When you think about spending 2 days in Oslo, it seems that it’s not difficult to plan this trip. However, since you are short on time, you would want to manage to see all the city’s major attractions. And this is where our article will help. Here, you will learn about what to do in Oslo in 2 days, what to see in the Norwegian capital, and whether two days in Oslo are enough at all.

Tips for Spending Two Days in Oslo

If you want to spend 2 days in Oslo in the best way possible and have a lot of fun, here are a few tips on how to plan your trip. Here are a few suggestions from us:

• Buy Oslo Pass. This is a pass for sightseeing and transportation, which grants you access to over 30 of the city’s popular tourist attractions and public transport (for example, you can use it to take a ferry to Bygdøy). Getting an Oslo Pass is an easy way to save both time and money. Do you want to find out more about it? Check our Oslo travel guide.
• Acquaint with Oslo by joining our introductory walking tour. Our bestselling Oslo Essentials Walking Tour offers you an amazing way to discover Oslo – especially when you are short on time. During this walking tour, you will walk around the historic center and learn in detail about the city’s major attractions, including the Royal Palace and Oslo City Hall. This excursion is a perfect way for all first-time visitors to learn about Oslo!
• Avoid adding too many things to see in your itinerary. It’s understandable that you want to see as many things as possible on your 2-day trip to Oslo. However, it would be better not to include too many attractions in your 2-day Oslo itinerary so you can truly enjoy your time in the Norwegian capital and see the places you are really interested in!
• Find accommodation near the center. Given that you are traveling to Oslo for a short period of time, it would be most convenient to stay in Sentrum – most of the attractions would be within easy reach then. Even if you are tight on budget, there are many 2- and 3-star hotels near Karl Johans gate, where you can stay for around €70 per night (per one pax). However, be sure to book this type of accommodation well in advance, as the rooms in these hotels tend to get booked early.

Is 2 Days in Oslo Enough?

In our opinion, 2 days is the bare minimum you need in order to see the best of Oslo. So, if you don’t have more time to stay in the Norwegian capital, two days must be enough for you to see all major tourist attractions in Oslo.



1 or 2 Days in Oslo?

As we have already mentioned in our itinerary for 1 day in Oslo, one day in the Norwegian capital is definitely not enough! One way or another, you will not succeed in seeing all the major attractions in Oslo. And with 2 days in Oslo, you will be able to cover most of them.

So, if you are choosing whether to take a day or a 2-day trip to Oslo, you should definitely go with the latter option. With that, you will have enough time to see the National Museum and MUNCH – two extraordinary art-related museums.



2 or 3 Days in Oslo?

So, when you are deciding whether to spend 2 or 3 days in Oslo, you should think about whether you want to travel to the nearby islands or take a day trip elsewhere. In other words, 2 days are enough to see all the major sights in Oslo, albeit at a fast pace.

On the other hand, if you prefer “slow travel” or you wouldn’t mind venturing somewhere from Oslo, you may take a 3-day trip. For example, you can take a ferry to the nearby islands and enjoy outdoor activities. Another option is to take a day trip from Oslo to, for example, Fredrikstad. After all, there are many off-the-beaten-path gems you can visit. All in all, if you make a 3-day trip to Oslo, you will not regret it for sure!

What To See in Oslo in 2 Days

In this part of our article, we will just list and shortly describe the major attractions you can see during your 2 days in Oslo. In fact, you can learn about many of these points of interest in our ultimate guide to Oslo. So, these are the most popular tourist attractions in Oslo:

• Karl Johans gate. The city’s central two-lane street is lined up with a number of historic buildings, including the Royal Palace, the National Theater, the University of Oslo, Grand Hotel, Stortinget, and Oslo Cathedral.
• Oslo Opera House. Located in the modern district of Bjørvika, this futuristic building with free access to the roof signifies a glacier floating in the Oslofjord.
• Akershus Fortress. The oldest building in the city, this 13^th-century fortress today houses several war-related museums and an elegant Renaissance castle with splendid halls and grand chambers.
• Oslo City Hall. This magnificent red-brick building with two unequal towers has a dramatic history and an abundance of artworks that depict the country’s mythology and history.
• Vigeland Sculpture Park. Known among locals simply as Frogner Park, this is the world’s largest open-air installation by one artist, which consists of over 200 bronze and granite sculptures and culminates in the imposing obelisk at the center.
• Holmenkollen. This is the world’s oldest ski complex, which is home to the world’s oldest ski museum and a viewing platform that offers amazing views of the city.
• Museums at Bygdøy. The city’s inner peninsula is home to a number of world-class museums, including Fram, Kon-Tiki, and Norsk Folkemuseum.
• The National Museum. Unveiled in 2022, Norway’s National Museum became the largest museum in Nordic countries, exhibiting more than 6,500 pieces of art.
• MUNCH. Housed in the new, purpose-built edifice, the Munch Museum is dedicated to Norway’s most prominent artist and exhibits one of the two renowned “The Scream” paintings.
• The Nobel Peace Center. This museum is dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize and the legacy of its laureates.

