Things to Do and See in Oslo, Norway
- romaingillettema
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
Oslo, a historic city, is the capital of Norway, located in the eastern part of the country near the Swedish border.
Top Attractions in Oslo
If you are interested in learning more about Norway’s medieval history, Akershus Festning is a medieval fortress where the king once lived.
The Oslo Opera House has become famous not only for its location but also for its avant-garde architecture. I highly recommend visiting, it’s free to enter. Inside, you can discover a space that is just as surprising and unique as its exterior.
Rådhuset, Oslo’s City Hall, is located right across from the harbor. It’s an impressive building with two large towers and is known for its interior, featuring vast halls and a gigantic mural.
Deichman Bjørvika is a six-story library offering many services, which is quite unique. Inside this special library, you will find a cinema, a restaurant, relaxation and reading rooms, and even an entire floor dedicated to children where they can relax and have fun.
Museums in Oslo Worth Exploring
The city of Oslo is home to many museums, each with its own theme, but the most famous and most popular ones include:
The Fram Museum is a historical museum dedicated to polar exploration. These expeditions took place in the late 1800s and early 1900s and were led by explorers highly respected in Norway. During your visit, you will learn more about maritime history and see some of the greatest ships to have crossed the Arctic.
The Norsk Folkemuseum offers insights into Norwegian culture from its early beginnings to the present day, showing how society has evolved. The museum is unique in that it’s a reconstructed open-air village that immerses visitors in the streets of historical Norway, with authentic buildings that help you experience life as it once was.
The National Museum houses works by many Norwegian artists, including Edvard Munch. The museum mainly features paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted objects that reflect the country’s rich artistic heritage.
At Norway’s Resistance Museum, you will learn a great deal about World War II from Norway's perspective under German occupation. The museum displays authentic objects and documents from those five years of war.
You can also visit the Nobel Peace Center, where the annual Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. It pays tribute to the Nobel Peace Prize laureates, with various exhibitions.
Outdoor Adventures in Oslo
Stroll through the historic streets and neighborhoods of the city, such as Karl Johans Gate, Tjuvholmen, and the pedestrian street Brunerløkka. You can also wander through the city’s flower-filled parks. Vigeland Park is home to a vast number of sculptures displayed in the open air. You can also visit the indoor museum, which is definitely worth visiting.
Take a day to go on a cruise through one of Norway’s iconic fjords, especially the Oslofjord, which offers a truly unique experience.
Norway is famous for its mountainous landscapes. Around the city, you will find several hiking trails, such as Vettakollen or Akerselva, a scenic trail that follows the river starting near the lake.
Where to Eat in Oslo
There are many different types of places to eat in Oslo, depending on your tastes. Restaurants in Norway tend to be quite expensive, but you can still enjoy a great meal at a reasonable price.
If you're in the mood for salmon, waffles, or a coffee, you’ll find both local and international specialties across the city.
One of the most popular areas is the Vulkan district, which is well-known for its vibrant food scene. There are many great restaurants in this neighborhood. For example, you can head to Mathallen Food Hall, where you will find a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and food stalls offering something for everyone.
If you want to explore Norwegian fine dining, here are some restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide: Maaemo, Hyde, and Statholdergaarden.
For a quick, simple, and more affordable meal, places like Kaffistova, Tullins Café, Tunco, and the Paleet Food Hall, which features several dining options, are perfect to satisfy your cravings.
Planning Your Visit to Oslo
Start by choosing the time of year you’d like to explore the city. If you’re looking for pleasant weather and sunshine, summer is the best time to come, just keep in mind that it’s also peak tourist season. The months of June and September are ideal for discovering the city in more comfortable conditions.
Four days in Oslo are enough to see most of the city's highlights and to learn more about the country. However, you can easily stay longer without running out of things to do.
I recommend getting the Oslo Pass, which gives you access to many attractions and public transport, making your visit more economical.
If you’re flying in, be aware that the airport is about 40 minutes from Oslo. You’ll need to take a taxi or a bus, but if you have the Oslo Pass, you won’t need to purchase a separate ticket for the journey to the city center.
Be sure to plan your outings according to the weather forecast. The weather in Oslo can change quickly, even in summer. Before leaving, make sure to pack a raincoat and an umbrella, they will definitely come in handy.
Conclusion
Oslo is a very attractive city with a wide range of activities for all ages and interests. Norway's history is rich and quite fascinating, so I strongly recommend visiting museums to learn more about the country’s past. You absolutely must try Norwegian specialties such as fresh fish or traditional sweet pastries, which are a must! The landscapes outside the city are also worth exploring, as Norway is known for its breathtaking fjords and mountainous scenery. When the weather is nice, take the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, as the weather in Norway is known to be very unpredictable.
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