Oslo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Oslo Opera House which includes night scenes, theatre scenes and modern architecture

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 city, an administrative building and a bay or harbour

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 Parliament.

Oslo City Centre
Palace Park showing 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 showing 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
Oslo featuring outdoor art

Frogner

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Museums, cafes and shopping highlight some notable features of Frogner. Make a stop by Color Line Ferry Terminal or Oslo City Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lille Frogner alle Light Rail Station or Elisinburg Tram Station to get around town.

Frogner
Oslo Winter Park featuring snow skiing and snow as well as an individual male

Holmenkollen

Travellers choose Holmenkollen for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Holmenkollen Station or Holmenkollen T-Bane and check out top sights like Holmenkollen National Ski Arena.

Holmenkollen
Oslo Opera House featuring modern architecture, theatre scenes and night scenes

Gamle Oslo

4/5(5 area reviews)

Shopping, restaurants and museums highlight some notable features of Gamle Oslo. Make a stop by MUNCH Museum or Ekebergparken Sculpture Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at St. Halvards Place Tram Station or Munkegata Tram Station to get around town.

Gamle Oslo
Citybox Oslo
Citybox Oslo
3 out of 5
Prinsensgate 6, Oslo
The price is NZ$119 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
NZ$119
per night
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,922 reviews)
"The hotel is in a good central position and easy to walk to many of the central attractions. The hotel was clean and in good condition with friendly staff"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

Citybox Oslo
Clarion Hotel The Hub
Clarion Hotel The Hub
4 out of 5
Biskop Gunnerus Gate 3, Oslo
The price is NZ$309 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$309
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,173 reviews)
"Very convenient- walking distance from central train station. Local transportation is all right there too."

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2024

Clarion Hotel The Hub
Hotel Verdandi Oslo
Hotel Verdandi Oslo
3.5 out of 5
Tordenskioldsgate 6b, Oslo
The price is NZ$168 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
NZ$168
per night
20 Mar - 21 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,041 reviews)
"Good value Hotel, if you only need a room for a quick overnight, perfect!! Check in, super easy by the bartender…The only negative..the mattress could be improved. Cheers"

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2024

Hotel Verdandi 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
Kjolberggaten 29, Oslo
Stay at this aparthotel in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and satellite TV. Popular attractions Central Jam-e-Mosque and Jordal Amfi are located nearby. ...
6.6/10 (1,121 reviews)
"friendly people"

Reviewed on 2 Sep. 2023

Central City Apartments
Anker Hostel
Anker Hostel
3 out of 5
Storgata 53H, Oslo
Stay at this 3-star hostel in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a computer station. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,455 reviews)
"Everything was good, the only suggestion I would give it’s to put charges closer to the beds. The only 2 by the kitchen for everyone to use."

Reviewed on 7 Feb. 2024

Anker Hostel
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, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchen. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (801 reviews)
Good
"Good location, secure rooms with nice balcony. Heated toilet floor. Good tv."

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2023

Forenom Aparthotel 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Oslo

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
51
" "5 - Excellent 57.30337078651685%
4 - Good
36
" "4 - Good 40.449438202247194%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 2.247191011235955%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Mar 2020

The only drawback is everything is expensive!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
18 Jan 2020

Super expensive, but interesting place to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Dec 2019

Wonderful walking city - just did t have enough time!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Dec 2019

We love Oslo....so much to do and something for everyone....and the people are SO nice and friendly. English is spoken everywhere so we had no issues with communication...

5/5 - Excellent

Rook
9 Oct 2019

Lovely, friendly city. Felt very safe and loved the history.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Oct 2019

A wonderful city but more for older children and adults. Public transport system very efficient. The tourist office at the entrance of the Central Station is a must initially to sort out your visit. Very helpful, can do all transport bookings.

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