33 epic things to do in Oslo (including hidden gems)

I used to live in Oslo for years, and even now, after moving 1,5 hours away, I find myself coming back all the time.

And the more time I’ve spent here, the more I’ve realized that Oslo is so much more than the typical “quick city break” or stopover city many people expect.

Of course, you’ve got the big highlights—but some of my favorite moments have come from the smaller, less obvious places. Hidden viewpoints, tranquil islands, cozy cafés, local neighborhoods… the kind of spots you don’t always find as a first-time visitor.

So in this article, I’ve put together my 33 favorite things to do in Oslo, from the must-sees to a few underrated gems I keep coming back to. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been before, I think you’ll find a few surprises in here.

Psst. Looking for the best place to stay? Here are my Oslo favorites!
🌟 Budget Hotel >> Citybox Oslo
🌟🌟 Mid-range >> Home Hotel Gabelshus
🌟🌟🌟 Higher-end hotel >> Sommerro

🏛️ Top Oslo sights (but worth it)

These are the classic sights that live up to the hype and deserve a spot on any first visit to the Norwegian capital.

1. Walk on the roof of Oslo Opera House

This is Oslo’s most iconic landmark, because of the striking architecture and that you can walk on the white Marble roof. It’s free to access and gives you great views over the fjord and city. You can also go inside for free and see the spacious foyer, cafe, and shop.

The Opera House opened in 2008 and was designed by the Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta. It is home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet.

The building itself is worth seeing for its modern design, like an iceberg rising from the sea, even if you’re not going inside.

2. Explore Vigeland Park

Vigeland Sculpture Park is one of Oslo’s most iconic attractions and is completely free to visit. Located within the larger Frogner Park, it features more than 200 granite and bronze works by Gustav Vigeland arranged along wide avenues, bridges, and landscaped gardens.

Even if you’re not especially interested in art, it’s a beautiful place for a walk and one of the best spots in the city for a picnic on a sunny day. If you want to learn more about the artist, the nearby Vigeland Museum is located just outside the park and offers additional context about his life and work.

3. Roam the ramparts of Akershus Fortress

One of my favorite things to do in Oslo is to explore Akershus Fortress. You can walk along the old walls, enjoy views over the fjord, and get a feel for Oslo’s history without needing a ticket.

The fortress dates back to the late 1200s and has played a key role in defending the city since. Inside, you’ll find museums like Norway’s Resistance Museum and Norwegian Armed Forces Museum, both worth a visit if you’re interested in WWII and military history.

This place feels especially meaningful to me as my grandfather made guns for the resistance force during World War II, and my grandmother smuggled them in a baby pram as a new mom. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like. One of those guns is now on display at the Resistance Museum.

4. Visit MUNCH Museum

A modern museum dedicated to the life and work of Edvard Munch, best known for the Scream. It’s located right by the waterfront and is easy to combine with the Opera House.

Inside, you’ll find several versions of Scream along with a large collection of Munch’s paintings, sketches, and personal works. The building opened in 2021 and is one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to a single artist. The building alone makes it worth visiting even if you’re not interested in art.

5. Get lost in Deichman Bjørvika

Deichman Bjørvika earns its place on the list as Oslo’s striking main public library and a modern cultural hub right on the waterfront. Its architecture alone makes it worth a visit, with bright, open spaces, panoramic views over the Oslofjord, and innovative design that encourages people to linger, read, and explore.

Beyond books, it functions as a lively meeting place with exhibitions, events, workshops, and quiet study areas. And the best part is, you can visit for free.

Fun fact: The Future Library

Oslo is home to the Future Library, an ongoing art project where a new manuscript is donated by a different author every year from 2014 and will only be published in 2114. The 100 manuscripts will be stored in a special “Silent Room” at the Deichman Library, using paper from 1,000 trees specially planted in the Nordmarka forest.

6. Walk up to the Royal Palace

As a castle lover, I have to recommend you stop by the Royal Palace. It’s not just a royal residence, but a symbol of Norwegian identity, built in the 19th century in a restrained neoclassical style.

You can’t freely visit the inside year-round, but during the summer months, parts of the palace open for guided tours, giving a rare look into the historic state rooms.

But even if you don’t go inside, visiting is still well worth it for a stroll through Slottsparken, seeing the changing of the guard, and experiencing the way the palace crowns the very top of Karl Johans gate.

