Is Oslo Worth Visiting? 16 Great Things To Do In Norway's Capital

At the end of our Norway road trip from Tromsø to Lofoten, we flew to Oslo for three days to discover what the capital city had to offer. After a breathtaking week driving through Northern Norway's mountainous scenery, we wondered: would Oslo live up to our high expectations, or would it pale in comparison?

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🇳🇴 Quick Verdict: Is Oslo Worth Visiting?

Yes, Oslo is absolutely worth visiting. It is an ideal 2 to 3-day European city break that seamlessly combines modern architecture, world-class art (like the Munch Museum and Vigeland Park), vibrant cafe culture, and outdoor island hopping in the Oslofjord right from downtown.

• Best For: Art lovers, design enthusiasts, foodies, and outdoor urban explorers.
• Good to Know: It is an expensive destination, but its compact, walkable layout and seemless public transit make it easy to explore on a short visit.

Whether you're seeking fjord-hopping adventures, exploring historic fortresses, or hunting for street art scattered around quirky neighbourhoods, Oslo delivers. Read on to discover the 16 best things to do in Norway's capital and why it deserves a spot on your Scandinavian bucket list.

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See Oslo's open-air art gallery #1

From historic statues to modern-day sculptures and urban street art, Oslo is like an open-air gallery. You will see art in some shape or form at every turn, whether along the waterfront, in a park, or one of the city's suburban neighbourhoods. So, if you appreciate art and creativity, you'll love wandering around and discovering pieces scattered throughout the city.

Of all the art in Oslo, Vigeland Sculpture Park, inside the city's largest green space, Frogner Park, will shock and amaze you. It is a collection of over 200 statues depicting the human body in various poses, and it is eyebrow-raising, to say the least!

Read my detailed guide to Vigeland Sculpture Park.

Go fjord-hopping in Oslo #2

Oslo sits on a fjord, unsurprisingly called the Oslofjord, and is home to several small islands. From Aker Brygge waterfront, it's easy to catch a ferry and spend the day hopping from fjord to fjord. You can arrange this activity independently or join a guided Oslofjord cruise.

However you choose to visit the islands, make sure to do so, because they are charming and a must-see. There's even one fjord island with a fabulous restaurant at its centre, a popular spot for locals and tourists.

Learn how to catch the ferries in my guide, How to Visit the Oslo Fjord Islands.

Discover Oslo on foot #3

Oslo is compact and easy to navigate, making it a great walkable destination for a city break. Most of Oslo's main attractions are close to one another, apart from places like the Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Holmenkollbakken Ski Museum, which are a short distance away. Another way to get around Oslo if your feet are taking a battering is to use the extensive tram network, which runs throughout the city, or an electric scooter.

Explore Akershus Fortress dating to the Middle Ages #4

No visit to Oslo would be complete without wandering around the 14th-century Akershus Fortress. Located high on a hill with stunning views of Aker Brygge and the Oslofjord, this fortress is an interesting place to visit during the summer; only the grounds remain open in winter. It's Oslo's oldest building, having survived the Great Fire of 1624, and the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum is based here if you're interested in militaria.

Visit one or two of Oslo's 50 museums #5

Oslo has more than 50 museums, including the Nobel Peace Centre and the Norwegian Folk Museum. The National Museum houses the world-famous painting The Scream, and the Munch Museum has several other versions, so there's sure to be a museum that sparks your interest.

Have fun in Aker Brygge - Oslo's vibrant waterfront #6

Oslo's Aker Brygge waterfront is an attraction in its own right. Walk along and see tall ships anchored in the port alongside cruise ships - they are quite a sight to see.

There's also street art around the cruise terminal, which is tastefully done.

Aker Brygge is home to several museums, including the Oslo City Hall Gallery, and of course, it's the boarding point for ferry rides and guided waterfront tours.

Walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House #7

Yes, you read that correctly! The modern, angular glass opera house encourages visitors to walk on its flat roof for spectacular views across the water and out to the Oslofjord islands.

