22 Oslo Attractions That Are Truly Worth Seeing

The Best Things to Do in Oslo — On a Map

For a quick overview, we’ve plotted the most important attractions on a map for you.

Buildings and Icons

Opera House

The Opera House is the city’s new landmark — and what a landmark it is. Not only is it arguably Oslo’s most spectacular building, it’s also one of the most extraordinary opera houses in the world.

The building looks like a giant iceberg floating in the fjord, thanks to its generous use of snow-white marble and sweeping glass surfaces.

What you don’t see: like a glacier, 16 meters of the building are hidden below the waterline.

The Opera House was completed in April 2008, designed by Snøhetta, who beat out 200 competitors in an international competition.

But it isn’t just an art object and performance venue — it also has a gigantic observation platform. You can stroll across the roofscape completely free of charge and enjoy wonderful views of the city and the Oslofjord.

If you want to experience the Norwegian opera in the concert hall, grab tickets well in advance.

Buy tickets for the opera here

Karl Johans Gate

Karl Johans Gate is the grand boulevard of Oslo. Here you’ll find the city’s most important historic buildings: the cathedral, the university, the parliament building, and the National Theater.

The beautiful Royal Palace marks one end of the street. And as befits a promenade, the city’s largest hotels, international restaurant chains, souvenir shops, and boutiques are scattered between the highlights.

Norway’s most famous street is named after Norwegian King Charles III John — locals simply call it “Karl Johan.”

Royal Palace & Changing of the Guard

At the end of Karl Johan you’ll reach the Royal Palace — a must on any city trip to Oslo.

King Charles III John personally laid the foundation stone in 1825. In summer you can take a guided tour and peek inside the royal rooms.

But the palace is also lovely from the outside. A stroll through the 22-hectare royal park reveals it from ever-new angles.

With the right timing, you can catch the daily changing of the guard at 1:30 PM. The Norwegian Guard has been protecting the palace for more than 150 years — since 1856, guards have stood watch 24 hours a day, 356 days a year.

National Theater

From the Royal Palace, Karl Johans Gate leads you straight to the National Theater — one of the largest and most celebrated theaters in Norway.

Our favorite detail is the beautifully decorated façade, where Classicism, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Rococo all come together. Designed by Norwegian architect Henrik Bull, the theater opened in 1899.

Above the entrance, the names of the country’s greatest playwrights are carved into the façade. Henrik Ibsen and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson are even honored with large statues on either side.

Parliament Building

Across from the National Theater, tucked behind a pleasant park, is the Parliament Building (Stortinget in Norwegian).

This is where Norwegian laws are passed and the national budget is adopted. Since 1866, the imposing brick building has been the seat of the Norwegian National Assembly.

Norwegians also call it løvebakken (Lion’s Hill) — named after two lion sculptures that guard it on either side.

Make sure to step inside the magnificent parliamentary chamber. The guided tours are even free of charge.

Our tip: Tour spots are limited to 30 people, so arrive at least half an hour before the start to be safe.

Find the current tour schedule in English here

Cathedral

Head up the pedestrian zone toward the train station and you’ll soon reach the cathedral — dating from the late 17th century, making it the oldest church in the city.

It was actually the third cathedral built here; the previous two fell victim to fire during city blazes.

It’s also the tallest church in Oslo, though that’s only been true since a considerable section was added to the tower after the fact. Look closely and you can spot the transition between yellow (old) and red (newer) bricks in the upper portion.

At the very top of the tower ticks the oldest clock in the country, dating from 1718. Inside, the Baroque pulpit, the altar, and the organ with its intricate carvings are real highlights — all still part of the original furnishings. Entry is free between 10 AM and 4 PM.

City Hall

Oslo’s City Hall is known worldwide as the venue for the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony — every year on December 10th, it steps into the global spotlight.

You might recognize some of the magnificent paintings in the banquet hall from TV broadcasts. Prominent Norwegian artists of the early 20th century adorned the interior with scenes from Norway’s history, culture, and working life.

From the outside, the red colossus with its two angular towers looks like it was assembled from building blocks. Look closely and you’ll notice a slight difference in height between the two — the taller one, by three meters, houses the carillon. Between 7 AM and midnight, a different melody rings out every hour.

City Hall is also historically significant for Norway. Plans to build it were drawn up as early as 1905, immediately after the dissolution of the union with Sweden — yet it took nearly 50 more years to complete. The architects submitted eight designs before the current form was agreed upon in 1930.

City Hall is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, and until 6 PM in summer. During the summer months, free guided tours run several times a day.

Akershus Fortress

On the peninsula between City Hall and the Opera House, the old Akershus Fortress gazes out over the Oslofjord. Since the early 14th century, nothing has been able to shake it — despite a turbulent history and multiple sieges.

