How to spend one day in Oslo, Norway | Things to do in Oslo
“If you’re visiting Oslo, Norway for just one day, you’re in for a treat! Even though you’ve only got 24 hours, Oslo is a city full of fun things to do. Let me show you how to have an awesome time during your short visit!”
How to spend one day in Oslo, Norway | Things to do in Oslo
A Little Bit About Oslo’s History
“Oslo is a city with a very long history, which is one reason why it’s such an exciting place to visit.
People think Oslo has been a busy city since before the year 1000. During the time of the Vikings, it was in a region called Viken, which was part of Denmark. After a lot of arguing between Danish and Norwegian kings, Norway finally took control in 1241, even though it was still ruled by Denmark.
Over the centuries, Oslo has had many kings and faced big challenges like the Great Fire of 1624. As the 1800s came along, Oslo grew with schools, art, and businesses becoming important. In 1814, when Norway became its own country with Oslo as the capital, lots of important buildings were built that you can still see today.
Nowadays, Oslo is known for its mix of city and nature, for giving out the Nobel Peace Prize, and for blending old history with new ideas. That’s why visiting Oslo, even just for a day, is a really cool experience!”
you want to spend. No matter which one you pick, you’ll have a comfy place to stay while you explore Oslo, even if it’s just for a short visit!
What Should You See if You’ve Got 24 Hours in Oslo?
“I think this article will be helpful whether you’re staying in Oslo for 24 hours or 24 days. I’ve noticed that many travelers don’t stay long in Norway’s capital because it can be a bit expensive.
I’m really excited to share this with you! I hope you can feel my love for this city and its history shining through.
The Oslo Pass
The Oslo Pass is perfect if you want to see a lot of Oslo, even if you’re only there for a short time. With the pass, you get free entry to over 30 cool museums and attractions, like art galleries and places for families to explore. Some of these are listed below.
You can also use the pass to ride on trams, subways, buses, and ferries without buying extra tickets. Plus, you get discounts on fun stuff like tours, concerts, and food. You can buy a pass that lasts for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and there are special prices for kids, adults, and seniors.
You can buy the pass online or when you arrive in the city. Overall, the Oslo Pass saves you money and makes it easy to see lots of cool stuff without worrying about buying tickets everywhere you go.”
Visit Vigeland Park
No matter how much time you have in Oslo, you have to visit this park because I promise you won’t see anything else like it. Gustav Vigeland, who is one of Norway’s most famous sculptors, created over 200 bronze statues here. The most famous one is called The Monolith (monolitten), which is a huge stone structure that stands at the highest point of the park and is really eye-catching.
I loved walking around the park and looking at all the different sculptures. Some of them are so unique and even a bit silly, which I really like. One of my favorites is called ‘The Angry Boy’ (Sinnataggen). But the best part about Vigeland Park is exploring and finding the sculpture that you like the most.
Step into the past at the Viking Ship Museum (Vikingtidmuseet), where you can immerse yourself in the world of the Vikings.
“This museum on the Bygdøy peninsula is home to three of the world’s best-preserved Viking ships. These ships once sailed the seas but were eventually used in burial ceremonies, possibly for a very wealthy person. Because they were buried and protected from the elements, they stayed remarkably well-preserved.
If you’re visiting Oslo, even if it’s just for one day, you should definitely come here. Like Vigeland Park, it’s something special in Oslo that you won’t see anywhere else, so it’s worth seeing while you’re here.
If you have extra time, they often show cool movies that help you imagine what these Viking ships were like when they were in use.
I just realized that the TV show Vikings might have made this museum even more famous than when I visited, but for me, it was a calm and peaceful place where you could take your time exploring. If you visit, let me know if anything has changed!
Take a stroll a top the Oslo Opera House and enjoy its unique architectural design.
“The Oslo Opera House is one of the most famous buildings in the city today. It’s where the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet perform.
The coolest thing about this building, in my opinion, is how it’s designed. The roof slopes down to the ground next to the entrance, so you can actually walk on the roof! From up there, you get amazing views of the Oslo Fjord. That’s why it’s a must-see if you only have one day in Oslo.
I also love the story of how the Oslo Opera House was built. There was a big national competition to design it, and a Norwegian architecture company won. They finished building it earlier than planned and spent less money than expected. That’s Scandinavian efficiency for you!
Some people in Oslo really like the Opera House, while others aren’t as crazy about it. But I think it’s awesome!”
Walking tour through central Oslo and explore its vibrant sights
“Oslo is a small city, so you can see a lot of cool stuff pretty easily. Here’s a plan for your own walking tour of Oslo:
Start at Oslo Central Station (Sentralstasjon) and go out the main entrance. Take a moment to look around. Sometimes you might see people who need help or don’t have a permanent place to stay.
Walk west along Karl Johans Gate. This street leads to the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget). Karl Johans Gate is full of shops and decorations, especially during different seasons. It’s a fun place to walk!
You’ll reach a big park. Check out the Norwegian Parliament building (Stortinget). Then, keep walking west to the National Theatre (Nationaltheatret). They’re both really nice buildings.
Go up the hill to the Royal Palace of Oslo (Slottet), where the king lives. It’s yellow and looks great in photos, whether it’s sunny or cloudy.
Next, walk south to Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset). When I first saw it, I thought it looked different from the rest of the city, but I grew to like it over time.
Next to Oslo City Hall is the Nobel Peace Center (Nobels Fredssenter) and the National Museum (Nasjonalmuseet). If you have time, these places are worth visiting.
