What to do in Oslo

Activities, attractions and tours
Oslo Opera House which includes theatre scenes, night scenes and modern architecture

Oslo Attractions

One of Europe’s greenest capitals, Oslo is home to a wealth of architectural gems, a great variety of buzzing bars and restaurants and some of the best museums and galleries on the continent. As well as a dynamic city centre Oslo boasts easy access to Norway’s stunning countryside, making it easy to get out and explore lakes, forests and hills during your stay in the city. What’s more, on top of a beautiful setting and spectacular cityscape, Oslo is home to a mouth-watering cuisine, great shopping and a diverse population, ensuring there’s plenty to explore during your Norwegian adventure.

Areas & Neighbourhoods in Oslo

Sentrum – The centre of Oslo is home to the city’s tallest buildings, its train station and Oslo’s main harbour. Having undergone major redevelopment over the last few years, the area is a now a great destination for a waterside stroll, with a number of cultural institutions located in the district.

Bygdøy – Also known as ‘Museum Peninsula’, Bygdøy is home to five of the city’s best museums. The area boasts beautiful forests and parks as well as its very own beach. Enjoy a day of culture in Bygdøy or simply amble through the district’s beautiful homes and undulating landscape.

Majorstua – One of the more affluent parts of Oslo, Majorstua offers a vibrant downtown, fantastic shopping areas and beautiful period architecture. Head to this lively district for a day of retail therapy, a tasty meal or a memorable night out.

Grünerløkka – The trendiest part of Oslo, Grünerløkka is home to quirky boutiques, independent cafes and restaurants and lively bars. Visit the district’s weekly antiques market or enjoy an alternative night out in one of Grünerløkka’s eclectic watering holes.

Things to See in Oslo

Oslo’s impressive sights are spread across the city, though most are located within a short walk from the central district. One of the most famous landmarks in the city is the Royal Palace. The colossal early 19th century structure has 173 rooms and is open for tours throughout the summer months. Other prominent sights in Oslo include the medieval Akershus Fortress, the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design and Oslo Opera House which was awarded the title of Best Cultural Building at the World Architecture Festival in 2008.

Things to Do in Oslo

Thanks to the beautiful countryside that surrounds the city, and its wealth of museums, restaurants, bars, shops and historic sights, there’s more than enough in Oslo to keep you happy during your stay. Learn more about Norwegian culture and history in the museums in Bygdøy, explore the independent shops and bars of Grünerløkka or get out of the city to hike, bike or kayak in Oslo’s beautiful countryside. In the summer months, the lakes, islands and fjords that surround the city are perfect for wild swimming while the city’s bike hire scheme makes it easy to explore the sights and attractions of Oslo on two wheels.

You can also book top Oslo hotels and great Oslo holidays right here on Expedia.co.uk.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Oslo


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of 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 Parliament.

Oslo City Centre
Palace Park showing a pond

Central Oslo

If you are attracted to sports, beautiful scenery and indoor and outdoor cultural experiences, Oslo will be the perfect destination for you!

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

Whether you want to shop 'til you drop in the big shopping centre, relax on the beach or go to a concert at Telenor Arena, Fornebu is the perfect place for you.

Fornebu
Oslo Opera House featuring modern architecture, theatre scenes and night scenes

Gamle Oslo

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Shopping, restaurants and museums highlight some notable features of Gamle Oslo. Make a stop by Valerenga Church or MUNCH Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at St. Halvards Place Tram Station or Munkegata Tram Station to get around town.

Gamle Oslo
Oslo featuring outdoor art

Frogner

5/5(20 area reviews)

Museums, cafes and shopping highlight some notable features of Frogner. Make a stop by Color Line Ferry Terminal or Oslo City Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lille Frogner alle Light Rail Station or Elisinburg Tram Station to get around town.

Frogner

Day trip destinations from Oslo