In a country as obscenely beautiful as Norway, you might expect the capital to be a knockout — and Oslo is certainly trying hard to be that. Norway’s capital has had a major makeover in the past few decades. While it still might be the sleepy older sibling of its cooler Scandinavian capital cities of Stockholm and Copenhagen, if you know where to look, there’s more to experience in Oslo than ever before. 

From delicious restaurants to stunning architectural gems, this 2 day travel guide has everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit to Oslo.

If you’re visiting Oslo for the first time, aim straight for the historic heart. Take a wander from the Central Station along stately Karl Johans gate — Oslo’s mile of style. Culturally, Oslo never misses a beat, with museums and galleries bringing you from Viking ships to avant-garde art. But the city’s cultural scene is not limited to old splendor. The harbor front Bjorvika district has been completely reimagined, transitioning from industry to recreation. In this comprehensive Oslo travel guide, I will reveal the best that Norway’s capital city has to offer, ensuring that you have the best Oslo trip imaginable.

2 Days in Oslo Norway: The Ultimate City Guide

What to See in Oslo

Opera House

The Oslo Opera House, a striking piece of modern architecture, is something of a symbol of the city of Oslo. Although it only opened in 2008, this iconic building quickly won the hearts and minds of locals and travelers alike. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta, the Oslo Opera House is situated at the head of the Oslofjord. The design is inspired by an iceberg, with its white exterior and angular lines, making it appear as though it is rising from the water.

Visitors can walk on the roof for panoramic views of the city and the fjord. My favorite time to go is around sunset, because the golden hour colors are beautiful! Home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, the building itself hosts numerous performances, tours, and exhibitions throughout the year. If you go during the summer, you might spot locals salsa dancing or doing yoga.

Deichmann Public Library

Opened in 2020, the Deichman Public Library is another striking piece of modern architecture. It sits just across the street from the Opera House, so it is easy to visit these two buildings in conjunction. I loved popping into this library, as you can see on my TikTok video about it. The library's architecture is closely linked to its role as a public building.

Notches in the facade mark the entrances that welcome people from all sides of the city in the east, west and north. Diagonal light shafts run across the building, creating smooth transitions between inside and outside. The sloping front of the library directs the view to the nearby opera house, with which the building harmonizes extremely well. Make sure to go inside to truly appreciate the wonder of this building’s design.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace, located at the end of Karl Johans gate, is the official residence of the Norwegian monarch. Built in the early 19th century for King Charles III John, the palace is an excellent example of neoclassical architecture. The light yellow exterior is immediately recognizable! Visitors can witness the changing of the guard ceremony, explore the palace park, and take guided tours during the summer months to see the opulent interiors and learn about the Norwegian royal family and their history.

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle built to protect Oslo and previously served as a royal residence. Its construction began in the late 13th century under King Haakon V and was later modernized to withstand sieges. The fortress has played a significant role in Norway's history, having been used as a military base, a prison, and a royal mausoleum. Today, it is open to the public and houses the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum and the Resistance Museum, offering insights into Norway's military history and its role during World War II.

Oslo City Hall

Oslo City Hall, completed in 1950, is not only a functioning seat of the city council but also a masterpiece of modernist architecture. Its twin red bridge towers make it one of Oslo's most recognizable landmarks. I think the juxtaposition of the exterior and interior is absolutely fascinating. Where the outside is harsh and brutalist, the inside is almost whimsical with color and art. 

You’ll be required to pass through security in order to enter the building. Once inside, marvel all the incredible murals that adorn the halls. The murals depict Norwegian history, culture, and everyday life. The building is also known for hosting the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony every December.

What to Do in Oslo

Munch Museum

The Munch Museum is dedicated to the life and works of Edvard Munch, one of Norway's most famous artists. Opened in 1963, the museum offers a deep dive into Munch's artistic development and his influence on modern art. In 2020, the museum moved to a new location on the Oslo waterfront, providing state-of-the-art facilities and nice views of the fjord. Munch’s best known piece is the iconic painting "The Scream." The museum houses over 1,200 paintings, 4,500 drawings, and 18,000 prints, making it the largest collection of Munch's work in the world. 

