1 Day In Oslo [Itinerary] | What To See And Do in Oslo in One Day

Kostiantyn Tsekov • August 21, 2024

Planning a short trip to Oslo and wondering what to do in Oslo for one day? This article offers actionable tips, the best things to see and do in Oslo, and a detailed itinerary for 1 day in Oslo. Here, you can learn about what to see in Oslo in one day in a quick and smooth fashion. Even though 1 day in Oslo is definitely not enough, we will make sure to help you get the best out of your trip!

Oslo Travel Tips

Before we will get to the matter of what to do in Oslo in one day, here are a few tips that will make your one-day trip to Oslo much smoother:

Get Oslo Pass . Oslo Pass is a sightseeing and transport pass, which offers free access to over 30 attractions in Oslo and public transportation (including ferry to Bygdøy). All in all, this is a pass that saves you both time and money. Read more about Oslo Pass in our ultimate guide to Oslo.
Discover Oslo on our introductory walking tour. Join our bestselling Essential Oslo Walking Tour, during which you will see and learn about the city’s major points of interest. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Oslo – especially those travelers who are short on time.
Stay in Sentrum. Considering that you are traveling to Oslo just for one day, we advise you to stay somewhere in the city center – around Karl Johans gate and the Central Railway Station. Even if you are short on budget, there are quite a few 2- and 3-star small hotels in the city center that offer relatively cheap stays (bear in mind: you must book them well in advance if you are traveling during the peak season in summer).
Don’t add too many attractions in your itinerary. Even though there are many attractions in Oslo and one day is clearly not enough, choose your priorities straight and don’t rush through the whole list of things to do that will clearly not be able to.

Is One Day in Oslo Enough?

If you are wondering, “Is one day in Oslo enough?” We have a clear answer for you: absolutely NOT! The Norwegian capital has so many amazing, and at times even extraordinary, attractions that you will not be able to cover them all in one day. In our opinion, a trip to Oslo requires at least two or three days to see all major points of interest.

So, below we will list the top things to see in Oslo in one day, all of which are worth a visit in our opinion. We didn’t include some of those attractions in our one day in Oslo itinerary because of the lack of time. But if you are more interested in, let’s say, art than the Norwegian culture and Vikings, you may tailor your itinerary to suit your needs better.

In other words, this Oslo 1-day itinerary is not the ultimate plan that you should stick to, but rather a recommendation that you can modify according to your preferences. And now, let’s have a look at what to see in Oslo in one day.

What To See in Oslo in 1 Day

In this part of our Oslo 1-day itinerary, we will list the city’s major attractions – the top things to see in Oslo in one day. If you want to find out about all the attractions in Oslo, check out our Oslo travel guide. And here, you can learn what to see in Oslo in 1 day:

Karl Johans Gate and its Attractions

Karl Johans gate, the city’s two-lane central street, is one of the best things to see in Oslo in one day, abounding with numerous historical and cultural attractions. You can explore this street (along with the city’s other major attractions) in detail on our Essential Oslo Walking Tour.

In short, we advise you to stroll down the central street – from the Royal Palace to the Central Railway Station – and admire all the beautiful buildings located here. Here, you can see some of the points of interest located on this bustling street:

Oslo Opera House and Bjørvika

Soon after its construction in 2008, the Oslo Opera House has undoubtedly become one of the city’s symbols. Constructed in a way that resembles a floating glacier in the Oslofjord, the Oslo Opera House is extremely popular among tourists and locals alike. You can reach its roof without ever entering the lobby – just by walking on its exterior!

If you don’t have time to catch a performance, come here to appreciate the sheer architectural beauty. Besides, the opera house is located next to the newly opened MUNCH Museum and the Bjørvika district.

Bjørvika is home to the Barcode Project, a series of modern high-rise buildings, most of which are nowadays occupied by multinational companies. We advise you to admire the view of the Barcode Project from the Akrobaten Bridge, a futuristic pedestrian bridge that runs over the rail tracks near the Central Railway Station.

