Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway, seamlessly blends history, nature, and design-focused modernity for couples seeking a unique romantic adventure. Nestled among pristine fjords and lush forests, Oslo’s city scenery is only matched by its wide range of urban and cultural highlights. From world-class museums and art galleries to chic neighbourhoods and an exciting food scene, this is a holiday playground for foodies, nature-lovers, and culture-vultures alike.
This guide will take you through the top local attractions, activities, and hidden gems so you can create your own unique trip to Oslo. Whether you’re cruising fjords, sampling seasonal cuisine, shopping for souvenirs, or walking in the footsteps of Vikings, this Scandi city has something to delight every traveller.
This guide is divided into three sections for a deep dive into Oslo: must-see attractions for your itinerary, the top places to stay, and the hottest spots to eat and drink. Ready to plan your urban escape to Norway’s vibrant capital? Let’s explore the best of Oslo together!
Is Oslo good for couples?
It’s a resounding yes from us! From fjords and forests to world-class shopping, architecture, museums and dining to floating saunas in the city’s heart, Oslo offers something for every travel style. Couples can design a very stylish stay here thanks to the unique hotels and romantic hideaways dotted across this cosmopolitan capital.
Eco-minded travellers will also appreciate the city’s commitment to sustainability, expressed through its green spaces, dining scene, and close connections with the surrounding land and waters.
Now is the perfect time to visit Oslo, with a raft of vibrant new waterfront precincts in full swing along the fjord and two of Europe’s most significant art museums (the National Museum and MUNCH) welcoming visitors from around the world.
10 of the best things to see & do in Oslo:
1.Roam the Opera House rooftop
Head to the harbour precinct of Bjørvika for some of Oslo’s best cultural attractions including the striking Opera House — home to the Norwegian Opera and Ballet and the 100-metre Operastranda Beach.
Designed by Oslo architecture firm Snøhetta, the shape evokes a partly submerged iceberg while the concept plays on an ancient custom of allemannsretten (meaning ‘the right to roam’). The keyless lobby and stunning marble roof plaza invite visitors to wander, relax and drink up the shimmering harbour views.
Just minutes away, you can marvel at the new MUNCH museum in Oslobukta, and enjoy urban beach life and the world’s largest wood-fired sauna at Sørenga (more on these below).
Special mention: While it’s currently closed for a major makeover, the Viking Ship Museum (reopening as the Museum of the Viking Age in 2024/26) is a must for any Oslo itinerary.
2. Heat things up in a floating sauna
Oslo’s urban sauna culture is so hot right now. After all, what could be more Scandi than jumping into a freezing fjord (aka ‘ice bathing’) before thawing out in a piping-hot sauna? Soak your cares away at SALT at Sørenga, a ‘cultural village by the fjord’ which combines the world’s largest wood-fired sauna with a fun entertainment centre and bar.
Or try the cool new Trosten sauna at the foot of the MUNCH museum (more below). The Bjørvika neighbourhood is also home to Bademaschinen which boasts two large saunas, jumping and diving platforms, and awesome views of the Opera House. A very Norwegian experience to really awaken your senses.
3. Meander through the new National Museum
Since reopening bigger and better than ever in 2022, the National Museum has quickly become one of the hottest tickets in Europe. Designed by Kleihues + Schuwerk, the museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of both Norway and the Nordic region, encompassing over 100 rooms and an impressive permanent collection of over 6,500 objects. Take a journey through time then head up to the roof terrace for a drink and sweeping views of the inner Oslofjord. Fun fact: the Nobel Peace Prize is presented each year at Oslo’s Nobel Peace Centre, right next door to the National Museum.