Since the 19th century, the complex has no longer been used as a fortress. During the German occupation, the castle served as a prison and execution site between 1940 and 1944. You can learn more about this dark chapter of history at the Resistance Museum (see #15).

You can simply wander through the old walls between the castle and the fortifications and soak up the atmosphere. But there’s plenty to discover inside as well — including the royal mausoleum, the final resting place of Norway’s modern kings.

The information center gives you an insight into the history of the medieval castle, and the Military Museum is also housed within the fortress.

The fortress complex is open daily until 9 PM and admission is free.

Akrobaten Pedestrian Bridge

This 206-meter-long bridge spans the tracks of Oslo Central Station, connecting the Grønland neighborhood with Bjørvika.

You’ll almost certainly pass by it during your time in the city — when you do, take a closer look. The innovative steel-and-glass structure won first place at the European Award for Steel Bridges in 2012.

It’s now a popular spot for photos and film shoots, and completely deservedly so. We could have spent hours here with a camera.

Our tip: The colorful lighting after dark makes photos of the bridge especially striking — don’t miss it.

Holmenkollen Ski Jump

The Holmenkollen Ski Arena isn’t just for winter sports fans. The complex includes the ski jump, a ski museum, and a ski simulator.

The 60-meter-high ski jump hosts the Nordic Ski World Cup every winter. Inside, the world’s oldest ski museum tells the 4,000-year history of skiing.

From the observation platform at the top of the jump, you get a fantastic panoramic view over Oslo and the surrounding area. For adrenaline seekers, a zip line or rappel ride takes you back down.

Still not enough? Try the ski simulator and find out what it actually feels like to launch off the jump.

The complex is open October to April from 10 AM to 4 PM, May and September until 5 PM, and June to August from 9 AM to 8 PM. Admission costs 140 NOK (approx. 14 euros) and is free with the Oslo Pass.

Market Hall

Mathallen Market

For us, sampling regional specialties is a must on every city trip — and nowhere in Oslo is that easier than at the Mathallen.

This famous market hall sits a bit outside the center, but it’s absolutely worth the detour. It’s a large food market on the former Vulkan factory grounds, and the variety on offer is seriously impressive.

At the many stalls, you can work your way through different types of sausages and cheeses, sample crab, and stock up perfectly for a picnic. You’ll find Norwegian originals alongside international specialties, organic products, and fair-trade goods.

For a break, the coffee or wine bar is the perfect spot — there’s even a dedicated beer bar. And for lunch, a sweet treat, or dinner, the numerous restaurants and cafés have you covered.

The market hall is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM. Mondays, the stalls are closed.

Museums

Munch Museum

Oslo has more than 50 museums — on every imaginable topic: Vikings, art, history, animals, architecture, seafaring, and much more. Incredible, right?

One of the standout must-sees is the Munch Museum, dedicated to Expressionist artist Edvard Munch, a defining figure in Norwegian art history. He was one of the first Scandinavian painters of Expressionism, and Oslo is deeply tied to his story — he grew up here, launched his career here, and spent his final years here.

You probably know “The Scream.” It’s Munch’s most famous work — but you won’t find it here. That one is displayed at the National Gallery.

What you will find is a huge collection of his other paintings, with rotating exhibitions regularly showcasing different works from his body of work.

The museum is open Monday and Tuesday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Friday through Sunday from 10 AM to 9 PM. Admission costs 160 NOK (approx. 16 euros) and is free with the Oslo Pass.

Norwegian Open-Air Museum

Want to stroll through historic Norway? You can do exactly that at the Norsk Folkemuseum, an open-air museum that transports you back through centuries of Norwegian life.

Around 160 lovingly restored buildings are grouped into small villages here, drawn from various regions and eras. The standout is the oldest building: the Gol Stave Church from the 12th century.

The main building also houses folk costumes and traditional art, and you’ll learn how the Sami people lived in Norway in the past — and continue to live today.

For families, a summer visit is especially great: children can learn folk dances, play music, bake flatbread, and ride in historic carriages.

The museum is open October to April from 11 AM to 4 PM and in summer from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission costs 180 NOK (approx. 18 euros) and is free with the Oslo Pass.

Fram Polar Ship Museum

The centerpiece of the Polar Ship Museum is the massive wooden ship Fram, built in 1892 and used on several major polar expeditions. It’s seriously impressive in person.

The museum features exhibitions about the Arctic and Antarctic centered around the ship, with many historic artifacts from the expeditions on display.

The museum is open daily and admission costs 140 NOK (approx. 13.40 euros).

Resistance Museum

The Resistance Museum (Norges Hjemmefrontmuseum) is integrated into the Akershus Fortress complex and dedicated to the five years of German occupation in Norway from 1940 to 1945.

