My Honest Thoughts on Oslo, and if It’s Worth Visiting 

If you’re wondering whether Oslo is worth visiting, I completely feel you. Before my first trip in 2018, I had the same thoughts. Having now been here eight times, you’d think my answer is a resounding yes. But while it might be the right place for some travelers, the Norwegian capital isn’t for everyone. For this reason, I waited until I truly knew the city before writing this guide to help you make the right decision.

Oslo is a polarizing city, and setting the right expectations BEFORE visiting is essential. I expected something completely different the first time I was here, which led to me feeling underwhelmed. Still, I wanted to come back—multiple times—to see if that was true. Your personality, travel preferences, and the reason you’re in Norway will all determine whether you should visit Oslo.

I have visited the Norwegian capital more than most other cities, and I know it better than even most locals. In this guide, I will cover who I think should visit Oslo and who should reconsider. If you’re in the latter category, don’t worry; I’ll give you some better alternatives, too.

My Relationship With Oslo Has Historically Been… Up and Down

When I boarded the plane for my first trip to Oslo all those years ago, I had a sense of excitement. I had seen lots of pictures of Norway and its stunning fjords and mountains. I expected Oslo to be more like Bergen, with lots of colorful houses and maybe some modern architecture—such as the city’s Opera House. 

Needless to say, I was disappointed. 

I found the city underwhelming because I didn’t set the right expectations. Little did I know that those photos of fjords I had seen with dramatic peaks were in the Lofoten Islands, which is well over 500 miles away.

As for pretty wooden Norwegian houses? Oslo definitely has those. But I didn’t expect the city to be so modern, which was my own fault for not researching beforehand. Wearing sneakers when it was February and there was black ice everywhere didn’t help my cause, either—nor did slipping down some stairs in front of someone twice. 

Still, I had seen enough of Oslo to know that the city had potential. Most of my annoyances were from my own doing, not anything to do with the Norwegian capital itself. Six months later, I revisited and had completely changed my opinion. 

I was pretty convinced at that time that I would move to Oslo. I literally spent over two years learning Norwegian, and if it wasn’t for the border being closed in 2020, I would have moved there instead of to Copenhagen. 

In the years since, I have visited multiple times. My opinion shifted from “meh” to “this is amazing” to “I actually kinda hate this place” to “actually, this city is pretty cool”. I would say that I am now firmly in the latter camp; Oslo is cool, even if its charms aren’t immediate.

What Most People Get Wrong About Oslo

When I hear people I know share their opinions of Oslo, it’s always very interesting. Some love it, while others find it dull and couldn’t wait to leave. Of all the cities I’ve been to, I think it’s one of the most polarizing. 

I think that most people, like I did on my first trip, have the wrong expectations about Oslo, which is why they’re underwhelmed. First of all, Oslo is *very* different from the other two Scandinavian capitals: Stockholm and Copenhagen. 

Stockholm has more of a city feel, which—considering it’s the biggest in Scandinavia—makes total sense. Copenhagen, meanwhile, feels more vibrant than Oslo. The city also has a lot more old-style architecture than the Norwegian capital. 

Oslo is also very different from other cities in Norway. It’s not Bergen, where you will immediately fall in love with the city’s beauty and its surroundings. While you will find one fjord—the Oslofjord—it’s not on the same level as those in Western Norway. I still think the Oslofjord is lovely, but you won’t find those steep peaks on either side like with the Hardangerfjord or Geirangerfjord. 

To me, Oslo feels more like a standard Western European city. It’s functional, with lots of cultural institutions and places to eat. But at the same time, it probably won’t meet your expectations of what a quintessential Norwegian city is like. 

Another thing to remember is that while Oslo is a capital city, it’s not as “lively” as the likes of London or Paris. I lived in London for my first few visits to Oslo, and since I disliked the chaos of London, Oslo was a breath of fresh air. I loved how peaceful it was, but I do understand that others may find that “boring”. It depends entirely on your preferences.