4. Feel the rush in the Nordmarka Forest
While Oslo is one of Europe’s fastest-growing capitals, it never loses touch with the great outdoors. Even in the bracing winter months, the city incorporates the natural world into urban life, and just outside the city lies the magnificent Nordmarka Forest, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its dense woodlands, pristine lakes, and picturesque trails, the Nordmarka offers endless hiking, skiing, and sledding opportunities. Our tip for adventurous souls? The Korketrekkeren toboggan run: a 2000-metre winter track that winds its way through the snow-dusted forest and includes an elevation drop of 255 metres. What a rush! Korketrekkeren is free, with sleds available to rend for around 100-150 NOK (Norwegian Kroner) per day.
5. Shop ‘til you drop
You could dedicate your whole trip to browsing the best shops in Oslo. This stylish city is packed with gems, from big-name boutiques and sleek Scandi designs to chain-store favourites and hunger-busting food halls. A great place to start is the Karl Johan gate shopping street in the city centre or the popular Bogstadveien shopping street in the fashionable west Oslo neighbourhood of Frogner.
Or you can follow the local influencers to the hip Valkyrien area at the western end of Bogstadveien. And no shopping trip would be complete without a stop at Aker Brygge. This vibrant marina-front area has restaurants, cafes, and a charming indoor shopping street housed within old brick buildings.
Looking for local? Choose a luxury scarf or puffer from family-owned fashion label Holzweiler (Gigi Hadid is a fan). Stock up on fashionable wet-weather essentials at Norwegian Rain. Or pick up a garden-party-perfect frock from byTiMo.
6. Glide across the ice at Spikersuppa
A free ice-skating rink in the heart of the city? We’re there! Lace up your skates and experience the romantic thrills of Spikersuppa, an enchanting outdoor rink illuminated by twinkling lights and surrounded by Oslo’s iconic architecture. Join locals and visitors of all ages and abilities as they create a joyful winter scene. Open between late November and March with skate rentals available nearby. BYO beanie and mittens.
7. Make your way to MUNCH
Home to a painting so famous it inspired its own emoji, the MUNCH museum is a must-see for your Oslo itinerary. Showcasing the life and works of Norwegian Expressionist painter Edvard Munch, best known for his masterpiece The Scream, this is one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to a single artist — and the 13-storey design by Spanish firm estudio Herreros is a real head-turner. Good to know: There are actually several incarnations of The Scream on a rotating display to preserve their delicate form.
8. Island-hop around Oslo
Did you know you could island-hop around the Oslofjord? Just pack a picnic and head to the Rådhusbrygga City Hall Pier (near Aker Brygge wharf) where ferries chug out to Langøyene, Hovedøya, Lindøya and more. Halcyon days spent hiking, swimming, sunbathing, and exploring are sure to be a highlight of your trip to Oslo.
9. Stroll through a sculpture park
With its gift for blending nature and design, it’s no surprise Oslo has awesome sculpture parks. Inside the city’s lush Frogner Park, you’ll find the most famous: Vigeland Sculpture Park, home to 200+ artworks by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Also housed within Frogner Park is the Museum of Oslo, well worth a look for its fascinating collection of paintings and photographs. If you’re in Bjørvika, stroll on to the nearby Tjuvholmen fjord-front precinct and explore contemporary art museum Astrup Fearnley Museet for a fabulous collection of international contemporary art and a scenic sculpture park.
Or combine forest bathing with your sculpture spotting at the glorious Ekebergparken, home to over 40 sculptures by artists including Rodin, Renoir and Salvador Dali, whose iconic Venus de Milo aux tiroirs (Venus de Milo with drawers) is a real ‘drawcard’. And be sure to visit the fairytale-inspired sculptures in the Royal Palace Gardens. Named after the future queen, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, the park design was based on submissions from schoolchildren across Norway.
10. Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower
Powder-hounds won’t want to miss the world’s oldest ski collection (not to mention the breathtaking views) at the Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower. Skiiing is entwined with Norwegian identity and this unique museum celebrates every angle. The 65-metre ‘ski jump’ observation tower is worth the trip alone for it views of the Oslofjord, the city, and the forest.
Immerse yourself in Oslo’s culinary delights and discover Norway’s rich gastronomic heritage with these restaurants, bars and casual eateries. This is just a small taste of the city’s ever-evolving food scene.