7. See the ships at the Fram Museum

As a lover of history, I think seeing the ships at the Fram Museum is a real highlight in Oslo. The museum is built around the legendary polar exploration ship Fram, which was used in expeditions to both the Arctic and Antarctica in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

I love it because it’s not just looking at a model or an exhibit behind glass; you can actually step inside the original ship and walk through the tight, wooden corridors where explorers once prepared for some of the most extreme journeys on Earth. It’s a multisensory experience with sound and video surrounding you.

🪧 Limited on time? Join this top-rated walking tour to see many of the highlights in just 90 minutes!

🌿 Nature & outdoor experiences

One of the things that makes Oslo so special is how easy it is to escape into nature. Within minutes, you can be hiking to panoramic viewpoints, swimming in forest lakes, heading out on the water, or skiing through vast forests in winter.

8. Island hop in the Oslofjord

Island hopping in the Oslofjord is one of the most refreshing ways to experience Oslo in the warmer months. It’s surprisingly easy to jump on a public ferry (Ruter ticket) and move between small, peaceful islands, each with its own character.

Hovedøya is one of the closest and most visited islands in the Oslofjord, known for its forest trails, monastery ruins, and quiet swimming spots, while Langøyene is especially popular for its long sandy beach.

One moment you’re in central Oslo, and shortly after, you’re stepping off onto car-free islands. It feels like a mini escape without ever leaving the city.

9. Slow down in Botanisk Hage

The Botanical Garden (Botanisk hage) is part of the Natural History Museum and is one of those places many visitors overlook, but absolutely shouldn’t. Tucked away in Tøyen, just off the main tourist route, it feels like a calm, green escape where you can slow down and take a break from the city.

You’ll find everything from beautifully curated flower beds and themed gardens to historic greenhouses filled with palms and cacti. It’s peaceful, free to enter, and far less crowded than many of Oslo’s more famous attractions.

10. Walk the Akerselva River path

Walking along the Akerselva River is one of the best ways to experience Oslo beyond the main streets. The route runs for about 8 km through the city, and a popular stretch is from Grunerløkka down to Bjørvika, where the river meets the fjord. You can also start further north at Maridalsvannet if you want the full walk.

Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, old industrial buildings that have been converted into cafés and galleries, street art, small parks, and quiet residential areas. Highlights include the waterfalls at Hønse-Lovisas Hus and the food and cultural spots around Vulkan.

11. Take the metro to Holmenkollen

You can hop on Line 1 (Frognerseteren) from the city center and ride all the way up to Holmenkollen Station, which takes about 30 minutes.

At the top, you’ll find the iconic Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Holmenkollen Ski Museum, where you can learn about over 4,000 years of skiing history. Established in 1923, it is the world’s oldest specialized ski museum.

The area also offers some of the best panoramic views over Oslo and the fjord. If you want to extend the experience, there are walking trails in the surrounding forest, or you can continue further up the line toward Frognerseteren for even higher viewpoints and access to Nordmarka hiking routes.

12. Follow the sculpture trail in Ekebergparken

Visiting Ekebergparken combines art, nature, and some of the best views over the city in one place. The park is located on a hillside just southeast of the center, and you can get there easily by tram or bus to Ekebergparken stop.

The area features a large sculpture park with works by international artists spread along forest paths, so you’re constantly moving between viewpoints and art installations. Along the way, you’ll get open views over the Oslofjord, Bjørvika, and the city skyline.

In this area, you’ll also find Ekebergrestauranten, a fine dining restaurant known for its panoramic views over the Oslofjord and iconic 1920s functionalist architecture.

Just a short walk from Ekebergparken, you can visit the viewpoint known as “Scream Hill,” where Edvard Munch is believed to have found the inspiration for The Scream.

13. Walk along Alnaelva

Walking along Alnaelva offers a quieter, more local alternative to Oslo’s more popular river paths. A great section to explore is through Svartdalsparken up to Kruttverket.

This stretch takes you through a green valley with forest trails, small waterfalls, wooden bridges, and remnants of old industrial sites along the river.

The walk ends at Kruttverket, a former industrial area that’s now a cultural spot with a great café, bar and events, making it a good place to stop before heading back.

14. Take a sauna at KOK Oslo

Taking a sauna at KOK Oslo is one of the most unique ways to experience the fjord. These floating saunas are located right on the waterfront in Bjørvika, and you can book a private or shared session.