Oslo Is Worth Visiting if…

As I mentioned earlier, Oslo is worth visiting for some and maybe not so much for others. I’ll present all the reasons you should visit and when you may want to reconsider. Let’s start on a positive note, with the top reasons you should consider traveling to Norway’s largest city.

✅ 1. You Want a Weekend Trip Without Many Tourists 

Norway is a very popular destination, and many people will start their adventure in Oslo. But despite this, Oslo does not feel very touristy. It’s a city designed more for living, which I believe is one of the biggest reasons to visit it. 

Sure, you will find tourists around the Oslo Opera House, close to the Norwegian Royal Palace, and on Karl Johans Gate. But away from the main sights and streets, the crowds thin out significantly. I would say that most of Oslo’s charms are away from those areas, anyway. 

When I did *yet another* Oslo – Bergen trip in June 2025, the contrast in tourists between the two cities was huge. Oslo felt pretty empty, while Bergen was packed with tour buses. If you want a short getaway without big crowds, Oslo is a pretty good place to be. 

✅ 2. You Value Wellness and Being Outdoors

Another great thing about Oslo is that it isn’t your stereotypical city. There’s actually space to breathe. Friluftsliv—the Scandinavian (but primarily Norwegian) love of being outdoors—is a key part of life here. 

Personally, I’m big into wellness and enjoy being outdoors (I’m basically a golden retriever in human form when it comes to this). If you’re anything like me, Oslo is a great place to visit for a few days.

You will, for example, find plenty of hiking opportunities. I suggest doing the Grefsenkollen hike, which is reachable from the city center by public transport. It’s pretty easy and doesn’t take too long, with cool views of Oslo and its surroundings. Sognsvann, meanwhile, is a lovely lake accessible via the Metro. 

As you walk along the waterfront in Oslo, you’ll also notice lots of saunas. These are the perfect place to sweat away your jet lag and feel rejuvenated. SALT is my top recommendation; you’ll find a food market here, too. 

Oslo has several islands nearby, too, which are worth visiting. I’ve been to these multiple times, and I always feel like I’m miles away from the city—even though you can see the skyline in the distance. Hovedøya is just 10 minutes away, and you can do many others on the same day. Besides buying a public transport ticket and doing it yourself, you can join a guided tour if you’d rather have someone else handle the planning and logistics.

In addition to doing outdoor activities yourself, you can get a local to show you around. Below are some options you might be interested in.

✅ 3. You Have a Layover in Oslo

Oslo is a popular layover for flights throughout Norway, along with trips to Asia and North America. Since Gardermoen Airport is less than 30 minutes from Downtown Oslo by train, I recommend spending some time in the city if you have 12 hours or longer until your connecting flight.

In just a day, you can see a reasonable amount of Oslo. You won’t get to fully explore the city, but you will at least get to see some of the main sights. Moreover, you can visit a few museums. 

✅ 4. You’re Entering Norway Via Gardermoen Airport or the Port of Oslo

Most travelers from Europe will initially enter Norway via Oslo or Bergen. If you’re flying into or out of Gardermoen Airport, Oslo is worth spending a few days in before you explore other parts of the country. 

Besides having enough things to keep you entertained, many other parts of Norway are reachable from Oslo. Trains run throughout the country from the capital, while you can also get direct flights to Tromsø, Svalbard, and other destinations inaccessible by bus or train. 

You might also arrive in Oslo by sea. I’ve sailed from Copenhagen to Oslo on a cruise before; it takes roughly 17 hours and is a fun way to travel slowly. In this case, it makes total sense to also explore Norway’s biggest city. The same is true if you’re taking a Hurtigruten cruise through Norway.

✅ 5. You Want to Visit Multiple Norwegian Cities

I mentioned earlier that Oslo is very different from other cities in Norway, and the only way to find out for yourself is to visit lots of them. If you’ve never visited before, I would recommend going to both Oslo and Bergen as a starting point. 

However, you can easily travel between Oslo and Trondheim, too. Trondheim is the country’s third-biggest city, and I actually prefer it to Bergen. It’s cozy, picturesque, and the place I would choose to live if I ever moved to Norway. You can search for train journeys, buses, and flights to Trondheim here.

