Oslo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Oslo Opera House which includes modern architecture, a city and theatre scenes
Oslo Opera House which includes theatre scenes, night scenes and modern architecture
Oslo
Oslo featuring a city, boating and modern architecture
Palace Park which includes a park
It may not be the cheapest city in Europe, but this Scandinavian metropolis pulls its weight when it comes to culture, natural beauty and quality of life.

Oslo combines all the facilities of a vibrant capital city with the tranquil beauty and laid-back charm of a country town. Picturesquely positioned at the northern end of the Oslofjord, this compact metropolis is encircled by unspoilt countryside, offering plenty of opportunities for walking, hiking, sailing or camping just a stone’s throw from the city centre.

Norway’s rich seafaring tradition is apparent everywhere in Oslo, from the bloodthirsty battles of the Vikings to the daring polar explorations of Roald Amundsen and the pioneering ethnographic voyages of Thor Heyerdahl. Three immaculately preserved Viking vessels can be admired in the Viking Ship Museum, while Heyerdahl’s tiny hand-made raft in which he made his historic Pacific crossing is on display in the Kon-Tiki Museum.

Amundsen beat Scott to the South Pole in a ship specially designed to withstand extreme conditions. Find out how he and his party survived the rigours of the Antarctic at the Fram Museum on the Bygdøy Peninsula. The nearby Norwegian Maritime Museum will complete the picture with a fascinating overview of two centuries of local seamanship.

The cultural scene is alive and well in Oslo with something for every taste, from the buskers in fashionable Aker Brygge to the international stars on the stage of Oslo Opera House, a stunning new building on the waterfront at Bjorvika.

During the summer months in particular there’s a lot going on throughout the city. Take a walk in the Palace Park to watch the colourful ceremonials of the Royal Guard outside the palace, or take a guided tour of the state rooms to admire its lavish interior. The open-air exhibits at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History will introduce you to six centuries of domestic life in the city and countryside of Norway.

Most of the main attractions are centrally situated, so transport won’t be a problem. Take your time to explore on foot, or buy an Oslo Pass for unlimited travel on the excellent public transport network, as well as free entry to many museums and other useful discounts to help eke out your budget.

Where to stay in Oslo

Oslo City Hall featuring a city, an administrative building and a bay or harbour

Oslo City Centre

4.5/5(394 area reviews)

Travellers choose Oslo City Centre for its fascinating museums. Hop aboard the metro at Christiania Torv Tram Station or Wessels Plass Light Rail Station and check out top sights like Norwegian Parliament.

Oslo City Centre
Palace Park showing a pond

Central Oslo

Travellers 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 showing interior views

Sentrum

While you're in Sentrum, take in top sights like Oslo City Hall or Chat Noir, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Kontraskjaeret Tram Station or Christiania Torv Tram Station.

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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Kvadraturen

If you're spending time in Kvadraturen, check out sights like Oslo Cathedral or Karl Johan Gate and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dronningens Gate Tram Station or Wessels Plass Light Rail Station.

Kvadraturen
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Grünerløkka

4/5(10 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Grünerløkka. Spend some time visiting top spots like Mathallen Oslo, and catch the metro at Olaf Ryes Place Light Rail Station or Schous Place Light Rail Station to see more of the area.

Grünerløkka
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 ₹11,286 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹11,286
₹12,640 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Oslo. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,341 reviews)
Great
"Lovely hotel, very clean, great amenities, very helpful"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen
4 out of 5
Hotelveien, Gardermoen, Ullensaker
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹14,353 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹14,353
₹16,075 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ullensaker. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,742 reviews)
"Had a nice stay. So close to airport which made it really convenient."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen
Clarion Hotel The Hub
Clarion Hotel The Hub
4 out of 5
Biskop Gunnerus Gate 3, Oslo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹13,755 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹13,755
₹15,493 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Oslo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,398 reviews)
"Hotel was clean and as expected"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

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
Brinken 52, Gamle Oslo, Oslo
Stay at this aparthotel in Oslo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
6.8/10 (1,446 reviews)
Good value for Oslo
"Good value for Oslo, near metro station ,shops, bars , bakery's, quiet location"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Central City Apartments
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 Wi-Fi and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Oslo Spektrum and Oslo Opera House are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,047 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Forenom Aparthotel Oslo
Frogner House - Nationaltheatret
Frogner House - Nationaltheatret
3 out of 5
Arbinsgate 3, Oslo
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Oslo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Aker Brygge and Karl Johan Gate are ...
8/10 Very Good! (773 reviews)
"Beautiful space inside a beautiful building. Very easy check in."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Frogner House - Nationaltheatret
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

Reviews of Oslo

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
198
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
112
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
13
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We have walked to all the attractions, not a big distance between all of them, the city is very beautiful and the food even better :-)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

So Great! Public transportation was so good and punctual! The city overall was amazing with so much to do and see

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Get the Oslo card. We got the 72 hour pass which covered all transport, and all our visits except for the Opera House tour - and there are a lot of museums to see - we certainly got our moneys worth.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very clean, expensive for food and alcoholic beverages.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It's expensive!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Exoensive buy a great place to visit

Cities near Oslo