18 tips on things to do in Oslo as a tourist (Attractions & Points of Interest)

Oslo, Norway’s capital, is a modern and open-minded city with an old and rich history. Founded in the 11th century by King Harald Hardrada, Oslo has been the scene of many important events in Norwegian history, such as the signing of the union with Sweden in 1814, the resistance against Nazi occupation in World War II, and the hosting of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony since 1901.

For a relatively small city (by population, at least), Oslo punches way above its weight. It enjoys a privileged location in the Scandinavian region, but it’s also just a short flight away from many major cities on the European continent, including London and Paris. Oslo is also a hub for culture, education, and business, with many prestigious universities, museums, and companies based here.

The city’s cultural scene is equally impressive, boasting world-class museums and galleries. The Munch Museum pays homage to the iconic painter Edvard Munch, providing a comprehensive look at his life and art. Meanwhile, the Viking Ship Museum offers a captivating journey into Norway’s seafaring history, displaying remarkably preserved Viking vessels.

Despite its geographic advantage, Oslo has always thought of itself as being magical and powerful. And even though it’s been around for hundreds of years, it has managed to maintain this special feeling, which can be hard to explain. You would have to feel the magic of Oslo for yourself. Whether it’s the enchanting winter wonderland, the vibrant summer festivals, or the cosy cafes and bars, Oslo has something for everyone.

Oslo has everything that makes Norway well: fresh air, clean water, Viking history, modernity, and innovation. It’s set in one of the most beautiful areas of the world, the Fjordlands, and you can travel there easily from other Nordic capitals like Stockholm or Copenhagen. Oslo is also surrounded by nature, with forests, hills, and lakes offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing.

Oslo is a city that will surprise you with its charm, diversity, and energy. It’s a city that invites you to explore its past, present, and future. It’s a city that will make you fall in love with Norway.

That said, here are 18 tips on things to do in Oslo as a tourist.

1. Nobel Peace Center

As you may know, Norway is now in charge of awarding the Nobel Peace Prize. To be part of the ceremony and dinner, you must be invited, but visiting the centre where the prize is awarded is something that anyone can do. At the Peace Center, you can take advantage of the tremendous work that all the Peace Prize winners over the years have done to make themselves worthy of the prize, and you can also take the opportunity to learn more about Alfred Nobel.

At the Peace Centre, you’ll also find several exhibits and other things where you can learn about war, peace, and conflict resolution. There are also guided tours for those who want them. The Nobel Peace Centre is also great for youngsters. There are several children’s activities that are related to the exhibitions displayed. Children may, for example, get the chance to learn more about the peace process and how they can contribute to it.

What Visitors Say About the Nobel Peace Center on TripAdvisor:

The reviews of the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo on TripAdvisor are predominantly positive. Visitors describe the centre as an informative and moving tribute to Alfred Nobel and the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. It is considered well worth a visit for parents with children and highly appreciated for its educational value.

The exhibitions, often interactive, provide good insight into the history behind the Peace Prize and its significance. The “Woman, Life, Freedom” exhibition is mentioned as particularly impactful.

In summary, the Nobel Peace Center is considered a valuable and thought-provoking experience for visitors to Oslo.

2. Visit Bygdøy

Very close to Oslo city centre is the peninsula Bygdøy, where, among other things, you will find royal buildings such as Bygdøy Kongsgård and Oscar Hall castles, beautiful parks, and a large collection of museums. Some of the museums that are on the Bygdøy are the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, and the Fram Museum. All of the museums are close together, and you can quickly move between them on foot. A visit to this island is a must for those interested in the history of Oslo.

3. Kon-Tiki Museum

At the Kon-Tiki Museum, you can experience the history of Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl, who sailed from Peru to Polynesia, to prove his theories of migrations in the Pacific.

The museum has a number of exhibitions that focus on different aspects of his life and work. There are interactive displays where visitors can try out some of the tasks he faced during his expeditions, such as loading sacks onto rafts, replicas of ancient boats used by indigenous peoples throughout history, and much more.

In addition to all this fascinating information, there are also many items on display at the museum, including artefacts from his trips as well as other interesting artefacts that he collected throughout his lifetime.

It’s a wonderful place to visit as part of a day out with children or just on your own if you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating man’s life and work.

What Visitors Say About the Kon-Tiki Museum on TripAdvisor:

The reviews of the Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo on TripAdvisor are very positive, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Visitors describe the museum as a fascinating insight into Thor Heyerdahl’s adventures and expeditions. They appreciate being able to see the original vessels, such as Kon-Tiki and Ra II, and learning about Heyerdahl’s groundbreaking voyages across the Pacific and Atlantic. Visitors also appreciate the museum’s extensive exhibition on Easter Island, including a replica of a family cave.

