8 Best Things to do in Oslo, Norway

Thinking about visiting Oslo? Well, we’ve got the inside scoop on all of the best ways to explore this city. 

Oslo is a vibrant mix of natural beauty and urban charm, so you could say that it’s right up our alley! Whether you’re drawn to the stunning fjords, scenic cycling routes, or rich cultural heritages, there’s no shortage of things to do here. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Oslo multiple times, so now we’ve curated our ultimate list of must-dos. 

So, are you ready to plan your dream Norwegian adventure? Let’s go! 

Things to do in Oslo, Norway

1. Explore Oslo on a bicycle tour

Sightseeing in Oslo is best done by bike, so what better way to get to know the city than on this cycling tour? In fact, if you only do one thing in Oslo, it should be this tour, because you get to see all of the city’s top attractions in just a few hours. 

As soon as we met our guide, Mikkei, it was clear that this was going to be a relaxed and friendly experience. The small group size gave it a personal touch, and we enjoyed hearing Mikkei’s insights as we pedaled along Karl Johans Gate, taking in sights like the National Theatre and Parliament along the way.

The highlight of this tour for both of us was exploring the uber-hip Aker Brygge. It’s a revitalized shipyard where industrial charm meets modern architecture and stunning harbor views. No wonder Oslo has such a hipster reputation!

We really enjoyed the leisurely pace of the tour, and we even had time to stop and grab a coffee outside Akershus Castle. Of course, no sightseeing tour of Oslo would be complete without admiring the majestic Royal Palace and Oslo City Hall. Then finally, we ended on a high note as we marveled at Gustav Vigeland’s extraordinary sculptures at the open-air gallery in Frognerparken. 

As you can tell, this tour really does hit all of the highlights! So if it’s your first time in Oslo, we definitely think it’s a must-do. 

2. Cruise on the Oslo Fjord with a silent catamaran

If you’re visiting Oslo, a cruise on the Oslo Fjord is an absolute must! And in our experience, this catamaran tour is by far the best way to experience this natural wonder.

The boat is electric, so gliding along the water and admiring the islands was very tranquil. It moved through those magic waters almost silently!

During the ride, we alternated between cozying up inside the comfy lounge and taking in the fresh air out on deck. Even from inside the cabin, we had uninterrupted views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The weather was a little foggy when we did this tour, but that just made the fjord feel even more ethereal. We both agreed that it felt as though we were dreaming! 

There was some interesting commentary on board, too. It was interesting to hear about the fjord’s long history. Our guide even taught us that the Oslo Fjord isn’t technically a fjord but an inlet! However, in Norwegian the word “fjord” can refer to several different types of waterways.  

So whether you’re new to Oslo or just seeking a peaceful, scenic experience, this tour is one of the very best ways to enjoy Norway’s natural beauty. We would definitely do this again!

3. Go on a sightseeing tour of Oslo, including Vigeland Park and Holmenkollen Ski Jump 

If cycling tours aren’t for you, then this 3-hour sightseeing tour is the perfect alternative. The highlights were Vigeland Park and Holmenkollen Ski Jump, but we saw a ton of historic and culturally significant landmarks along the way. 

Vigeland Park is a testament to the artistic genius of Gustav Vigeland, a legendary Norwegian sculptor. We loved strolling through the lush park and admiring over 200 of Vigeland’s sculptures. Our guide, Chris, shared the story behind many of the works that we saw.

After Vigeland Park, we went to the iconic Holmenkollen Ski Jump. While we didn’t actually do any jumping off of this must-see landmark, we very much enjoyed the sweeping views of Oslo and the Oslo Fjord from here. We had some free time to soak in the scenery, and there’s a ski museum here for those who wish to check it out.

The tour concluded with a trip back to the city center. We spotted attractions like Akershus Castle, Oslo Cathedral, and the Royal Palace. It was a great way to get acquainted with the city and tick off two attractions that are a little further out of the center.