Stavanger is another cool city that you can reach from Oslo. It’s close to the beautiful Lysefjord, and while you’re here, I suggest sailing along the fjord. However, Stavanger is also worth seeing; you’ll find plenty of fun things to do, including the Petroleum Museum and visiting the Sverd i Fjell monument.

The train between Oslo and Stavanger is just over seven-and-a-half hours. Prices are pretty reasonable if you book in advance; buses are marginally cheaper but take slightly longer. You can browse and book journeys between Oslo and Stavanger here.

✅ 6. You Enjoy Culture and Museums

I’ll let you in on a little secret: Oslo is one of Europe’s best cities for museum-lovers. 

Norway’s capital city has several museums worth visiting, including the Munch Museum. I went there on a trip in 2022, and it’s still one of my all-time favorite memories in Oslo. The museum was renovated in 2021 and is a comprehensive celebration of Edvard Munch, one of Norway’s most celebrated artists. You can buy tickets in advance. 

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo each year, and while you visit the city, you may want to consider going to the Nobel Peace Center.  While in Oslo, you should also consider visiting the National Museum of Norway. 

Sadly, the Viking Ship Museum is being renovated and will reopen in 2027. You can, however, book a Viking Planet experience instead.

You can easily spend an entire weekend in Oslo just going around its various museums. The city has always had a creative edge, too; the Vigeland Sculpture Park in Frogner is one prime example. 

✅ 7. You Just Feel Inclined to Visit Oslo

If you’ve seen flights to Oslo and are just curious as to whether it’s worth your time, I recommend booking them and exploring for yourself. I’ve been traveling for my entire life (having international parents will do that to you!), and doing so on my own for the best part of a decade. 

I can tell you this with 100% clarity. Those inclinations to visit places never go away until you actually go there. 

If you’re on the fence about visiting Oslo, I would encourage you to explore the city and make your own decision. At the very least, you can know with certainty whether the Norwegian capital is right for you.

And if you don’t know what to do? Don’t worry. I have a comprehensive article listing my favorite things to do in Oslo. You’ll find at least a couple of things that interest you. 

✅ 8. You Like Good Food

Oslo is probably not the first city you think about when good food comes to mind, but you will be pleasantly surprised. Even after eight visits, I still haven’t tried everything I want to. 

Lofoten Fiskerestaurant is a nice seafood restaurant on Aker Brygge, while I recommend going to Haralds Vaffel for Norwegian waffles. Here, you can top them with brunost—the famous but polarizing Norwegian brown cheese.

✅ 9. You’d Still Like to See the Oslofjord

If you’ve done even a second of Norway trip research, you’ll almost certainly have seen photos of the country’s most dramatic fjords. The Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord, and Geirangerfjord all meet the stereotypical ideas you had of Norway. 

Oslo also has a fjord, conveniently known as the Oslofjord. But while beautiful, the land on either side is nowhere near as steep as the others. It actually reminds me more of some fjords we have in Denmark, such as the Roskilde Fjord. 

At the same time, though, I do still think that the Oslofjord is worth seeing. At the very least, you’ll enjoy the fresh air and peace. The scenery is still pretty, too, even if it’s not overly dramatic. The fact that it’s more down-to-earth, both figuratively and literally, is actually what makes me like it more. 

You can see the Oslofjord year-round, and if you do choose to visit Oslo, it’s definitely worth allocating some time to. 

✅ 10. You Want to Compare the Scandinavian Capitals

Since I’ve been exploring Scandinavia since 2016 and living in this region for over five years, I know that Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are very different from each other. However, many initial perceptions from those who haven’t explored much of the region is that they’re one and the same. 

One of Scandinavia’s greatest appeals is how different Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are. I actually suggest visiting all three if you can; connections between them all are very good. 