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is an imposing, stone-clad castle situated on the shore of the Oslofjord and the oldest building in the city. Dating back to 1299, it was constructed as a fortress upon the order of King Haakon V. Later, it was turned into a castle and served even as a prison for some time.

This complex is definitely one of the best things to see in Oslo in one day. Apart from the castle itself (appreciate its ideally preserved banquet halls and visit the Royal Mausoleum), Akershus is also home to two military-related museums: Norway’s Resistance Museum and Norway’s Armed Forces Museum. While the first museum demonstrates how the country has resisted during the occupation during World War II, the latter chronicles the history of Norway’s military – from the Viking Age to the 21^st century.

Oslo City Hall

The city’s monumental red-brick building is the first thing you notice approaching the city from the fjord. Constructed in 1950, it took more than three decades to complete, and today, it is deservedly considered one of the city’s symbols.

As you approach Oslo City Hall's entrance, you will notice many frescoes adorn its exterior walls. They depict the famous myths and legends of old Norse folklore. Inside the city hall, the number of frescoes is even more astonishing, and all of them depict different parts of Norway’s history.

One of the city hall’s highlights is the Munch Room, which houses a collection of artworks by the famous Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. Given that admission is free, you must definitely make a visit to the Oslo City Hall.

Museums at Bygdøy

During your one day in Oslo, you must absolutely make a trip to Bygdøy, the city’s inner peninsula that is home to several world-class museums. If you are traveling to Oslo during the warmer months, you can easily reach it by ferry (it departs from the pier next to the Oslo City Hall), which runs every 30 minutes.

The Oslo–Bygdøy ferry has two stops: one near the Viking Ships Museums and Norsk Folkemuseum, and the other is near the remaining three museums (Fram, Kon-Tiki, and Norwegian Maritime). And here, you will see what are the Bygdøy’s places to visit in Oslo in one day:

The Viking Ships Museum. Home to three well-preserved Viking ships, this is one of the country’s most extraordinary museums and the one that must absolutely be visited. Unfortunately, the museum is currently closed for renovation until at least 2027.
Norsk Folkemuseum. Norsk Folkemuseum is another unique museum in Bygdøy and represents a vast open-air museum that exhibits buildings from different regions of Norway and from different ages (as early as the 13^th century). Moreover, you can enter every building in this museum and see the interiors of that time. The museum’s centerpiece is the 12^th-century Gol Stave Church.
Fram Museum. This museum is home to the famous Fram vessel, used in legendary Norwegian expeditions in the North and South Poles. On top of that, here you can witness another famed vessel – Gjøa – used in an expedition to cross the Northwest Passage for the first time.
Kon-Tiki Museum. This museum is centered around one story – that of Thor Heyerdahl, who decided to cross the Pacific Ocean on a small wooden raft. And he did it! Here, you can learn in detail about how their journey went and witness that very Kon-Tiki draft with your own eyes.
The Norwegian Maritime Museum. Located next to the Fram and Kon-Tiki museums, this institution is a nice complimentary museum to visit (especially if you are here and have an Oslo Pass). This museum is dedicated to Norway’s rich maritime history, shipbuilding, and underwater technology.

The Vigeland Sculpture Park

The world’s largest open-air exhibition by one artist, the Vigeland Park is an extraordinary artistic creation. And visiting it is one of the best things to do in Oslo in one day.

Consisting of more than 200 bronze and granite sculptures depicting different stages of human life, the park culminates in the towering Monolith, an obelisk composed of 121 intertwined human figures. The park attracts more than a million visitors every year, and it’s difficult to even describe its significance to the city.

We offer a Private Vigeland Park Heritage Tour to those travelers who are especially interested in exploring this place in detail. If you are wondering about what to do in Oslo in 1 day, coming to this park is one of the things you must absolutely do. Besides, the admission is free, and it’s open 24/7.