You’ll get views of the Opera House and the modern skyline while relaxing in the sauna, and some saunas can even be driven slowly around the harbor. It’s easy to access from the city center and works year-round, including in winter if you’re up for cold-water swimming.

15. Walk around Sognsvann

Taking the metro to Sognsvann is one of the easiest ways to experience Oslo’s nature without leaving the city far behind. You can take Metro Line 5 directly from the center to Sognsvann station.

The most popular walk is the flat loop around the lake, which is about 3 km and takes around 45 minutes at an easy pace. The path is wide and accessible, making it suitable for almost everyone. Along the way, people swim from small beaches and wooden docks in summer and grill food in designated barbecue areas.

Sognsvann is also the gateway to Nordmarka, so if you want a longer hike, you can continue directly into Oslo’s vast forest network from the lake. In winter, there are cross-country skiing tracks and even ice skating on the lake if the ice is strong enough.

16. Hike to Kobberhaughytta

If you want to do a proper forest hike, many locals head into Nordmarka from Frognerseteren, which is easily reached on Metro Line 1. Popular routes include hiking to Tryvannstua or further to Kobberhaughytta, a traditional serviced DNT cabin surrounded by forest trails and lakes.

The hike to Kobberhaughytta takes roughly 1.5–2 hours each way, depending on pace and route, and the trails are generally well-marked and not overly difficult. At the lodge, you can stop for lunch, waffles, coffee, and their famous cinnamon buns, which many claim are among the best in Oslo.

In winter, the same area transforms into one of Oslo’s most popular cross-country skiing networks, with groomed ski trails running through Nordmarka and connecting many of the forest cabins.

17. Enjoy the views from Vettakollen

Vettakollen is one of the best short hikes in Oslo if you want maximum views for minimal effort. Located close to Vettakollen Station on Metro Line 1, it’s one of the most accessible hikes from downtown and easy to do even if you only have a few hours.

The hike to the viewpoint takes around 30 minutes from the station through forest trails and slightly rocky terrain. At the top, you’ll get panoramic views over the Oslofjord, the city, and the surrounding forested hills. It’s especially popular around sunset, one of the best viewpoints over Oslo.

🧇 If you prefer not to hike alone, check out this guided experience to Vettakollen. Learn about Norse mythology and “forest philosophy” and bake traditional rømme waffles next to a hidden mountain lake!

☕ Cool neighborhoods & local vibes

One of the things I love most about Oslo is how different each neighborhood feels. These are my favorite areas to explore without a plan.

18. Chill out in Grünerløkka

Exploring Grünerløkka is one of the best ways to experience Oslo’s creative and more laid-back side. The neighborhood is known for its mix of vintage shops, independent boutiques, cafés, parks and street art, giving it a noticeably younger and more alternative vibe than other parts of the city.

This is where I used to live, and it is still one of my favorite places to stay in Oslo. You can easily explore on foot, especially around Markveien and Olaf Ryes Plass, where you’ll find many of the shops and cafés.

At the edge of Grünerløkka, in the Vulkan area, you’ll find the green Kuba Park, Mathallen Oslo, a food hall with a wide range of local and international options, and Blå, a well-known venue for live music and nightlife right by the water.

19. Marvel at the architecture at Frogner

Exploring Frogner is a must if, like me, you love beautiful, old architecture. After Grünerløkka, this is probably my second favorite neighborhood in Oslo, thanks to its elegant late 19th- and early 20th-century apartment buildings, wide tree-lined streets, and grand townhouses.

The area feels quieter and more refined than many other parts of the city, with embassies, boutique shops, and cozy cafés tucked between some of Oslo’s most impressive residential buildings.

20. Walk through Damstredet and Telthusbakken

Visiting Damstredet and Telthusbakken is like stepping into a completely different version of Oslo. These small streets are lined with well-preserved 18th and 19th-century wooden houses that sit on steep cobblestone lanes, giving the area a very traditional and almost village-like feel.

Both streets are located just above the city center, close to Akerselva River, and are easy to combine in a short walk. Telthusbakken leads up toward Gamle Aker Church, the city’s oldest standing building.

21. Go for a stroll in Bjørvika

Okay, I know I already talked about the Oslo Opera House and the MUNCH Museum, but Bjørvika has much more to experience along the waterfront, especially in summer.

The Barcode district is the striking modern skyline just behind the harbour promenade, known for its narrow high-rise buildings that create one of Oslo’s most distinctive architectural views as you move between the city and the fjord.