You can fly from Copenhagen or Stockholm to Oslo in around an hour; both SAS and Norwegian operate several daily flights between the three cities. You’ll need a bit of time to see them all in detail, but if you have that, I definitely recommend it. You can search for flight times and prices on Skyscanner.

Train and bus travel is also possible between the three Scandinavian capitals. The train journey from Stockholm to Oslo takes around five-and-a-half hours. You can’t get a direct train from Copenhagen, but you can change in Gothenburg; the overall journey will take you 7-8 hours. 

Direct buses do, however, operate between Copenhagen and Oslo. They’re affordable, and the journey is around eight-and-a-half hours. You can compare flights, trains, and buses on Omio.

✅ 11. You Don’t Like Chaotic Places

I enjoy spending five days or so in New York City and other chaotic places per year. But beyond that brief phase of hyperstimulation, I would much prefer to visit cities that are more on the relaxed side. If you’re anything like me, Oslo will certainly fit the bill in that respect. 

Each time I visit Oslo, my body decompresses on autopilot. I move at a slower and more relaxed pace compared to when I’m in big cities. For me, this means I can also explore without rushing around. 

It’s a place where everything works, and the loudest noises you’ll hear—most of the time—are screeching seagulls. 

✅ 12. You Like Quirky Neighborhoods

I’ve always pushed back on the idea that Oslo is “boring” because I strongly disagree. When you scratch beneath the surface, the city has lots of quirky and interesting neighborhoods—each of which is different. 

Grünerløkka, for example, is my favorite district in Oslo. It’s edgy, with lots of bars and independent shops. The neighborhood also has a welcoming and laid-back feel, and it’s not surprising that many young people choose to live here. 

On the flip side, Frogner is more upscale and leafy. It’s just a simple tram ride away, but it feels like a completely different city. Meanwhile, the districts in the mountains—such as Grefsen—feel more suburban. 

Seeing these differences first-hand makes Oslo worth visiting, in my opinion. 

✅ 13. You’re a Fan of Architectural Photography…

Oslo has an interesting mix of architecture, and as someone who enjoys taking pictures of buildings, it’s one of my favorite cities to visit. I’ve photographed the iconic Oslo Opera House in all kinds of weather, and even now, it’s one of the first places I go to on each trip.

Nearby, the Barcode district also offers opportunities for architectural photography. Oslo’s City Hall is another point of interest, and I like Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, too. 

In Grünerløkka and Frogner, meanwhile, you’ll see older Scandinavian-style apartments. Along the Akserselva River, former industrial buildings have been converted into interesting bars. 

I have sometimes been to Oslo just for a weekend of architectural photography, and it’s worth visiting for this reason alone.

✅ 14. … Or Photography in General

It’s hard to get bored as a photographer in Oslo, even if architectural photography isn’t your thing. The lighting can make your pictures look more interesting on its own, especially in the winter when the sun is very low. 

I also like getting out onto the water and photographing Oslo from the fjord, along with capturing shots of the city from above. Surprisingly, the Norwegian capital can be a pretty good place for street photography, too. 

I’m adamant that all you need to have fun in Oslo is a camera and a creative eye. 

✅ 15. You Want to Take the Oslo – Bergen Railway

I’ve done the Oslo – Bergen route more than any other adventure in Norway for one very simple reason: It’s stunning. The Bergensbanen train, for which I’ve written a full guide, takes you through some of Norway’s most beautiful landscapes. 

From fjords to mountains, the route has everything. When I’ve been, I have often experienced all four seasons in one day. It’s the perfect introduction to Norway, and trains are also pretty affordable. 

Naturally, you will spend some time in Oslo if you’re going on this train adventure. And in those cases, I suggest being in the city for a decent amount of time before continuing onward. 

Good to Know: You can also take a day tour that starts in Bergen and ends in Oslo. You’ll sail along the Nærøyfjord, take the famous Flåm railway, and then the train from Myrdal to Oslo for the rest of the Bergensbanen route. 

Reconsider Visiting Oslo if Any of These Relate to You

Although Oslo is worth visiting for many people, not everyone will enjoy their stay here. Depending on your travel needs, you might be better off going somewhere else in Norway or Scandinavia. Below are the biggest reasons that you may want to go somewhere else.

