Skip to contentOSLO BUCKET LIST: WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Explore Oslo, Norway! From beautiful neighborhoods to Viking history and amazing fjords, this guide shows you the best of the capital city!
1. BEST TIME TO VISIT
Oslo is an all-season destination, and every time of the year feels like stepping into a different, equally interesting version of the city.
SUMMER (JUNE TO AUGUST):
Summer in Oslo is amazing and of course my favorite! It feels like a big celebration! With almost 18 hours of daylight, there’s so much to do, like kayaking on the Oslofjord, playing volleyball with friends in the park, or enjoying outdoor concerts. The parks are full of people enjoying the sun, and the whole city feels lively. Everywhere you go, there’s a festival, a market, or something fun happening. It feels like the whole city comes alive, celebrating life after a long, cold season!
You’ll see people swimming at Sognsvann Lake or grilling in parks. It’s also festival season, with events like the Oslo Jazz Festival and Øya Festival! Just remember, Oslo in summer is popular, so booking accommodations early is a good idea!
WINTER (DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY):
Winter in Oslo is magical, with snow-covered streets, twinkling lights, and a cozy atmosphere everywhere you go! For outdoor enthusiasts, skiing or sledding down snow hills is a must. Even if you’re not into winter sports, the festive Christmas markets while drinking warm gløgg (mulled wine) make the city feel like a holiday postcard.
Whether you’re skiing or just walking in the snow-covered streets with a hot chocolate in hand, Oslo is a winter wonderland straight out of a storybook. Remember that it’s absolutely chilly, so you should definitely bring warm clothes!
SPRING (MARCH TO MAY):
To me, Oslo in spring feels like waking up after a long nap. The city smells like fresh blooms, and Norwegians starts going again to outdoor spaces, shaking off the last traces of winter.
The Botanical Garden bursts into bloom, locals start filling the outdoor cafés, and the city has a relaxed but vibrant feel. I loved walking along the Akerselva River and seeing how the city transitions from winter’s to spring’s energy.
AUTUMN (SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER):
Autumn in Oslo is a dream for anyone who loves cozy vibes and stunning foliage. The parks transform into a canvas of golden, red, and amber leaves, creating perfect backdrops for leisurely walks or peaceful moments on a bench with a warm coffee.
It’s like stepping into a painting. The city’s parks, like Slottsparken and Ekeberg Park, turn into a sea of gold and red, making every walk feel magical. It’s also perfect for hiking, whether it’s in Oslo’s forests or along the Akerselva River. I found autumn in Oslo to be the coziest season, with plenty of indoor cultural events, like film festivals and gallery openings, to balance out the outdoor adventures!
2. TOP THINGS TO DO
1. OSLO OPERA HOUSE
My favorite (and most famous) spot in Oslo! The architecture is stunning and standing on the roof of the Opera House with the city behind you and the fjord ahead is amazing! The marble sparkles under the sun, and on colder days, it almost feels like you’re walking on ice. It’s not just a building—it’s an experience!
The Oslo Opera House is designed to resemble an iceberg rising from the water, and it’s one of the few opera houses in the world where you can walk on the roof! Inside, the building is just as impressive, with performances ranging from opera and ballet to experimental theatre. Don’t forget to check out the small café inside for a relaxing coffee break!
2. VIGELAND SCULPTURE PARK
Vigeland Park is not just Oslo’s most famous park; it’s an interesting journey. It was created by Gustav Vigeland and it features over 200 sculptures that capture human emotions. Each sculpture tells its own story. The park is huge, with beautiful walking paths that make it perfect for a morning or afternoon walk! On sunny days, you’ll see Norwegians relaxing here, and in winter, the snow adds beauty to the sculptures. It’s a must-visit whether you’re an art lover or simply looking for a peaceful spot in the city!
3. SOGNSVANN
Sognsvann is one of Oslo’s most beloved outdoor spots, offering a serene escape from the city! Located just a short distance from the city center, Sognsvann is a lake surrounded by forest and easily accessible by public transport. It’s the perfect place to relax, exercise, or enjoy nature! It changes a lot between summer and winter. In summer, you can swim, and in winter, you can ski!
4. AKER BRYGGE AND TJUVHOLMEN
This waterfront area is perfect for a walk, with its mix of trendy shops, nice restaurants, and cozy cafés. On sunny days, people are everywheree—sitting by the water or drinking craft beers. I especially enjoyed grabbing ice cream and sitting by the water to watch boats glide by! Tjuvholmen, just next door, offers a modern vibe with interesting architecture and the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art.
5. GREFSENKOLLEN
Just a short drive or tram ride from downtown Oslo, Grefsenkollen offers one of the best panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes. You can also get there on foot by taking a beautiful hike along a main trail – highly recommended!
At the top of Grefsenkollen, you’ll find the Grefsenkollen Restaurant. The building itself is charming, with a cozy, alpine-style feel. You can also have lunch or dinner outside, which is an amazing experience!
6. EKEBERG PARK
Ekeberg Park is a unique mix of art and nature. To reach the park, you have to climb a hill, and from there, you get beautiful views of the city! The park feels peaceful, yet it’s packed with things to explore as you look for the sculptures, which are very unusual and caotic!
If you visit during a time of year when there might be ice on the ground, make sure to bring spikes to avoid slipping, as it can be dangerous. If you visit on a sunny day, don’t forget to bring a picnic and make a day of it!
7. GRÜNERLØKKA NEIGXHBORHOOD
Grünerløkka feels like Oslo’s heart and soul. It’s full of street art, indie boutiques, and some of the city’s best coffee shops. I loved walking through the Sunday flea market at Birkelunden Park, where you can find everything from vintage clothes to handmade jewelry. The vibe here is laid-back and welcoming, making it a perfect place to experience Oslo’s local culture.
8. MUNCH MUSEUM
Located in Oslo’s vibrant Bjørvika district, the Munch Museum is dedicated to the life and works of one of Norway’s most famous artists, Edvard Munch. On the top floor, you can visit for free and enjoy views of the city from above. I recommend going; it’s really beautiful!
9. KARL JOHANS GATE
This lively street runs from Oslo Central Station to the Royal Palace, making it the city’s main artery. It’s lined with many shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. You can enjoy stopping at bakeries to try traditional Norwegian pastries like kanelboller (cinnamon rolls) and coffee. This street is lively but not overwhelming, making it perfect for a chill day!
10. OSLO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Located in Oslo’s Tøyen neighborhood, the Oslo Botanical Garden (Botanisk hage) feels like the kind of place where time slows down, and nature takes center stage. This is a place where I spent hours, since every corner offers something new—a pond, rare flowers, or a quiet bench under huge trees. It’s perfect for relaxing, reading a book, or simply enjoying!
11. DEICHMAN BJØRVIKA
As an architect, I can say that this library is stunning! Deichman Bjørvika is more than just a library—it’s a cultural hub and an architectural masterpiece. It is located right in the heart of Oslo, near the Opera House and overlooking the Oslofjord. This library redefines what a public space can be! Whether you’re a book lover, a design enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, you would love it.
What struck me most during my visit was how the space felt both futuristic and warm—a perfect blend of Scandinavian minimalism and creative energy! It’s designed to be a space for everyone, whether you’re a local looking for a quiet place to work, a family seeking fun activities for the kids, or a traveler wanting to experience something unique.
Visit Oslo provides additional details about activities, accessibility, and seasonal highlights!
And there you have it – everything you need to know about Oslo! Good luck or ‘lykke til‘ as Norwegians would say!
If you want to know more about what you can do in Norway, check out this post:
PointsOnTheMap.com
