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Oslo surprised me. It’s not your usual European city break, but once I snagged a cheap flight, I just couldn’t resist spending 2 days in Oslo to see what this barely-talked-about city was all about.
Oslo is well-connected by budget airlines and has top-notch public transport, making it an ideal kick-off point for a Norwegian journey, or just the perfect standalone weekend adventure.
One of my favourite things about spending a weekend in Oslo was that it’s compact. You can follow this 2 days in Oslo itinerary to see most of the main attractions – making it the perfect bite-sized break.
Don’t buy into the myth that Oslo’s expensive. I navigated it on a budget and still got a taste of everything – from jaw-dropping historical spots to those amazing Norwegian meatballs.
Want to know what to see in Oslo in 2 days? Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
How To Spend 2 Days (48 Hours) In Oslo
Day 1: The Bygdøy Peninsula & the Vigeland Sculpture Park
Stop 1: The Bygdøy Peninsula
Starting our 2 days in Oslo, the Bygdøy Peninsula is your best bet for a solid morning. Bad weather? No problem. The peninsula’s museums are perfect for dodging raindrops.
Kick things off at the Fram Museum, which is all about arctic and Antarctic exploration, then wander next door to the Kon-Tiki Museum, the story of a daring crossing of the Pacific Ocean on just a raft.
My mind was totally blown by these museums – they were so niche, so interactive, and I’m pretty certain that even if you’re not a museum person you’ll enjoy them. It was really hard to tear myself away!
A short walk will take you to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. This open-air museum has over 160 reconstructed Norwegian buildings, dating right back to the middle ages up until the 1950s!
It’s a cool and alternative way to learn about Norwegian culture and history, and stepping inside these old buildings made me feel like I was stepping back in time. Especially since I was often the only visitor in sight, so I had the whole place to myself!
Oh, and if you’re into Instagram, I’m certain this will be one of your favourite places in Oslo to snap some photos.
You’ll have to pay to enter all of these museums, but it works out cheaper to purchase the Oslo Pass, which gives you free entry to all of them!
Post museum-hopping on the Bygdøy Peninsula, if the sun’s out and playing nice, make a beeline for Paradisbukta Beach. This is the chill-out spot you didn’t know you needed. Dip your toes in, grab an ice cream from the snack bar, and just soak in the vibe.
I’m already planning my next summer trip back just for these laid-back Oslo beach days!
Visiting in winter? No worries – that just means you’ll have more museum time! Either way, once you’ve soaked up the wonders of the Bygdøy Peninsula, it’s time to hop on the bus. Next stop: grabbing some lunch in the city and gearing up for one of Oslo’s unmissable sights.
Stop 2: Lunch at Lofotstua
After all that museum roaming and beach chilling, you’ll be ready for a bite. Lofotstua is your spot – cosy, unpretentious, and just a quick 10-minute stroll from Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Seafood’s the name of the game here, and they do it the old-school Norwegian way. We’re talking fresh catches paired with classic sides like boiled potatoes. And the menu is massive!
The icing on the cake is that, by Oslo standards, it’s fairly budget-friendly to dine here too. Yay!
Stop 3: The Vigeland Park
If you have ever searched Oslo on Instagram, I’m sure you’ll have seen photos of this bizarre sculpture park.
The Vigeland Sculpture Park showcases over 200 sculptures by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland.
From the thought-provoking to the downright weird, these sculptures are a huge tourist pull – attracting over 1 million visitors every year.
At centre stage of the Vigeland Sculpture Park is The Monolith, a 14.12 metre sculpture of intertwined human bodies. It is definitely one of the most peculiar things to see in Oslo, but also pretty cool.
The Vigeland Sculpture Park aside, the Frogner Park which surrounds it is beautiful, and a great place to stroll around.
If the weather isn’t on your side, there is a Vigeland Museum in the Frogner Park which provides more context to the sculptor and his art.
Tickets to the museum are NOK 100 (€9.15) or included in the Oslo Pass.
Entry to the Vigeland Sculpture Park is free.
Stop 4: Oslo Fjord Cruise
When it comes to the first day of one of our ‘2 Days in Oslo’ adventure, there’s one thing you can’t miss – a boat trip out on the Oslo Fjord.
Rain or shine, you’ve gotta see Oslo from the water. It’s a whole different world out there, and even though you could spend a day or two just cruising around the Fjord, we’ve got to make the most of our 2 days here.