The National Museum

Wondering about what to see in Oslo in 1 day? If you are interested in art, including a visit to the National Museum in your 1-day Oslo itinerary is a must for you! Even though we haven’t added to our 1-day itinerary below, you can replace the trip to Bygdøy with visits to the National and MUNCH museums.

Opened back in the summer of 2022, the National Museum has become the largest museum in Nordic countries, housing an enormous collection of more than 400,000 objects – from paintings and sculptures to photographs and prints. Its permanent exhibition displays over 6,500 pieces of art, including the works of such renowned artists like Edvard Munch, Christian Krohg, Harriet Backer, Picasso, Matisse, and Rembrandt. Overall, visiting the National Museum is a must for any art lover who is spending one day in Oslo.

MUNCH

When it comes to choosing what see in Oslo in one day, the recently reopened MUNCH Museum must definitely be on the list. Just like with the National Museum, it depends on your preference – come here if art is one of your passions.

Located next door to the Oslo Opera House, this outstanding museum is dedicated to Norway’s most famous artist – Edvard Munch. As you may well guess, this museum houses the world’s largest collection of Munch’s works, including one of the “The Scream” paintings, “The Sick Child,” and “The Madonna.” The permanent and temporary exhibitions are scattered throughout the 13 floors and 11 gallery spaces of this new modern building.

What To Do in Oslo in 1 Day

In addition to the major points of interest, here are a few interesting activities you may do on your 1-day trip to Oslo. Even though you are definitely short on time, you can include a couple of these activities in your 1-day Oslo itinerary. Let’s check them out.

Take a Fjord Cruise

When it comes to what to do in Oslo in one day, taking a fjord cruise should be somewhere around the top of your list – especially if you are traveling in summer. The first and easiest option is to take a regular ferry to Bygdøy and back.

If you had more time than just one day in Oslo, you could have traveled to the islands near Oslo, which are extremely popular for outdoor activities in summer. Alternatively, you could have also booked an evening cruise with dinner (check our Oslo travel guide regarding the available cruises). All in all, you should take a fjord cruise on your visit to Oslo – even if it’s just a regular ferry.

Taste Norwegian Meals

On your one-day visit to Oslo, you must absolutely try at least one traditional Norwegian meal. If you find time, you can even embark on a gastronomic journey at Mathallen food hall, where you can try many traditional Norwegian meals.

The list of meals you can consider trying includes lutefisk (dried cod soaked in rye), pinnekjøtt (salted and dried lamb ribs), fiskesuppe (creamy fish soup), smoked salmon, and brunost (sweet brown cheese). Besides, Norway is famous for its seafood, and the best place for you to try it in Oslo would be in the Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen areas, situated right at the waterfront.

Explore the City on a Bike

Oslo is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Europe, and riding a bike is the perfect way to explore it! You can either book a bike tour in Oslo (check them out in our Oslo travel guide) or rent a bicycle to cycle around the city on your own. If you want to rent a bike, use Oslo City Bike, the city’s service, which you can check out on their website.

Enjoy a Drink and a Relaxing Stroll at Aker Brygge

Aker Brygge, the city’s vibrant waterfront, is a popular venue among tourists and locals alike. This area is lined up with countless cafés, restaurants, bars, and ice cream shops. Just grab a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere of the harbor, or go for a delicious meal at one of the top-notch restaurants located here. But in either case, visiting Aker Brygge is one of the best things to do in Oslo in one day.

Embark on a Shopping Spree at Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen

Aker Brygge and the neighboring district of Tjuvholmen are trendy, high-end neighborhoods that were extensively renovated during the 1970s and 1980s. Nowadays, some of Oslo's most expensive properties and most fashionable boutiques are located here.

If you can’t live without shopping, prepare your wallet and head to these trendy districts. You can spend hours and hours exploring the local shops and boutiques.

Get a Spectacular View from Holmenkollen

Do you want to get a fantastic view of the Norwegian capital? Hop on a subway train and head to the Holmenkollen station. From there, you can enter the Holmenkollen complex, which is home to the world’s oldest ski jump and the world’s oldest ski museum.