A visit to the museum is highly recommended for its historical value and inspiring stories and is considered a must for anyone visiting Oslo.

4. The Maritime Museum

The Norwegian Maritime Museum was founded in 1914 under the name Norsk Sjøfartsmuseum. The museum changed its name to NMM in 2010 and has since 2015 been a part of the Norsk Folkemuseum foundation which includes the Bogstad Manor, the Bygdøy Royal Manor, Eidsvoll 1814, the Ibsen Museum, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.

Oslo Maritime Museum has a lot to offer for visitors interested in all things naval. Here you can learn about the Norwegian fishing industry, coastal life in Norway, marine archaeology, shipbuilding, maritime history, and much more.

The museum includes a variety of boats and other maritime objects from the past, including Norway’s oldest ship, the Viking ship.

It also has a variety of games and activities for children and adults to enjoy, including making paper boats and creating your own Viking avatar.

There is also a cafe where you can get coffee and traditional Norwegian baked goods, as well as beer and wine if you want to put the “fun” in the functions.

What Visitors Say About the Norwegian Maritime Museum on TripAdvisor:

The reviews of the Norwegian Maritime Museum in Oslo on TripAdvisor are generally positive, with an average rating of 4 out of 5. Visitors appreciate the museum’s wide range of boats and its focus on Norway’s maritime history. The interesting exhibitions spanning from the Viking Age to modern cruise ships are particularly appreciated.

While some visitors find the museum not as exciting as the nearby Fram and Kon-Tiki museums, others appreciate the interactive parts and child-friendly exhibitions. Some reviewers mention that the museum could have been more comprehensive, but overall, it is considered worth a visit, especially for those interested in maritime and boats

5. Norwegian Folk Museum

If you want to obtain ample knowledge about Norwegian culture and history, this museum should be at the top of your “to-do” list. It is a great place to immerse yourself in Norwegian history. You can see how buildings were constructed hundreds of years ago and how people lived when they were first built.

There are over 150 structures on-site that have been deconstructed and then reconstructed as they would have looked hundreds of years ago. There are also guided tours available if you’d like an expert guide to walk you through the museum and its exhibits.

There is a recreation area where you can play sports or go hiking. You can also go fishing or picnicking in the area. There is a good restaurant at the museum where you can eat or have coffee and cake. There are also restrooms and shops where you can buy souvenirs.

What Visitors Say About the Norwegian Folk Museum on TripAdvisor:

The reviews of the Norwegian Folk Museum on TripAdvisor are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Visitors describe the museum as a fascinating insight into Norway’s history from the 1500s to the present day. The museum is appreciated for its large open-air museum section with 160 historical buildings representing different regions and periods in Norway.

The stave church from Gol and the apartment building with homes from the 20th century are particular highlights. Visitors recommend the museum to families and those interested in history and appreciate the interactive exhibitions and activity program. Some reviewers, however, mention that the museum can feel a bit repetitive and requires a lot of time to fully explore.

6. Frammuseet

Frammuseet, or the Fram Museum, is a can’t-miss experience if you visit Oslo. It’s a museum dedicated to the history of Norwegian exploration of the Arctic and Antarctic regions. You can see the building itself (which looks like a ship), as well as examples of equipment used by polar explorers and stuffed versions of animals they would have encountered on their journeys.

There’s a lot to see here. If you’re travelling with kids, you’ll want to plan for at least 3 hours so that they have time to explore all of the different exhibits, from rooms where you can pretend to be an explorer to real ships that are docked outside that can be toured, to the stuffed animals. You’ll also want to check out the gift shop, and they have some amazing souvenirs here.

Something to note: If you’re planning on touring the ship, be sure to bundle up; they keep it cold so as not to damage it.

What Visitors Say About the Fram Museum on TripAdvisor:

The reviews of the Fram Museum in Oslo on TripAdvisor are very positive. Visitors have given the museum an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. They describe the museum as a fascinating tribute to Norwegian polar exploration and its famous explorers. Fram, the strongest wooden polar ship ever built, is the museum’s main attraction and offers a unique insight into life on board.

The museum features interactive exhibitions and multimedia experiences that engage all ages. Visitors recommend spending at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the museum’s rich content and history.

7. Take a trip on the Oslo fjord

You haven’t experienced Oslo until you’ve taken a trip on the fjord.

The Oslo Fjord is one of Norway’s most beautiful features. It covers over 100 kilometres and is as wide as 5 kilometres in some places but only about 100 metres deep. Taking a boat ride on the Oslo Fjord lets you see Norway’s natural beauty from a new perspective.

The fjord is home to a ton of wildlife, including seals and seabirds, and there are plenty of activities to entertain you during your time on the water.

You also get to view everything from the Opera House and Bygdøy peninsula to museums, breweries, and nature preserves; you can get a glimpse of everything that makes Oslo such an amazing place to be.

