How to Spend One Day in Oslo: The Ultimate Itinerary
When people think of Norway, they usually think of the fjords of Lofoten or the whales of Tromso. It’s fair to say that Oslo tends to be overlooked.
However, Oslo is a wonderful city! It’s a true hub for culture, art and nature. It really has something for everyone, and it’s become one of my favourite cities.
I was lucky enough to spend several days exploring the capital of Norway, and I loved every second of it. I had no idea what to expect, but I was completely blown away.
Here, I’ve shared exactly how to spend one day in Oslo. This includes what to do in Oslo, where to stay and the best places to eat.
Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a lover of all things outdoors, or a foodie, Oslo has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for exactly how to spend the perfect day in Norway’s capital, here you go…
Is one day enough for Oslo?
One day in Oslo is enough time to get a feel for the city, see the main highlights and visit one or two of the famous museums.
Oslo is a small city, so you can walk around the centre in a couple of hours. Aside from The Fram and Norwegian Folk Museum, most of the main attractions are in the centre.
Of course, one day won’t give you enough time to see everything. If there are lots of museums you want to see, consider adding an extra day or two to your itinerary.
If you only have 24 hours in the city, keep reading for my one day in Oslo itinerary.
The best time of year to visit Oslo
Oslo is a great city to visit around the year. With plenty of outdoor activities and indoor museums, there is lots to keep you busy, whatever the weather.
Oslo in winter
I visited Oslo in the winter and absolutely LOVED it. Yes, it was FREEZING, but it was beautiful.
Despite the cold and snow, winter is a magical time to visit the city. Christmas, in particular, is one of the best times to visit Oslo.
In December, the city lights up with Christmas decorations and displays, and you’ll find several Christmas markets around the city.
The only real downside of visiting in the winter (aside from the cold) is the lack of daylight hours. During December and January, there are only a few hours of sunlight a day.
Personally, I didn’t find this too much of an issue. It was too cold to spend the entire day outside anyway, so I enjoyed using the darkness as an excuse to go and warm up inside a museum.
I’d also just come from Tromso with experiences the polar night. So, even a few hours of daylight was a positive for me.
Oslo in summer
Summer is also a fantastic time to visit Oslo. The days are long, the weather is more favourable, and it’s the perfect time to explore the beautiful nature surrounding the city.
If you’re keen to go hiking and spend your days outdoors, summer is the best time to visit.
Morning in Oslo
Join a walking tour (or go self-guided)
Kick off your day in Oslo by joining a walking tour (or doing a self-guided walking tour).
Oslo has a small city centre, so it’s easy to see all the main historic highlights within a few hours.
If you want to join a walking tour, I recommend Nordic Freedom Tours. The walking tour covers most of the main highlights in Oslo.
The best part? It’s free! The tour operates on a tip basis. This means you can tip your guide at the end; but otherwise, the tour is free.
Self-guided walking tour Oslo
If you’re keen to explore independently, consider a self-guided walking tour. Here is the route I would follow.
Stop one: The Cathedral and Tiger Statue
Begin your tour of Oslo with the beautiful Oslo Cathedral. This historic building was constructed in the 17th century. It’s possible to go inside during opening hours.
A few minutes’ walk away is the famous Tiger statue. Oslo is nicknamed Tigerstaden (Tiger), so it seems right that there’s a tiger statue in the city.
Stop two: The Deichman Library, Opera House and The Munch Museum
The impressive Deichman Library is a short walk from the Tiger.
While visiting a library might not be at the top of your list of things to do, it’s well worth having a quick look.
The inside and outside of the building are very impressive, and it’s a great insight into everyday Norwegian life.
While in the area, don’t miss the famous Opera House. This building has incredible modern articheture and it makes for a great photo. If it’s not too icy, it’s possible to explore the rooftop area.
The famous Munch Museum is right next door to the Oslo Opera House. Dedicated to Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, the building is filled with impressive paintings, artefacts and workshops.
Inside, you’ll also find three sketches of the famous ‘The Scream’ painting. To see the final piece of artwork, you’ll need to go to The National Museum.
The Munch Museum is open daily, and it’s the perfect place to spend an hour or two.
If you’re not bothered about going inside either of these spots, walk down the harbour front opposite the buildings. There are some great photo spots on the way.
Stop three: The Akershus Fortress
This medieval castle is right on the Harbourfront. It’s a fantastic place to learn more about the city’s history.
There’s also a great viewpoint of Oslo and the fjords from inside the castle grounds.
It’s free entry, so it’s well worth having a walk around.
Stop seven: Aker Brygge (or do this at the end for some lunch)
Aker Brygge is one of the most modern parts of Oslo. It’s a hub for restaurants and bars with countless options to suit every taste bud.
