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Planning a trip to Oslo? Compare 10 tours and activities from licensed local guides, read genuine reviews and book online in minutes. Prices start from €36 per person.
Planning things to do in Oslo is easier than in most capitals, because the city is compact and sits right on a fjord, with forested hills behind it. You can visit a museum in the morning, swim or paddle in the afternoon and be on a wooded trail by evening. It suits first-time visitors to Scandinavia, design and architecture fans, families, and active travellers who like to cover ground on two wheels.
What sets Oslo apart is how easily urban and outdoor life mix. The waterfront has changed enormously in recent decades, while the east side keeps its old working-class character beside new cafes and studios. Prices are high, so it pays to plan, but a lot of the best experiences, such as walking the waterfront, riding river paths and strolling through parks, cost little.
Oslo's east has long been the city's working-class half, and today it is where old brick, street art and independent cafes sit side by side. This private tour of Oslo's historic and trendy east is given in English and lasts 2 hours, which makes it a good first-day orientation. Having a guide explain how the neighbourhoods changed is worth more than a map. Wear comfortable shoes, and check the tour page for the meeting point and route details.
The Akerselva river runs from the hills down toward the fjord, passing old mill buildings, small waterfalls and green stretches in the middle of the city. An e-bike takes the sting out of the climbs. The e-bike rental for up to 7 hours is a sensible choice if you want a relaxed day with stops for coffee. Bring a light waterproof layer, as Oslo weather can turn quickly, and start in the morning to have the paths to yourself.
If you would rather not watch the clock, the full-day e-bike rental lets you string together the waterfront, parks and residential districts at your own pace. Oslo has many cycle routes, and the electric assist makes the hillier parts manageable even if you are not a regular cyclist. Pack water, a small snack and a lock, and plan a loop with at least one swimming or picnic stop. Check the tour page for what is included before you go.
The white marble building at the edge of the fjord was designed so that you can walk up its sloping roof. From the top you look over the harbour, the islands and the changing district of Bjørvika. It is at its best in late afternoon, when the light turns soft and low. Go up even if you have no ticket for a performance. Bring a jacket, since the wind off the water can be sharp even in summer.
This medieval fortress and later royal residence overlooks the harbour and is one of the oldest landmarks in the city centre. The grounds make a pleasant walk with good views of the fjord and the city hall. Allow an hour or two to wander the ramparts and courtyards. It is a good stop in the morning before the centre fills up. Check current opening times for any interior areas you want to visit.
Inside Frogner Park, hundreds of granite and bronze figures by Gustav Vigeland show people from infancy to old age. The central monolith, a tall column of intertwined bodies, is the centrepiece. Come early or in the evening for fewer people and better photographs. The park is large and open, so plan around an hour, longer if you want to enjoy the rest of Frogner Park with a picnic.
Edvard Munch left a huge number of works to the city, and the museum in the Bjørvika area gives them a modern home. It is best known for The Scream, but the wider collection shows how varied his work was. Book tickets ahead if you can, particularly in high season, and check the current opening hours on the museum's own website. A visit usually fits comfortably into a half-day with a walk along the waterfront.
Bygdøy is home to several museums about Norway's seafaring and polar past, including the Fram Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum. In summer many visitors reach the peninsula by ferry from the city centre, which turns the trip into a short harbour cruise. Plan at least half a day, and check ahead on which museums are open, since the Viking ship collection has been subject to rebuilding and changes.
Local ferries run from the city centre to small islands in the fjord, where you can swim from rocks, walk short trails and picnic. It is the easiest way to feel how close Oslo is to nature. Go on a warm, clear day, pack your own food because options on the islands are limited, and check the current timetable before setting out so you are not stranded on the last boat.
Oslo's food scene covers everything from traditional Norwegian dishes to street food and bakeries. A food hall such as Mathallen on the Akerselva is a handy way to sample several things in one place, and the harbour area of Aker Brygge is good for an evening stroll with a view. Go slightly outside peak lunch or dinner times for easier seating, and budget carefully, because eating out is one of the larger expenses in the city.
Summer, from roughly June to August, is the most popular season. Days are long, the fjord is busy with boats and swimmers, and outdoor terraces are full. Around midsummer it hardly gets dark, which makes late walks and rides appealing. Expect more visitors and higher demand for accommodation then.
Spring and early autumn are quieter and good for cycling and walking. In spring, parks turn green and daylight stretches quickly. In autumn, the forests around the city turn colour, though rain becomes more likely. Bring layers in both seasons.
Winter is cold and dark, with short days, but the city has a calm, cosy feel, and snow can make the surrounding hills very attractive. Museums, cafes and saunas are good places to spend the hours of darkness. Cycling is less practical when there is ice, so check conditions before you plan a ride.
We have not listed specific airport details in this guide, so check your flight confirmation for the arrival airport and its onward connections. If you prefer to avoid working out public transport after a flight, you can book a private airport transfer in advance and have a driver waiting for you.
Once in the city, the centre is small enough to explore on foot, and the public transport network of trams, buses, metro and ferries covers the rest. Many visitors use a mix of walking and public transport for sights further out, and e-bikes work well for longer routes in good weather. Check ticket options and zones on the operator's official channels before you travel.