When you are planning an Oslo itinerary, to start with, congrats. You have chosen a city that feels somehow innovative and homelike at the same time. It is one of those capitals where you can appreciate world-class art in the morning, go island hopping in the afternoon and find yourself knee-deep in snow under the Northern Lights in the evening, depending on which season of the year you are in.
No matter whether you are envisioning a fjord-filled July or a hygge-centred Oslo weekend itinerary in the middle of the winter, this guide will have you covered. I have just come back after spending three days soaking up culture, calories and cold air in the Scandinavian city of Oslo itinerary and have already figured out how I would be going back.
So without further ado, get ready to go on a jammed, yet not hectic, 3-day Oslo itinerary plan, as I give you more than enough tips to go there both in summer and winter seasons and a great centrally located hotel to keep your feet resting softly at the end of the day.
Day 1: Urban Cool & Waterfront Wanders
Morning—Things to do in Oslo
Your Oslo itinerary visit should start with a walk along the waterfront on Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen. When you are there during summer, you will get to see locals sunbathing on the docks or taking sips of Aperol at the seaside cafes. Winter? Wrap up and feel the freshness of the air and the evil clouds overhead – that is part of the Nordic landscape, I assure you.
Visit the Astrup Fearnley Museum, which is a bold modern building equipped with bold modern art. It is a good place to visit even if you are not a major museum fan because of the structure and place.
Afternoon
Take a stroll into Akershus Fortress, the old castle that gives a magnificent view of Oslofjord. The site can be visited all year round and has a certain amount of history but in winter it is especially moving as the ramparts appear in the snow. Then take a relaxed lunch at Vippa, a vibrant food court where you may taste food from all continents. It is a bit hipster and a lot good.
Evening
Head to the Oslo Opera House—yes, that iconic iceberg-looking building. Climb its sloped roof for panoramic views (even better at sunset), then catch a show inside if you’re feeling fancy. Dinner? Walk to Kulturhuset for a relaxed bite and maybe a local craft beer or two. It’s a café/bar/workspace mash-up, very Oslo.
Day 2: Culture Crawl & Parks (Yes, Even in Winter)
Morning—Things to do in Oslo
Begin your second day of this Oslo itinerary in the National Museum: it has just opened after building an entirely new site and has one of the most famous paintings in the world, The Scream by Edvard Munch. Hint: arrive early and cut rush hour and enjoy some grounded time with the angst.
Then walk/use the tram towards Frogner Park, where there is Vigeland Sculpture Park. It is weird but pretty, as well as 200 sculptures that investigate the human form in its full peculiar delightfulness. It is strange, but it is somehow touching even in the winter, when the statues are covered with snow.
Afternoon—Things to do in oslo in Summer
When you are in Oslo itinerary during summer, this is the best time to go to Bygdoy Peninsula with its ensemble of museums and shady paths. A few hours are worth the Fram Museum, the Viking Ship Museum that is in the process of being renovated and the Norsk Folkemuseum.
Things to do in oslo in winter? Forgo the ferry and go to Mathallen, where Oslo itinerary gets its gourmet food hall. Take some reindeer sausage or a cinnamon bun the size of your head. You have deserved it.
Evening
Arakataka dinner – it is a sort of a hidden place that has Nordic small plates and a minimalistic atmosphere. It is the type of location when you will go out planning your next reservation. Later, when you are nightlife-minded, you can go to Bla, along the river, for live music and the naturally cool Oslo people.
Day 3: Nature Escape & Last-Minute Wandering
Morning—Things to do in Oslo
A real Oslo itinerary would never be complete without some good time out in the nature. Ok, that is it, out of the city – sort of. Go by metro (yes, metro!) to Frognerseteren. This is where you hike or just have waffles and coffee at the lodge and see the view of the city and fjord. During summer the trail is green. During winter it is good skiing and sledding ground. This place is adored by locals.
Afternoon
Return to the city and visit Grunerlokka, which is Oslo version of Shoreditch or Williamsburg. Vision street art, indie stores and vintage records. It is an optimum neighbourhood to just take a stroll around and enjoy a cup of coffee. Tim Wendelboe is where serious caffeine can be found.
Haven't found time yet? Go to MUNCH, the museum devoted to the most famous Norwegian artist. The construction is simply an architectural gem in itself and its rooftop bar is the dream-like last destination.
Evening
End your trip with a relaxed dinner at Der Peppern Gror, a Norwegian-Indian fusion restaurant that is way better than it sounds. Or if you’re in the mood for traditional fare, Lorry serves up Norwegian classics with a side of quirky decor.
Where to stay? Now let's discuss! The hotel that I kept in this Oslo itinerary was Scandic Hotels, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Beautiful places, cool interiors, an unbelievably delicious breakfast buffet (no kidding, there is brown cheese and ten types of herring), and truly pleasant personnel. Are you represented as a single traveller, or do you travel by two? There is a Scandic hotel that fits you best.
Scandic Victoria and Scandic St. Olavs Plass are both placed in the very centre, within walking distance and a nice base to explore the city on the ground.
Oslo Pass: the cost is worth it when you want to visit several museums and travel using public transport.
Weather: During winter, put on layering! During summer pack sunshine and showers.
Language: English is spoken by everybody, but a casual “takk” (thanks) helps a long way.
Currency: British Pound (NOK). Card payments all round.
1. What is the right number of days to spend in Oslo?
Honestly, it is three days. It allows you not only to see the main sights and not to be in a hurry but also just to enjoy the pace of life of the city – now more active but also outdoors.
2. Which is better Oslo or Bergen?
Oslo itinerary is the cultural urban centre – the city boasts world-class art, cuisine and architecture. Bergen is picture-postcard and has access to the fjords. Provided you do both, you can.
