Top Things to Do in Oslo (including unique & free activities!)

There’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Oslo—from paddling the fjord and exploring Viking history to snacking on waffles at cozy cafes. In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite Oslo experiences plus practical tips to help you plan your trip.

We’ll admit—we didn’t have the highest expectations for Oslo. 

But after just a couple of days exploring Norway’s capital, we were totally hooked. 

Oslo has this effortless mix of sleek modern design, rich history, and easy access to nature that makes it feel both exciting and laid-back. Whether you’re paddling through the fjord, eating waffles by a waterfall, or learning the history of Viking ships, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.

In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite things to do in Oslo—from big-name attractions to quirky local finds—plus practical tips to help you make the most of your time in this underrated city.

Want more ideas? Well, you are in for a treat, my friend, because this article is absolutely PACKED with all kinds of fun things to do in Oslo plus all sorts of insider tips you won’t find anywhere else!

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Our experience in Oslo

See our experience come alive by watching our highlights below…

1. Visit the open-air Norsk Folkmuseum 

This was our favorite museum in Oslo—and we’re not usually museum people! 

Also known as the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, this open-air museum feels more like stepping into a time machine than exploring a museum exhibit. 

We wandered through reconstructed villages, peeked into historic homes from all over Norway, and even saw a stunning 13th-century stave church that was transported here piece by piece. 

In the summer, there are live folk dance performances and artisans demonstrating traditional crafts. It’s way more interactive (and photogenic!) than you might expect. Plan to spend 2–3 hours exploring.

Getting there: Hop on bus 30 from the city center or take the seasonal ferry from Pier 3 at City Hall to Bygdøy—it’s a fun ride across the fjord.

2. Kayak around the fjord (for free!)

One of the coolest (and most surprising) things we did in Oslo was kayaking through the harbor—for free! 

GreenKayak is a nonprofit that lets you rent a tandem kayak at no cost, as long as you agree to pick up trash while paddling. We launched from Tjuvholmen and glided past modern buildings, floating saunas, and views of the Oslo Opera House. 

We didn’t see very much trash during our paddle (I wonder if that means their mission is working!?) However, it was such a fun and unique way to see the city from the water, and we loved the mission behind it.

Our toddler had a blast as well and picking up trash became her “thing” for the rest of the trip. 

Where to book: Kayaks must be reserved ahead of time. The easiest way to make a booking is on GreenKayak’s free app.  Oslo has several launch points—Tjuvholmen is super central.

What you need to know: 

• At least one person in your kayak needs to have paddling experience. Book early in summer because time slots go fast!
• Time slots are 1 hour 45 minutes.
• If you’re traveling with a small child, you may want to bring their own life jacket from home (like we did). Neither place we went kayaking provided life jackets that would have been suitable for a small child.
• It is expected that you share your experience on social media and use the hashtag #GreenKayak in order to spread awareness.
• This activity is only available during the warmer months, typically beginning in May. 

3. Take a riverwalk to a cute cafe for Norwegian waffles

One of our favorite mornings in Oslo was spent wandering along the Akerselva River, which winds through the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood (worth popping into some shops if you have the time!). 

The path is dotted with waterfalls, footbridges, and leafy parks, and it leads straight to Hønse-Lovisas Hus—a bright red timber cottage perched by the river like something out of a storybook. 

Grab a table outside and order Norwegian waffles with jam and sour cream (we also enjoyed the rhubarb crisp!), and soak in the peaceful setting. If you’re visiting in winter, you can enjoy a hot chocolate indoors by the fireplace. 

Getting there: From central Oslo, follow the Akerselva River trail north—it’s about a 25-minute walk. If you don’t feel like walking, you can also take the tram to and from the city center. Here are directions.

4. Stroll Vigeland Statue Park

Inside Frogner Park, this quirky green space is most well-known for its statues, many of which are in… shall we say, interesting poses!

The open-air art installation is filled with over 200 statues by Gustav Vigeland—some playful, some deeply emotional, all thought-provoking. This is a fun park for taking photos and maybe even mimicking some of the poses yourself!

This is a popular spot for tour buses, so be aware that it can get busy. That said, it is a large space, so even if there are other people around it shouldn’t feel too crowded.

Go early or late in the day for the best light and fewer people. Bring a picnic if the weather’s nice!

5. Take the ferry to Gressholmen for lunch

If the weather is nice, we highly recommend you spend an afternoon on Gressholmen Island. We caught a local ferry and in just 15 minutes were on this peaceful little island that feels worlds away from the city. 

After a short walk through the woods, we landed at Gressholmen Kro, a seasonal seafood restaurant with picnic tables and stunning views of the fjord. The large patio area makes it a perfect spot for enjoying seafood on a nice summer day.

Getting there: Take ferry B1 from Aker Brygge (May to early October).

Insider tip: There are some quiet beaches and swimming spots on the island, so bring your suit and towel if it’s sunny!