So here’s the solution: this awesome Fjord sightseeing cruise. It’s a neat 2-hour tour and won’t break the bank at NOK 439 (about €40). You’ll get to see all the cool spots without sacrificing too much time!
Seats get snapped up pretty quick, be sure to lock down your spot on the cruise as far in advance as possible!
Click here to book your place!
Stop 5: Oslo Fjord Floating Sauna
If you have time, there’s another only-in-Oslo experience you really won’t want to miss – the Oslo Fjord floating sauna!
There’s nothing more Scandinavian than enjoying a sauna by a freezing cold fjord, so why not do as the Norwegians do and book your spot in the city’s coolest sauna experience.
Floating on the fjord, surrounded by stunning views, all while soaking in the warmth of a Scandinavian sauna, you’ll soon agree that this is an Oslo memory you’ll be bragging to your friends about long after you return home.
Click here to book your place!
Stop 6: Eat Some Famous Norwegian Meatballs
Relaxed and refreshed from your Fjord experience, it’s time to try (another) one of the best experiences Norway has to offer – the famous Norwegian meatballs!
These huge beef meatballs are served with mushy peas, giant boiled potatoes, are drenched in a rich gravy and lingonberry sauce.
No joke, this was one of the best meals I have ever had whilst travelling.
Kaffistova is a canteen-style restaurant with a modern and hip interior, and serves the most delicious meatballs in town.
You don’t even need to look at the menu. Trust me – get the meatballs.
You place your order at the cash register then take your receipt to the serving counter, where the server will give you your order. Then, simply sit at a table and dig in!
The meatballs cost NOK 155 (€15.10), but the portions are huge and great value.
After dinner, if you’re looking to stay on a budget the best option is to head back to your hotel. This is exactly what I did, since such a full day of sightseeing had me exhausted!
If you’re looking to go for a drink, though, here are lots of great options nearby. Just be warned, though – drinking in Oslo is very expensive!
Day 2: the Royal Palace, Oslo Opera House and Akershus Fortress
Stop 1: Breakfast at Fuglen
Start your second morning in Oslo with a stop at Fuglen, a coffee shop and hipster heaven.
Here, do as I did and pick up a sticky cinnamon bun, pairing it with a top-notch coffee. That cinnamon bun was the stuff dreams are made of!
Be warned – coffee stops aren’t cheap in Oslo. I paid NOK 97 (€9.45) for this combo, but, surprisingly, I thought it was worth it. Besides, eating anything more substantial for breakfast would cost even more.
The interior of this coffee shop is retro and cosy, and a great place to hang out as you enjoy some great coffee and ease into the day.
Stop 2: Munch
If it’s a lovely day, then I recommend walking from Fuglen to Munch, which is near the Oslo Fjord you visited yesterday. The walk trails through the city centre and takes in some of the prettiest spots in the city, so why not take advantage of it?
Of course, though, if it’s raining, snowing, or just too darn cold, it’s easy to make this journey on public transport too.
This massive museum/gallery hybrid shows off some of the most stunning and famous pieces by Edvard Munch, the artist behind the world-famous piece, ‘The Scream’.
If The Scream is a dealbreaker for you, it’s best to check the museum’s website, because they occasionally take it down for conservation. Unfortunately, that was the case when I visited, but the museum was still worth a visit without it.
Tickets are 180 NOK (€15.80) or free with the Oslo Pass.
Unless you’re super into art, you won’t need to spend much longer than an hour here. My favourite part was definitely the section of the museum that displays collections of other, less famous Norwegian artists.
Looking at the beautiful Norwegian landscapes had my wanderlust racing, and I started mentally planning my next trip to Norway!
Stop 3: Lunch
Use public transport or walk back to the city centre and grab some lunch.
I have a confession to make… I headed straight back to Kaffistova to eat their out-of-this-world meatballs again. If you do the same, I won’t blame you!
If you’re looking to try something else, check out Nordvegan. Beloved in Oslo, this café/restaurant serves up some spectacular fresh and healthy vegan food. Reviews unanimously recommend ordering the lasagne.
Stop 4: Changing of the Guards at the Royal Palace
Next on the agenda, get a taste of royal life with the changing of the guard ceremony at the Royal Palace.
The palace, which was completed in 1849, is still home to the Norwegian Royal Family. The changing of the guard ceremony takes place outside the palace every day at 1:30pm and lasts around 40 minutes in total.
To watch, walk up to the royal palace a few minutes beforehand and join the other waiting spectators. It’s a cool way to feel a part of Oslo’s daily rhythm.