However, visitors tend to come to Holmenkollen mainly because of the spectacular view that opens up from Holmenkollen’s viewing platform. Just buy a ticket to the ski museum, which will give you entry to the museum and the viewing platform. There, you will be able to take in those beautiful views of the city, the fjord, and the surrounding forests.

1 Day in Oslo: Itinerary

Now, let’s get to our 1 day in Oslo itinerary. Here, you will find a detailed, well-thought-out list of things to see in Oslo in one day. You can tweak or customize it based on your preferences (we have given a few suggestions in this itinerary). So, if you are wondering what to do in Oslo in 1 day, make use of this itinerary.

Morning in Oslo

8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Start off your day with a walk across Sentrum and visit the city’s most important attractions

You will begin your 1 day in Oslo with a walk around Sentrum, and the perfect way to do that is to join our Essential Oslo Walking Tour. Walk around the Royal Palace in the heart of Oslo and explore the royal gardens surrounding it, before continuing your stroll down the street.

As you move towards the Central Railway Station, you will see all of the attractions located at Karl Johans gate: the University of Oslo, the National Theater, the Grand Hotel, Stortinget, and, ultimately, the Oslo Cathedral. Don’t miss your chance to enter the cathedral (opens at 10am except Friday) and witness its amazing glass-stained windows made by Gustav Vigeland.

When you reach the railway station, you can walk either straight to the Oslo Opera House or to the Akrobaten Bridge to marvel at the Barcode Project first. Don’t miss this chance to get to the opera house’s roof and enjoy fantastic views from there!

Once you are done with taking photos, take a walk along the Oslofjord until you reach Akershus Fortress. If you have enough time, enter the complex and visit at least its castle, where you can appreciate the well-preserved banquet halls, the government’s reception rooms, and the Royal Mausoleum. You will also find Norway’s Resistance Museum and Norway’s Armed Forces Museum, but unfortunately, it’s unlikely that you will have enough time to explore them.

Finish your morning walk with a visit to the monumental red-brick building with two prominent, unequal towers—the Oslo City Hall, located in the vicinity of Akershus. The exterior and interior of this iconic building are adorned with countless frescoes depicting the country’s history and folklore. The Munch Room is of particular interest, which exhibits some artworks of the renowned artist. Since admission to the city hall is free, it’s a perfect way to wrap up your morning walk.

Best Breakfast Places near Karl Johans Gate

Before you start your morning walk from our one day in Oslo itinerary, here are some of the best places to have breakfast in Sentrum:

Grand Café Oslo

Address: Karl Johans gate. 31, 0159 Oslo, Norway.

Hours: 6:30am – 10pm and 12pm – 4pm on Monday; 6:30am – 10pm and 12pm – 9pm on the remaining weekdays; 12pm – 9pm on Saturday; and 7am – 10:30am on Sunday.

Prices: from 450 NOK for a breakfast buffet for non-residents.

Rating on Google Maps: 4.2/5.

Located in the iconic Grand Hotel in the city’s heart, Grand Café opens early and is a great place to have breakfast! This elegant café has operated since the 19^th century and was a gathering place for many notable people, including Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Munch.

Breakfast options at his café range from classic Norwegian fare to lighter continental meals. The breakfast buffet, which starts at 450 NOK, is also available.

Palmen Restaurant

Address: Karl Johans gate. 31, 0159 Oslo, Norway.

Hours: 11am – 10pm on weekdays, 12pm – 10pm on Saturday, and 12pm – 5pm on Sunday.

Prices: from 350 NOK for a main course meal.

Rating on Google Maps: 4.2/5.

Located in the same building as the Grand Café, this restaurant has served classic French and Norwegian dishes since the 19^th century. During your 1 day in Oslo, you can visit this restaurant and choose one of its dishes, which range from Norwegian fiskesuppe and meatballs to French steak frites and coq au vin. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, too.

