Top 10 Things to Do in Oslo

Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen 

Start your adventure at Aker Brygge, where the charm of the waterfront meets stylish restaurants and cosy cafés. This lively waterfront area is ideal for a relaxed day of shopping and dining. 

 

Continue on to Tjuvholmen, known for its modern architecture and art venues such as the Astrup Fearnley Museum. Here, art and culture unfold in beautiful waterside surroundings, with sculpture parks and refined dining adding to the atmosphere. 

 

The combination of Aker Brygge’s vibrant energy and Tjuvholmen’s artistic edge makes this area a must-see. 

 

Address: Aker Brygge, 0250 Oslo, Norway 
Perfect for: art, food and shopping 

Oslo Opera House and Barcode 

The Oslo Opera House is an architectural landmark and home to world-class opera and ballet performances. Visitors can walk up the sloping roof and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the fjord. 

 

Right next door lies the Barcode, known for its slim high-rise buildings and striking contemporary architecture. Part of the Bjørvika district, this area represents modern Oslo, with a lively mix of offices, homes, shops and restaurants. A stroll through the Barcode offers a glimpse into the city’s ongoing transformation. 

 
Address: Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway 
Perfect for: culture and architecture 

Munch Museum

The Munch Museum is dedicated to Norway’s renowned painter Edvard Munch, best known for The Scream. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Munch’s works, including paintings, prints and sculptures. 

 

Alongside the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions offer new perspectives on his life and artistic process. Explore how Munch worked and how his ideas evolved at his most creative moments. 
 

Address: Edvard Munchs Plass 1, 0194 Oslo, Norway 
Perfect for: art and history

Vigeland Park

Vigeland Park is one of Oslo’s most scenic attractions and the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland. With more than 200 sculptures, the park explores themes of life, death and human relationships. 

 

At its centre stands the impressive Monolith, a 14-metre sculpture carved from a single block of granite. The park is ideal for a peaceful day surrounded by art, nature and quiet reflection. 
 

Address: Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo, Norway 
Perfect for: art and nature

Holmenkollen

Holmenkollen is an iconic winter sports venue with a long and proud history. Visit the ski jump and the adjoining ski museum to learn about Norway’s deep-rooted skiing traditions. 

 

From the top of the ski jump, you are rewarded with spectacular views over Oslo. In summer, the area also offers beautiful hiking trails that bring you close to nature. 
 

Address: Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo, Norway 
Perfect for: skiing and outdoor life 

Fram Museum and Norwegian Folk Museum

The Fram Museum is dedicated to Norwegian polar expeditions and houses the original polar ship Fram. Step aboard the vessel and learn about historic journeys to the Arctic and Antarctica. 

 

Nearby, the Norwegian Folk Museum offers insight into Norwegian cultural history through more than 150 historic buildings, including traditional stave churches. This open-air museum is one of Oslo’s most immersive historical attractions. 
 

Addresses: Bygdøynesveien 39, 0286 Oslo, Norway (Fram Museum) / Museumsveien 10, 0287 Oslo, Norway (Norwegian Folk Museum) 
Perfect for: history and culture 

Karl Johans gate

Karl Johans gate is Oslo’s main street and the city’s central artery. Stretching from Oslo Central Station to the Royal Palace, it is lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, making it ideal for people-watching. 

 

Along the way, you will also pass key landmarks such as the Stortinget (parliament) and the National Theatre. A walk here offers a lively introduction to the city’s atmosphere – and plenty of shopping opportunities. 
 

Address: Karl Johans gate, 0162 Oslo, Norway 
Perfect for: shopping and sightseeing 

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is a medieval stronghold that has guarded Oslo for more than 700 years. Once a royal residence and later a prison, it now offers guided tours that bring Norway’s dramatic history to life. 

 

The fortress also provides fine views of the Oslofjord and is a great setting for a historical walk. 
 

Address: Akershus Festning, 0150 Oslo, Norway 
Perfect for: history and sightseeing