On a budget? A stay in the Norwegian capital can be quite cheap. In fact, many activities and attractions in Oslo are totally free! Check out how you can save money on your trip to Norway.
1. Outdoor art
One of the first things you should do in Oslo is to go hunting for art in the parks and streets. Some of the largest parks have sculptures you can enjoy for free, like the Vigeland sculpture park and Ekebergparken. In addition, there is both beautiful street art and many world-class sculptures around town.
2. Urban walks
The best way to see the city is by foot. A great tip is to walk along Oslo’s waterfront on the nine kilometres long Harbour Promenade. But you can also follow one of the waterways that run through Oslo – the hike along the river Akerselva is the most popular by far – or just go sightseeing in the city centre.
3. Design your own architectour
Do you prefer historical highlights or funky new landmarks? Or did you just come to walk on the roof of the Opera House? New neighbourhoods with exciting architecture and trendy cafes and restaurants are popping up all over town, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a few classics.
4. Oslo by bike
Oslo is an ideal city for cycling, with short distances between the city centre and the countryside. Many of the city’s streets have separate bicycle lanes. Rent a bike from a rental place, or use your phone to unlock Oslo city bikes at more than 100 stations in and around the city centre for a small fee.
5. Hit the beach
Oslo’s unique position between the sea and forest means plenty of bathing spots whether you prefer fresh or salty waters. If you don’t even want to spend money on a metro or boat ticket, you can dive off the piers in the city centre. Otherwise, we recommend that you go island hopping on the Oslofjord or find a private spot by a forest lake.
6. Free museums
If you want to go to a museum in Oslo, you usually have to buy a ticket. But most art galleries show their works for free, and some museums have free admission for their permanent collections or on selected days.
7. Find inner peace in the forest
A short metro ride from Oslo city centre, 2000 square kilometres of forest are waiting to fill your mind with tranquillity. A network of marked paths for hiking and skiing means that you can roam around the forest for days without getting lost, and every few hours you can stop by a cabin for a cinnamon roll.
8. Historical Oslo
Oslo is packed with historical sites that you can still experience today. Discover rock carvings from the Stone Age, ruins from the Middle Ages, and buildings from the Dano–Norwegian Realm on your way through the city.
9. Winter activities
In the winter, you can go cross-country skiing on groomed and lit trails in the Oslomarka forest or slide down the Korketrekkeren toboggan run. If you want to stay in the city centre, try ice skating in Spikersuppa or the many local ice skating rinks, or enjoy a cup of hot cocoa at a festive Christmas market.
10. Buy the Oslo Pass
The Oslo Pass gives you free entrance to museums and other attractions, free use of public transport, and discount on everything from sightseeing tours to restaurants. The pass is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Get it online, as an app, or at various places in Oslo, including the Oslo Visitor Centre, where they will tell you everything you need to know about the city.
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Oslo – a metropolitan capital | Things to do in Oslo | Where to stay in Oslo | Food and drink in Oslo