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With exceptional museums, an intriguing foodie scene and stunning nature, Oslo is one of the most compelling cities in Europe. As someone who prioritises all of the above and more when it comes to a city break, it was always going to be high on my list.
I was intending to visit anyway, as I was heading to Øyafestivalen, where the likes of The Cure, Nick Cave and more were playing. So what better excuse to explore more of Oslo’s cultural scene than to weave a city break into my gig-tripping extravaganza?
The Norwegian capital has all the makings of a seriously good European city break, particularly if, like me, you’re drawn to culture, food and the great outdoors. With more than 30 museums and attractions included in the Oslo Pass, it’s fair to say there are plenty of things to do in Oslo to keep culture vultures occupied.
From art and fascinating history to some seriously impressive architecture, I was keen to see just how much Oslo had to offer beyond the festival stages.
How long do you need in Oslo?
Two days would be enough to comfortably tick off some of the best things to do in Oslo, particularly if you plan your time well. Ideally, though, I’d recommend allowing four or five days if you can, giving you enough time to explore the city’s museums and galleries, wander its different neighbourhoods and enjoy its stunning natural surroundings without feeling like you’re constantly racing from one attraction to the next.
Getting around Oslo
Oslo is compact and easy to explore on foot, while the city’s excellent public transport makes it simple to get further afield. Even better, public transport is included with the Oslo Pass, making it a handy option if you’re planning to pack lots into your things to do in Oslo list.
Where to stay in Oslo
When it comes to where to stay in Oslo, I’d recommend keeping yourself fairly central, particularly if you’re visiting for a city break. Hobo Oslo is a great option if you want somewhere that feels cool and contemporary without going all-out on the budget.
Right in the heart of the city, it has a distinctly hip, creative feel, with colourful communal spaces, restaurants and bars, while many of Oslo’s main sights are within easy walking distance.
If you’re looking to splash out, Sommerro is THE hotel to check in to! This glamorous five-star hotel occupies a beautifully restored Art Deco building in the upmarket Frogner neighbourhood, combining period details with seriously stylish interiors, a rooftop pool and sauna which is absolutely beautiful, restaurants and bars, and a basement wellness area.
It’s a destination in itself, but still close enough to the centre to make a convenient base for exploring Oslo.
So, what should you actually see and do while you’re here? These are the places and experiences I’d recommend adding to your things to do in Oslo itinerary.
Take a dip in a floating sauna
A floating sauna session is one of the most quintessentially Oslo experiences, and it’s a really fun way to see the city from a different perspective. Spend around 90 minutes moving between the sauna and a swim in the Oslofjord, with plenty of options dotted around the waterfront. Oslo Badstuforening alone has 18 saunas across five locations.
For a particularly scenic setting, head to Sukkerbiten, close to the MUNCH Museum, where you can take a dip with views across the fjord.
Explore Oslo’s impressive sculpture parks
One of the things I loved about Oslo is how easily art spills out of its galleries and into the great outdoors. The city is home to two impressive sculpture parks, with the world-renowned Vigeland Sculpture Park showcasing more than 200 works by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, including the instantly recognisable Monolith and Angry Boy.
One of the unmissable things to do in Oslo, it is also free to enter and set within the sprawling Frogner Park, it’s one of those sights that’s worth making time for.
For something a little more contemporary, head to Ekebergparken, where sculptures and installations by Norwegian and international artists are scattered across wooded paths and open spaces on a hill overlooking Oslo and the fjord.
With works by the likes of Auguste Rodin, Louise Bourgeois and James Turrell, it’s as much about the setting as the art – and another great example of how Oslo manages to combine culture with nature.
Walk across the roof of the Oslo Opera House
One of Oslo’s most recognisable landmarks, the Opera House is impressive from the outside – but its sloping, marble-clad roof is designed to be walked across, making it as much a public space as it is a spectacular piece of architecture.
Walk to the top for panoramic views across the beautiful harbour, then head inside to discover the equally impressive auditorium. If you’re looking for a cultural night out, the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet stages opera, ballet and concerts here throughout the year.
See Edvard Munch’s masterpieces at MUNCH
If you’re going to visit one art museum in Oslo, make it MUNCH. Housed in a striking 13-storey building overlooking the Oslofjord, it’s home to the world’s largest collection of Edvard Munch’s work, including The Scream, Madonna and The Sun, alongside changing exhibitions of contemporary art.
But Munch’s connection with Oslo goes well beyond the museum – you can follow in the artist’s footsteps around the city, from Ekebergparken, where the landscape inspired The Scream, to Ekely, the studio and home where he spent the final years of his life.
