Oslo

Travel Guide
Oslo Opera House showing modern architecture, a city and theater scenes

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
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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 Opera House featuring modern architecture, theater scenes and night scenes

Gamle Oslo

4/5(12 area reviews)

Shopping, restaurants, and museums highlight some notable features of Gamle Oslo. Make a stop by MUNCH Museum or Ekebergparken Sculpture Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at St. Halvards Place Tram Station or Munkegata Tram Station to get around town.

Gamle Oslo
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo
4 out of 5
Holbergs Gate 30, Oslo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $149 per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
$149
includes taxes & fees
$133 per night
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Oslo. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,560 reviews)
"The gym was nice in the pool was above average. Jim had a full set of weights and dumbbells. A real upright peloton style bicycle that wasn't a recumbent fat ass bike. The buffet breakfast was outstanding. Plenty to choose from. Personnel the desk very friendly and kind. Bar and lobby area. Many ..."

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2024

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo
4 out of 5
Sonja Henies Plass 3 Postboks 9206, Oslo
The price is $146 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$146
includes taxes & fees
$131 per night
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,997 reviews)
"We liked that the hotel was immediately adjacent to Oslo's main train station."

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2024

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo
Clarion Hotel The Hub
Clarion Hotel The Hub
4 out of 5
Biskop Gunnerus Gate 3, Oslo
The price is $173 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$173
includes taxes & fees
$154 per night
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,819 reviews)
"I feel at home at The Hub."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Clarion Hotel The Hub
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
Kjolberggaten 29, 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 (1,257 reviews)
"highly recommend"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2024

Central City Apartments
Anker Hostel
Anker Hostel
3 out of 5
Storgata 53H, Oslo
Stay at this 3-star property in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,722 reviews)
"Clean conveniently located."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Anker Hostel
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! (907 reviews)
"Communication was incredible when I wanted to extend my stay. Very close within walking distance to everything including restaurants & grocery. Being a single woman travelling alone I felt very safe. I definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2024

Forenom Aparthotel 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Oslo

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
380
" "5 - Excellent 58.192955589586525%
4 - Good
226
" "4 - Good 34.60949464012251%
3 - Okay
40
" "3 - Okay 6.1255742725880555%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 0.7656967840735069%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.30627871362940273%

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

Paula

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

Cities near Oslo