The 11 best things to do in Oslo, Norway
Maybe not the first European capital that comes into your mind but absolutely worth a visit: OSLO, Norway. The city is located in the Oslo Fjord and mainly known for the green surroundings, the various sightseeing opportunities and the laid-back Norwegian culture. Oslo is a perfect contrast of the big city life and a short glimpse of nature´s beauty in Norway. With the fjord you can get an insight into the stunning landscape of the country and while strolling through the city you will be amazed by the different architectures, the cultural activities and the stylish street wear. Oslo is therefore made for a city trip, either just for a weekend or a short stop before starting to explore more of Norway. Here is a list of the best things to do in Olso which will make your experience unforgettable and help you show the best side of the city. Ready?
Walk up the roof of the Oslo Opera House
It is by far the most impressive building in the city: the Oslo Opera House. This is the place where almost any city trip through Oslo finds its beginning, as the Opera House is located directly next to the Oslo Central Station at the water. You will quickly notice that the Opera House is not only a popular place for tourists to visit but as well for the locals to hang out during the warmer days. The unique architecture and forming make it the perfect spot to watch the sunset or to just sit down for a few minutes and enjoy the view.
You can walk up the roof of the Opera House for an even better view over the city´s roofs. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Oslo and the number 1 spot for your city trip. A place to hang out, to watch and to enjoy the city at its best. You will see!
Stroll around the Bygdoy Peninsula
Bygdoy is a Peninsula in the Oslo Fjord and not far away from the city center. It can easily be reached by boat or by foot. It is mainly home to some of Olso´s best museums but as well to many green hideaways. This is one of the best things to do in Olso for those, who love to get more into the history of the city and the country and would love to see a little bit of the landscape. You could spend a whole day just wandering around the Peninsula, visiting the museums or enjoy the view over the water.
If you take a boat trip over the Oslo Fjord, sometimes a stopover at Bygdoy is included or you can jump off at the Peinsula at the end of the tour.
Take a baot trip over the breathtaking Oslo Fjord
Did anyone say boat trip? This is by far one of the best things to do in Olso for any traveller. The boat trips over the fjord are one of the major tourist attractions and therefore, it should be high up on your list.
The good news: you can easily adapt the experience to your budget. The great variety of different offers makes it a suitable experience for anyone. You can either choose the basic two-hour tour over the Oslo Fjord (which is highly recommended and you will get all the highlights) or you can book a more fancy dinner or lunch cruise. This is especially popular during the summer months when you can enjoy the warmer weather on the water.
There are even special tours, such as a jazz boat tour. Just have a look for yourself and create your very own experience.
Independently of which tour you choose, be prepared to fall in love with Oslo from the water. The drive through the fjord will pass some of the most beautiful summer houses and cute little islands. This will give you a short glimpse of what Norway really is about and how beautiful the landscape is. Definitely an absolute highlight to do in Oslo.
Visit the different museums
You basically cannot visit Oslo without stopping in at least one museum. The city really is full with different museums which invite you to learn more about history, art or culture. Here is a small collection of the most popular museums Oslo has to offer:
- The Viking Ship Museum
- Norwegian National Gallery
- Munch Museum
- Ski Museum at the Holmenkollen
If you happen to visit Oslo on a rainy day, a museum might be a good idea. And even if it´s sunny, you can perfectly spend two hours getting to know more about the culture of Norway. The entry fees are usually between 7 and 15 Euros and with the Oslo Pass you can get some good discounts.
If you plan to visit the Munch Museum, be aware that they tend to be booked out quite fast. To avoid a disappointment, you can book your tickets online in advance and select a certain time frame for your visit. It is recommended to arrive earlier in the morning (around 10 am) as it gets quite busy afterwards. During this time you can still enjoy the paintings with less visitors around you.
Have some drinks at Aker Brygge
A city trip without having a glass of wine, a beer or an aperol spritz during the day? Let´s be honest, it just makes it more fun The best place in Oslo for a few drinks during the day and, with some luck, even outside in the sun, is Aker Brygge. It is located directly at the water, next to the main pier where most of the boat trips to the fjord take off.
You can choose between different bars and restaurants, most of them do have a comfy outdoor seating as well. Plus, this place is perfect for some people-watching. Enjoy your drink while you watch the tourist and the locals walking by. And of course, you can enjoy the view over the harbor and the water – promise, it won´t get any better than this.
Take a trip to Holmenkollen for a panorama view
Ready for an impressive panorama view of the whole Oslo Fjord? If that got your attention, you should put a visit to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump on your list of the best things to do in Oslo.
The sport itself is already exciting and fascinating enough, but the view over the city from the top is absolutely mind-blowing. If you´re interested in ski jumping, you can also visit the museum at the Holmenkollen. It is open all year round and located a little outside of the city center but can easily be reached with the public transport.
The best view over Oslo from the rooftop of the Munch Museum
Are you ready for the absolute best view over Oslo? To get this you need to enter the Munch Museum next to the Oslo Opera House (which is recommended anyways). Take the moving stairs up to the very top where the restaurant is. The higher you go, the better the view already is. But on this floor, you will find a viewing platform where you can overlook the whole city. Enjoy the view over the Opera House, the Holmenkollen and some parts of the Oslo Fjord.
This really is a little secret tip and a nice bonus if you decide to visit the Munch Museum. Because this place has even more to offer than the famous paintings!
Enjoy the green surroundings at Frogner Park
During the warmer months, this is one of the best things to do in Oslo: chill at the Frogner Park. The park is the biggest one in Oslo and a popular spots for both tourists and locals. The small green hideaway in the city is also home to the Gustav Vigeland sculpture exhibition.
Visit the Royal Palace
You probably did know that Norway is a kingdom and has a Royal family. If not, you will notice it quickly when arriving in Oslo. The Royal Family can be spotted on many post cards and posters. The Royal Palace is located directly in the city center and you can easily reach it by foot from the main shopping road. With some pretty parks around, it is a nice place to hang out for a while and explore the gardens.
A night out in Olso?
Sure, why not. But be aware that the prices for alcohol are quite high in Norway. Despite a night out being quite expensive, most travellers do it at least once. I mean saying that you partied in Oslo is pretty cool, right?
There are different locations for a good party in Oslo. From fancy night club to basic pubs with some good music – you can choose. During the summer nights, you can also find some good vibes by the water. There are festivals or smaller events where you can dive right into the Norwegian evening program.
Have a break in the Oslo food halls (Vippa)
Oslo is not only famous for a good cuisine and fancy restaurants, but as well the food halls. As the name already suggests those are bigger halls filled with different food stands. You can get little snacks, some good drinks or taste the Norwegian specialties. One of the most popular of those places I Vippa, which is located about 10 minutes from the Opera House directly at the water. They do not only offer Norwegian food, but as well from different cultures. Taste the Mexican tappas while enjoying a good local beer. During the warmer days, you can sit outside by the water and enjoy the sun.
Doesn’t that sound like the perfect break from sightseeing all day long?
Walk down Karl Johan
And last but not least, let´s not forget about the shopping. I mean, the locals do get their fancy streetstyle clothes somewhere, right? The Karl Johan is the main shopping road in central Oslo. You will basically find any shop here, suitable for any budget. Make sure to check it out!
Oslo really holds an extraordinary experience for every traveller – some love the laid-back atmosphere, others cannot get enough of the cultural activities. Maybe Oslo is just your stopover before exploring more of Norway and Scandinavia – whatever it is, make sure you take at least a day to explore the city and get to know the best of it!
