What to do in Oslo |A Quick Guide

Oslo presents the visitor with a wonderful mix of contrasts; a capital city with a relaxed atmosphere. In fact, it is reminiscent of a much smaller town. You have the natural backdrop of the waterscape of the Oslofjord whilst being surrounded by forested hills. You aslo have historical features such as the Akershus Fortress and eye-catching architectural innovation, such as the Opera house. Public transport allows easy access around the city and beyond so the sights are never far away. Put into perspective it is not surprising that Oslo is always ranked highly in terms of quality of life. A breath of fresh air is probably the best way to describe this compact yet vibrant Scandinavian hub. If you are wondering what to do in Oslo, then this quick guide is for you.

Getting There

Getting to Oslo is easy. from the UK with plenty of flights departing from the London terminals as well as other airports around the country. Oslo Gardermoen Airport is the city’s major airport and is the main international gateway to Norway. On arrival it’s an easy journey by train or bus into the city centre.

Both the train and bus station can be found on the Airport’s basement floor, but the easiest way to travel from the airport to the city centre is with the VY train. In less than 25 minutes you’ll be in the city centre.

Checking In: Thon Hotel Oslo Panorama

For our stay in Oslo, we opted to stay at the Thon Hotel Panorama, located in the quiet but central area of Kvadraturen. The location was ideal as it was just a short walk from Oslo Central Station, and all of the city’s attractions. As the name suggests, the hotel offers panoramic views across the Oslofjord from its top floors.

We had a really spacious room on the 1st floor with a large outdoor terrace, kitchenette and a large en-suite bathroom. Our deal also included an excellent breakfast buffet and complimentary WiFi. I would highly recommend the hotel if you happen to be planning a trip to Oslo.

Main Neighbourhoods

Unlike many other cities, Oslo is not neatly divided into separate neighbourhoods or districts. For most visitors they will not venture much further than the city centre – with the Central Station to the east and the Royal Palace to the west. This is where most accommodation and tourist attractions are located

Central Oslo

Again, the city centre is not a real neighbourhood as such but it is the core of the city.  Most of the city’s hotels and restaurants can be found here, along with almost fifty museums and galleries. You also have a handful of other attractions including the Akerhus Castle, the National Gallery and the Historical Museum.

The Old Town (or Gamlebyen)

To the south of the Parliament Building (Stortinget) and Karl Johans Gate (the main pedestrian street through the centre of Oslo) is the old town. Here you will find plenty of authentic and atmospheric restaurants, along with the Old Town Hall and the Norwegian Resistance Museum.

Aker Brygge

Oslo’s newest neighbourhood is Aker Brygge. This is near the mouth of the Oslofjord in what used to be the city’s old wharf and shipbuilding area. Nowadays however, the area is filled with steel-and-glass buildings. These house a great number of restaurants and shopping outlets, as well as theatres and cultural attractions. Not to mention fancy apartments for such well-heeled owners as Diana Ross.

The West End

Just a 15 minute journey with public transport from the city centre, you will find yourself a chic residential area which also boasts some of the city’s most luxurious hotels and dining establishments. The peacefulness of the area, yet a short commute, makes it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowded centre. It is made up mostly of pleasant residential streets, so you will not find much in terms of attractions. However, it is still worth a visit.

Bygdøy Peninsula

You can’t really visit Oslo without taking a ferry across the Fjord to the Bygdøy peninsula. Here you will find a whole host of fantastic museums including the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Viking ships, the polar ship Fram, and the Kon-Tiki Museum.

Grünerløkka

Once the city’s working class district, Grünerløkka (or Løkka) to the east of the city centre, has undergone a huge gentrification process and is now one of the city’s most ‘hip’ areas. You’ll find plenty of trendy eateries, chic boutiques and just a little distance from Thorvald Meyers Gate, a more grungy art-orientated area filled with street art and artist quarters. It is also in Grünerløkka that you will find Oslo’s food hall, Mathallen. For more on Grünerløkka you might find my post on urban Oslo interesting.

What to see in Oslo

Whilst Oslo isn’t your typical Scandinavian city, with colourful streets and an abundance of pretty buildings, it is a very cosmopolitan centre offering its inhabitants and visitors a wealth of cultural and historical attractions.

Bygdoy Peninsula Museums

No trip to Oslo is complete without a ferry ride across the Fjord to the Bygdoy Peninsula. The journey takes no time at all – just twenty minutes – and delivers you right to the doorstep of some of Norway greatest museums. There is a museum for everyone on the peninsula.