Cruise the Oslofjord
You can’t visit Oslo without getting out onto the water, and a cruise along the Oslofjord is one of the easiest ways to see the city from a different perspective. Boats weave through the fjord past wooded islands, colourful waterfront neighbourhoods and little summer houses, with plenty of opportunities to simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Cruises vary from short sightseeing trips to longer excursions, so it’s easy to fit one into even a busy schedule of things to do in Oslo itinerary.
Get your culture fix at the National Museum
Big, bold and packed with Norwegian treasures, the National Museum is a must for art, architecture and design lovers. The largest art museum in the Nordic countries, it houses more than 400,000 objects, with thousands of works on display, including Edvard Munch’s The Scream and Madonna, alongside pieces by Picasso, Monet and Gauguin.
The building itself is a showstopper, with a vast Light Hall, temporary exhibitions and, best of all, a rooftop terrace with sweeping views across the city and harbour. Head up after exploring the galleries to take in the panorama from above – it’s a pretty spectacular way to round off a few hours of culture when working out the best things to do in Oslo.
Step back in time at Akershus Fortress
Perched on a headland overlooking Oslo’s harbour, Akershus Fortress is the place to come for a dose of the city’s medieval history. Construction began in 1299 under King Håkon V, and the fortress has survived more than 700 years of sieges, battles and political intrigue, later being transformed into a Renaissance castle and royal residence.
The historic grounds, castle and museums offer plenty to see, while the fortress commands excellent views across the harbour and beyond. Right in the city centre, it’s an easy addition to a day of sightseeing. The grounds are free to enter, while admission to the castle is included with the Oslo Pass, making it a particularly worthwhile stop if you’re planning to make the most of the pass.
Get to know Oslo’s hip neighbourhoods
For a taste of Oslo away from the big museums and landmarks, head to Grünerløkka. One of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods, it’s packed with colourful street art, independent shops, vintage stores, cafés, bars and restaurants. It’s the kind of place where you can easily while away a few hours browsing the boutiques, spotting street art and stopping for something to eat.
A particular highlight for me was Bønder i Byen, a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant championing Norwegian ingredients and traditional flavours. Its Norwegian Treasure Plate is a must, with a generous sharing board piled high with local delicacies including cured meats, Norwegian cheeses and smoked fish – a brilliant introduction to some of the country’s most exciting cuisine.
Wander Oslo’s waterfront
One of my favourite things to do in Oslo is simply to follow the waterfront and see where you end up. The harbour promenade takes you past some of the city’s most striking architecture, from the Opera House and MUNCH to lively Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, where waterside bars, cafés and restaurants make it almost impossible not to stop for a drink or a bite to eat.
For a memorable meal along the way, make a beeline for The Salmon. Norwegian salmon is, unsurprisingly, the star of the menu, with everything from sashimi and sushi to grilled and smoked dishes. The sashimi is particularly worth trying, showcasing the freshness and quality of the Norwegian fish in its simplest form.
Discover the stories behind the Nobel Peace Prize
For something a little different from Oslo’s art museums, head to the Nobel Peace Center. Right by the waterfront, this engaging museum should rank pretty high on your list of things to do in Oslo. It tells the stories of Alfred Nobel, the Peace Prize and its laureates, using exhibitions, digital experiences and original material to explore the people and ideas that have shaped the prize.
The Medal Chamber and Nobel’s Field, where thousands of lights represent every Peace Prize laureate, are particular highlights and most definitely one of the things to do in Oslo that you can’t miss.
Catch some live music in Oslo
Oslo punches well above its weight when it comes to live music, with a thriving scene that spans everything from indie and rock to jazz, electronic and experimental sounds. Beyond the city’s big festivals, you’ll find a wealth of smaller venues and bars putting on live gigs throughout the week, making it easy to catch a band or discover a new favourite while you’re in town.
Grünerløkka is a particularly good place to start, with plenty of lively bars and intimate venues where the music carries on long after the sightseeing is done.
See Norway’s past brought to life
Set across the open-air grounds of Bygdøy, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History brings together more than 150 historic buildings from across Norway, offering a fascinating glimpse into how people lived in the country over the centuries.
The highlight has to be the beautiful medieval Gol Stave Church, dating back to the 12th century, but there are also old farmhouses, town buildings and traditional homes to explore. It’s a great way to experience a very different side of Norwegian culture from the contemporary art and architecture found in central Oslo.
Make the most of your time in Oslo with the Oslo Pass, it offers free entry to 30+ museums and attractions, along with discounts on sightseeing, restaurants, cafés and more. As well as serving up some great things to do in Oslo, the pass also includes free public transport across zones 1, 2, 3 and 4V/4N, as well as free travel to and from Oslo Airport on Vy trains.
Photo Credit: Visit Oslo
