3-Day Best of Oslo Itinerary
Visit Norway’s capital city of Oslo and you’ll find fascinating examples of Norwegian culture and history, both ancient and modern:
Overlooking the scenic Oslofjord from a hill, Akershus Fortress dates back to the 1200s, and it sits just a short walk away from the state-of-the-art stone and glass Oslo Opera House. Stroll from the sedate Royal Palace, with its regal stature and beautiful parks, to the busy Karl Johans Gate, where there is always a new shop or restaurant opening.
You’ll quickly discover that Oslo offers visitors a perfect blend of the traditional and the contemporary—a combination that gives locals a sense of pride.
Day 1
If you only have one day in Oslo and want to ensure you don’t miss out on any main sights, this is the itinerary for you. Demonstrating just how walkable Oslo is, it only takes one hour in total to walk to all these sights without stopping.
Start your day by heading toward the Royal Palace and the surrounding park of Slottsparken, which makes for a beautiful morning stroll. If visiting in summer, prebook one of the interior palace tours.
Walk down the main pedestrian street of Karl Johans Gate; you’ll pass the grand Nationaltheateret and the Norwegian Parliament buildings along the way.
Continue toward the Oslo Cathedral and pop inside to marvel at the baroque details and three-story altar.
For lunch, head to the Royal Gastropub in Østbanehallen. This food hall is set in the king’s former waiting room from the late 1800s and early 1900s, when he primarily traveled to various parts of Norway by train.
Just a short walk from Østbanehallen you will find the stunning Oslo Opera House. If you happen to get here in time for a tour (Sun.-Fri. 1pm, Sat. noon), consider joining; alternatively, enjoy an invigorating walk on the building’s roof to take in the views of Oslofjord and the distinctive skyline known as the Barcode behind you.
From the Opera House, walk west along the water to Akershus Fortress. Spend some time walking around the grounds and visiting the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum.
From Akershus, head west toward Aker Brygge and the Nobel Peace Center, across the bay. Visit the center to learn more about the prestigious award, handed out in Oslo each year.
For dinner, there are several options in the upscale dockside neighborhood of Aker Brygge. Try Entrecote by Trancher, a Norwegian take on a steakhouse, serving carefully selected cuts of meat.
Day 2
On your second day in Oslo, head to the waterfront National Museum. This massive museum on the Aker Brygge waterfront opened in summer 2022 and is the largest art museum in the Nordics.
Head toward the Rådhuset (City Hall) and take in the monumental brick towers looming over the main entrance.
Keep walking toward the Nationaltheateret subway station, taking the train west one stop to Majorstuen. Grab lunch at Kverneriet, which serves great burgers and milkshakes right next to the station.
From Kverneriet, walk along the main road Kirkeveien toward the entrance of the famous, can’t-miss sculpture park of Vigelandsparken.
After a stroll through the Vigeland Park, it’s time to learn more about the Norwegian sculptor behind it, Gustav Vigeland. Leave the park at the southern gates, and head across the street to the Vigeland Museum.
After your museum visit, walk to tram stop Frogner Plass and get on tram #12 back to Majorstuen. Stroll down Bogstadveien, a lovely shopping street that is a little less crowded with tourists than Karl Johans Gate. To break up your browsing, consider stopping at Delicatessen Majorstuen for a glass of wine.
Grab dinner at FYR Bistronomi, a gastronomic bistro at the other end of Bogstadveien.
If you fancy some after-dinner drinks, stroll 10-15 minutes to F6 cocktail bar (namedafter its address, Frognerveien 6).
Day 3: Oslo Like a Local
If you’re lucky enough to have a third day in Oslo, start your day slow by taking the subway to Nydalen subway station, serviced by lines 2, 4, and 5 (all of which go through the city center). Enjoy a lovely morning walk down Akerselva, stopping by Tim Wendelboe for a coffee on the way.
When you get to Mathallen, Oslo’s main food hall, browse all the amazing offers by the vendors here. This is a great place to stop for lunch.
Keep following Akerselva until you get to Ankerbrua bridge. Head east from here until you reach the Botanical Garden to continue your leisurely walk.
Visit some of the buildings that make up the fascinating Natural History Museum, scattered around the gardens.
Backtrack west slightly to spend some time in the vibrant neighborhood of Grünerløkka. After some people-watching and perhaps some vintage shopping, head to Villa Paradiso for some of the best pizza in Oslo, beloved by locals.
For after-dinner drinks, there are several options; Bar Boca is a great spot if you’re into mixology.
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