Fascinating original documents and audio recordings bring the Norwegian resistance back to life, tracing the story from the German invasion through to liberation. It’s a sobering and genuinely moving experience.

The museum is open June to August, Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. In winter months, it closes at 4 PM. The entry fee of 60 NOK (approx. 6 euros) is waived with the Oslo Pass.

Vigeland Sculpture Park

The Vigeland open-air museum is one of the most popular things to do in Oslo’s west side. Here you can roam freely among more than 200 sculptures in granite, bronze, and iron — all free of charge.

The park showcases the life’s work of artist Gustav Vigeland, who spent 20 years creating the artworks. The bridges, fountains, fencing, and the entire landscape architecture of the park also came from him.

Sadly, the artist himself never got to see his work in its entirety — most of the sculptures weren’t installed until seven years after his death in 1950.

With its green lawns, water features, ornate fountains, and graceful bridges, the park is a genuinely beautiful place to spend an afternoon — and you can visit any time of day or night, year-round.

Neighborhoods and Districts

Barcode District

Beyond the sights and museums, Oslo’s neighborhoods are well worth exploring on foot.

One you definitely shouldn’t miss is the revitalized Fjord City on the former harbor and industrial grounds in central Oslo. The Bjørvika neighborhood is home to offices, apartments, cultural venues, restaurants, and great browsing shops.

Part of this area is the Barcode District — twelve high-rises of varying widths and heights, designed by different architects and packed with architectural details. What makes it special isn’t any single building; it’s the overall picture. With the open spaces between the towers, the skyline resembles a barcode from a distance. You get a great view of the ensemble from the Akrobaten Bridge (see #9).

When the complex was completed in 2016, locals were initially skeptical. But by now, the new skyline is genuinely appreciated — and has attracted international interest too. Well deserved, in our opinion.

Aker Brygge

Aker Brygge is a popular shopping and entertainment district on the Pipervika bay. You can easily stroll here from the City Hall Pier (see #7) along the fjord.

For over 100 years, the Aker mechanical workshop operated here, giving the neighborhood its name. In the 1980s, the area was redeveloped with shops and restaurants.

Modern architecture and historic factory buildings create a really special atmosphere today. No wonder the shopping center in the converted factory halls has become a favorite meeting spot for Oslo residents.

Especially in summer, people stroll along the quay, eat outdoors, or meet up for a drink with views of the harbor and the Oslofjord.

Rådhusbrygge

Rådhusbrygge sits right in front of City Hall — it’s the city harbor where ferries depart for the museum peninsula of Bygdøy (see #20) and fjord cruises (see #22). You’ll also find plenty of fish restaurants here with lovely views of the bay.

Also worth a look: the Nobel Peace Center is located at Rådhusbrygge. Here you can learn everything about the Nobel Peace Prize and its winners. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Sunday between 11 AM and 5 PM. Admission costs 140 NOK (approx. 14 euros) and is free with the Oslo Pass.

Bygdøy

The museum peninsula of Bygdøy lies to the west of the city center — though technically it’s not an island at all, but a peninsula.

In addition to the open-air museum and the Viking Ship Museum (see #13 and #14), Bygdøy is home to numerous other museums, especially on the topic of seafaring.

But there’s much more here than just museums. Above all, it’s a green recreational area with plenty of forest and beautiful beaches.

Inviting swimming spots can be found on the southern side at Huk — the ideal place for a picnic with a view of the sea. There’s also a restaurant at Huk if you’d rather sit down for a meal with fjord views.

Ferries to Bygdøy depart from the City Hall Pier (see #7) roughly every 20 minutes and take just under 15 minutes to cross. A bus also serves the peninsula if you prefer.

Grünerløkka

Grünerløkka is a neighborhood in the northern part of central Oslo, on the east side of the Akerselva River that flows through the city.

Think Neukölln or Kreuzberg in Berlin — Grünerløkka is Oslo’s hip, creative quarter. The district, with its small cafés, bars, and restaurants, is especially popular with younger locals.

Shopping here is a real pleasure too, with original designer stores, vintage and secondhand clothing shops, and nostalgic record stores all lined up together.

You can also book a guided tour through the neighborhood — on foot from the city center, past the cemetery where Edvard Munch is buried, and on to the Mathallen Food Hall.

Private walking tour through Grünerløkka

Oslofjord

Oslofjord Boat Tour

A cruise through the fjord landscape is something we’d never skip on a visit to Oslo. From the water, you get completely new perspectives on the city — the narrow straits, idyllic coves, and small islands offer countless photo opportunities.

Many operators run classic sightseeing and fjord cruises, with boats departing from the City Hall Pier (see #7) several times a day. You can easily compare options right there on the spot.

