3-Day Best of Oslo Itinerary
Whether you have one day or a long weekend to spend in Oslo, here’s how to make the most of Norway’s capital city.
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, head up to the building’s roof to take in the views of Oslofjord.
From the Opera House, walk west along the water to Akershus Fortress. Stop by 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. There are several dinner options along Aker Brygge.
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 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 (named after 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 slowly 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.
Head across the Akerselva river to Mathallen, Oslo’s main food hall, and 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.
Backtrack west slightly to spend some time in the vibrant neighborhood of Grünerløkka. After some people-watching and perhaps some vintage shopping, head to Girotondo for some of the best pizza in Oslo, beloved by locals.
For after-dinner drinks, there are several options; Himkok is a great spot if you’re into mixology.
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