6. Walk the roof of the Oslo Opera House

This is one of Oslo’s most iconic buildings, and while the opera and ballet performances are undoubtedly wonderful, the most popular thing to do at Oslo Opera House is to walk on top of the roof. That’s right, you can walk right up the slanted roof and get a great view over the city!

This modern architectural masterpiece seems to rise straight out of the fjord, and the white marble roof is open for anyone to walk on (totally free!). We climbed all the way to the top for panoramic views of the harbor, the Barcode buildings, and the ferries gliding past. 

Insider tip: Come at sunset for beautiful light and fewer people. Be careful if it’s wet or icy—it gets slippery.

Getting there: It’s right by Oslo Central Station—just a 5-minute walk.

7. Try reindeer stew at Mathallen market

Another fun place to check out is Mathallen Food Hall, a lively indoor market with tons of food stalls featuring global eats and Norwegian specialties. You’ll find everything from street tacos, bao buns and wood-fired pizza to Korean-inspired corn dogs and Pakistani comfort food. (See all the shops and restaurants here.)

If you’re looking for Norwegian fare, we recommend Totally Wild, where the menu is focused on the “best ingredients from the forests and the mountains”. We split the reindeer stew (NOK 329 / $31) and it was really good, not to mention plenty of food for the two of us (plus our toddler, who had a bit as well).

Getting there: Mathallen is located in the Vulkan area, just a short walk from Grünerløkka.

8. Walk the Karl Johans Gate pedestrian street

Karl Johans Gate is Oslo’s main pedestrian street, stretching from the train station all the way to the Royal Palace. 

It’s lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, and it’s a great place to get a feel for the city’s energy. We loved people-watching here, popping into bakeries, and grabbing a coffee while strolling past street performers and flower stalls.

There are a handful of landmarks along this street that are worth checking out:

• Oslo Cathedral: Built in the 1600s, this cathedral is open to the public free of charge from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. every day except Friday, when it is only open at night. 
• The tiger statue: It’s hard to miss the bronze tiger statue in the square just outside Oslo Central Station—an homage to the city being lively and exciting.
• The Royal Palace: the primary residence of the King and Queen of Norway, the gardens are free to visit.
  • The changing of the guards also takes place in front of the palace daily at 1:30 p.m. and is pretty cool (and free!) to watch.  

9. See the Akershus Fortress 

Perched on a hill overlooking the harbor, Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle that dates back to the 1300s. 

Fun fact: This fortress has served as a royal residence, a military base, and even a prison over the centuries!

We took a self-guided wander through the grounds and loved the quiet views over the water. You can walk the outer walls for free, or pay to enter the castle museum if you want to dive deeper into Oslo’s history.

Getting there: It’s a short walk from Aker Brygge or the Oslo Opera House.

10. Visit more museums

We’re not big museum people, so we chose just one to visit during our 48 hours in Oslo. But if museums are your thing or you have more time, you’ll have lots of options!

• Fram Museum (our top pick!): If you’re into polar exploration (or just love a good adventure story), this museum about Norway’s Arctic expeditions is fascinating—you can even board the actual Fram ship!
• Munch Museum: See the famous painting The Scream here, along with tons of lesser-known (but equally powerful) works by Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch. The new waterfront building is a sculptural masterpiece itself.
• Viking Ship Museum (currently under renovation): This iconic museum is closed for renovations, but it houses some of the world’s best-preserved Viking ships and will be a must-see once it reopens (expected in 2027).
• Nobel Peace Center: Housed in a renovated 19th-century train station, this  interactive and thought-provoking museum features a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits inspired by Nobel Peace Prize winners’ works and ideas.
• Paradox Museum: This family-friendly museum of optical illusions features 70 interactive exhibits and fun photo-ops. We’ve been to a couple of similar museums elsewhere and think this makes a great rainy day activity.

11. Watch live music with dinner

One of our favorite evenings in Oslo was spent at SALT, a quirky indoor/outdoor venue right along the harbor. 

This buzzy space hosts live music and has a handful of food cart options. We personally really enjoyed the fish & chips at Fra Dypet. It was super tasty and one of the most budget-friendly meals you can find in Oslo. 

In addition to food, drinks, and music, SALT also has a unique sauna and fire pits, and hosts a variety of events. Check their schedule to see what’s going on during your visit. 

12. Experience Oslo’s nightlife

Oslo has a diverse nightlife scene, so there are plenty of options to choose from depending on the vibe you’re going for.

Craft beer in a casual setting? Check. 

Hidden wine bar? Definitely.

Hand-crafted cocktails with speakeasy vibes? You know it!

There’s even a clubbing scene if that’s your thing.