What To Do in Oslo in 2 Days

Are you wondering about what to do in Oslo for 2 days? How to fill the time? Well, here we have some suggestions on how to spend 2 days in Oslo best.

• Make a trip to Bygdøy. Bygdøy, the city’s inner peninsula, is home to three outstanding museums; take a ferry from the harbor at Aker Brygge and enjoy a pleasant fjord cruise while traveling there.
• Take a fjord cruise. Even if you don’t plan on going to Bygdøy, enjoying a cruise in the Oslofjord is a must. For example, you can book an Oslofjord cruise on an electric catamaran or a sunset cruise with a 3-course dinner. Or, if you have more free time, take a cruise to the islands near Oslo.
• Learn about the myths and legends of Oslo. Join our unique walking tour in Oslo and uncover the darker, hidden side of Oslo! Learn in detail about the Vikings’ beliefs, ghostly apparitions and witches in the past, and superstitious still held by the locals to this day. And none of it is made up – every story is backed by factual evidence!
• Taste Norwegian cuisine. From lutefisk (dried cod soaked in a lye) and classic salmon to reindeer sausages and kjøttkaker (meatballs) – the Norwegian cuisine has so much to offer! If you are still wondering about what to do in Oslo for 2 days, look for traditional Norwegian restaurants and taste the country’s classic meals.
• Explore Oslo on a bike. The Norwegian capital is deservedly considered one of Europe’s most bike-friendly capitals. Join a bike tour and get acquainted with the city in a faster and more exciting way!
• Enjoy a drink or embark on a shopping spree at Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen. Aker Brygge, Oslo’s vibrant waterfront, is the city's most popular venue among locals and tourists. Whether you want to set out on a shopping spree or simply enjoy a drink while relaxing on the waterfront, you must absolutely hang out in this area! These two districts are packed with many trendy restaurants, pleasant cafés, and fashionable boutiques.
• Get a spectacular view of Oslo from Holmenkollen. Wondering about what else to do in Oslo in 2 days? Get a bird’s eye view from the viewing platform at Holmenkollen, which is also home to the world’s oldest ski museum (the ticket grants you access to both the viewing platform and museum).

How to Spend 2 Days in Oslo: Itinerary

So, once we have shortly described what are the best things to see in Oslo in 2 days, now let’s actually get down to the actual itinerary. Here is the best way (in our opinion) to see the best of Oslo in 2 days.



Day 1. Morning in Oslo

8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Start your first day with a leisurely walk around the historic center and Bjørvika to get a glimpse of the city’s landmarks

Begin your 2 days in Oslo in the heart of Karl Johans gate, the city’s central two-lane street. Apart from being Oslo’s main street, it is home to some of the city’s main attractions, including the Oslo Cathedral, Stortinget, Grand Hotel, the National Theater, and the University of Oslo. The Royal Palace of Oslo gracefully sits on top of this street, built for the very person this street is named after.

Do you want to learn more about the Norwegian capital and explore Sentrum in a more exciting way? Join our bestselling introductory walking tour in Oslo (it’s perfect for first-time visitors!).

Anyways, start your walk from the Royal Palace (if you return before 1:30 PM, you may catch the ceremony of changing the guards) and visit the points of interest mentioned above. You can actually enter several of them – the Oslo University (if you don’t disturb the studying process) and the Oslo Cathedral (opens at 10 AM every day except Friday). The interior of the University of Oslo is adorned with murals by Edvard Munch, while you can appreciate the stunning stained-glass windows by Gustav Vigeland at the cathedral.

After you reach the central railway station, you can walk slightly further and cross the futuristic Akrobaten bridge that runs over the rail tracks. From there, you will also get a perfect view of the Barcode Project – a series of modern business buildings in Bjørvika. Just a few minutes' walk from there, you will find one of the city’s landmarks – the ultramodern Oslo Opera House.