4. Eat your way around the city

I think that of all the tours we’ve done in Norway’s capital, this food tour is the one that taught us the most about the city’s local culture. Our awesome guide, Alex, took us on a fun adventure through Oslo on foot as we sampled traditional flavors and modern favorites. 

Our journey began on Karl Johans Gate – where else?! – and Alex set the stage for our adventure with a little history background. From there, we visited a food hall and tasted lots of Norwegian cheeses and cured meats. Better still, we got to pair them with local craft beers! 

Of course, the tour included some famous Norwegian meatballs, because you just can’t come to Oslo without trying them. We also sampled hearty soups, salmon, and prawns with local dips and sauces on the side. It was so delicious, and we probably would have never found any of the restaurants we visited without our guide’s help. 

No food tour is complete without dessert, and the Norwegian waffles with brown cheese and strawberry jam didn’t disappoint. There’s lots of food on this tour, but save some room if you can, because this dessert was totally unlike anything I had tasted before. 

This tour was easily one of the best things that we’ve ever done in Oslo. It’s an informative tour and a fantastic foodie experience all in one, so it’s a great way to make the most of your time here.

5. See Norway’s scenery and visit Sognefjord via train 

Norway is famous for its stunning scenery, and taking it all in on this private tour was the experience of a lifetime! We saw some truly breathtaking landscapes, including fjords, lush valleys, and a traditional Viking Village.

The first stop of the day was Gudvangen, where we enjoyed the beauty of Naraefjord. This is widely considered the most scenic part of the Songefjord, and we agree! We had free time to buy lunch at the cozy Viking Café, and then we stepped on board a 2-hour fjord cruise. Gliding through the towering cliffs and pristine waters was an epic experience. We had to pinch ourselves! 

We didn’t think the day could get much better, but after the cruise, we went for a ride on the Flam Railway. This is the most scenic train ride in the country, and the journey offered us amazing views of waterfalls, lush valleys, rivers, and rugged peaks. After arriving in Myrdal, we made a visit to Kjosfossen Waterfall which was absolutely stunning! 

Cruising through the Songefjord and riding on the Flam Railway are two bucket list experiences that every traveler to Norway should experience at least once. This tour made it so easy for us to enjoy both of these activities in just one day, so we really can’t recommend it enough.

Related Read: If you’d like to see how we planned a quick visit here last time, check out our 2-day Oslo itinerary that covers all the highlights!

6. Explore Oslo with a customizable private tour 

This private walking tour of Oslo allowed us to experience the city in an authentic way. Our guide, Bimali, felt more like a knowledgeable friend to us than a traditional tour leader, and we had a great time exploring Oslo with her.

Prior to the tour, we had shared our interests – art, history, hidden gems, and food – with the tour company, and as a result, we got an experience that was totally tailored to our preferences.

We had already seen a lot of historic highlights, so Bimali shared lots of modern hotspots with us, like tucked-away cafes, street art murals, and a hipster craft beer bar. Venturing off the beaten path took us through quaint neighborhoods and local landmarks we would probably never come across by ourselves.

We were also keen to learn more about Oslo’s food scene, so Bimali took us to a local bakery to try a fresh skølebrod, which is a delicious custard-filled pastry.

Unlike generic tours, this experience gave me a real sense of Oslo’s culture and day-to-day life. Even after the tour, Bimali sent us recommendations for restaurants and activities suited to our interests. But if you’re more interested in discovering history, major attractions, or specific landmarks, this tour can easily be adapted to your preferences. That’s why we love it – you can do it all your way. 

7. Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Oslo Fjord

This dinner cruise through the Oslo Fjord is the ultimate romantic experience! We booked this for the final night of our trip and it was an unforgettable ending to our time in Oslo. 

We were impressed with this cruise as soon as we stepped on board. It had huge windows that offered breathtaking views, and top-notch modern facilities. The atmosphere was super serene, and the boat was a hybrid-electric vessel, so it moved very quietly through the waters of the fjord. No roaring engines here! 