❌ 1. You’re Looking for the Quintessential Norwegian Town or City

Oslo is very different from the rest of Norway, and if you want to visit somewhere more stereotypically Norwegian, I’d recommend going to Bergen instead. The city is surrounded by seven peaks, including Fløyen (which is worth hiking), Damsgårdsfjellet (also worth hiking), and Ulriken (the highest peak).

Besides the nature and views, there are many other fun things to do in Bergen. You will feel more like you’ve “visited Norway” if you go to Bergen instead of Oslo, I think—though both cities are great in their own ways. 

❌ 2. You Want to See the Northern Lights

At 59.9ºN, Oslo is pretty far north. And occasionally, you can see the Northern Lights. However, you are highly unlikely to see them from the capital compared to other parts of Norway. 

To see the Northern Lights in Norway, you should head north of the Arctic Circle. You’re much better off visiting Tromsø if you want to see the Northern Lights; I’ve written a full guide to visiting Tromsø in the winter.

From Tromsø, you can join several Northern Lights tours. 

❌ 3. You Want Somewhere That Feels More Like a Typical Capital City

Depending on who you ask, some will say that Oslo is a small big city. Others will say it feels like a big town. Either way, it does not feel like a typical capital city. 

This isn’t surprising. Fewer than six million people live in Norway, and while Oslo is quickly growing, it’s never going to feel as lively as the likes of London and Tokyo. That said, nowhere in Scandinavia will feel like that. 

If you want to visit somewhere that feels more like a capital city in Scandinavia, Stockholm or Copenhagen are better options. 

In Northern and Northwestern Europe, you can opt for Berlin (yes, I count Berlin as Northwestern Europe), Paris (ditto), or London. The vibe is obviously different and not Scandinavian at all, though, so Copenhagen and Stockholm are better choices if you still want to visit Scandinavia. 

❌ 4. Nightlife Is Your Main Reason for Visiting

Oslo has some cool bars, but I certainly would not class it as one of Europe’s best cities for nightlife. Firstly, alcohol is super expensive. Secondly, while I’ve found some nice bars and pubs, it’s not a place I would visit specifically for a night out. 

The city is, however, nice if you want more of a low-key trip where you occasionally stop for drinks in between exploring. If you want to visit a Scandinavian city for nightlife, Copenhagen is by far your best option. 

❌ 5. You Want to See Norway’s Most Famous Fjords

Most of Norway’s main fjords are located along the country’s west coast, and the majority of tourists base themselves in Bergen, Stavanger, or Ålesund. If you’re specifically visiting Norway for fjords, I suggest going to one of these cities instead. 

Stavanger is a good launchpad for exploring the Lysefjord, and you can even take a ferry from here to Bergen. Bergen, meanwhile, is ideal for sailing along the Hardangerfjord, the Nærøyfjord, and the Sognefjord (which is the deepest and longest fjord in Norway). 

Ålesund, meanwhile, is the main launchpad for the Geirangerfjord. You will find fjords in other parts of the country, but these three cities are your main choices in that respect.

Alternatives to Oslo (in Norway and Also Scandinavia)

If you’ve decided that Oslo doesn’t meet your travel needs, don’t worry—I’ve compiled a quick list of other places in Norway and Scandinavia that might be better-suited for you. 

• Copenhagen: Ideal if you want nightlife, a more lively feel, and history. I’ve got a full guide on the best things to do in Copenhagen and where to stay in Copenhagen to help you plan your trip.
• Bergen: Best for seeing a more quintessential version of Norway, with various outdoor and fjord adventures. 
• Stavanger: Ideal launchpad for the Lysefjord. The city itself is charming, and the nearby islands accessible by ferry are also worth seeing. 
• Tromsø: Better for seeing the Northern Lights. If you want to visit Lofoten, you should instead go to Bodø and take the ferry from there. 
• Gothenburg: Sweden’s second-biggest city is roughly the same size as Oslo. It’s still expensive, but less so than the Norwegian capital. It’s also more beautiful, in my opinion, and the nearby archipelago is well worth exploring. I have a Gothenburg travel guide to help you plan your trip.

