Itineraries for Your Trip to Oslo
2 Days in Oslo for First Timers
With a population of some 1.1 million people across the wider metropolitan area, Oslo is a friendly and accessibly sized city that’s easy to explore. During my trips to the Norwegian capital, I’ve loved the simplicity of getting around and hitting the highlights—whether that’s taking a ferry to the pretty Bygdøy Peninsula, scoping out the city’s museums and shopping streets, or making the most of green spaces such as Vigeland Sculpture Park.
The good news is that, even if you’re planning to spend only two days in Oslo, you’ll have enough time to check off a wide range of attractions and experiences. Here’s the perfect itinerary to get your planning started.
Oslo experiences all four seasons, including balmy summers and snowy winters—pack accordingly for the time of year.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a guided walking tour of Oslo’s key attractions—exploring on foot is a great way to get to know the city.
There are plenty of must-do attractions in Oslo that you’ll want to hit as a first-time visitor—and thankfully, the Norwegian capital’s walkable scale makes it easy to check off most of them in just a few hours. On a guided walking tour of the city, look out for highlights from Oslo City Hall (home of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony) to the Royal Palace, Akershus Castle, and Aker Brygge.
After enjoying an overview of the city’s highlights, it’s time to go deeper. Grab a quick bite at a local café, and then travel by taxi or ferry to the Bygdøy Peninsula to see the Fram Museum. One of the city’s most popular museums—and one of the best things to do in Oslo for first-timers—here, you’ll learn the history of Norwegian polar exploration via exhibits that include a 19th-century polar ship, Fram.
If you took the ferry to Bygdøy, then you got a taste of the city’s waterfront splendor. But it’s worth doing more: Oslo has its very own fjord, and no 2-day Oslo itinerary is complete without a longer trip by boat. Combine your Oslofjord sightseeing with dinner on a time-maximizing evening cruise. Nibble classic Norwegian fare, look out for sights such as the Oslo Opera House, and admire the sunset.
Grab a coffee and a waffle to start your day, and then embark on a morning of culture. The Munch Museum is a staple of any Oslo itinerary for first-time visitors, and celebrates the life and works of Edvard Munch, one of Norway’s best-known artists. Pick up tickets early for a hassle-free experience, and then get ready to take in the art, from the famous Scream to its temporary exhibitions.
Oslo’s residents tend to be active and outdoorsy—and if it’s your first time in Oslo, then you should consider joining them. Don’t just admire the water as a passenger: A guided kayaking tour of the city’s waterways is an active way to experience its natural beauty and enjoy a new perspective on sights such as the Oslo Opera House and characterful neighborhoods from Grunerløkka to Grønland.
Oslo might be known for its vibrant dining scene and seasonal Nordic favorites, but don’t overlook its excellent craft beer culture. The best way to cap off your Oslo getaway is with an evening beer tour. Don’t expect a typical pub crawl: Instead, you will seek out the city’s trendy craft brewing haunts and sample a range of beer styles that you might not have otherwise tried.
