Barcode area. The Barcode is a collection of futuristic-looking buildings. From a distance, these buildings resemble a barcode, due to their tall and narrow profiles. Here you’ll find a mix of offices, residential apartments, restaurants, cafes and shops. Cultural attractions in this area are the Oslo Opera House and the Munch Museum.
Grünerløkka:
This area is known for its bohemian vibe. This trendy and eclectic neighbourhood is filled with a combination of residential areas, cafes, vintage shops, colourful murals and vibrant nightlife.
Frogner:
Frogner is an upscale neighbourhood located on the west side of Oslo. This area is known for its elegant apartment buildings, high-end boutiques and amazing restaurants. Here, you’ll also find Oslo’s largest public park: Frogner Park. This is a lush park where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Inside Frogner Park you’ll find the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Bygdøy:
Located just west of the city centre, Bygdøy is a peninsula known for its museums and cultural attractions. Here you’ll find the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum and the Norwegian Maritime Museum. It’s also a great spot to enjoy scenic walks along the coastline. You can visit this part of Oslo by ferry or take a bus from the city centre.
2. Sail the Oslofjord
Oslo is located at the end of Oslofjord, which makes it a perfect spot for water-based activities! During the summertime the fjord is bustling with sailboats and many locals enjoy the water and nearby islands for a swim, beach day, picnic or hike along the waterfront.
For a truly unique experience, join an island-hopping hiking tour in the Oslo Fjord! This guided tour takes you to hidden islands, where you can hike scenic trails, discover historic sites, and even swim in the refreshing fjord waters—a fantastic way to explore Oslo like a local.
One thing to note is that Oslofjord does not look like the dramatic and impressive fjords Norway is famous for. However, it’s still a beautiful fjord and it offers some great activities on the water.
A fun year-round activity is taking a 2-hour sightseeing cruise! There are several tour boats that all leave from the harbour near Aker Brygge. We had a fantastic time enjoying the views of Oslo from the water on a cold winter day. The view of Oslo and the surrounding area was breathtaking and the information provided by the guide was fun and interesting.
Taking a fjord cruise is a great idea if you want to do something fun, but want to take a break from walking. Just sit down and relax for 2 hours and enjoy the sights!
One word of warning if you plan on taking this cruise during the winter time: wear warm clothes because it can get seriously COLD! You’re going to be outside, exposed to the elements, which in Norway can be harsh. The temperature always feels a bit colder on the water and combined with the wind it can get icy cold. Our boat trip provided guests with blankets, which were much appreciated, but most of the guests still moved inside after a while. If you are wearing good thermal clothing, a wool hat and scarf and gloves you should be fine.
There are also electric fjord cruises that offer a relaxed boat ride where you can enjoy the view from behind glass. This could be a great alternative if you want to enjoy the view, without the cold. We thought braving the cold was actually quite a fun experience! And afterwards, we popped into a restaurant near the harbour for a bite to eat and a pot of steaming hot tea to warm back up.
During winter, one of the best ways to experience the Oslofjord is on a winter fjord cruise that includes dinner. Sit back, relax, and soak up the stunning winter views while enjoying a delicious meal on board!
3. Walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House
The iconic building of the Oslo Opera House (Operahuset) is designed to resemble a glacier rising out of the fjord. The building's most distinctive feature is its sloping marble roof, which extends from ground level and seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape. The sloping roof acts as a public plaza and was designed to be walked on by visitors. You can walk right up to the roof via the crisscross flat levels until you reach the top where you can admire the stunning views.
We visited in the middle of winter, so the roof was covered in a thick layer of snow. This only added to the feeling of walking on a snowy mountain! It’s a stunning spot to enjoy a sunset when the weather allows.
If you look out across the water from the rooftop of the opera house you’ll see a sculpture of a ship in the water. This floating stainless steel and glass sculpture is called ‘She Lies’ and is tethered to the harbour floor, but can still turn and change depending on the tides and currents. That part of the fjord was frozen over in December, so the sculpture was frozen in place until the next spring.
The Oslo Opera House serves as the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. It hosts a diverse range of opera, ballet and musical performances throughout the year, featuring both classical and contemporary works.
4. Visit Museums in Oslo
Whether you’re into modern art or would like to know more about Scandinavian history, there’s something for everyone at one of the many museums that Oslo has to offer. Here are some of the most popular museums in Oslo:
These popular museums can be found on the Bygdøy Peninsula:
The Viking Ship Museum: This very popular museum allows you to explore well-preserved Viking ships and more than 5500 artefacts from the Viking Era that were unearthed from archaeological sites in Norway.