Walk the Akerselva River Path

Do as the Osloites do and embrace friluftsliv (outdoor living). Nature is never more than a whisper away in Oslo, and one of my favorite areas to wander is along the Akerselva River. Emerging from the Maridalsvannet reservoir north of the city center, the Akerselva River Path is a scenic trail that runs about 8-kilometers (5-miles) through the heart of Oslo. This once-polluted waterway powered Oslo’s factories during the 19th-century textiles boom. Long since cleaned up, the path takes you through a diverse landscape of waterfalls, green parks, historic industrial sites, and modern urban developments. 

It's an excellent way to explore the city’s natural beauty and industrial heritage, with plenty of opportunities to stop at cafes, galleries, and cultural sites along the way. You don’t need to walk the whole length of the river to have an enjoyable stroll but, if you do, you can catch a train or tram back to the center from Kjelsås, which is close to the reservoir.

Wellness Activities in Oslo

Floating Sauna

It is no secret that I am absolutely obsessed with saunas. Visiting a sauna is one of my favorite things to do while traveling in Scandinavia. In Oslo, you’ll see a huddle of saunas moored at various spots along the harbor front. These saunas are located on the Oslofjord , so you can literally enjoy sauna within view of the Opera House! 

KOK has floating communal saunas, and they also offer a sauna cruise, where you chug out to a quieter spot on the fjord. Another option is Oslo Badstuforening. Their motto is “Sauna to the people!”, with an eclectic selection of floating public or private saunas with different capacities. Regardless of which you choose, these providers offer a traditional Norwegian sauna experience with a modern twist. Visitors can enjoy the relaxing heat while surrounded by water, and brave souls can take a dip in the fjord to cool off. 

The Well Sauna & Spa

Located about 20km outside of Oslo, the Well Sauna & Spa is the largest spa in the Nordic countries. I was first told about this luxury spa by a fellow spa enthusiast on one of my trips, and I finally got the chance to visit this summer. 

Oh my god, I am completely obsessed with this place. It might be one of the nicest spas I have ever been to! 

The Well features a wide variety of saunas, steam baths, pools, and relaxation areas, designed to provide a comprehensive wellness experience. There is an indoor area, as well as an outdoor pool. The Well offers themed sauna rituals, massages, and other treatments, catering to all aspects of relaxation and rejuvenation. 

For my American readers especially, please keep in mind that this is a mixed gender nude spa. Europeans are much more comfortable with nudity and nudity is completely non-sexual at a spa such as this. However, being naked with a bunch of strangers can feel a bit unusual or uncomfortable the first time. You can wear swimsuits purchased from the spa, but only in the pools. Guests are not allowed to wear swimsuits inside any of the saunas. 

Where to Eat in Oslo

Although not nearly as well known for food as their regional rivals Stockholm and Copenhagen, Oslo is Scandinavia’s rising gastronomic star. The city has attracted a flurry of highly talented, experimental chefs, who make amazing use of the country’s bounty of excellent fish, seafood and organic meat. Be aware that much like everything else in Norway, eating out in Oslo is expensive. 

Coffee & Bakeries

Scandinavia excels at creating wonderful pastries, and Oslo is no exception. Cinnamon buns and cardamom buns are among the most popular items, but I recommend selecting anything that looks tasty and tempting! 