Even if you can’t make the changing of the guard ceremony, you should still head over to the palace during your 2 days in Oslo just to glimpse at the beautiful building.
Stop 5 – Getting to Know Central Oslo
We haven’t spent that much time in Oslo’s city centre yet on this Oslo itinerary, so let’s change that!
To really dive into what these landmarks are all about, I swear by joining a group walking tour. It’s like unlocking a treasure trove of stories and locals-only secrets you’d miss out on going solo.
This is the top walking tour in Oslo, and it takes in all of the must-visit spots in the city. Its super-impressive 4.8/5 rating, with over 150 reviews, speaks for itself!
Prefer to do it independently? No worries – this is the route I’d recommend. Of course, you’ll miss out on the full picture, complete with local anecdotes and stories, but it’s definitely better than nothing, right?
Kick things off at the Oslo Cathedral, which is free to enter, before walking over to the Norwegian Parliament. Next up is the red-brick Oslo City Hall, which you can go inside to look around. End your tour at the unusual Oslo Opera House.
You can enter the Oslo Opera House for free, but the real reason people head here is because of the weird diagonal roof. You can actually walk up the roof of the opera house from the ground to reach the top of the building, which is super fun!
From the top, you’ll get spellbinding views over the Oslo Fjord, and can even spot the Bygdøy Peninsula you visited yesterday.
Hang out up there for as long as you like, watching the world go by and taking in the sweet views, before finally coming back down to earth.
Stop 6 – The Akershus Fortress
Majestically overlooking the Oslo Fjord, The Akershus Fortress’ position has made it susceptible to sieges ever since it was built way back in 1299.
Used as a fortress, a royal residence, and even a prison, the Akershus sure has seen a lot of action in its history.
Nowadays, the Fortress is open to visitors and entry is free, allowing you to explore its ancient interiors, including the banqueting halls, the Royal Mausoleum and more.
Even if you don’t want to go inside, checking out the fortress from the outside is just as great. The views from the fortress are epic, and in the evening the sun drenches it in a lovely golden light.
Checking out the sunset from here is the perfect way to end this Oslo 2 day itinerary!
Where To Stay In Oslo
Hostel
The biggest expense for your trip to Oslo will be accommodation. Obviously, the best way to keep costs down is to stay in a hostel.
Oslo is fairly limited in terms of hostels, but this popular hostel is probably your best option.
Unfortunately, hostel beds (like a lot of things in Oslo) don’t come cheap. Expect to pay around 593 NOK (€54) per night for a bed in a 12-bed dorm.
Yikes!
Click here to check availability & book!
Budget Hotel
Shell-shocked by the cost of a dorm bed and seeking some privacy, I stayed at this amazing budget hotel.
Right in the centre of Oslo, this place was everything I needed. Rooms are small, enabling the hotel to charge lower prices, and the accommodation is no-frills, but it has everything you need.
I stayed in a private single room, which set me back just 650 NOK (€60) and included a private bathroom.
It was such a bargain for Oslo, and I highly recommend it!
Click here to check availability & book!
Mid-Range Hotel
If you’re looking for something slightly more special whilst still keeping an eye on budget, you can’t go wrong with the this stunning hotel.
Right on the main street of Oslo, in walking distance to most of Oslo’s main attractions, meaning it’s location is perfect for sightseeing!
The rooms are also decorated beautifully.
A double room will set you back around 2130 NOK (€195) per night, so if you’re travelling as a couple during your 2 days in Oslo this works out to be pretty affordable.
Click here to check availability & book!
Extra Travel Information For Your 2 Days In Oslo
If you’re looking for more details about visiting Oslo, never fear!
I’ve set out everything you need to know below.
How Many Days Should I Spend In Oslo?
One of the hardest questions I had to decide when planning my trip was: how many days in Oslo is enough? After some consideration, and based on my own experience, I think you can easily tackle Oslo in two days.
This is, in my opinion the perfect amount of time.
That said, you could definitely get a taste for Oslo in just 1 day if you’re pressed for time. Yup – Oslo would still be worth a visit even just for the day! You’d still have plenty to do if you stayed for 3 days.
The Oslo Pass
Trust me, the Oslo Pass is the game-changer for your Oslo city break.
For just 495 NOK (that’s around €45), you get this all-access pass for 24 hours. It covers all your museum entries and gives you unlimited hops on public transport. Talk about value for money, hey?
And if you’re sticking around for the whole weekend, they’ve got you covered with a 48-hour option for 720 NOK (€65). Perfect for squeezing every bit of fun out of your 48 hours in Oslo.