NOTE: The Viking Ship Museum is closed for renovations until 2027, it will then reopen as ‘The Museum of the Viking Age’. Until the reopening, the Viking exhibitions can be visited at the Historical Museum in the middle of Oslo city centre.
The Fram Museum: Learn about Norwegian polar exploration at the Fram Museum, which houses the famous polar ship Fram and exhibits on Norwegian explorers such as Roald Amundsen.
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum): Travel back in time at one of the world’s largest open-air museums. Walk right into history and see what life was like in the olden days. You’ll find 160 historic buildings, including the famous Gol Stave wooden church that was built in the 1200s.
The Kon-Tiki Museum: This museum is dedicated to the expeditions of the Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, particularly his famous Kon-Tiki raft journey across the Pacific Ocean.
Check out these museums that are around the Oslo city centre:
The National Museum: This is the largest museum of art, architecture and design in Norway. You’ll find everything from paintings, fairytales and fashion exhibitions to ceramic art and statues.
The Historical Museum: This museum focuses on exhibitions about Norwegian History, from the Stone Age to the Viking Age and the Middle Ages.
The Munch Museum: See the works of renowned Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. This museum exhibits over half of Munch’s paintings, including his iconic painting "The Scream".
The Nobel Peace Center: Located near Oslo City Hall, the Nobel Peace Center explores the history and significance of the Nobel Peace Prize. It features exhibits on past laureates, peace efforts around the world and interactive installations promoting peace and human rights.
The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art: This contemporary art museum showcases works by leading international artists, as well as Norwegian contemporary art. It features rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection.
5. Stroll through Frogner Park & Vigeland Sculpture Park
In the upscale Frogner neighbourhood, you’ll find Frogner Park. It’s the largest public park in Oslo and a popular recreational area for both locals and visitors. Inside the park, you’ll find expansive lawns, winding pathways and lush greenery. It offers a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city and it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely walk or spontaneous picnic.
During the summer months, Frogner Park is a hotspot for cultural activities. It hosts outdoor concerts, theatre performances and festivals, making it a popular meeting spot for both tourists and locals.
Within Frogner Park you’ll find the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park (Vigelandsanlegget). Wander around the park and admire the unique sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland, a Norwegian sculptor. With over 200 sculptures it’s the world’s largest display of sculptures by a single artist.
Two of the most iconic features of the Vigeland Sculpture Park are the Monolith and the Bridge. In the centre of the park, high on a hill you'll find The Monolith. The Monolith is a towering granite column carved with intertwined human figures, symbolizing the cycle of life and the struggle for spiritual fulfilment. The Bridge is adorned with dozens of bronze sculptures representing different human emotions and experiences. The famous ‘crying baby statue’ can be found in the middle of this bridge.
Whether you’re into art or not, a visit to this park is definitely a fun way to spend an afternoon. Some of the sculptures are beautiful, others simply bizarre. Either way, you’re sure to be entertained. The park is open daily and free to visit.
6. Explore the Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress, also known as Akershus Castle or Akershus Festning, is a medieval fortress located right by the harbour of Oslo. It was originally built in the late 13th century as a defensive stronghold and royal residence. Over the centuries, it served as a military fortress, royal palace, prison and government seat.
Explore the fortress grounds, walk along its ramparts and visit its various historical buildings and museums. From the walls of the fortress you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Oslo and its fjord. It’s a great spot to spend a relaxed afternoon. Access to the grounds and walls is free, but the museums have an entrance fee.
7. Sweat it out in a Floating Sauna
Are you looking for a unique experience? All around the harbour area of Oslo you’ll notice small wooden cabins floating on the water. These are urban saunas, you can book a timeslot to relax in the hot sauna and then cool off in the freezing fjord! Yes, that’s right, after you’ve been working up a sweat in the sauna you cool off by jumping in the fjord!
We really wanted to try this, but given that it was -20 Celsius (-4°F) we chickened out… However, this didn’t stop others from going for the full Viking experience! When you walk along the waterfront you’ll see people coming out of the saunas and taking a quick dip. Most quickly lower themselves in the water via a ladder and run back inside to the warmth of the sauna, but we also saw some diehards taking a leisurely swim between the floating ice…
8. Explore the Nordmarka Forest
Looking for some adventure? Oslo’s stunning nature is only a 30-minute metro ride away. Jump on the T-Bane (metro) towards Frognerseteren, this metro will take you from the middle of the city centre right to the top of Holmenkollen, the hill on the northwestern side of Oslo. Here you find the Nordmarka forest, the perfect spot for an escape from the city. Explore the beautiful wilderness of Nordmarka forest with stunning views across Oslo.