Sukkerbiten adds a very different atmosphere right by the water in Bjørvika. The name originally referred to a building on the site (on the small island Snelda), but today it is a lively waterfront area with a floating sauna village, food trucks and a bar.

At the far end, Sørenga is one of Oslo’s most popular swimming areas, with a seawater pool, ladders into the fjord, and large wooden decks that fill up quickly on warm summer days.

🎫 Don’t miss >> If you want to explore beyond the main sights, this small-group art and culture tour is a great way to discover Oslo with a local guide, combining street art, architecture, galleries, and hidden corners across neighborhoods like Bjørvika and Grünerløkka.

22. Explore Bygdøy beyond the museums

Walking around Bygdøy is worth doing even if you’re not into museums. The peninsula has a completely different atmosphere from central Oslo, with quiet roads, forest paths, beaches, and some of the city’s most beautiful historic villas and waterfront homes.

One of the highlights is Oscarshall, a romantic 19th-century palace surrounded by a small park right by the water. In summer, you can also combine the walk with stops at beaches like Huk or Paradisbukta.

🎨 Museums (beyond the obvious)

Oslo has far more to offer than just the Opera House and the MUNCH museum. These are the museums I think are especially worth your time.

23. Step back in time at Norsk Folkemuseum

When speaking of Bygdøy, exploring the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, my favorite museum, is one of the best ways to experience Norway’s history and traditional architecture in one place.

Located on Bygdøy, the open-air museum features historic buildings relocated from across the country, including farmhouses, village streets, and the iconic Gol Stave Church dating back to the 13th century.

What makes the museum stand out is how immersive it feels. You can walk between old wooden homes, see how different regions of Norway once lived, and explore interiors that range from rural cabins to city apartments.

In summer, staff in traditional clothing, craft demonstrations, and folk dancing make the experience feel even more alive. During the first two weekends in December, the museum puts on a traditional Christmas Market.

24. Learn about Viking history

If you’re interested in Viking history, Oslo is one of the best places in the world to experience it. The famous Viking Ship Museum on Bygdøy, home to some of the world’s best-preserved Viking ships and artifacts, is currently closed while the new Museum of the Viking Age is being built, with a planned reopening in 2027.

In the meantime, the Viking Planet near Oslo City Hall is a must. The museum uses virtual reality, holograms, and interactive exhibits to bring the Viking Age to life, and the VR experience, where you step aboard a Viking ship, is surprisingly fun and immersive.

25. Step into the world of Thor Heyerdahl

Visiting the Kon-Tiki Museum is one of the most fascinating museum experiences in Oslo, especially if you enjoy adventure stories. The museum tells the story of Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl and his daring 1947 journey across the Pacific Ocean on the balsawood raft Kon-Tiki.

He grew up in my hometown and was a childhood friend of my grandfather. The original raft is the centerpiece of the museum, and there’s a short documentary film included with your visit that brings the expedition to life.

You can also see artifacts from Heyerdahl’s later expeditions, including the reed boats Ra and Tigris. Located on Bygdøy, it pairs perfectly with the nearby Fram Museum.

If the museum sparks your interest, I also highly recommend watching Kon-Tiki, the excellent 2012 film about Thor Heyerdahl’s expedition, which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

26. Discover modern art at Astrup Fearnley

Visiting the Astrup Fearnley Museum is one of the best things to do in Oslo if you enjoy contemporary art and modern architecture. Located at the end of the waterfront promenade on Tjuvholmen, the museum was designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano and stands out with its sleek glass-and-wood design facing the fjord.

Inside, the museum focuses on contemporary and international art, with rotating exhibitions alongside works from its permanent collection.

👉 I like to visit because of the building itself, but if you’re into art, also consider Nasjonalmuseet. Experience art from ancient times up until today, under one roof and in completely new ways, in the largest art museum in the Nordic region.

27. Emanuel Vigelands Masoleum

Emanuel Vigeland Museum is one of Oslo’s most unusual hidden gems, and easy to miss even for locals. From the outside, it looks almost unassuming, but inside, you step into a dark, vaulted mausoleum completely covered in massive frescoes by Emanuel Vigeland, creating an atmosphere that feels both immersive and slightly surreal.

The space was originally designed as his own mausoleum, and it remains sealed in a very specific way, with controlled lighting and acoustics that make even a quiet sound feel amplified. Because of its location slightly off the main tourist routes, it stays relatively quiet compared to Oslo’s bigger attractions.