• Viking Ship Museum which exhibits the world’s two best preserved wooden Viking ships along with a collection of interesting artefacts
• Fram Museum – climb aboard the strongest wooden ship ever built. It is made even more impressive by the fact that it still holds the record for sailing the furthest north and south from the equator
• Kon-Tiki Museum – learn about Thor Heyerdahl’s trip across the Pacific Ocean on the balsawood raft Kon-Tiki in 1947 and experience the original vessels yourself. Although not a huge museum, the exhibits are really fascinating. If you happen to time your visit right you can also enjoy the original, Oscar-winning Kon-Tiki documentary which is screened every day at 12 noon in the cinema on the lower level
• Norway’s Culture Museum – one of Europe’s largest open-air museums, the Norsk Folke Museum features over 150 traditional houses from all parts of Norway and a stave church from the year 1200. Its indoor exhibits also teach you everything you want to know about Norway’s culture and history

Akershus Fortress

Situated in the city centre on the banks of the Oslo Fjord, the medieval fortress is a great place to learn more about Oslo’s history. Completed in the 1300s the fortress had a strategic position at the end of the headland and has withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages.

Vigeland Park (Frogner Park)

Not only is this unique sculpture park one of Oslo’s tourist attractions, but is also one of Norway’s most popular with over one million visitors every year. The park contains more than 200 bronze, granite and cast iron structures – the most famous of which are the little Angry Boy (Sinnataggen), the Monolith (Monolitten) and the Wheel of Life (Livshjulet).

Oslofjord

Stretching 100 km in length, the Oslofjord is the scenic gem of the city and tourists can flock to its waters to enjoy various possibilities. From enjoying a relaxing boat trip, to more active options such as kayaking, canoeing, diving, fishing and sailing, the fjord has something to offer everyone and each of its islands have their own characteristics and history.

Royal Palace

At the top end of Karl Johans gate is the royal residence, home to King Harald V and Queen Sonja. Neo-classical in style, the building has a facade of stuccoed brick and its surrounding parkland features grassy areas, majestic trees, small ponds and numerous statues. Be sure to catch the changing of the guard ceremony which takes place at 1.30pm every day.

Holmenkollbakken

Any winter sports fans may already be aware that Oslo is the home to the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, the oldest of its kind in the world. The museum presents over 4000 years of skiing history, artifacts from the Norwegian polar exploration and an exhibition on snowboarding and modern skiing. The Holmenkollen also offers panoramic views of the city from its observation desk at the top of the jump tower.

Oslo Opera house

Located right on the harbour front, Oslo’s Opera House has an angled, white exterior which seemingly rises from the water. Visitors are invited to climb its roof where they are met with views across the city and fjord. Inside, the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet offers a rich and varied programme.

What to eat in Oslo

I must admit that during my time in Oslo I didn’t actually sample much of the local or national cuisine. However my research tells me there are a number of specialities to be found in Norway and just in case you fancy being adventurous I thought I’d share a few with you.

• Fenalår – marinated mutton that is smoked, sliced, salted, dried and served with crispbread, scrambled egg and beer
• Fiskeboller – fish balls, served under a white sauce or on open sandwiches
• Gravetlaks – salmon marinated in salt, sugar, dill and brandy
• Kjøttkaker med – home-made burgers with surkål cabbage and a sweet and sour sauce
• Rakfisk – fermented fish

Where to eat in Oslo

Oslo boasts a vibrant and diverse food scene, offering something for every palate. For a taste of traditional Norwegian cuisine, try restaurants like Fjord or Eik, serving dishes featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

If you’re craving something modern and innovative, visit Maaemo, one of Oslo’s most celebrated fine-dining establishments. For a more casual experience, Grünerløkka is filled with trendy cafés and eateries, perfect for brunch or a cosy dinner. Additionally, Mathallen food hall is a great spot to sample a variety of international cuisines in one place, from Asian dishes to artisanal Norwegian specialties.

Getting Around

Oslo is a city made for exploring by foot – in fact there is a direct route between the Central Station right up to the Royal Palace (Slottet). The only sights you have to rely on transport to reach are the museum-loaded Bygdøy peninsula and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.

I would also add that the Oslo Ticket is well worth getting. Whilst I’m not usually an advocate for tourist city cards, we found the Oslo Ticket was actually really worth investing in. Not only does it give you free admission to all the museums and other attractions but it also grants you free public transport – just in case you don’t fancy walking everywhere!

Tips for Visiting Oslo

• Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) offers pleasant weather, while winter brings magical snowy landscapes and cosy experiences.
• Public Transportation is efficient, making it easy to get around without a car.
• Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes – Oslo is best explored on foot!

Day Trips from Oslo

Tønsberg – A charming coastal town just an hour from Oslo, perfect for exploring picturesque harbor views and historic sites.

Bærum – Visit the beautiful Bærum area for charming coastal walks, outdoor activities, and a visit to the prestigious Kistefos Museum.

Lillehammer – A two-hour scenic drive from Oslo will transport you to Lillehammer, offering historic sites, art museums, and stunning natural landscapes, ideal for hiking or skiing.

Final Thoughts | What to do in Oslo

Oslo offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and modern culture, making it a must-visit destination. From world-class museums and historic sites to scenic landscapes and vibrant food scenes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re spending a day or a few days in the city, Oslo provides a unique experience that combines urban charm with stunning natural beauty. With its efficient public transportation, welcoming locals, and rich heritage, your time in Oslo is sure to be memorable. So pack your bags, immerse yourself in this captivating city, and create lasting memories in Norway’s vibrant capital!