Here are our top recommendations for grabbing a drink after dark:

• HIMKOK Storgata Destilleri (top rec!): With excellent cocktails and an atmosphere to match, it’s no wonder Himkok has earned a spot on the list of 50 Best Bars of the World.
• Crow Bar & Brewery: cozy brewpub with light bites and a variety of beers available in pints or tasting flights
• Nektar Vinbar: small, atmospheric wine bar with an elevated food menu
• Kulturhuset: Is it a cafe? A library? A concert venue? A nightclub? This 3-storey space is all of the above and more with multiple bars and a variety of events.
• House of Nerds: playful, gaming-inspired drinks in a fun setting with free access to board games and video game consoles 
• Torggata Botaniske: intimate botanical themed cocktail bar

Put together a pub crawl of your own, or just choose the one that sounds most intriguing to you. 

More things to do…

If you have more time in Oslo, or just want some more ideas, here are a few recommendations we didn’t get to on our first trip—but you better believe are still on our bucket list for next time. 

13. Learn about Norwegian cuisine on a food tour (our top rec!) 

We’ve taken food tours all over the world and it is truly one of our favorite things to do on our travels. 

This Oslo food tour looks incredible and receives rave reviews. A local guide (and her doggo!) will take you to hidden gems around the city where you’ll taste things like moose, reindeer, whale, and other Norwegian specialties.

14. Go on a bike tour

For a fun outdoor activity that combines sightseeing with exercise (but the fun kind, where it doesn’t feel like work), this highly-rated bike tour could be a great choice. During the 3-hour tour, you’ll see lots of Oslo’s top sights and enjoy leisurely cycling on car-free bike paths. Plus, your guide will show you some local secrets most tourists don’t know about.

15. Heat things up at a floating sauna 

While traveling in Norway, you’ll definitely want to partake in sauna culture at least once (if not a bunch!). This floating sauna is conveniently located right in front of the Oslo Opera House, so it would be easy to fit into any itinerary. They offer both private and public saunas with iconic views of the fjord.

16. Wander the quirky Ekebergparken

This park just south of the Sørenga neighborhood could be a great place to stretch your legs on a nice day. 

There are more than 40 art installations scattered throughout the park, including sculptures from renowned artists Dalí, Rodin, and Renoir, as well as modern works like the immersive Nordic Pixel Forest. 

The location itself is also worthwhile, offering picturesque views of Oslo and the surrounding landscapes.

17. Have a meal at a restaurant overlooking Oslo

Perched on Holmenkollen around 1,500 feet above sea level, Frognerseteren offers fine dining in a historic log cabin with some of the best views of Oslo. 

It’s easy to get to via public transportation, and the views from the train alone are supposedly worth the trip. 

Insider tip: If you don’t have room in your budget for a full meal here (it’s pretty pricey!), head to the cafe for a slice of their famous apple cake.

18. Take a fjord cruise

Cruising the Oslofjord is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Norway’s capital city, and there are multiple companies and different types of boats to choose from. We’re sharing 2 tours that we’d recommend to help you narrow down your choices.

Budget travel hack: Want to take a boat cruise in Oslofjord for a fraction of the price of a tour company? Jump here for one of our hottest tips on saving money in Oslo!

Option a) Traditional sailing ship

Set sail down the fjord on a traditional sailing ship with the modern luxury of a heated deck, so you can stay cozy while enjoying outdoor seating with unobstructed views. This tour includes transportation to and from Bygdøy with 2.5 hours of free time to explore any of the peninsula’s famous museums.

Option b) Electric boat

On this sightseeing tour, you’ll pass iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Akershus Fortress while your guide shares info on the local wildlife and natural environment.

19. Go kayaking on a hidden lake with a local

This highly-rated wilderness tour is perfect if you’re looking to get out of the city and away from the tourist crowds. 

Join your local guide for a small-group kayaking trip on a secret lake that few tourists ever see. This tour also includes a picnic lunch cooked over an open fire along with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

20. Visit the Oslo Public Library

The city’s public library is a stunning example of architecture and worth a wander, especially on a rainy day. 

Not only are there cool art installations and design elements throughout the library, but there is a coffee shop, workshops, and activities for kids. There’s even a “maker’s space” with 3D printing machines, vinyl sticker printing, and more that can be used for free as long as you book a spot in advance.

Visit the library’s website to see events taking place and to book any machines you’d like to use.

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Plan Your Trip to Norway

Dreaming of fjords and cozy saunas and epic mountain views? We’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect trip—from city guides to campervan tips, packing hacks, and must-do experiences! Start with our Norway homepage or read some of our favorite articles below…

• If you’re just getting started, this Oslo travel guide has everything you need to know.
• Only have a short stop? Follow our 2-day Oslo itinerary to hit the highlights without feeling rushed.
• Headed west? This Bergen travel guide will help you fall in love with Norway’s most charming city.
• If time is tight, here’s exactly how to spend 24 hours in Bergen.
• Not sure what to pack? Our Norway packing guide has you covered for every season (and surprise weather!).

Don’t forget to grab our Norway Packing List!

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We want to hear from you!

Which of these top things to do in Oslo is going on your bucket list? Do you have more questions about traveling in Oslo? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!