30 Secrets & Things to do in Oslo, Norway
My Ultimate Weekend Guide with 30 Must-See Spots! From the enchanting Frogner Park and majestic Viking Ship Museum to exotic whale sushi tastings, there's a world to explore. Experience the highs of the Stratos Rooftop, indulge in the quirky delight of black licorice ice cream, and uncover the secrets of Oslo's electric nightlife. This article uncovers my hidden gems and top attractions of Norway's capital for an unforgettable experience!
- What: Capital of Norway
- When: Visit in July & August for excellent warm weather
- Why: Most laid-back city in Scandinavia with lots of attractions
- Best Oslo Cafe: The Cakery
- Best Oslo Restaurant: Rorbua
- Best Oslo Museum: Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
- Best Oslo Experience: Oslo Fjord Cruise ($36 USD)
- Transportation: Oslo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus to easily explore Oslo ($43 USD)
- Accommodation: Find the cheapiest hotels on Booking.com
- Related: Oslo Nightlife Guide and Oslo Food Review
Buy Tickets for Oslo
During my summer weekend in Oslo, I was pleasantly surprised by the city's vibrant outdoor attractions and culinary delights. Aker Brygge was my starting point, where I sampled the local specialty, Polse, a bacon-wrapped, cheese-filled hot dog, setting the tone for my culinary journey at $6 a pop. Walking from Aker Brygge, I explored the Royal Palace, the bustling Karl Johans Gate, the waterfront charm of Vippa, the architectural marvel of the Opera House, and the relaxing Sorenga beach deck.
Oslo Map Download
Attractions • Restaurants • Rooftops
Bars • Nightclubs • Walking Routes
and Bonus Tips.
Best Places for Travel in Oslo
1. Aker Brygge
Upscale harbor front of Oslo with gorgeous views of Oslofjord.
2. Pølse Hot Dog
Most famous Norwegian hot dog wrapped in bacon and injected with cheese.
3. Whale Sushi
Try raw whale sushi at Det Nye Fisketorget at Aker Brygge.
4. Black Licorice Soft Ice
Hennig Oslen at Aker Brygge sells bizarre soft ice with black licorice sprinkles.
5. Salted Licorice Ice Cream
Paradis Gelateria is unique for its Sal Ammoniac Ice Cream.
6. Oslo Radhus
Oslo's city counsel including impressive murals on the walls.
As the capital of Norway, Oslo, with a 1.5 million strong metropolitan population, presents a unique blend of royal history and modern living. Despite being one of the world's most expensive cities, as noted by Forbes Magazine, it offers a safe, laid-back Scandinavian environment. English is widely understood, easing navigation and dining experiences.
7. Frogner Park
Collection of 200 bizarre sculptures by Gustav Vigeland and a unique attraction in Oslo.
8. Royal Palace
Norway is a kingdom with its Royal family residing at the slottet downtown Oslo.
9. Karl Johans Gate
Located next to the royal palace, Karl Johans Gate is the main shopping street of Oslo.
10. Studenterlunden Park
Gorgeous downtown park and great to stroll around on a sunny day and admire its large fountains.
11. Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
My favorite museum in Oslo with a stave church dating from 1200 completely built out of wood.
12. Viking Ship Museum
Photos don't do this place justice, I did not know viking ships were this large.
The cost of living in Oslo is notable, with even basic items like hot dogs priced at $6, reflecting the city's high living standards. However, the city's ease of public transport and the prevalence of English make it accessible for tourists. I encountered the intriguing Brown Cheese Ice Cream, a testament to Oslo’s unique culinary landscape.
13. Fram Museum
Norwegian polar exploration mission vessel built in 1891.
14. Norwegian Maritime Museum
Learn more about the massive ship building industry of Norway including popular cruise liners.
15. Kon-Tiki Museum
During a 3 month journey in 1947, Thor Heyerdahl proved the South Pacific islands to be colonized by South Americans.
16. Fiskeriet Youngstorget
Indulge on fresh Norwegian fish including raw salmon cuts and fried cod.
17. Vippa
Hipster food hall at the harbor front of Oslo, great for an afternoon lunch.
18. Opera House Oslo
Most impressive building of Oslo, modeled after flat iceberg shapes with inclines,
Frogner Park stood out with its vast collection of sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History also impressed me, offering a glimpse into Norway's rich past with its extensive exhibits and historical reenactments.
19. SALT
Cool harbor front spot across the Opera House, a nomadic art lounge with bars and coffee shops.
20. Sørenga Sjøbad
Luxurious neighborhood with fantastic outdoor deck where you can swim and socialize with the local.
21. Ekebergparken
Bizarre sculpture park and great views of Oslo from the Ekeberg Restaurant.
22. Akershus Fortress
Fantastic views of Oslo and watch massive cruise liners dock at the harbor front.
23. Resistance Museum of Norway
Education experience about occupied Norway by the Nazis during World War II.
24. Rorbua
Incredible restaurant serving local Norwegian dishes, try the Tastes of Norway meat stick.
An unexpected message from an American friend led me to Fiskeriet Youngtorget, where I indulged in the finest Norwegian salmon. This experience highlighted the quality of local seafood and the city's welcoming nature.
25. Brown Cheese Ice Cream
Unique traditional Norwegian dessert: caramelized cheese ice cream at Louise restaurant.
26. Mathallen Oslo
Brand new food hall with unique restaurants and shops located in the student district Grünerløkka.
27. Magic Ice Bar
Cheers on ice wine at enjoy the ice version of the famous SCREAM painting.
28. Stratos
Enjoy cocktails at the amazing rooftop lounge Stratos with a remarkable patio.
29. The Thief Rooftop
Upscale rooftop lounge at one of the most prestige hotels of Norway.
30. Oslo Nightlife
One thing that was beyond all my expectations; the nightlife. Oslo has many incredible bars & nightclubs, watch my full review.
Historical exploration took me to Akershus Fortress, where I enjoyed panoramic views of Oslo and delved into Norway's WWII history at the Resistance Museum, enriching my understanding of the country's past.
Dining at Rorbua on Aker Brygge, I savored the "Tastes of Norway" meat platter, featuring exotic selections like whale and reindeer, with the juicy reindeer meat being a highlight, all for around $45. This meal, coupled with traditional Norwegian Hansa beer, encapsulated the local culinary experience.
Beyond the main attractions, Oslo's architectural feats like the contemporary Opera House and the innovative Sorenga neighborhood provided a modern contrast to the city's historical sites, enhancing the urban experience.
For nature and art lovers, Ekebergparken offered a serene escape with its intriguing sculptures and panoramic city views, further enriching my Oslo itinerary.
My visit concluded with a tour of the city's museums on the Bygdoy Peninsula, including the Viking Ship Museum and the Fram Museum, each narrating facets of Norway’s maritime and exploration heritage.
The culinary scene in Oslo was further explored at Vippa, a trendy food hall offering a variety of cuisines, and at Mathallen in the Vulkan district, where I enjoyed local specialties in a contemporary setting.
In conclusion, Oslo is an ideal destination for a short summer getaway, offering a blend of outdoor activities, historical insights, and a rich culinary scene. With its mix of cultural attractions and lively social scene, especially during the weekends, Oslo is a city that leaves a lasting impression.
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