• WB Samson: stylish and minimalistic, I think they have the best cinnamon rolls in town. It stands out from the others with its particularly fluffy and slightly whole grain dough
• Baker Hansen: great selection of breads with more of a cafe vibe, so you can also order salads and sandwiches. 
• Kaffebrenneriet: café chain that is actually great. Very tasty coffee and hot chocolate 

Foodhalls & Street Food

• Vaffelvogna: Waffle food truck where you can sample Norwegian waffles with local toppings, such as Norwegian brown cheese, lox and hot dog. A quick look at my TikTok will should you just how happy I am to eat these waffles!
• Salt Food Truck Park: on the Oslo waterfront, this food truck park features a rotating selection of cuisines in a quirky but cool space.
• Oslo Street Food: in the heart of the city, Oslo Street Food Hall is a vibey food hall filled with a variety of street food vendors, especially Asian cuisine. You can see some of the stands and what I ate there on my TikTok video about Oslo Street Food Market.
• Mathallen Food Hall: Best food hall in Oslo, imo. The food hall features over 30 stalls and eateries. Great place to experience Oslo's up-and-coming food scene, meet local producers, and enjoy a meal in a lively, communal atmosphere. 

Gourmet Food Shops

• Fenaknoken Fish Shop: must-visit for seafood lovers. This traditional shop offers a wide selection of fresh and smoked fish, shellfish, and other seafood delicacies. It's a great place to pick up ingredients for a picnic or to sample some of Norway's best seafood products.
• Gutta på Haugen: upscale deli that has been serving Oslo since 1913. Known for its high-quality products and artisanal goods, the store offers a wide range of cheeses, meats, and specialty items.

Restaurants

• Basso Social: trendy spot offering Italian and Scandinavian fusion cuisine. Their tasting menu is affordable and lets you sample of a lot of different things. Has a stylish interior and cool atmosphere.
• Fiskeriet Youngstorget: Favorite place for fresh seafood. Reservation required for indoor seating, but outdoor seating welcomes walk-ins. Fantastic oysters, delicious salmon, and lots of seasonal dishes.
• Mamma Pizza: cozy Italian spot in the heart of the city. Pasta is always nice here!

Where to Stay in Oslo

Oslo offers a wide range of accommodation options, each more stylish than the last. Some of my top choices include:

• The Thief: A luxurious design hotel located on the waterfront in Tjuvholmen, offering stunning views, stylish rooms, and excellent amenities.
• Hotel Continental: A historic hotel in the city center, known for its elegant décor, impeccable service, and central location.
• Comfort Hotel Grand Central: A modern and affordable option located in the Oslo Central Station, perfect for travelers looking for convenience and comfort.
• Saga Hotel Oslo: A boutique hotel in the Frogner district, offering a cozy atmosphere and personalized service.

Best Time to Visit Oslo

June, July and August are the peak months for domestic and international travelers. The midnight sun beckons! Daylight lingers well into the evenings and temperatures are reliably pleasant, hovering around 20°C (68°F). Summer also sees major festivals and events across the city. Plan accordingly because room rates soar over festival dates.

Though slightly cooler, the weather is usually still good during May and September and these shoulder months are ideal if you want to snag lower room rates and avoid the cruise crowds. The exception to this is May 17, when the whole city turns out in national dress to celebrate Constitution Day, with huge parades, marching bands and bucketloads of ice cream. It’s an especially joyful time to be in Oslo, but attractions and almost all shops will be closed on the day, and dinner reservations are essential. 

How to Get Around Oslo

Oslo is a compact and walkable city, but to go beyond the city center, you’ll want to make use of the efficient and comprehensive public transportation system. Everything is run through an app called Ruter, where you can see routes, buy tickets, and check the times. Transit options include:

• Trams and Buses: The extensive network covers most parts of the city and runs frequently throughout the day and night.
• Metro: The T-bane has five lines that connect the city center with the suburbs and major attractions.
• Ferries: Public ferries operate in the Oslofjord, providing access to nearby islands and waterfront destinations.
• Bicycles: Oslo is a bike-friendly city with numerous rental options and dedicated bike lanes.

For multi-day visitors looking to make the most of Oslo, the Oslo Pass is a convenient option that offers unlimited travel on public transportation, as well as free or discounted admission to many attractions.

Have thoughts or questions about visiting Oslo? Tell me in the comments!