I’m usually pretty skeptical about passes like this, since they don’t usually save much, if anything, but this is one of the few city passes I’ll happily shout from the rooftops about.
Once I got home from my Oslo trip and did the maths, it turns out the Oslo Pass saved me a solid €25. So yeah, it’s definitely worth every penny.
Ready to make your Oslo trip a breeze? Grab your Oslo Pass right here and start saving!
Language
Norway’s official language is Norwegian, although almost everybody speaks English – especially younger people and those who work in hospitality.
I, unfortunately, didn’t have time to venture outside of Oslo during my trip to Norway, but I believe that unless you’re getting well and truly off the beaten path you won’t have an issue with language barriers.
Oslo Money Tips
Card is king in Oslo – everywhere accepts card payments, and these are actually preferred to cash. I didn’t even see what the Norwegian currency looks like during my trip, as I had no reason to withdraw any money.
When travelling, I always rely on my Starling Bank debit card.
Not only does this not charge extra for overseas payments, but it also keeps track in real-time of your spending – both in your own currency and the currency you’re paying in!
Concession discounts are everywhere in Oslo, and can save you serious money! If you’re under 18, a student, senior or travelling with kids, make sure you check out any discounts you’re eligible for.
These discounts usually apply for public transport (including getting to and from the airport) and museums.
Airport and Transportation Tips
The easiest way to get to Oslo for international visitors is to fly.
Oslo has two airports: Oslo Gardermoen and Sandefjord Torp (often referred to as Oslo Torp).
Oslo Gardermoen is the best option for your Oslo weekend break since it’s only 45km from the city. Flights here are often very affordable too. I flew one-way from London Stansted with Ryanair for just £10!
Norwegian Air also has great deals.
Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) to City Centre
Getting from Gardermoen airport to the city centre takes only 19 minutes on the Flytoget Express Train and costs 230 NOK (€21) per journey. It’s slightly pricey, though, so if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly I’ve got you covered.
Instead, you can take the normal NSB train to Oslo Central Station for just 110 NOK (€10). This train takes about 25 minutes, so the extra few minutes are definitely worth saving all that money for!
Oslo Torp Airport (TRF) to City Centre
Oslo Torp airport is around 110km from Oslo itself.
To get from Oslo Torp airport to the city centre, first, take a shuttle bus to the Torp Sandefjord Lufthavn train station, and then catch a train to the city. The total journey takes around 1 hour 45 minutes and costs approximately 250 NOK (€23) one way.
Getting Around Oslo City Centre
Getting around Oslo is straightforward – just use Google Maps to plan your route.
The public transportation in the city is great and easy to navigate. Download the RuterBillet app for mobile tickets, or stop by a ticket machine, and you’re good to go.
It’s worth remembering that the Oslo Pass includes unlimited public transport for the duration of your pass. This saved me a lot of organisation!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Oslo?
High season in Europe runs from mid-June until early September.
I did my Oslo weekend trip in February, and I actually found it the perfect time to visit – there were no crowds, the hotel and flight prices were lower, and the weather was pretty decent.
That said, if you’re wanting great weather without the summer crowds, I always recommend travelling in shoulder season. For Norway, that’s April, May, September and October.
It’s worth checking out European public holidays before choosing your dates as prices will skyrocket.
As you’d probably expect, you’ll find better deals if you can travel during the week, rather than spending a weekend in Oslo.
I hope this post helped you to plan your Oslo itinerary for your upcoming trip, and has given you a bunch of ideas for what to do in Oslo! I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous time 🙂
Ella
8 comments
Thanks for the great review and recommendations. So helpful in planning my upcoming trip!
Thanks Mary, have a great time!
Thanks for the great advice! Norway is super high on my list, so it’s good to know.
Would love to visit Oslo (and the rest of Norway) one day! Such a beautiful country 🙂
This such a helpful and detailed post about Oslo! I think that cinnamon bun is calling my name too.
We did much of the same when we were there, plus we also visited the sky jump ramp (but one of my girls was a competitive skier at the time). Great list, and wonderful photos.
This post was so informative! I’ve always wanted to go to Norway and like you, was put off because of it being expensive – so it’s good to know it can be visited on a budget! You’ve also got me dreaming of those meatballs haha thanks so much for sharing this!
Oslo looks like a beautiful city to visit! I’ve never been to Norway but would love to one day. I’m very curious about tasting the food as it looks so delicious. I’d also like to see the Vigeland Park, very interesting!
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