So whether you want to go cruising in a sailboat or speed around in a powerboat, there are options to suit any kind of adventurer. You can even try out kitesurfing if you’re feeling daring.

Make sure you bring your camera. You’ll probably want to take tons of photos.

8. Take a walk in the park and see the changing of the guard at the castle

If you’re looking to experience the majesty of Oslo, look no further than the Royal Palace. Castle Park in Oslo is completely open to the public, and a visit here is ideal for those who want a break from the asphalt and concrete and instead take a stroll among the trees and shrubbery.

Visitors can also see the changing of the guards at the palace, which takes place every day after lunch. When watching the changing of the guard, take notice of whether music is playing or not. If music is played, then that means that the king is at home in the castle. In front of the castle, you can also see the statue of King Karl Johan, who ruled Sweden and Norway between 1818 and 1844.

And when you’re done with your tour, you can relax and take a stroll through Frogner Park. Just a short walk from the palace, this park is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy some fresh air before making your way back to central Oslo.

9. Visit Holmenkollen and go to the ski museum

When you’re in Oslo, Norway, visiting the Holmenkollen Ski Museum is a must.

You can get a taste of skiing history at this enchanting museum at the top of the Holmenkollen ski jump. The museum has the world’s oldest surviving pair of skis and the original ski from the 1800s, as well as other relics from ancient Arctic cultures to early Norwegian skiing pioneers and modern champions.

You can also take a tour through the ski tunnels for a peek at how athletes train and prepare for their competitions.

Next to the ski museum, you can visit the famous Holmenkollen ski jump. After ascending 500 steps to the top of the tower, you can enjoy incredible views of Oslo and beyond. You can also partake in guided tours and learn about the history of this iconic landmark.

What Visitors Say About the Holmenkollen Ski Museum on TripAdvisor:

The reviews of the Holmenkollen Ski Museum on TripAdvisor are very positive. Visitors describe the museum as an interesting place with fantastic views. They particularly appreciate the opportunity to explore the ski jump tower and enjoy the impressive view over Oslo.

Many recommend a visit to the museum for anyone interested in skiing and winter sports, as well as for its unique architecture and historical value. Reviewers consider the museum to be one of the top attractions in Oslo, especially for sports enthusiasts.

10. See the magnificent Opera House and attend a show

If you’re looking to see a show while in Oslo, the Opera House is a must-see.

This architectural marvel is located right on the Oslofjord, and it has won several awards for its design. The building holds three stages and serves as the home of the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. It’s absolutely stunning to behold, with its gleaming exterior and sloping roof, which makes it appear to be floating in the water.

You can either tour the building, attend a performance, or both. If you opt for the tour, you’ll get to stand on stage in the main auditorium and explore the production facilities. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll be glad you added this breathtaking destination to your itinerary.

What Visitors Say About the Opera House on TripAdvisor:

The reviews of the Opera House on TripAdvisor are very positive. Visitors praise the impressive architecture and the unique opportunity to walk on the roof of the opera house, offering fantastic views of the fjord and the city. Many also appreciate the high-quality performances in opera and ballet. Visitors recommend a visit to the opera house both to experience performance and to enjoy the outstanding views and atmosphere.

11. Go to the amusement park Tusenfryd

If you are going to Oslo, Norway, you should definitely check out the amusement park Tusenfryd. It is a large and beautiful amusement park with a lot of things to do. If you like rollercoasters, there are quite a few of them.

One of the most popular ones is called ThunderCoaster. It is quite scary and fast, so if you are afraid of that kind of stuff, it may not be the best one for you.

Some other fun rides include the Space Shot and SpeedMonster. The Space Shot is a tall tower from which you fall really fast, and the SpeedMonster is a high-speed carousel with cars shaped like sports cars.

If you are not into scary rides and would like to try something less intense, you could go on their Ferris Wheel called Elvira’s Spinning Tea Cups. It’s more relaxing than some of their other rides and also gives an amazing view of the surrounding area.

Tusenfryd also has many restaurants that serve all different kinds of food, as well as gift shops where you can buy souvenirs to remember your trip.

12. Try on different types of coffee at Kaffebrenneriet

Kaffebrenneriet, or “The Coffee Roaster,” is a coffee shop in Oslo that has something for everyone. They are known for their coffee cocktails, which are just what they sound like cocktails made with coffee. They also offer a variety of different coffees on tap, and you can sample them before you buy.

The shop’s walls are lined with colourful bags of coffee beans from countries around the world, and the coffee is roasted on-site, so it’s always fresh.

You can also brew your own coffee. Whether you’re looking for a quick espresso, a creamy latte, or something to take home, Kaffebrenneriet has gorgeous beans and all the equipment you need to brew your favourite type of coffee.

