by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen (cropped)  / [CC BY-SA 3.0

A Dynamic Major Cultural Capital, With World-class Museums, Sculpture parks, and Striking Modern Architecture

A. About Oslo

Nickname: The Tiger City

Surrounded by the delightful Oslo fjord and impressive mountains, the capital of Norway is a dynamic major cultural capital, with world-class museums, sculpture parks, and striking modern architecture.

And the local opera is not only a great art venue for classical music, but its architecture also stands for the image that Norwegians have of modern society: open to innovative ideas, influences, and possibilities.

Best Things to do in Oslo

The Good

Oslo enjoys, first of all, a scenic location at the head of a delightful fjord.

Furthermore, the Norwegian capital is very safe and clean, and its inhabitants are friendly and helpful

Finally, the public transportation system is excellent. 

Negative Aspects

Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Furthermore, don't expect great weather. In winter it is generally really cold and dark.


B. Best Things to Do in Oslo in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than twenty sights in Oslo. The following sights and attractions contribute to a score of 6.20/10 in this highly important category:

# New National Museum 6 3.1 out of 5 stars 

Opened in 2022 in a new building at Vestbanehallen at the center of Oslo, the new National Museum is the largest art museum in the Nordic region. The art collection of the museum includes Edvard Munch's best-known paintings.

The museum features a publicly accessible roof terrace with a spectacular view of Oslo.

      • Important Masterpieces: 3
      • Highlight: The Scream, by Edvard Munch (1893), 91 cm × 73,5 cm (35.8 in × 28.9 in)

Show Top 5 artworks (click here)
Show Museum Score (click here)

Fine Arts Museum Opened: 2022

(Click on images to open in lightbox, recommended)

 

# Vigeland Sculpture Park 6 3.1 out of 5 stars 

This spectacular sculpture park is located in Frogner Park and is home to more than two hundred sculptures in bronze and granite and cast iron by 20th-century sculptor Gustav Vigeland.

Park

Best Things to do in Oslo

by Ignaz Wiradi / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Norwegian Museum of Cultural History 6 3.1 out of 5 stars 

The highlight of this spectacular open-air museum with 158 traditional houses from all parts of Norway is the completely restored wooden Gol Stave Church from the 12th century.

Open-Air Museum Established: 1894 | Buildings: 150 | Visitors (2018): 312,000

Best Things to do in Oslo

by Richard Mortel / CC BY-SA 2.0

# The Viking Ship Museum 6 3.1 out of 5 stars 

This great museum is home to three historic ninth-century vessels, among them the famous Oseberg Ship.

Museum 

Best Things to do in Oslo

by Vassia Atanassova / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Opera House 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This gem of modern architecture, with part of the building below sea level, has received several prestigious awards. From the roof of the opera, there is a wonderful panorama of the city.

Opera House | Modern Architecture 

Best Things to do in Oslo

by Beata May / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Bygdøy peninsula 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Home to five national museums and beautiful nature, this scenic peninsula is certainly one of the highlights of Oslo. 

Peninsula

Best Things to do in Oslo

by Dalbera / CC BY-SA 2.0

 

# Munch Museum 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Opened in 1963, this Museum features many of the most important works of Norway's greatest painter, Edvard Munch.

Most noteworthy, the 1910 version of Munch's "The Scream" is on exhibit in the museum. Since October 2021, the collection is presented in a brand-new modern museum by Oslo's waterfront.

      • Important Masterpieces: 3
      • Highlight: The Scream (1910 Version), Edvard Munch (1910), 83 cm × 66 cm (36 in × 28.9 in)

Show Top 5 artworks (click here)

Art Museum Gallery Space: ca. 6,000 m2 | Artworks on Display: ca. 650 | Established: 1864

(Click on images to open in lightbox, recommended)

Show Museum Score (click here)

 

# Fram Museum 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

On the Bygdøy Peninsula, this museum's star attraction is the Fram, a wooden ship built specifically for research in the Arctic and Antarctic. 

Maritime Museum

Best Things to do in Oslo

by Tore Storm Halvorsen / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Oslo Fjord 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The 100-km-long Oslo fjord with its many islands is the scenic gem of the Oslo area. Book a fjord cruise to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Fjord

Best Things to do in Oslo

by Øyvind Holmstad

 

#10 | Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Located underneath the famous ski jump, this museum presents more than 4,000 years of skiing history. In addition, the observation deck on top of the jump tower offers excellent panoramic views of Oslo.

Museum

Best Things to do in Oslo

by Michael Hanisch/ CC BY-SA 3.0

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌍 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Oslo

#11 | Akershus Fortress 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Akershus Fortress, with its centuries-old history, resilient architecture, and picturesque location, stands as a testament to Norway's military past and cultural heritage, drawing visitors to explore its stories and enjoy its scenic vistas.

Castle

Akershuus

by Bjoertvedt / CC BY-SA 3.0

#12 | Kon-Tiki Museum 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo is a tribute to Thor Heyerdahl's adventurous spirit and contributions to anthropology and marine exploration, featuring iconic artifacts and insights into his groundbreaking expeditions.

Museum

by Holger Uwe Schmitt / CC BY-SA 4.0

#13 | City Hall 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

City Hall, completed in 1950, is a significant architectural and cultural landmark, known for its annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and rich artistic interiors.

City Hall

by Suicasmo / CC BY-SA 4.0

#14 | Astrup Fearnley Contemporary Art Museum 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Astrup Fearnley Museum in Oslo, housed in a striking Renzo Piano-designed building, showcases a premier collection of contemporary art with works by major American and European artists including Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and Cindy Sherman.

Its waterfront location in Tjuvholmen offers stunning views and an open-air sculpture park.

Modern Art Museum | Modern Architecture

by Holger Uwe Schmitt / CC BY-SA 4.0

#15 | Museum of Science & Technology (Norsk Teknisk Museum) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This museum showcases over 25 interactive exhibitions, ranging from transportation to health technology. It features historical artifacts and modern innovations alike. Visitors can explore scientific principles through hands-on activities.

Science Museum

by wordcitiesranking.com  / CC BY-SA 4.0

    • Aker Brygge (Modern Waterfront City District) 5
    • Sonja Henie Modern Art Centre (14.4 km from Oslo) 5
    • Royal Palace (open to the public from late June until the middle of August) 5
    • Norwegian Maritime Museum 4
    • Karl-Johans Gate (Shopping Street) 4
    • Natural History Museum 4
    • Parliament of Norway 4
    • Ibsen Museum 3
    • Oslo City Museum 3
    • Oslo Cathedral 3
 

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Oslo

Lillehammer 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Lillehammer is a charming town, known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics and its scenic beauty on the northern shore of Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake.

The city is home to the Maihaugen open-air museum and the Norwegian Olympic Museum.

City Distance from Oslo: 184 km

Best Things to do in Oslo

by Hasse A / CC BY-SA 4.0

Karlstad (218 km from Oslo) 4 


E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Oslo 2024 (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Oslo for at least two entire days.

New National Museum 6 

Vigeland Sculpture Park 6

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History 6

The Viking Ship Museum 6 

Opera House 5

Bygdøy Peninsula 5

Munch Museum 5

Fram Museum 5

Oslo Fjord 5

Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower 5