💡 If you’re not quite as obsessed with history as I am, consider stopping by FLOP in the Barcode district. This is Norway’s first museum dedicated to product failures and failed innovations. It is actually very fun!

🍽️ All about food

My favorite way to explore a new place is through its food. These are the places and experiences I think are worth your time in Oslo.

28. Eat your heart out at Vippa

Visiting Vippa is one of the best casual food experiences in Oslo, especially in summer. Located right by the Oslofjord near the harbor, Vippa is a street food hall built from old shipping containers with a relaxed, waterfront atmosphere.

The focus is on independent food vendors serving everything from Middle Eastern and Asian dishes to vegetarian food and Norwegian options. There’s plenty of outdoor seating by the water.

29. Try a Norwegian waffle…

Getting a Norwegian waffle is a simple but very local food experience in Oslo. Norwegian waffles are softer and heart-shaped compared to Belgian waffles, and they’re traditionally served with toppings like brown cheese, sour cream and jam.

Haralds Vaffel has become especially popular for its wide range of sweet and savory combinations. I like the one with a hot dog, combining two Norwegian favorites. But you’ll find waffles everywhere.

I prefer it plain or just with strawberry jam. Just be careful, they are addictive. I think the most waffles I’ve had in one sitting is 8.

30. ….and a pølse

Speaking of hot dogs… you have to try at least one while in Norway, and Syverkiosken is the most famous spot. Norway has a serious hot dog culture — we eat an absurd amount of sausages every year, from gas stations and kiosks to ski trips and national celebrations, and a quick “pølse” is basically a national snack.

What’s funny is that even after living in Oslo for years, I had never actually heard about Syverkiosken until I saw it featured in an Oslo travel vlog. The tiny kiosk has become famous for its selection of toppings and old-school vibes.

That said, my personal favorite Norwegian sausage experience is honestly still the bacon cheese sausage from Narvesen with the white hot dog sauce. If you know, you know.

31. Stock up at the Freia store & factory

Freia is Norway’s most iconic chocolate brand, and their Melkesjokolade is my favorite chocolate in the whole world. The historic Freia factory and a gift shop are located at Rodeløkka/Grünerløkka, while the more central chocolate shop is Freiabutikken on Karl Johans gate. 

Sometimes you can join tours that include a history lesson on Freia, cocoa and chocolate, a chance to make your own chocolate bar, a visit to the factory canteen, which has 12 paintings by Edvard Munch on the wall, and a view of the production facilities.

33. Join a Brim Explorer dinner cruise

If you’re looking for a special evening in Oslo, the Brim Explorer dinner cruise is a really memorable way to experience the Oslofjord.

The hybrid-electric boat is almost completely silent, so the whole experience feels peaceful as you glide past green islands, small lighthouses like Dyna Fyr, and the city skyline in the evening light.

During the cruise, you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner made with locally sourced ingredients and inspired by Nordic flavors.

33. Sip, snack, and dine around Oslo

If you want to eat and drink your way through Oslo, these are a few places I think are especially worth seeking out. Engebret Café is Oslo’s oldest restaurant. It is definitely on the pricier side, but the menu offers refined versions of classic Norwegian dishes using high-quality local ingredients in an old-world setting.

For craft beer lovers, Ringnes Brygghus in Grünerløkka serves beer brewed on site alongside pizza in a lively atmosphere. Hitchhiker is one of my favorite places for creative Asian-inspired small plates, while Posthallen Drinkhub is a fun spot for cocktails in a beautifully restored former post office building.

Talormade is a colorful place to grab a coffee and unique donuts. Mjøl Bakeri has one of my favorite cinnamon buns with vanilla custard, while Tim Wendelboe was crowned the second-best coffee shop in the world.

For the most delicious Syrian cheesy breads, be sure to check out Silin Bakeri in Grønland. And if you want to save money, download the Too Good To Go App. You can get some good deals on there.

Should I get the Oslo Pass?

The pass includes unlimited public transportation within the city as well as free entry to 30 top attractions, including Fram Museum, MUNCH, Kon-Tiki Museum, The Viking Planet and Norsk Folkemuseum.

If you plan to visit multiple museums and use public transport regularly, it can easily pay for itself.

🌟 Related post >> Discover my 12 favorite day trips from Oslo (by a local)

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