The staff at Kaffebrenneriet is known for being very friendly and welcoming, so if you’re looking for a casual cafe where you can hang out with friends or even meet some new ones, this is the place to be.

13. Walk around the Aker Brygge

If you’re in Oslo, you need to check out the Aker Brygge. It’s a major shopping area with a wide variety of stores and restaurants, but it’s also a renovated shipyard that now has tons of office space, apartments, and movie theatres. It even has an indoor beach.

Plus, it’s right on the water, so you can get some amazing views of the fjord while you shop or grab a bite to eat. The weather can get cold and dark in the wintertime, and it’s not exactly tropical during the summer either, so having something nice like this to do outdoors is great.

In addition to offering some of Oslo’s best shopping and dining options, Aker Brygge also hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year, as well as public art exhibitions by local artists.

14. Visit Grünerløkka

Oslo’s cultural district is called Grünerløkka, and this is an exciting urban environment with lots for the visitor to explore. The Akerselva River runs through Grünerløkka, and you can walk along its banks from Maridalsvannet Lake to Mølla waterfall. Visit museums like Munch Museet, Rom for Kunst, or Kunstindustrimuseet, or shop at thrift stores like Fretex and Stengt.

There are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Norwegian dishes, bars where you can try local beers and spirits, and cafes that serve traditional treats.

For those who want to shop in locations a little more exotic than the big malls in Grünerløkka, you’ll also find several small shops with everything from design to clothing.

The nightlife is also special in this neighbourhood, and much of the music is played by different bands performing in the bars. Many of the cafés are open late and sometimes have live music. A cool retro bar to visit is the Boca Bar, which serves tasty cocktails and often features live performances.

Another bar worth visiting is the Eight Rooftop Bar, which provides expansive views of the city and fantastic cocktails.

15. Change the setting in the botanical garden

Oslo’s Botanical Garden is a small but peaceful oasis in the middle of a bustling city. The grounds are beautiful and well-maintained, and the displays inside will fascinate any botany aficionado.

This garden is also home to several different species of birds and over 7,500 plant species. So whether you’re walking through the gardens, taking in the flowers in bloom, or listening to the gentle song of the birds, you’re sure to have a relaxing time.

It’s also a great place to bring kids or just find some quiet respite from the daily hustle and bustle.

There’s no better way to enjoy the garden than on a sunny day when it’s not too crowded. Just bring your food or purchase some on-site, then relax under one of the trees with a picnic basket and take in some Norwegian nature at its finest.

16. Getting Around

Getting around Oslo is a breeze, thanks in part to the city’s extensive public transportation system. The Oslo Central Station is a great place to start your trip, as it is centrally located and has a variety of transportation options available.

From there, you can catch a train to just about anywhere in Norway and beyond. The station also serves as a bus terminal and contains a taxi stand, shops, restaurants, and more.

Because the city centre is so compact, many visitors to Oslo opt to walk or rent bicycles to navigate the city. This is also a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beautiful Norwegian scenery.

If you plan on using public transportation frequently during your visit, consider buying an Oslo Pass, which will give you free access to buses, trains, and trams, in addition to free admission to museums and other cultural sites.

Also, the city offers free public transportation for anyone under 16 years old or over 67 years old. People with disabilities get a 50% discount on their public transit fares as well.

17. Dining Out

The dining options in Oslo are endless. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Norwegian dish or international cuisine, you’ll find plenty of delicious options.

Some of the most popular Norwegian dishes include Røkt Laks (Smoked Salmon), Lentil Soup, and Kjøttboller (Meatballs).

If you’re craving food from another part of the world rather than local food, you can find traditional Italian pizza and pasta, Indian curries, Mexican taco plates and burritos, American-style burgers and fries, and more.

No matter what kind of food you’re craving, there’s sure to be something for everyone in Oslo.

18. Nightlife

Oslo Nightlife is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. There are no velvet ropes or bouncers; it’s just plain old fun with no limits or judgment. You can go see live music at any of the clubs, pubs, or bars in town (with artists performing every night) or explore the city streets until the wee hours of the morning to find your own community of people who want to party as hard as you do.

In addition to the many traditional bars, nightclubs, and parties, visitors can also experience more alternative types of nightlife. In the village of Grønland, there is an old wooden building that contains both a traditional jazz club as well as a hip-hop club. The two clubs are very different, but they both bring together people from all over the world who love to dance and be inspired by music.

Can I get a discount in Oslo via Tripplo.com?

Yes, you can get discounts on various types of tickets and attractions via our discounts and offers from Viator. If you are looking for a discount on accommodation in Oslo, we also list discount codes and offers from well-known hotel booking operators such as Expedia, Agoda, and Hotels.com.

Sources

1. vikingtidsmuseet.no
2. frammuseum.no
3. visitoslo.com
4. marmuseum.no