As we set off, we passed the fjord’s picturesque green islands and saw landmarks like the charming Dyna Fyr lighthouse. There was an open-air viewing deck, but the views were just as amazing from inside the climate-controlled cabin. 

The meal itself blew us away! It was a 3-course meal consisting of locally sourced Norwegian dishes, like perfectly plated salmon and a delicious asparagus and broccoli starter. We loved the blend of traditional flavors and modern gourmet flair. The staff were super attentive, too, and made sure that we had a memorable evening. 

If you’re looking for a great meal in Oslo, this dinner cruise is a must. The food is amazing and the views are epic, so it’s the perfect way to treat yourself. We will definitely do this again the next time we’re in the city! 

8. Go island hopping and nature walking around the fjord

Island hopping in the Oslo Fjord was a totally unforgettable experience, and booking this tour made it so easy! We absolutely loved the blend of scenic landscapes and historical insights. 

The day began with a ferry ride to Hovedoya, which is the island that’s closest to central Oslo, so there’s a ton of interesting history here. Exploring the ancient monastery was a fascinating way to kick off the day, and then we caught the ferry to Bleikoya. However, it’s worth noting that this island is only open to the public between May and September.

On Bleikoya, we got to go to the bird sanctuary and learn about the fjord’s thriving ecosystem. We were excited to see species like oystercatchers, black woodpeckers, and goldcrests. Visiting Bleikoya is one of the best ways to see wildlife in Oslo, so don’t miss out on this opportunity if you’re here between May and September! 

Our final stop was Lindoya, a charming island covered with colorful cottages. It almost felt like a Lego village! We enjoyed a leisurely hike along the island’s winding paths and we even stopped at a hidden beach for a quick dip. The water is very … refreshing, so I would only recommend doing this during the summer.

Island hopping in the Oslo Fjord opened up a whole new world to us. Just be aware that this tour always sells out, so you need to book in advance!

Related Read: If you’re continuing your Norway travels, check out our 3-day Tromso itinerary for outdoor adventure and charming city exploration!

Where to Stay in Oslo, Norway

Now that you’ve got your Oslo itinerary planned, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay. Choosing a hotel can make or break your trip, so to help you out, I’ve rounded up the best places to stay for every budget and travel style below!

Luxury – $$$

For a luxurious stay in Oslo, the Sommerro is a fantastic choice! Housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco building, this 5-star hotel offers stylish rooms with top-tier amenities. Guests can unwind in the rooftop pool and sauna, enjoy a treatment at the full-service spa, or have a meal at the on-site restaurants. The hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore Oslo’s top attractions while offering a cozy retreat at the end of the day!

Prices range depending on the season but can start as low as $315 USD per night. Check all the room options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

For a cozy and convenient stay in Oslo, Hotell Bondeheimen is a fantastic mid-range option. Just steps from Karl Johans gate, it puts you right in the heart of the city, close to top attractions, shops, and restaurants. The rooms are modern, comfortable, and equipped with all the essentials. Plus, Wi-Fi is free, and a hearty breakfast is included to start your day off right!

Prices Start around $180 USD per night and you can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.

Budget – $

For a budget-friendly stay in the heart of Oslo, Citybox Oslo is a top pick. This modern, no-frills hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms with everything you need, including free Wi-Fi and smart self-service check-in. Located just a short walk from Oslo Central Station, it’s perfect for exploring the city on foot or by public transport. While there’s no on-site restaurant, plenty of dining options are nearby, and guests have access to shared lounge areas.

Private rooms with en suites start as low as $90 USD per night and you can visit Booking.com to make your reservation.

For more options, see all of Oslo’s hotels listed here!

Thanks for reading!

That’s our guide to the best things to do in Oslo! We loved our time in the capital of Norway and can’t wait to visit again. Hopefully, you’ve found some bucket list things to add to your own Oslo itinerary!

If you’re planning more exploring in this part of the world, have a look through our Europe section. We have tons of blogs covering all kinds of destinations with tips and tricks for each.

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