Åpent Bakeri Paleet

Address: Karl Johans gate. 37-43, 0162 Oslo, Norway.

Hours: 8am – 8pm on weekdays, 9am – 6pm on Saturday, and 11am – 5pm on Sunday.

Prices: bakery products cost 30-50 NOK on average.

Rating on Google Maps: 4.2/5.

Located between the Grand Hotel and the University of Oslo, this bakery is a great option for breakfast in Oslo. Here, you can choose from a wide array of breads, pastries, sandwiches, and cakes. And the bakery’s inviting atmosphere and convenient location make it a really decent breakfast place.

Mendel’s

Address: Karl Johans gate. 8, 0154 Oslo, Norway.

Hours: 10am – 7pm Sunday to Thursday, 10am – 8pm on Friday and Saturday.

Prices: bakery products cost 30-50 NOK on average.

Rating on Google Maps: 4.5/5.

Located further down the street, near the Oslo Cathedral, this bakery offers a variety of breads, pastries, sandwiches, and other breakfast items (such as egg dishes and yogurt parfaits). All in all, it is the perfect place to have a decent breakfast in the heart of Oslo.

Afternoon in Oslo

1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Spend your afternoon exploring the extraordinary museums at the Bygdøy peninsula

After having lunch somewhere around the Oslo City Hall area, make your way to the pier and board the ferry (it’s free if you’ve got an Oslo Pass) to Bygdøy. Apart from the fact that the ferry is an exciting way to reach the peninsula, it’s also quicker than taking the bus.

Get off the ferry at the first stop and head to explore the first museum: Norsk Folkemuseum. (Note: at the time of writing this 1-day itinerary of Oslo, the Viking Ships Museum (also located here) was closed). Walk around the vast territory of this open-air museum and see how Norwegians from different regions lived in different ages.

After you have finished exploring this museum, hop on a ferry again to reach the remaining three museums on this peninsula: Fram, Kon-Tiki, and the Norwegian Maritime Museum. The first two museums are truly one-of-a-kind institutions dedicated to telling the stories of legendary Norwegian expeditions and housing unique vessels.

The Fram Museum is home to the famous ship of the same name, which was used to reach the North and South Poles. At this museum, you can learn about those expeditions, the Arctic flora and fauna, and even set foot on that legendary vessel. The museum is also home to another special vessel – Gjøa.

At the Kon-Tiki Museum, you will learn about the expedition of Thor Heyerdahl, who crossed the Pacific Ocean on a wooden raft. And, of course, you will witness that famous raft with your eyes! After all, top it up with a short visit to the Norwegian Maritime Museum, where you can learn about this Scandinavian country's maritime culture and history.

After you have visited and explored all these amazing museums, take a ferry and return to central Oslo.

Note: If you prefer art, you can spend your afternoon visiting the city's art museums rather than traveling to Bygdøy: the National Museum, the Astrup Fearnley Museum, and MUNCH.

Evening in Oslo

6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.

Explore Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen before heading to see the renowned Vigeland Park

one day in oslo itinerary. Is 1 day enough?

After you have got off the boat and had your lunch or dinner, you can stroll around Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen and explore these two modern, trendy areas. These districts are packed with myriads of fashionable boutiques, high-end restaurants, and underground bars that attract folk 24/7. So, whether you are going to embark on a shopping spree or relax at the waterfront sipping a savory drink, you will absolutely enjoy your time here. If you are wondering what to see in Oslo in one day, you must definitely come to this waterfront area.

As you will approach the Astrup Fearnley Museum (which will have been closed by this time), you will notice a small park – the Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park. It was designed by Renzo Piano, the very architect behind that extraordinary building of Astrup Fearnley.

When it comes to what to do in Oslo in one day, visiting the Vigeland Sculpture Park is a must. So, after you are done exploring Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, take a bus or subway to Frogner Park, which is known among tourists as Vigeland Park. This is one of Norway’s most tourist attractions, drawing in over a million visitors every year.

