Oslo

Travel Guide

Oslo Opera House showing modern architecture, a city and theater scenes
Oslo Opera House showing theater scenes, modern architecture and night scenes
Oslo City Hall which includes interior views, an administrative buidling and a square or plaza
Oslo featuring a bay or harbor, a sunset and boating
Palace Park showing a park

Oslo Travel Guide Video

The Norwegian capital is a beautiful European city known for its museums, seafaring past and miles of pristine natural landscapes.

With its cultural attractions, cafés and nightlife, Oslo has the atmosphere and energy of a major metropolis while its proximity to nature gives it a fresh and easygoing charm. The Norwegian capital is a compact city on the northern end of a fjord, backed by a forested wilderness with many lakes and hiking trails. Oslo may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. The city often ranks as one of Europe’s best urban environments for quality of life.

Nordic adventurers contributed to Oslo’s rich seafaring tradition, from Viking raids across northern Europe to the legendary voyages of explorers Roald Amundsen and Thor Heyerdahl. Familiarize yourself with the city’s maritime heritage with a visit to Bygdøy, a nearby peninsula full of museums.

Travel over a thousand years back in time to see the ninth-century ships in the Viking Ship Museum. Go to the Fram Museum and stand on the deck of the vessel that carried Amundsen to the South Pole. Another example of Norway’s adventurous spirit can be found in the Kon-Tiki Museum. It contains the homemade raft that once carried Heyerdahl and five companions thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean.

The city’s residents dearly love being out in Oslo’s fresh air, but the capital also deserves its reputation as a cultural center. Oslo hosts thousands of performances every year at the city’s many clubs, theaters, concert halls and museums. Enjoy an opera or ballet at the Oslo Opera House. Seek out the work of leading Norwegian artists at Oslo City Hall and Oslo Cathedral.

You’ll find most attractions in the center of Oslo, which is easy to get around on foot. If you plan to use public transportation, consider buying an Oslo Pass. It gives free unlimited travel on tram, bus, subway, train and ferries as well as free entry to many museums. The pass also includes discounts in restaurants and leisure venues.

Where to stay in Oslo

Oslo City Hall featuring a city, a bay or harbor and an administrative buidling

Oslo City Centre

4.5/5(882 area reviews)

Consider exploring the interesting museums in Oslo City Centre. If sightseeing is on the list, Norwegian Parliament is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Christiania Torv Tram Station or Wessels Plass Light Rail Station to see more of the area.

Oslo City Centre
Palace Park featuring a pond

Central Oslo

Travelers 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

Southeast of Oslo, Sentrum boasts modern high-rises, the waterfront cultural center with the Oslo Opera House, and the Munch Museum. Enjoy shopping at Oslo City mall, and access Oslo Central Station and Bus Terminal for easy transport.

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
Oslo City Centre which includes a church or cathedral

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 the city at Dronningens Gate Tram Station or Wessels Plass Light Rail Station.

Kvadraturen
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Grünerløkka

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

In Grünerløkka, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Olaf Ryes plass or explore other sights like Birkelunden and Sofienberg Park. Catch a local sports game at Dælenenga idrettspark or Grünerhallen for some ice hockey action.

Grünerløkka
Clarion Hotel The Hub
Clarion Hotel The Hub
4 out of 5
Biskop Gunnerus Gate 3, Oslo
The price is ₩242,967 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
₩242,967
₩272,123 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (3,430 reviews)
"Very close to train station! Easily walkable to areas around town!"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 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 ₩181,314 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
₩181,314
₩203,072 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
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! (2,374 reviews)
"Breakfast choice was amazing! Staff were so helpful"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo
Citybox Oslo
Citybox Oslo
3 out of 5
Prinsensgate 6, Oslo
The price is ₩121,200 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
₩121,200
₩135,744 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (2,862 reviews)
"Staff at the front not very friendly"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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 (1,455 reviews)
Good value for Oslo
"Good value for Oslo, near metro station ,shops, bars , bakery's, quiet location"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 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! (1,056 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 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! (780 reviews)
"The apartment was in a location that was easy to access the city. It was clean. We were surprised that every window of the apartment had scaffolding and tarps outside. This was tricky with not only the view, but cooling off the apartment via breeze, and privacy. There were some men outside our daughter's ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Oslo

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
380
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
226
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
40
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Oslo is great, love the city ! People are great!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A beautiful, friendly city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

My favorite Scandinavian country.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Super architecture, good museums and convenient transportation. Friendly helpful locals.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

very expensive city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Such a cool and very polite city. Lots of history. Very easy to navigate.

Cities near Oslo