It’s near the centre, so you could finish your walking tour here before grabbing lunch.
If you walk down towards the Astrup Fearnley Museum, you will see beautiful views of the fjords and harbour. It’s also an excellent place for sunset on a clear day.
Stop four: The City Hall
Next up is the Oslo City Hall. This is where the famous Nobel Peace Prize is awarded every year.
It’s sometimes possible to go inside; you can check the website for the latest opening hours.
Stop five: The Royal Palace and National Theater
Walk past the famous National Theater towards the Royal Palace, home of Norway’s Royal Family. If the flag is up, it means the King is home.
Stop six: Karl Johans Gate
Lastly, stroll down Karl Johans gate, one of Oslo’s most famous streets.
The street is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to do some shopping.
Visit the National Museum
If you only have time to visit one museum in Oslo, I suggest the National Museum.
This is one of Norway’s most famous museums and has artwork, artefacts and exhibitions covering Norwegian and global history.
It’s also home to the iconic ‘The Scream’ painting by Edvard Munch.
I’m not the biggest fan of museums, but I enjoyed this one. It’s right by Karl Johans gate and the Oslo harbour, so it’s a convenient place to visit after the walking tour.
Tip: The museum is closed on Mondays (as are most museums in the city).
Afternoon in Oslo
Option 1: See some more museums or galleries
Oslo is filled with fantastic museums, some of the best in the entire world. If you’re keen to make the most of what they have to offer, spend your afternoon exploring as many as you can.
I’ve already spoken about the National Museum, which is an absolute must for anyone visiting Oslo.
Right next door you’ll find the Nobel Peace Museum, which shares everything you need about the famous Nobel Peace Prize.
Other famous museums include the Fram Museum and the Norsk Folkemuseum, an open-air museum all about Norwegian Culture.
You’ll need to take a boat, bus or taxi to reach these two museums, but they’re well worth it. The Fram Museum is known to be one of the best in the world. The Kon-Tiki Museum is also nearby.
One attraction I missed out on is the Viking Ship Museum. I’ve heard amazing things about it, but it’s currently closed for renovation.
Option 2: Go on a boat ride
One of the most popular activities in Oslo is to join a boat cruise around the Oslo Fjord.
Despite being the capital city, Oslo is still close to some beautiful nature. And a cruise is one of the best ways to make the most of the surrounding beauty.
If you’re looking for the best tour, I recommend this silent catamaran cruise. It’s a fantastic way to spend the afternoon and escape the city.
Option 3: Visit the Vigeland Park
If you want to make the most of free things to do in Oslo, consider visiting the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
It’s about a 40-minute walk from the centre, or you can hop on a tram or bus.
The beautiful sculpture park is within Frogner Park, and is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.
The park is open all year round, but it’s especially beautiful in the snow. It’s also free to enter.
Evening in Oslo
If you’re not exhausted from your busy day, there are several options for how to spend your evening in Oslo.
One of the best things to do in the evening is take a sightseeing dinner cruise around the fjord. This popular tour includes a three-course meal as you cruise around the fjords.
Another option is to join a food tour of Oslo. It’s a fantastic way to experience the best of the city’s food in a short space of time.
Finally, consider relaxing in a sauna. Scandinavia is famous for its sauna culture, and Norway is no exception.
The sauna experience in Norway involves getting toasty in the heat and jumping into freezing cold water to cool down.
Personally, I think this is more fun in the winter, but it’s still an option for the summer. I recommend either Kok or Salt.
Otherwise, spend your evening trying one of the many famous restaurants and enjoying a Norwegian beer.
One-day Oslo itinerary: winter and summer alternatives
Oslo in summer
If you visit Oslo during the summer months, you’ll have more daylight hours to play with.
During June, the sun doesn’t set until after 10pm, meaning you can fill your evening by exploring one of the parks or even hiking.
Here are some additional summer activities in Oslo.
Island Hopping
If you’re keen to get out of the city, consider island hopping around the nearby islands. You can join a tour or use the public ferry to get around.
It’s possible to go island hopping all year in Norway, but if you want to make the most of the beaches and hikes, summer is the best time.
Find out more about island hopping in my post about what to see in Oslo.
Go kayaking
Kayaking is another excellent summer activity in Oslo. You get to see the city from an entirely different perspective, plus it’s a fun experience.
🛶 This popular 2-hour tour takes you out onto the Oslofjord, as well as witnessing some of Oslo’s famous attractions from the water level. If you want a bit more of a challenge, there’s also the option for a 3-hour tour.
It’s a great way to spend your morning or afternoon.
Go for a hike
Even with just one day, it’s possible to experience some beautiful hikes in Oslo (without needing a car).