Amerikalinjen:
For a Nordic nod to the USA and a fabulous location, cruise on up to Amerikalinjen. Back in the day, this building played HQ for the shipping company that ferried travellers between Norway and New York. Today, it’s a vibrant hub that includes a boutique hotel, cocktail bar, a basement jazz club, signature restaurant Atlas Brasserie & Cafe, and a bakery spinning authentic NY bagels. With Oslo Central Station on your doorstep, you’ll have the city within easy reach. The hotel offers 122 rooms and suites that blend Norwegian design classics with modern comforts and a touch of NY cool.
Where to eat & drink in Oslo:
Fashionable bites at Holzweiler Platz:
Connected to fashion boutique Holzweiler with a sleek fitout by Snøhetta (yes, the architects behind the Opera House), Holzweiler Platz has to be one of the coolest eateries in Oslo. From delicate seafood dishes like oysters with roses and grenadine to gourmet burgers and perfect French fries, it offers a culinary experience both satisfying and stylish.
Feast your eyes on Mathallan Oslo:
With over 30 specialty stores, eateries and bars, Mathallan Oslo is inspired by the great food halls of Europe and a favourite with locals, chefs and visitors alike. Located in the hip Grünerløkker district, this is a top spot to meet the makers and sample a smorgasbord of local and international cuisine. Pop into the petitely perfect Bar Boca for a drink while you’re in the area.
Follow the Michelin stars to Maeemo:
To experience one of the best restaurants in Oslo (those three Michelin stars don’t lie) book well in advance at Maeemo. The Michelin Guide says: “Time seems to stand still when you dine at this truly exceptional restaurant, such is its overwhelming quality. The unique dining experience begins with a drink in the cosy lounge before moving into a dramatic, high-ceilinged dining room with a theatrically lit open kitchen. A surprise seasonal tasting menu comprises a succession of expertly crafted, consistently memorable dishes that deliver sublime flavours and textures in superbly conceived combinations.” Enough said …
Sample local flavours at Annis Oslobukta:
Stock up for your island picnics at Annis Oslobukta, an upscale butcher and deli in the Oslobukta neighbourhood. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of fine foods and local delicacies, including cheeses, preserved fruits, seafood, meats, and that beloved Norwegian delicacy, lutefisk.
Sate your appetite at SAVAGE:
As Oslo’s food scene continues to evolve, a standout among the city’s upscale restaurants is SAVAGE, located within the Revier hotel in the trendy Kvadraturen neighbourhood. Showcasing Nordic ingredients with global flourishes, Roman-born executive chef Andrea Selvaggini creates a compelling tasting experience that has earned the restaurant a Michelin star.
Affordable delights at Åpent Bakeri:
We’d go to great lengths for the perfect kanelboller (cinnamon bun), but fortunately Åpent has locations dotted all over Oslo! This popular local bakery chain offers artisan bread, delicious sandwiches and cakes, and a cosy atmosphere. See also Mendel’s or organic bakery chain Godt Brød (good bread) for coffee and delicious pastries.
Treat your love at Bar Amour:
For an intimate and distinctive dining experience, head past the ground-floor pizza joint and ascend the red staircase to discover Bar Amour. Tucked away in Oslo’s St. Hanshaugen neighbourhood, this hidden gem celebrates the flavours of Portugal and Norway in a moodily seductive setting.
Apple cake & forest views at Frognerseteren:
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Beyond the city bustle, immerse yourselves in the tranquillity of Frognerseteren, a café and restaurant housed in a 19th-century chalet in Nordmarka (near the Holmenkollen Ski Museum). Frognerseteren offers a cosy retreat where you can enjoy stunning views of the fjord and city with traditional Norwegian cuisine or a coffee and a slice of their famous apple cake.
