Oslo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Oslo Opera House showing modern architecture, a city and theatre scenes
Oslo Opera House which includes night scenes, theatre scenes and modern architecture
Oslo
Oslo featuring a city, modern architecture and boating
Palace Park showing a garden

Oslo Travel Guide Video

It may not be the cheapest city in Europe, but this Scandinavian metropolis pulls its weight when it comes to culture, natural beauty and quality of life.

Oslo combines all the facilities of a vibrant capital city with the tranquil beauty and laid-back charm of a country town. Picturesquely positioned at the northern end of the Oslofjord, this compact metropolis is encircled by unspoilt countryside, offering plenty of opportunities for walking, hiking, sailing or camping just a stone’s throw from the city centre.

Norway’s rich seafaring tradition is apparent everywhere in Oslo, from the bloodthirsty battles of the Vikings to the daring polar explorations of Roald Amundsen and the pioneering ethnographic voyages of Thor Heyerdahl. Three immaculately preserved Viking vessels can be admired in the Viking Ship Museum, while Heyerdahl’s tiny hand-made raft in which he made his historic Pacific crossing is on display in the Kon-Tiki Museum.

Amundsen beat Scott to the South Pole in a ship specially designed to withstand extreme conditions. Find out how he and his party survived the rigours of the Antarctic at the Fram Museum on the Bygdøy Peninsula. The nearby Norwegian Maritime Museum will complete the picture with a fascinating overview of two centuries of local seamanship.

The cultural scene is alive and well in Oslo with something for every taste, from the buskers in fashionable Aker Brygge to the international stars on the stage of Oslo Opera House, a stunning new building on the waterfront at Bjorvika.

During the summer months in particular there’s a lot going on throughout the city. Take a walk in the Palace Park to watch the colourful ceremonials of the Royal Guard outside the palace, or take a guided tour of the state rooms to admire its lavish interior. The open-air exhibits at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History will introduce you to six centuries of domestic life in the city and countryside of Norway.

Most of the main attractions are centrally situated, so transport won’t be a problem. Take your time to explore on foot, or buy an Oslo Pass for unlimited travel on the excellent public transport network, as well as free entry to many museums and other useful discounts to help eke out your budget.

Where to stay in Oslo

Oslo City Hall featuring a bay or harbour, an administrative building and a city

Oslo City Centre

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 Norwegian Parliament.

Oslo City Centre
Palace Park featuring a pond

Central Oslo

Travellers love Central Oslo for its popular shops, and you can see more of Oslo by jumping on the metro at Nationaltheatret Tram Station or Tullinlokka Light Rail Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like National Theater and Chat Noir.

Central Oslo
Oslo which includes 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

Unique features of Fornebu include the live music and beaches. Make a stop by Telenor Arena or Oslofjord while you're exploring the area.

Fornebu
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Grünerløkka

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Grünerløkka. Spend some time visiting top spots like Mathallen Oslo, and catch the metro at Olaf Ryes Place Light Rail Station or Schous Place Light Rail Station to see more of the area.

Grünerløkka
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Kvadraturen

If you're spending time in Kvadraturen, check out sights like Oslo Cathedral or Karl Johan Gate and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dronningens Gate Tram Station or Wessels Plass Light Rail Station.

Kvadraturen
Clarion Hotel The Hub

Clarion Hotel The Hub

4 out of 5
Biskop Gunnerus Gate 3, Oslo
The price is AU$324 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$324
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Oslo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,614 reviews)
"It was nice & good stay I had there. As a solo trip. And the woman who working as a cleaner was so nice to me When i asked her about the TV. I just forget to asked her name."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Clarion Hotel The Hub
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo

4 out of 5
Holbergs Gate 30, Oslo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$237 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$237
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Oslo. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,473 reviews)
"Superb hotel, location and staff are highlights. Bed was a bit too soft for my taste, but maybe that is a regional preference. Breakfast was delightful and varied, summit bar has creative and delicious cocktails, knowledgeable mixologists. Staff was professional, courteous, and security minded, but ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen

Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen

4 out of 5
Hotelveien, Gardermoen, Ullensaker
The price is AU$290 per night from 8 Aug to 9 Aug
AU$290
8 Aug - 9 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ullensaker. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,946 reviews)
"Convenient"

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Central City Apartments

Central City Apartments

2 out of 5
Brinken 52, Gamle Oslo, Oslo
Stay at this aparthotel in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.8/10 (1,487 reviews)
"The apartment was very basic and felt like it needed a refresh. Otherwise, basic place for a budget price. Location is some way from centre and not the best area but not far from the Botanical Gardens."

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

Central City Apartments
Forenom Aparthotel Oslo

Forenom Aparthotel Oslo

3.5 out of 5
Lakkegata 3, Oslo
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Oslo Opera House and Karl Johan Gate are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,078 reviews)
Close to the Station
"Room was ok, but only two sets of cutlery etc. meant you were using the dishwasher too much. The area is very multicultural which may feel threatening to some travellers and needs to be borne in mind. We found it ok but others may not. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Good location near ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Forenom Aparthotel Oslo
Frogner House - Nationaltheatret

Frogner House - Nationaltheatret

3 out of 5
Arbinsgate 3, Oslo
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Aker Brygge and Karl Johan Gate are ...
8/10 Very Good! (798 reviews)
"I’m really happy with this room. Overall it’s in nice shape and a great deal for the cost. Check in was easy. The faucet needs some repair (loose but works). Really glad I rented this spot. It’s my first night in Oslo and glad this room turned out to be so nice. The kitchen has all basics like pots, ..."

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Frogner House - Nationaltheatret
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Oslo