Itineraries for Your Trip to Oslo
3 Days in Oslo for First Timers
Oslo truly has something for everyone: museums and concert halls to please culture lovers, nature to wow outdoorsy travelers, and age-old landmarks to impress history buffs. It surprises me, then, how underrated the city still seems. During my first visit to Oslo—I’ve since been back several times—I couldn’t get enough of admiring the Oslo Opera House (with its walk-on roof), exploring hip neighborhoods like Grünerløkka, and eating my way through the Mathallen Food Hall.
If you’re an Oslo first-timer who’s ready to be impressed, then start planning your getaway now. Three days in Oslo is plenty of time to scope out the city’s top historical, cultural, and natural highlights. What’s stopping you?
If you only have time for one thing, make it a bike tour that offers an active way to see the city’s best-known attractions.
From warm summers to chilly winters, Oslo does it all—come prepared for changeable weather, and bring layers.
Oslo is an accessible city, where the residents tend to be active. Translation? Exploring by bike is one of the best ways to experience Norway’s capital. Start your trip on two wheels for a time-saving way to see many must-do attractions in Oslo, including Oslo City Hall (home of the Nobel Peace Prize), Akershus Castle, the Royal Palace, and Karl Johans Gate.
Oslo might be Norway’s largest city and capital, but it’s also close enough to nature to be a fitting destination for outdoorsy travelers. Start your second day with a rousing hike in nature along the Oslofjord—one of the best things to do in Oslo for first-timers. You won’t just get to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views: Some itineraries even include a stop to try freshly made Norwegian waffles.
Ready for some relaxation after an active day out? In the evening, get to know Oslo’s thriving craft beer scene on an indulgent tasting tour, complete with local snacks.
If it’s your first time in Oslo, and you have three days to spare, don’t miss the chance to get a deeper immersion in the city’s history. On a World War II–themed walking tour, learn more than you could on your own about the city’s turbulent wartime history. Alternatively, if a museum’s more your speed, head to the Fram Museum or the Munch Museum.
It’s not an Oslo itinerary for first-time visitors without an Oslofjord boat tour. To round out your visit, book a dinner cruise that combines classic Nordic bites with unbeatable views and a relaxed pace.
