3 days in Oslo: The ultimate Oslo itinerary

Oslo might not always be the first European city that comes to mind for a short break, but it has a way of surprising you. With its laid-back atmosphere, striking waterfront, fascinating museums, and easy access to nature, Norway’s capital is the perfect place to explore when spending a few days in Oslo.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when visiting Oslo, but it didn’t take long for the city to win me over. If you’re planning a trip, this guide covers the best things to do in Oslo in a few days, along with some of my favourite spots and tips to help you make the most of your visit.

The rooftop of the Opera House

First you need to start your visit to Oslo by walking along the rooftop of its Opera House. This is free and easily accessible from the outside. The massive, angular roof is made of Italian white Carrara marble and Norwegian granite. It slopes directly down to the harbor (so be careful in wet conditions!) Once on the roof, you have excellent views over the port and can see out towards the Oslofjord (Oslo’s waterway) and over the city skyline.

Ekebergparken

Ekebergparken is a good place to visit in the evening, with panoramic lookouts over the city center and the Oslofjord. It is a wooded hillside park which features nearly 50 modern and historical installations integrated into the natural landscape. There are also a few quirky art installations. Be prepared that it can be quite steep to get to. However you can get the bus or tram there which reduces a lot of the walk. It is also the place where Edvard Munch was inspired to paint The Scream.

The islands of Oslofjord

This was probably my favourite part of my visit to Oslo. The islands of the Oslofjord are very easy to get to- there’s a ferry that runs from Aker Brygge, one of the big tourist destinations in Oslo. I visited Hovedoya and Gressholm and ended up obsessed by them. There isn’t a lot on the islands (especially so on Gressholm) but if you like nature and scenic walks they are a must- visit. Make sure you stop and have a drink on one of the cafes on the islands- they’re super expensive, but full of Nordic charm.

There are also fairly peaceful beaches if you like swimming. If people ask me why I visit Oslo, I tell them about these islands.

Damstredet

This is probably Oslo’s prettiest street. Even though its just a few beautifully painted wooden houses, this is the only street in Oslo to give you a taste of picturesque Norwegian houses. If you want your traditional Norwegian photos, this is the place to go!

Mathallen Food Hall

Mathallen is a foodies paradise, offering more than 30 specialty shops, cafés and eateries. This is where to go to pick up bread and cheese in Oslo. There was a bit of variety in the types of food available and a beautiful interior. It was bustling when we visited but we still managed to get a seat.

Getting there involves taking tram 11/12 to Schous Plass, then a 10-min riverside walk. It is open everyday from 11am- 8pm.

The Royal Palace and Slottsparken

A royal palace is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Oslo, however a walk around the palace gardens in Oslo is a lovely use of your time. The park that surrounds the Royal Palace was built during the 1840’s and consists of magnificent trees, well kept lawns and elegant ponds.

The gardens are quite calm and tranquil and are definitely more relaxed than palace gardens in other European cities.

The palace and gardens are easily accessed via Karl Johans Gate.

The Vigeland Sculpture Park

Located within Frogner Park in Oslo, Vigeland Sculpture Park is the world’s largest sculpture park dedicated to a single artist, with its collection of over 200 sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland.

It is one of Norway’s most famous attractions and a must-visit for art and nature lovers alike. It is slightly bonkers and features lots of statues of naked people. However some of the sculptures are magnificent. Definitely one to include in your Oslo itinerary.

Aker Brygge

Aker Brygge is one of Oslo’s liveliest areas, situated along the harbour with plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars. Built after the demolition of several former industrial buildings between 1986 and 1998, Aker Brygge is a great place to explore. We stopped for coffee at Kaffebrenneriet avd Aker Brygge, which I recommend.

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle and military base. Built in 1299 by King Håkon V, it protected the city and served as a royal home. The grounds are free to enter daily from 06:00 to 21:00, offering scenic fjord views. You can also get a good view of Akershus Fortress from the water.

Final thoughts about spending a few days in Oslo

3 days won’t let you see absolutely everything in Oslo, but that’s no bad thing. Leave a little room to explore without a plan, stop for a coffee when somewhere catches your eye, and enjoy the laid-back feel of the city. For me, that’s what makes Oslo such a lovely place to spend a few days- and a great introduction to Norway.