South of the Nobel Center is Aker Brygge, where there are more shops and restaurants by the Oslo Fjord. It’s a nice place to end your tour.
If you still have energy, Akershus Fortress is a 15-minute walk away. It was built a long time ago to protect the city. Now, it’s a museum about the Norwegian military and their history.”
If you have the opportunity, visit either the Norsk Folkemuseum or the Fram Museum.
“Right now, our plan to see Oslo in a day is pretty full, but if you’re feeling adventurous and have some extra time, I highly recommend adding these two awesome places to your list.
The Norsk Folkemuseum is like stepping back in time to experience Norway’s history firsthand. It’s an Open-Air Museum where you can explore 160 old buildings from different parts of Norway. These buildings show how people lived across many generations. You can even try traditional crafts and activities!
One of the coolest buildings there is the Gol Stave Church, which was built way back in the year 1200. Its design is really special. Inside the museum, you’ll find exhibits about folk art, old clothes, and toys. They also have temporary exhibitions that change throughout the year. It’s a great place to learn about Norwegian culture while you’re visiting Oslo for the day.
The Fram Museum is all about Norwegian explorers who went to the North and South Poles. The museum has a whole building dedicated to the Gjøa, the first ship to sail through the Northwest Passage. It was led by the famous explorer Roald Amundsen and his crew of six.”
This version makes the information more accessible and engaging for younger readers, focusing on the unique experiences offered by each museum.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Oslo, Norway?
The best time to visit Oslo, Norway depends on what you enjoy doing.
If you love skiing and playing in the snow, then winter is perfect. You can go skiing near Oslo and have lots of fun in the winter wonderland. But remember, winter days are shorter, so it gets dark earlier in the evening.
Summer is fantastic for visiting Oslo if you like long days and warm weather. The sun stays up late, so you have more time to explore the city and have outdoor adventures like hiking or visiting parks.
Spring and autumn are also great times to visit. The weather is usually mild, not too hot or too cold, and you can see beautiful colors as the seasons change.
No matter when you go, Oslo is a small city with good buses, trams, and trains, so it’s easy to get around and see all the sights. You can visit museums, see historical buildings, and try delicious Norwegian food any time of year.
So think about what you’d like to do most in Oslo—skiing in winter, enjoying long days in summer, or seeing the colors change in spring or autumn—and plan your trip accordingly!
Where to Stay on a Quick Trip to Oslo
| Hotel Name | Location and Convenience | Room Features and Amenities | Nearby Attractions and Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thon Hotel Opera | Right next to Oslo Central Station for easy train access. | Modern, comfortable rooms with Scandinavian breakfast. | Oslo Opera House, Karl Johans gate shopping and dining. |
| Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel | Norway’s tallest hotel near Oslo Central Station. | Modern rooms with city views, gym, and restaurant. | Oslo Spektrum, Oslo City Shopping Center. |
| Scandic Holberg | Located in Majorstuen, a lively area of Oslo. | Cozy rooms with Scandinavian designs, includes breakfast. | Bogstadveien shopping street, Royal Palace, Vigeland Sculpture Park. |
| Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station | Budget-friendly, modern style next to Oslo Central Station. | Self-check-in, lounge area for relaxation. | Convenient for quick train access. |
| The Thief | Boutique hotel in Tjuvholmen, Oslo’s art district. | Unique rooms with artworks, Oslo Fjord views, spa, rooftop terrace, and fancy restaurant. | Tjuvholmen’s art galleries, spa relaxation, upscale dining options. |
These hotels offer different choices depending on what you like and how much
Pros and cons of visiting Oslo:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Rich Cultural Scene | 1. Expensive compared to other European cities |
| 2. Scenic Beauty | 2. Weather can be cold and rainy |
| 3. Clean and Safe | 3. Limited daylight in winter months |
| 4. Historical Landmarks | 4. Crowded tourist attractions |
| 5. Quality Public Transportation | 5. Limited nightlife compared to other capitals |
Conclusion
Your day in Oslo will be amazing! This city has a lot to offer, whether you’re here for just one day or longer.
Start your day at Oslo Central Station. Look around and enjoy the views. Then, go to Karl Johans Gate, a lively street with shops and decorations. Walk towards Stortinget, Norway’s Parliament, and admire the buildings along the way.
Next, visit the Royal Palace, where the Norwegian king lives. It’s a beautiful yellow building that looks great in pictures, no matter the weather.
Walk south to Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset), a unique red-brick building by the water. Nearby, you’ll find the Nobel Peace Center and the National Museum. They’re both cool places to learn about important things.
Finish your tour at Aker Brygge, a fun area by the Oslo Fjord with restaurants and shops. It’s a nice place to relax and enjoy the views.
If you have more time, visit Akershus Fortress, a castle with museums about Norwegian history.
No matter what you do, Oslo is a city you’ll always remember. It’s easy to get around, and there’s something fun for everyone to do.
FAQs
Q1: Is Oslo an expensive city to visit?
Yes, Oslo is known to be relatively expensive compared to other European cities. However, you can find budget-friendly options for accommodation, dining, and activities.
Q2: How is public transportation in Oslo?
Oslo has an efficient public transportation system with buses, trams, metro (T-bane), and ferries. You can purchase tickets at kiosks, machines, or through mobile apps. Consider getting an Oslo Pass for unlimited travel and museum access.
Q3: What traditional Norwegian foods should I try in Oslo?
When in Oslo, sample traditional dishes such as fårikål (lamb and cabbage stew), raspeballer (potato dumplings), and smoked salmon. Norwegian cheeses and pastries like krumkake and skillingsboller are also delicious.