One of the best hiking areas in Oslo is Holmenkollen, where you’ll also find the giant ski jump. There is a huge forest nearby with some fantastic hiking trails.
The Sognsvann Lake loop is another possible option. It’s a short hike but a great way to experience Norwegian nature with just one day in the city.
Visit the Botanical Garden
The Oslo Botanical Garden is a good option for the spring or summer. As the days get warmer and longer, the park comes to life with beautiful plants and flowers.
Oslo in winter
I’ve already written a guide on the best things to do in Oslo during the winter. From sledging to seeing a light show at Ekebergparken, winter is a magical time in Oslo.
Find out more in my guide.
Where to stay in Oslo
Oslo is a small city with an excellent public transport system, so wherever you stay, it’s easy enough to get around.
Despite being the capital city of Norway, Oslo is a quiet city. Even in the centre, there’s limited noise and traffic. I’m not sure I’ve ever been to a capital as quiet as Oslo before.
Here are a few of the best places to stay in Oslo.
Budget
Norway isn’t exactly a budget-friendly destination, so it can be hard to find cheap accommodation in Oslo.
Here are several options for those looking to travel on a budget.
👉 For a budget hostel in Oslo, consider Bunks at Rode. It’s a modern hostel with a mix of dorms and privates available. It’s a little far from the main centre, so you may need to use public transport.
👉 Another option is K7. The dorms are a little bit more basic, but the hostel is in a fantastic location right in the heart of the city.
👉 Citybox is an affordable hotel in Oslo. There are a range of rooms available to suit all budgets. The rooms aren’t the biggest, but you can’t complain at that price.
👉 Another good budget hotel in Oslo is the Scandic Oslo City. You’ll find these hotels all over Norway, and they’re great value.
Mid-range
Some of my favourite hotels in Oslo are:
👉 The Radisson Blu Plaza is an excellent hotel option in Oslo. It’s close to everything you need, (normally) includes breakfast, and there are some rooms with epic city views.
👉 The Thon Hotel has lovely rooms and is in the perfect location.
👉 The Karl Johan Hotel is another brilliant option.
Airbnb
Eating out in Oslo is very expensive, so you might prefer to stay in an Airbnb. Most Airbnbs will have a kitchen, meaning you can prepare your own food.
If you’re looking for an Airbnb in Oslo, I’d recommend searching just outside of the Oslo Sentrum (central) area. This way, you’ll be within walking distance of most attractions without paying city center prices.
I stayed in an Airbnb on Osterhaus Gate Road, and it was in the perfect location.
Where to eat in Oslo
One of the things that surprised me about Oslo was the amount of delicious food on offer (and I’m vegetarian).
Even with just one day in Oslo, you’ll have enough time to try some of the yummy food the city is known for.
If you really want to try the best local food, consider joining a food tour. This tour involves three hours of trying delicious food and drinks. It’s a great option for those who want to make the most of their time in Oslo.
Here are some of my favourite food spots.
Cafes and bakeries 🥐
Norwegians LOVE their pastries, and oh my, do they know how to make good ones! No trip to Oslo is complete without trying something from one of the many bakeries.
In the city centre, you’ll find several bakery chains, including Baker Hansen, Godt Brød, Bake Me Up and WB Samson. They’re the perfect spot for a sweet treat or small breakfast/lunch.
If you’re a coffee lover like me, you’ll be pleased to hear the coffee in Norway is some of the best I’ve had in the world.
One of my favourite coffee shops in Oslo is Hakone Coffee. There are a couple of locations in the centre, including one close to the Tiger Statue.
🍔 Quick bites and street food
If you’re looking to have a quick meal in Oslo, consider trying one of the food halls.
Mathallen is one of the most popular food halls in Oslo. Here, you’ll find a range of vendors selling international food and local delicacies (if you want to try reindeer sausage, this is the place).
Oslo Street Food is a smaller food hall in the city’s centre. There’s a range of stalls focusing on Asian cuisine, such as Thai and Indian food.
🍲 Restaurants
One of my favourite restaurants in Norway is Sumo (I can hear the Norwegians sigh). It’s a popular sushi chain around the country, but the vegetarian food there is some of the best I’ve had.
Yes, it’s a sushi chain, but the vegetarian sushi is honestly phenomenal. I went three times during my trip to Norway. I loved it THAT much.
Speaking of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Oslo, I highly recommend Nordvegan. It’s a small menu, but the food is so tasty.
EatHappy Vegan is another good option, serving a range of Asian vegan food.
I also ate some excellent vegetarian Ethiopian food at Africano Restaurant.
For the ultimate culinary experience, book a table at The Palace Grill, one of Oslo’s most highly-rated food spots. You’ll be served a tasting menu with the option to add a wine package.
