Oslo is bursting with endless things to do. Norways capital offers visitors a perfect blend of rich history, cutting-edge architecture, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re exploring Oslo for a day or planning a longer stay, there are countless things to see in Oslo and activities to enjoy in this vibrant city. Here we give you our best tips. On the map further down on this page, you can also find all the places that we recommend.
Top attractions in Oslo
- The Royal Palace – Located at the end of Karl Johans Gate, the Royal Palace is one of the most iconic things to see in Oslo. This impressive building is the official residence of the Norwegian monarch and offers beautiful gardens to explore.
- Vigeland Park & Museum – For those interested in art, the Vigeland Sculpture Park is an essential stop. With over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, it's one of the most unique things to see in Oslo.
- Oslo Opera house – When wondering what to do in Oslo, a visit to the Oslo Opera House should be at the top of your list. Admire the striking modern architecture, and don't miss the opportunity to walk up the roof for a spectacular view of the Oslofjord.
- The Munch Museum – Art lovers visiting Oslo will want to explore The Munch Museum. Home to many works by Edvard Munch, including the famous "The Scream," this museum offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of one of Norway’s most renowned artists.
- Oslo Tramway Museum - If you're curious about Oslo's history and public transport, the Oslo Tramway Museum offers an engaging experience showcasing the evolution of the city's trams and trolleybuses.
Enjoy a bus sightseeing tour in Oslo
Enjoy Oslo from a comfortable seat on Stromma's Hop On-Hop Off Bus Tour. This one-and-a-half-hour guided bus tour allows you to relax and explore Oslo's top attractions. You can hop on and off at your own pace, visiting famous sites like the Royal Palace, Vigeland Park and the Opera House. The bus route includes 11 stops, including the top things to do in Oslo and the cruise terminals. Read more and book bus sightseeing tickets here.
Multi Destination Ticket - the perfect choice for cruise guests!
Are you visiting Oslo and planning shore excursions at multiple Nordic cities? Make the most of your cruise vacation by choosing our affordable Multi Destination Ticket. This is a unique sightseeing ticket, valid for all Stromma Hop On-Hop Off bus and boat tours in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
Tips of things to do in Oslo - places to visit
There's a lot of things to see and do in Oslo. Here are three of the most popular places to visit during your stay.
- Barcode street food in Bjorvika – Flavors from around the world. This is the best palce to visit if you want to sample different international flavors, and if the travelgroup cant decide on what to get for dinner.
- Akershus Fortress – The fortress in the city centre full of war history, and also the inspiration for the castle in the famous movie Frozen.
- The island Bygdøy – the home to many of Oslo’s most popular museums.
Oslo from the water - panoramic views and delicious tastes
Would you like to get to know the city from a new perspective? See Oslo from the water while having a delicious brunch or dinner at the same time. Hop on board Stromma’s motor ship MS Nobel and enjoy a lovley dining cruise on the Oslo fjord. The boat sails between May and September and offers panoramic views and delicious tastes. Get more information and book here.
Explore the surroundings outside the city centre
If you dream of a short trip out into green surroundings, you should join a bus tour to the island of Bygdøy. Here you will also find many of the major museums such as Kon-Tiki, the The Norwegian Museum of Cultural, Fram Museum and the Norwegian Maritime Museum. Strommas Hop on Hop off bus takes you to Bygdøy on its tour.
Care for a dip in the ocean?
Oslo is a fjord city, so there are many places where you can take a swim. If you prefer to stay in the city center, you can both try a bath at Sørenga by the Munch Museum and the Opera house, or you can stroll past Aker Brygge until you find the Astrup Fearnley Museum, which has both a beach and a diving board right next door.