If I Visit Oslo, Can I Expect it to be Expensive?

Those rumours you’ve heard about Oslo being expensive are, I’m afraid to say, true. However, it’s not as pricey as it used to be; the Norwegian Krone (NOK) has been relatively weak in recent years. Copenhagen is now more expensive than Oslo, in my opinion. 

When visiting Oslo, I suggest budgeting around $150 per night for a decent hotel at least. You can find more affordable options, but centrally-located accommodation is almost always quite pricey. 

Eating in restaurants will also cost a lot; expect to pay at least $40-50 in most instances. As mentioned earlier, alcohol is pricey, too. You can save a lot of money by just cutting out the alcohol, really. 

For daily spending money, around $120 per day is a good amount. 

If You Visit Oslo, Here’s How Long You Should Stay For

Unless you have a layover, I suggest spending at least two days in Oslo (I have a two-day itinerary for you to follow). The city is pretty small, so you can see quite a lot during this time. 

If possible, staying for three days is even better. This is particularly true if you’re planning to visit lots of museums or go island-hopping. 

… and Here’s Where You Should Stay

I have stayed in all kinds of accommodation in Oslo, from vacation rentals to hostels and hotels. If I were to narrow down my top picks, it would be two hotels, in particular. 

Att | Kvadraturen

Our stay at the Att | Kvadraturen hotel was a complete accident. We had originally booked an Airbnb to stay in, but as we were on our train into Oslo, our host had to cancel at the last minute. Frantically checking for our options, we found Att | Kvadraturen. 

The hotel staff were friendly and empathetic about our situation, and our room itself was nice and spacious. Att | Kvadraturen is right in the center of Oslo and a short walk from the Opera House, main train station, and Storginget building.  

When staying here, you also get an app with useful tips for exploring Oslo. You can book a stay here.

Clarion Hotel Oslo

I stayed at Clarion Hotel Oslo on a trip in December 2021. While quite expensive, it was worth the price. I had a great night’s sleep here, and it’s close to the Opera House and right next to a tram stop. 

The main benefit here was the breakfast. It was also nice to be centrally located, but in a place without too much traffic noise. Book a stay here.

Is Oslo Worth Visiting in the Winter? 😨

Yes. Oslo is *especially* worth visiting in the winter, in fact. 

If I’m being truthful with you, I much prefer traveling to Oslo in the winter than in the summer. The city is beautiful when it has been snowing, and while I don’t like the ice that sometimes forms on the pavements, I love the crisp, cold air. 

Oslo can get pretty cold, don’t get me wrong. Spells where it’s -10ºC (14ºF) are very possible, and I have experienced these multiple times. But the benefits, such as the city being photogenic, vastly outweigh these downsides. 

While not always snowy, Oslo is still worth visiting in December, too. Yes, it’s dark; you’ll have less than six hours of daylight on the shortest day of the year. But the Christmas Markets are well worth seeing, and the city is particularly cozy at this time. 

Final Thoughts: My Opinions on Oslo

From a general perspective, I like Oslo and think it has a lot to offer. It’s a nice place to spend a weekend, and you should also consider visiting before going to other parts of Norway. But depending on your preferences, you might be better off going somewhere else in Norway or Scandinavia. 

If you want to see Norway’s capital and compare it to other cities, definitely visit. Similarly, I think Oslo is worth seeing if you have a long layover or want a nice weekend getaway. Oslo is a gem for photographers and outdoor lovers, too. It’s worth seeing if you want to take the Oslo – Bergen train as well.

However, you should think about visiting another city if you are specifically visiting Norway for the most dramatic fjords. There are also better places for nightlife. 

I have these guides to help you plan your trip to Oslo in more detail:

• Everything You Need to Know About Island-Hopping in Oslo
• Practical Information for Planning Your Oslo Trip

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