Itineraries for Your Trip to Oslo
1 Day in Oslo for First Timers
I’ll say it: Oslo is a tremendously underrated city. Copenhagen has become a culinary capital, and Stockholm an icon of Scandi style—but in comparison, Norway’s capital city tends to fall under the radar among international visitors. It took visiting an Oslo-based friend for me to make it there; I was immediately wowed by the city, from its proximity to nature to its cultural offerings (from Vigeland Sculpture Park to the Oslo Opera House) and its super-friendly feel. I’ve been back several times since.
If you, too, need some prompting to inspire your next getaway, this guide for first-timers helps you make the most of one day in Oslo—from its best bites and top sights to its prettiest views.
Want to see the best of Oslo in just one day? This Oslo itinerary is designed with first-time visitors in mind, and includes many of the city’s must-dos.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a sightseeing cruise that charts the Oslofjord and takes in city views from the water’s edge.
If it’s your first time in Oslo, then the best way to begin is on an introductory tour that covers many of the city’s must-see attractions. Given the Norwegian capital’s accessible scale and friendly feel, a walking tour is the perfect way to get acquainted. Begin your morning with a short excursion that covers many of Oslo’s best-known highlights, from Akershus Castle and Aker Brygge to the Royal Palace, Karl Johans Gate shopping street, and Oslo City Hall. Learn insider facts along the way, and get a feel for how the city is put together.
Has all that walking left your stomach growling? One of the best things to do if it’s your first time in Oslo is to embark on a multi-stop food tour, particularly if you only have 24 hours free. Instead of a single restaurant visit, you can head to multiple hotspots in one afternoon, and try a wide range of Norwegian dishes, from salmon and brunost cheese to lacy waffles. If you’re lucky, you might even get to sip local beers along the way.
The city’s distinctive waterfront is one of the must-see attractions in Oslo—and that’s especially true if you head out on a sunset boat tour of the Oslofjord. Yes, Oslo is lucky enough to have its very own fjord—this is Norway, after all—and a trip on the water is a wonderfully relaxing way to cap off your trip to Oslo, and admire scenic highlights such as the [Bygdøy Peninsula](/Oslo-attractions/Bygdoy-Peninsula/d902-a13310 along the way. Opt to pop in an audio guide if you’re looking for bonus fun facts; otherwise, kick back, relax, and enjoy the views.