Some other great restaurants in Oslo include Le Benjamin, Koie Ramen and Cafe Sara.
The Aker Brygge area of Oslo is filled with lots of bars and restaurants and is a good place to grab some dinner.
How to get around Oslo
Oslo is a small city, and if you follow my one-day itinerary, you won’t need to use public transport much (depending on where your hotel is and if you opt to visit the Fram and Folk Museums).
In fact, most of the attractions mentioned in this post are within walking distance from each other. Just be prepared for lots of steps.
If you need to use public transport, Oslo has a mix of trams, buses and trains.
The main station is Oslo Central Station, but there are several tram stops around the city centre area.
I used Google Maps to navigate the public transport in Oslo. You can also use the Ruter App to book your tickets in advance.
There are a few locations around the city where you can buy physical tickets, but I recommend using the Ruter App. You put in your route and choose the type of ticket you’d like to buy.
Be sure to do this before your journey.
Should you buy an Oslo pass?
The Oslo Pass is a popular option when visiting Oslo. You pay a one-off fee and then have access to many attractions and public transport for a set amount of time.
The transport included is only in zones 1 and 2, but aside from the airport, there’s not much need to go beyond that (unless you’re exploring further afield).
In terms of attractions, entry to most museums and galleries is included, plus there are discounts for others. You can see the complete list on the Oslo Pass website.
There’s the option to buy a pass for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
So, is it worth it? It depends! If you only plan to visit one or two museums, you’ll likely not benefit from the Oslo Pass.
With just one day, you’ll unlikely have time to visit more than a couple of museums. I recommend adding up the entry fees and comparing this to the cost of the pass. You can then decide if it’s worth it for you.
Transport is only included in zones one or two. Unless you want to visit The Fram Museum or Folk Museum (or go elsewhere), you’ll unlikely be using much public transport.
Of course, if you want to visit several museums and use public transport to get around, the Oslo Pass will undoubtedly save you money.
I got a 72 hour pass for my trip, and having the pass encouraged me to visit more museums than I had originally planned for.
Tips for visiting Norway’s capital
With only one day in Oslo, it’s important to be prepared so you can make the most of your time there. Here are a few helpful tips to help you prepare for your trip:
Don’t worry about cash
Oslo, and Norway as a whole, is very much a card-first country.
Most cafes, restaurants and attractions prefer card payments. I had a bit of cash with me and struggled to use it all up as some places refused cash.
Even on the walking tour, our guide preferred tips via card payment and had a card machine with her.
I always like to have some cash with me ‘just in case’, but this didn’t seem essential in Norway.
Prepare for all weather
Oslo’s weather can be very unpredictable. It snowed when the forecast said sunny, and it was sunny when the forecast said snow.
Ultimately, prepare for all weather. If you’re visiting Oslo in the winter, pack plenty of layers to keep you warm.
It’s also a sensible idea to pack a layer or two and a waterproof coat in the summer.
Wear comfortable shoes
On my first day in Oslo, I did over 20,000 steps.
Although it’s a small city, there is still so much to see, and you’ll undoubtedly be getting in your steps. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes so that you can walk long distances.
In the winter, the sidewalks can get very slippery. Ensure you have shoes with good grips to avoid slipping over.
It’s also possible to buy microspikes or grips for those extra slippery days. They attach to your shoes and grip the ice to prevent slipping.
You might get laughed at by a local, but you don’t want to hurt yourself on your trip.
The early bird doesn’t always catch the worm
Norway doesn’t seem to like early starts.
In most cities, I recommend starting your day as early as possible to see everything you can, but that’s not entirely true for Oslo.
I found that most cafes didn’t open until at least 9 a.m. Many museums also don’t open until 10 or even 11 a.m.
With this in mind, waking up as early as possible might not be in your favour.
Book restaurants ahead of time
It can be hard to get a seat at some of the popular restaurants in Oslo. Consider making a reservation in advance.
Download the Ruter app
The Ruter App is a great way to navigate public transport in Oslo. You can also use the app to purchase any tickets you need.
Be aware of alcohol laws
If you’re planning to buy alcohol to drink at your Airbnb or hotel, it’s important to know that it’s not always available to purchase.
Norway has strict alcohol purchasing laws when it comes to buying from liquor stores or supermarkets.
You can only buy spirits or wines from the government’s official liquor store, Vinmonopolet. Beers are available at most supermarkets.
You also can’t buy any alcohol past 8pm on weekdays or 6pm on Saturdays. On a Sunday, you can’t buy alcohol at all.
These laws don’t apply to bars, but they can be hideously expensive in Norway.
I hope you found this one day Oslo itinerary useful.
