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

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
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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
Oslo City Centre which includes a church or cathedral

Kvadraturen

If you're spending time in Kvadraturen, check out sights like Karl Johan Gate or Stortorvet 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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