Swim in the Oslofjord #8

That's right! Grab your swimsuit and join the crowds in summer as they cool off in the water.

See modern art in Tjuvholmen #9

Tjuvholmen is by Aker Brygge, a waterside area featuring a sculpture park, a swimming platform, and several world-class art galleries. It is a great place to watch the sunset before heading to one of the excellent restaurants for dinner.

Explore the modern art quarter with my Tjuvholmen Neighbourhood Guide.

Enjoy Oslo's culinary scene #10

It's not all reindeer meat, loganberries and potatoes in Norway - no, sir. Unlike other parts of the country, Oslo is recognised for its food offerings, ranging from international street food to Michelin-starred restaurants serving delectable dishes. Restaurants lining the Aker Brygge waterfront are a great option if you want a place to dine with a great view of the Oslofjord.

Mathallen is another Oslo establishment that's heaven for locals and travellers wanting to try dishes from one of the 30 speciality shops and cafes housed in this food hall. Mathallen is located in the Vulcan area of Oslo, close to the Akerselva River.

Explore the hipster neighbourhood of Grünerløkka #11

I am a sucker for street art, coffee shops, independent boutiques and artisan craft shops, and I hit the jackpot when I visited Grünerløkka.

A short stroll from the hustle and bustle of central Oslo will take you to an eclectic part of the city with a bohemian vibe. It's a popular place for creatives, as shown by the street art covering the buildings, the hip coffee shops, and the eco-conscious boutiques.

It's also home to a lovely park, a few museums, and Mathallen, a food hub that offers dishes from around the world.

See what to explore in my Grünerløkka Visitors Guide.

Marvel at the Colossal Art Murals in Tøyen #12

Staying with the theme of urban artwork, Tøyen is close to Grünerløkka. It's a multicultural neighbourhood with blocks of flats that have been brightened up by giant murals. If you love street art, then you have to add Tøyen to your Oslo itinerary. The area also has a few cute places to grab a bite to eat and a drink while you watch the world go by.

Relax in the Oslo botanical garden #13

If you have had your fill of street art, head to Oslo's botanical garden and spend an hour or so in nature. Walk among the densely planted flower beds and wander through the adjoining park, where you'll find the Museum of Natural History - a fascinating place for children.

If you love nature and gardens, you may like to read 13 Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in Europe for Nature Lovers.

See Oslo's prettiest street - Damstredet #14

Named Oslo's prettiest street, Damstredet is lined with colourful wooden houses and vibrant flowers, making it a great place to take photos. Just be sure to arrive early, as it's a popular spot for Instagrammers!

Read here about Damstredet: The Prettiest Street in the Heart of Oslo.

Go inside the royal palace and gardens #15

The Royal Palace is located at the end of Oslo's main street, Karl Johans gate. Constructed in 1849, the main palace building and gardens are open to the public during the summer months, offering a glimpse into the lavish life of the Norwegian Royal family. Karl Johan Gate has outdoor cafes, upscale boutiques, the National Theatre of Oslo and the Parliament Building.

Conclusion - Is Oslo worth visiting?

Without a doubt, Oslo is worth visiting. Before I arrived, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had visited Copenhagen at Christmas and enjoyed it, but I had also read unflattering reviews of other Scandinavian cities, such as Helsinki, and hoped Oslo wouldn't fall into the 'not much to do here' category.

Oslo couldn't be further removed from that category. It has become one of my favourite European capital cities. Why? Because it's the perfect size for a quick 3-day European city break, it offers a mix of modern and historic attractions, plus some of the best street art in Europe.

I love that it can feel very cosmopolitan in one area and have a completely different vibe in another. And to cap it all off, it's a city on the water, and there are not many other places in Northern Europe where you can go island hopping on a fjord. So take my word for it - visiting Oslo will surprise and delight you. I can't wait to return!

🗓️ Planning a Trip to Oslo?

If you're looking for a step-by-step, day-by-day plan with daily route maps, public transit tips, and local food recommendations, check out my complete guide: The Ultimate 3-Day Oslo Itinerary for First-Timers

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