This park is a testament to the crazy obsession of one artistic genius, who created these 212 sculptures that depict different stages of human life. The park’s centerpiece is the giant Monolith, an obelisk with 121 intertwined human sculptures. Overall, visiting this sculpture park is the best way to finish your 1 day in Oslo. If you were looking for what to do in Oslo for one day, this itinerary pretty much covers it all.

Best Dinner Places in Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen

The Salmon

Address: Strandpromenaden 11, 0252 Oslo, Norway.

Hours: 11:30am – 10pm every day.

Prices: from 350 NOK for a main course meal.

Rating on Google Maps: 4.7/5.

Located right on the waterfront of Aker Brygge, this restaurant serves the freshest, highest-quality salmon dishes (we have even added this restaurant to our list of the best dining places in Oslo). The variety of salmon meals on offer is mind-blowing, ranging from grilled fillets to innovative tartare and sushi rolls. The restaurant’s location and atmosphere are top-notch. But the drawback is clear: the prices are on the higher end.

VentiVenti

Address: Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo, Norway.

Hours: 11:30am – 9pm Monday to Friday, 12am – 9pm on Saturday, and 12pm – 6pm on Sunday.

Prices: 350-400 for a main course meal.

Rating on Google Maps: 4.4/5.

Nestled on the western end of Tjuvholmen, VentiVenti serves fresh seafood and homemade pasta, combining Italian passion and Nordic sensibility. Some of the guests’ favorites include creamy lobster risotto and grilled octopus. Their stylish ambiance, impeccable service, and delicious meals absolutely justify the relatively high prices.

Rorbua Aker Brygge

Address: Stranden 71, 0250 Oslo, Norway.

Hours: 3pm – 10:30pm from Sunday to Thursday, 3pm – 11pm on Friday, and 12pm – 10:30pm on Saturday.

Prices: 300-400 NOK for a main course meal.

Rating on Google Maps: 4.2/5.

If you want to finish your one day in Oslo dining traditional Norwegian meals, Rorbua Aker Brygge, designed in a traditional fisherman’s cabin, is the perfect place to go to for that! The restaurant’s menu is centered around classic Norwegian dishes – from bacalao and cured cod to whale meat and reindeer steaks. Lutefisk is served, too. This restaurant is an excellent (but somewhat pricey) choice for those seeking traditional Norwegian tastes.

One Day in Oslo in Winter

When it comes to spending one day in Oslo in winter, this 1-day Oslo itinerary will not be much different. Though, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your 1-day Oslo trip in winter:

Temperature. Obviously, it’s much colder in winter, as the temperatures in Oslo average around 0°C in winter. So, plan to spend less time outdoors and more time indoors, such as in museums, restaurants, cafés, and other establishments.
Ferry. The ferry schedule changes in winter, too. The intervals between ferry rides are bigger, so consider getting to Bygdøy on a bus.
Daylight. Obviously, the daylight hours are much shorter in winter, so you need to see the city’s major attractions outdoors before it gets dark. Plan your 1-day Oslo itinerary accordingly.
Christmas. If you are planning to make a 1-day trip to Oslo in winter, we advise you to come in late November or anytime in December. At this time, the city’s atmosphere becomes festive. Christmas markets and ice rinks start popping up all over Oslo. It’s a unique time to be in Oslo! Don’t miss your chance to visit a Christmas market, taste traditional Norwegian Christmas foods, drink the warming Gløgg, and buy gifts for your family and friends.
Join us on the Discover Christmas Spirit in Oslo Tour. Get an insider's look at one of the city's Christmas markets, which are renowned for their beautiful gifts, warming alcoholic drinks, and cheerful ambiance. Come discover Oslo during the Christmas time with us!

As you can see from this, winter is a great time to see Oslo in a day. If you are wondering about what to do in Oslo in one day, this itinerary perfectly suits the winter trip. You just need to make a few tweaks and plan accordingly, considering the temperatures. Have fun and enjoy your 1 day in Oslo!

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