The classic tour lasts about two hours and costs around 390 NOK (approx. 39 euros), whether you choose a sailboat or a typical sightseeing vessel.

Get tickets for the 2-hour fjord boat tour

For something extra special, some summer evenings feature tours with live music and a traditional Norwegian crab buffet on board.

General Tips: The Best Way to Explore Oslo’s Attractions

Here are a few practical pointers for your city trip to Oslo.

#1 Save Time and Money with the Oslo Pass

The Oslo Pass is the city card for visitors. With it, you ride Oslo’s public transportation for free — including, by the way, the ferries to the islands in the Oslofjord.

You also get free admission to more than 30 museums and attractions, plus a range of discounts on things like bike rentals and restaurants.

The pass comes in three versions: 24, 48, or 72 hours. It costs 445, 655, or 820 Norwegian Kroner (NOK) for adults, which is approximately 45, 65, or 80 euros. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and students.

For each attraction listed above, we’ve noted whether it’s free with the Oslo Pass — so you can easily do the math and decide whether it makes sense for your trip.

Generally speaking, the pass is a great deal if you plan to visit many museums. It’s also just convenient: no fussing with individual tickets and transit passes for every attraction.

You have three options for buying the Oslo Pass:

1. Buy online and pick it up at the Visitor Center

You can order the pass online before your trip and receive a voucher. Print it out, exchange it for the actual card at the Oslo Visitor Center, and you’ll also get the info brochure listing all the benefits.

Get the Oslo Pass online

Honestly, since you still need to visit the Visitor Center to collect the card — and student discounts are only available in person — you might as well go with option 2:

2. Buy directly at the Visitor Center or your hotel

You can pick up the pass at the Oslo Visitor Center, located right next to the main train station. Some hotels and museums in Oslo also sell it.

Availability outside the Visitor Center can vary, especially outside summer, so it’s worth calling ahead if you have a specific place in mind. Or go with option 3:

3. Use the Oslo Pass app

The easiest option by far. Just download the official “Oslo Pass – Official City Card” app on your phone and order from the comfort of your couch. Once you’re in Oslo, you’ll need to activate the pass online once, and you’re good to go.

Find links to the Android and iOS app here

#2 Our Hotel Tips for Oslo

If you’re only in Oslo for a few days and want to pack in as much as possible, staying in the city center is really worth it. Most of the highlights are right there, reachable on foot or by rental bike.

We’d recommend these centrally located hotels across three price categories:

Thon Hotel Panorama (from 100 euros): Modern 3-star apartment hotel between the historic center and the bay. The Opera House, the cathedral, and Karl Johans Gate are just a few minutes’ walk away.

Thon Hotel Cecil (from 150 euros): Stylish 4-star hotel near the National Theater and Karl Johans Gate. A definite plus: dinner is included in the room rate.

Amerikalinjen (from 200 euros): 4-star boutique hotel with designer interiors, wellness facilities, and a cocktail bar, right in the old quarter.

For even more recommendations and advice on the best areas to stay, check out our full hotel guide for Oslo.

See our Oslo hotel tips here

#3 Getting Around Oslo

Many of Oslo’s attractions are easily covered on foot — or even more comfortably by bike. Rental stations are dotted throughout the city.

Some of the sights listed above sit a bit outside the center. For those, public transportation is your best bet.

Oslo’s public transit system is well-developed. The city trams (called trikks) run every 20 minutes between 5 AM and midnight. The subway (T-Bane) and buses run on a similar schedule. Since the ferries to the Oslofjord islands are part of the public transit network, you can use them with the same ticket.

If you don’t have an Oslo Pass — which already includes free rides — the city zone fare is your best option. A day pass costs 117 NOK (approx. 11.70 euros) and lets you ride everything as many times as you like for 24 hours. Staying longer? A 7-day pass for 323 NOK (approx. 32 euros) might be worth it.

For a one-off trip to a single sight outside the center, a single-ride ticket costs 39 NOK (approx. 3.90 euros). These are available at many 7-Eleven kiosks and at vending machines and subway stations across Oslo.

Note: Single tickets are also available from the driver, but they cost more than buying in advance — so plan ahead when you can.

#4 Book a Guided Tour

Guided tours are always a good idea. You learn so much more about the places you visit, pick up insider tips you’d never find on your own, and cover everything much faster. That last point matters a lot when time is short.

Oslo has so much to see — a guided city tour is something we’d genuinely recommend.

These tours are particularly worth it:
Best of Oslo: Guided Tour of the Highlights
Street Food Tour through Oslo
2-hour boat tour along the fjords

And that’s it for the practical tips. Now let’s kick off our tour of the 22 best things to do in Oslo.