Oslo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Oslo Opera House showing modern architecture, a city and theatre scenes
Oslo Opera House which includes night scenes, theatre scenes and modern architecture
Oslo
Oslo featuring a city, modern architecture and boating
Palace Park showing a garden

Oslo Travel Guide Video

With its fascinating history and rich cultural scene, all surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, Norway’s capital city has something to suit every taste.

Oslo is the compact yet vibrant capital city of Norway, located on the country’s southern coast. Surrounded by forested hills to one side and the cold waters of the Oslofjord to the other, this city maintains a close relationship with nature, whilst offering the best of cosmopolitan entertainment.

Norway is perhaps best known for its rich seafaring history. Head to the Bygdøy Peninsula, just outside the city, to explore the best museums dedicated to this subject. Start with the Norwegian Maritime Museum, home to the oldest boat in the country, before admiring the ornate 9th-century wooden vessels in the Viking Ship Museum.

This tradition of exploration continued right into the 20th century. Step aboard the ship that took the first explorers to the South Pole when you tour the Fram Museum, and learn all about Thor Heyerdahl, the famous adventurer who crossed the Pacific on a balsa wood raft, at the Kon-Tiki Museum.

Whilst you’re on the Bygdøy Peninsula, don’t miss the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, the world’s largest open-air museum that brings the past 600 years of Norway’s history to life.

Whether you’re interested in opera, ballet, modern art or all three, the Oslo Opera House is a must-see attraction. This cutting-edge, prize-winning structure appears to rise up from the waters of the Oslofjord, as if it were a vast iceberg. Attend one of the many world-class performances, or simply take a tour of the interior spaces, featuring specially commissioned works by leading contemporary artists.

The city also has a number of other fascinating cultural attractions, including Oslo Cathedral and the Nobel Peace Center.

A trip to the newly regenerated Aker Brygge district is the perfect way to round off your day. This former shipyard has been transformed into a bustling entertainment hub full of the best restaurants, cafés and bars.

Consider buying an Oslo Pass if you intend to use public transport. As well as free unlimited travel, you’ll also be eligible for free admission to many museums and discounts in certain restaurants.

Where to stay in Oslo

Oslo City Hall featuring a bay or harbour, an administrative building and a city

Oslo City Centre

4.5/5(110 area reviews)

Travellers choose Oslo City Centre for its fascinating museums. Hop aboard the metro at Christiania Torv Tram Station or Wessels Plass Light Rail Station and check out top sights like Norwegian Parliament.

Oslo City Centre
Palace Park featuring a pond

Central Oslo

Travellers love Central Oslo for its popular shops, and you can see more of Oslo by jumping on the metro at Nationaltheatret Tram Station or Tullinlokka Light Rail Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like National Theater and Chat Noir.

Central Oslo
Oslo which includes interior views

Sentrum

While you're in Sentrum, take in top sights like Oslo City Hall or Chat Noir, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Kontraskjaeret Tram Station or Christiania Torv Tram Station.

Sentrum
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Fornebu

Unique features of Fornebu include the live music and beaches. Make a stop by Telenor Arena or Oslofjord while you're exploring the area.

Fornebu
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Grünerløkka

4/5(1 area review)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Grünerløkka. Spend some time visiting top spots like Mathallen Oslo, and catch the metro at Olaf Ryes Place Light Rail Station or Schous Place Light Rail Station to see more of the area.

Grünerløkka
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Kvadraturen

If you're spending time in Kvadraturen, check out sights like Oslo Cathedral or Karl Johan Gate and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dronningens Gate Tram Station or Wessels Plass Light Rail Station.

Kvadraturen
Clarion Hotel The Hub

Clarion Hotel The Hub

4 out of 5
Biskop Gunnerus Gate 3, Oslo
The price is NZ$330 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$330
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Oslo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,515 reviews)
"Great location! Amazing breakfast buffet 👌"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Clarion Hotel The Hub
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo

4 out of 5
Holbergs Gate 30, Oslo
The price is NZ$258 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$258
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Oslo. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,444 reviews)
"The staff was so friendly! And the location was great- easy to walk to all the great spots."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo
Citybox Oslo

Citybox Oslo

3 out of 5
Prinsensgate 6, Oslo
The price is NZ$208 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$208
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,921 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Citybox Oslo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Central City Apartments

Central City Apartments

2 out of 5
Brinken 52, Gamle Oslo, Oslo
Stay at this aparthotel in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.8/10 (1,476 reviews)
Good value for Oslo
"Good value for Oslo, near metro station ,shops, bars , bakery's, quiet location"

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

Central City Apartments
Forenom Aparthotel Oslo

Forenom Aparthotel Oslo

3.5 out of 5
Lakkegata 3, Oslo
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Oslo Spektrum and Oslo Opera House are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,063 reviews)
Close to the Station
"Room was ok, but only two sets of cutlery etc. meant you were using the dishwasher too much. The area is very multicultural which may feel threatening to some travellers and needs to be borne in mind. We found it ok but others may not. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Good location near ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Forenom Aparthotel Oslo
BJØRVIKA APARTMENTS, Teaterplassen, Oslo city center

BJØRVIKA APARTMENTS, Teaterplassen, Oslo city center

4 out of 5
Schweigaardsgate 15B, Oslo
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and balconies. Popular attractions Oslo Spektrum and Oslo Opera House are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (796 reviews)
"This was a great property to stay in - all the equipment you need to cook, but bring your own tea, coffee, salt etc... Other than some rather thin towels, we couldn't fault it. Great check in and left luggage. Would recommend!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

BJØRVIKA APARTMENTS, Teaterplassen, Oslo city center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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