During the summer, you can enjoy Nordmarka on foot, exploring different hiking routes, or pick up the pace on the bike trails for an extra thrill. Don’t forget to pack a lunch and have yourself a picnic with a view across Oslo. For a unique adventure, try an electric mountain bike tour through Oslomarka. This 3-hour guided ride takes you through scenic forest trails, past pristine lakes, and up and down hills with breathtaking views—perfect for experiencing the natural beauty just outside Oslo without breaking too much of a sweat!
In the wintertime, thick layers of snow completely transform this forest into a magical winter wonderland. This is the perfect time to enjoy typical winter activities. Rent a sled and spend an afternoon sledding down the mountain or cross-country skiing on one of the many trails. If you’ve got waterproof and warm boots then enjoy the views at a slower pace and go for a truly magical hike. There’s nothing like the crunch of fresh snow underneath your boots!
Nordmarka forest has a network of well-marked hiking trails, some shorter and relaxing, others long and more challenging. The trails meander through the forest, along lakeshores and up to scenic viewpoints. It’s the perfect way to soak up some nature and enjoy the stunning landscape at a slower pace.
Top hiking tip: Take the trail from Frogneseteren to Sognsvann. This way you only walk downhill. Start by taking the metro from the city centre to Frogneseteren station, this is the final stop. From here, follow the signs to Sognsvann as you enjoy a 5-kilometre walk down the hill. You’ll end up at Sognsvann Lake which rewards you with some stunning views along the way. In Sognsvann you can hop on the metro and take a ride back to the city centre.
9. Shop Scandinavian Design
Oslo is an expensive city, but if you’ve got some money to burn, this a also a great place to buy some gorgeous and high-quality goods. Like every other large city, the shops range from handmade artistry to high-end fashion stores, luxury brands and vintage boutiques. There are several malls and department stores, which are also a fun stop to stroll around if the weather is rainy or cold.
We loved that there are so many shops with high-quality home products! You’ll find shops with cosy wool blankets with stunning designs, handmade pottery, gorgeous glassware and beautiful art pieces. We also stumbled upon several shops designated to all you need to turn your kitchen into a culinary heaven.
Most of the fashion brands can be found around Karl Johan Gate. Here you’ll find a plethora of shops all within walking distance. If you’re interested in luxurious European fashion brands then take a walk around the ‘Promenaden Fashion District’. Here you’ll find all the top luxury designer brands.
10. Taste the Oslo Food Scene
You might not immediately think of Oslo when you think of cities with amazing food, but Oslo’s food scene is buzzing and offers high-quality dining options for every palate and budget.
Go to one of the many bustling food halls if you want to try a wide range of delicacies. At the food halls, you’ll find everything from local cuisine to artisanal products and your favourite fast food. Some popular options are Mathallen, Vippa and Barcode Street Food.
If you want to be treated like royalty go for an afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel or Hotel Bristol. Both hotels offer an exquisite afternoon tea experience in a gorgeously decorated restaurant.
Don’t forget to try some local Norwegian dishes. Nordic cuisine emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. A must-try is fresh seafood such as ‘gravlax’, which is traditionally cured salmon. You’ll find lots of fish and shrimp dishes on the menus. Reindeer is another traditional delicacy in Norway. You’ll find it on the menu in the form of steak, meatballs or sausages. A truly unique flavour is that of ‘brunost’ which translates to ‘brown cheese’. This typical Norwegian cheese is known for its slightly sweet caramel-like flavour and creamy texture. Some local bakeries sell incredible muesli buns with brunost, definitely give these a try! If you want to try something new, but don’t feel very adventurous then go for the local chocolate brand: Freia. You’ll find a small shop dedicated to this Norwegian brand in the Karl Johans Gate, or pick up a Freia chocolate bar at any supermarket you stumble upon.
COMING SOON:
The Flavours of Oslo - Ultimate Food Guide
11. Walk up to the Royal Palace
The Karl Johan Gate is the main street in the city of Oslo. This long street takes you from the Oslo Central Station on one end to the Royal Palace on the other side. The Royal Palace is situated on a hill, from which you have a beautiful view of the city centre. Around the Royal Palace, you’ll find Slottsparken (Palace Park), a large green park in the middle of Oslo. This park is a great spot to take a stroll and enjoy a bit of nature.
The Royal Palace is the residence of the king of Norway and you can walk right up to the building. Standing around the building will be the royal guards. Every day at 13.30 the changing of the guards takes place.
During the summertime, the Royal Palace opens its doors to visitors. So if you want to see what it’s like living in such a palace you can book a guided tour!
More Oslo Travel Inspiration
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- Oslo Food Guide
- Visiting Oslo in winter