Toast your sweetheart at Sommerro:
One of the best new places to stay in Oslo (see below) art-deco hotel Sommerro also houses several excellent bars and eateries. Our picks are TAK Oslo, a Nordic-Japanese rooftop restaurant helmed by Frida Ronge, the Izakaya Bar & Terrace for its seventh-floor views of Frogner, and The Expedition Hall (Ekspedisjonshallen) for its jazzy, Prohibition-era feel and ‘architectural drinks menu’ inspired by the 1920s and 30s.
Where to stay in Oslo for couples:
When it comes to accommodation in Oslo, you can run the gamut from budget-friendly convenience to luxury digs. We’ve selected four special stays perfect for a romantic getaway.
The Thief:
Steal your love away to this chic modern retreat, poised on the edge of the car-free Tjuvholmen peninsula and the first hotel in Oslo with direct fjord access. The Thief offers 114 rooms and suites, all with private French balconies, and magnificent water views. Head to the rooftop for cocktails and seafood or slip away to the seductive spa for pampering and a swim. Guests can also access the nearby Astrup Fearnley Museet for free (it’s two minutes from the hotel) while the city centre is a 15-minute walk away.
Sommerro:
The elegant Frogner neighbourhood is home to one of Oslo’s most sublime and sophisticated hotels, Sommerro. Once the headquarters of electrical company Oslo Lysverker, this art-deco gem has been reimagined by NY firm GrecoDeco to offer 231 rooms and suites rich in period detailing and indulgent comforts. Designed as a ‘neighbourhood hotel’ Sommerro also offers a range of extras including a cinema, restored public bath, and an expansive wellness destination. With its Gatsby vibes, seven superb restaurants and bars, and year-round rooftop pool and sauna, Sommerro promises a truly indulgent stay for couples in Oslo.
Villa Inkognito:
Looking for an exclusive stay in Oslo? See Sommerro’s glamorous little sister, Villa Inkognito. As the name suggests, this new hideaway is perfect for couples with just 11 rooms and suites and a feels-like-home vibe. A very fancy home that is, with the sumptuous GrecoDeco design drawing from a range of styles including Classic Norwegian, Art Nouveau and Japonisme. Pampered guests can relax in a selection of luxurious public spaces, access all the facilities of Sommerro, and turn to their own personal host to curate the perfect trip to Oslo.
Good to know: 5 quick-fire questions about Oslo
Can I fly direct to Oslo?
Multiple airlines fly into Oslo’s international airport (Oslo Gardermoen Airport), the second-busiest airport in Scandinavia after Copenhagen. Travellers can then grab an Uber or taxi or catch the high-speed train to the city centre (about 20 minutes).
Is it easy to get around Oslo?
Yes! Getting around Oslo is a breeze thanks to the city’s efficient public transportation system — and it’s also a beautiful city to navigate on foot or by bicycle. Download the Ruter app to purchase digital tickets for buses and trams and keep up to date with real-time information on routes and schedules. If you plan to use public transport extensively, consider purchasing the Oslo Pass. Available as a mobile app, it offers unlimited access to public transport, including ferries, and provides admission to museums for 24 to 72 hours. While Oslo does have Uber and taxis, they can be quite expensive.
When is the best time to visit Oslo?
It depends on the experience you’re chasing. For warm summery days and extended daylight hours, high season (around June to August) is perfect for island-hopping, cruising or exploring the city on foot. For winter sports, ducking in and out of museums sans crowds and cosying up by the fire, rug up and book October to April which includes some low-season months. For comfortable weather and shoulder-season prices, consider the months of May and September. So, basically, there’s no bad time!
What is the currency of Norway?
Norway’s currency is NOK (Norwegian Kroner) with debit and credit cards/phone payments accepted at most attractions, shops and hotels. A little bit of cash is handy for small purchases.
Do people speak English in Norway?
While the indigenous languages of Norwegian and Sámi (a language of Northern Norway) are the most popular, English is widely spoken as a second language by most Norwegians.
Related: Experience Norway’s fjord-filled landscapes with our ultimate honeymoon guide to Norway
