A First-Timer's Guide to Oslo

Uncover the charm that Oslo, the capital of Norway, boasts of great architectural work, an artistic culture, and accedes to amazing natural landscapes. Here is how you can make the best out of it on your first time.

When to Visit Oslo

Peak season is from June to August, featuring warm weather, up to 20°C/68°F, long days, and busy harbor baths and beaches. The most important festivals, such as the OverOslo and Øya Festival, take place in summer. In May and September the weather is definitely fine, and the rates are much more affordable. From winter, expect cold weather, allowing for skiing and winter sports events like the Holmenkollen Ski Festival, at temperatures between -5 to 0°C/23 to 32°F.

How Much Time to Spend

2 Days: National Museum, Munch Museum, Royal Palace, Vigelandsparken; explore Grünerløkka and its vintage shopping, Mathallen Oslo for food, and end with live music at Blå.

4 Days: Ferry to Bygdøy for museum or beach life, be sure to picnic on the Oslofjord islands like Hovedøya or Gressholmen.

Getting to Oslo

The airport is 50km north of the city. Places on trains to Oslo S include the Flytoget express, 240kr, every 10 minutes to OSLO S ; the Vy company runs public trains, 124kr, three an hour. Several ferry companies connect Oslo with Copenhagen and Fredrikshavn, many train services target Gothenburg.

Public transport: Tram, bus, metro, and ferry. Ruter-app is handy for planning and purchasing tickets—single/24-hour/seven-day 42/127/352kr. Most attractions are walkable, the trams and buses fill in the blanks.

Best Things to Do

Oslo Opera House: Go all of the ways to the top.

Floating Saunas: And not just any old soak after your sauna session, but one that ends with a bracing plunge in the icy waters of Oslofjord.

Vigeland Park: No trip to would be complete without a thorough exploration of Gustav Vigeland's frog and baby-laden sculptures in Frognerparken.

Akerselva Walk: Trail the river and discover the history of the city's industrial past.

My Perfect Day in Oslo

Scramble over Nordmarka forest's trails. Take T-Bane line 1 to Frognerseteren, then welcome the march back to town with slice of apple cake at Kafe Seterstua.

Costs in Oslo

Hostel bunk: 450kr

Midrange hotel double room: from 1500kr

Self-catering apartment: from 1300kr

Public transport (24-hour): 127kr

Museum

Most transactions prefer cards, although a few restaurants and public transport apps also accept cards. Some places only accept Vipps, which requires a Norwegian bank account, so it's always wise to look for ways to pay with an alternative method.

You'll enjoy Oslo, this mix of cultural and natural attractions takes the prize for the best city-break destination.