Unveiled back in 2008, this edifice quickly became one of the city’s symbols. Its exterior signifies a glacier floating in the Oslofjord, and you can access the building’s roof without ever setting foot in its lobby. By the way, you will get an amazing view of the city from there!

Once you are done exploring this masterpiece of modern architecture, continue your walk along the fjord back to the city center. This way, you will approach Akershus Fortress, an ancient castle that has guarded Oslo for centuries! Today, it is not merely a historic defensive complex; you will find a splendid Renaissance castle and several museums on its grounds. At this point, it’s unlikely that you will have enough time to visit any of them, but you are welcome to come back and explore them anytime later (check the hours in our guide).

Finish your morning walk at the monumental red-brick building that will undoubtedly notice from Akershus. This is Oslo City Hall – the city’s other important landmark. Don’t hesitate to enter it and appreciate the stunning artwork on the interior and outer walls. Those frescoes depict every stage of Norwegian history – from Viking mythology to modern times. Don’t miss your chance to enter the Munch room, where you can find his painting “Life.”

After this extensive morning walk, you may want to relax somewhere in a restaurant or a café nearby, before continuing your adventure in Oslo. But, if you wondered about what to do in Oslo in 2 days before it, this morning packed with many points of interest shows that there are many exciting things awaiting you in this city!

Day 1. Afternoon in Oslo

1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

In the afternoon, make a trip to Bygdøy and visit Oslo’s most extraordinary museums

Bygdøy, the city’s inner peninsula, is home to some of the country’s most amazing museums. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this article, the famous Viking Ship Museum was closed for renovation until at least 2027. But despite that, making a trip to Bygdøy is a must – especially if you love stories about adventures and daring expeditions.

Head to the pier at Aker Brygge (near the Oslo City Hall) and take a ferry to Bygdøy. If you’ve got an Oslo Pass, the fare is included in its price. Get out on the first stop and head to the Norsk Folkemuseum, a giant open-air museum that is home to over 150 buildings from different ages and regions of the country. One of the most visited buildings here is the Gol Stave Church, a magnificent 13^th-century wooden church. At this museum, you can participate in the workshops and activities. And if you are traveling in summer, you may even catch a folk dance performance!

After you have finished exploring Norsk Folkemuseum, hop on a ferry again and reach the remaining museums on the peninsula: Fram, Kon-Tiki, and Norwegian Maritime. In our opinion, visiting this place is a must for every adventurer and thrill-seeker.

Fram Museum is a fascinating institution that exhibits the vessel of the same name. This ship was used to cross the South and North Poles in legendary expeditions by Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. During your visit to this museum, you can get aboard this renowned ship and see its interior and cabins. Apart from that, the museum also uncovers the flora and fauna in these ice-cold regions and features a somewhat innocent horror room. If the stories about Norwegian adventurers inspire you a lot, you can even book our Norwegian Windrose Tour.

On top of that, you will find another famous vessel – Gjøa – in an adjacent building. Roald Amundsen used this ship to cross the Northwest Passage. When you are thinking about what to see in Oslo in 2 days, you can clearly see why including Fram Museum in your itinerary is a must.

The other must-visit place here is the Kon-Tiki Museum. Dedicated to one mind-blowing expedition led by the Norwegian daredevil Thor Heyerdahl, this fascinating institution tells an exciting story of how Heyerdahl and his crew sailed from Peru to Polynesia on a wooden raft. The museum’s centerpiece is the Kon-Tiki Raft itself. Here, you will also find numerous artifacts from the voyage and a detailed account of the events. On top of that, you will see another famous vessel – the Ra II, which Heyerdahl used to sail across the Atlantic.

After all, you can finish your museum-hopping at Bygdøy by visiting the Norwegian Maritime Museum, which explores the country’s maritime history and culture. Once you are done exploring the peninsula, take a ferry back and return to Aker Brygge.

Day 1. Evening in Oslo

6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.

Explore the trendy, bustling neighborhoods of Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen in the evening

After an exciting and full of activities day, you can spend the evening relaxing near the waterfront. Explore the modern neighborhoods of Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen at a leisurely pace, without the need to hurry anywhere.

This area is packed with high-end restaurants, cozy cafés, and chic boutiques. So, whether you want to embark on a shopping spree, relish in a delicious dinner, or simply sip a cocktail while enjoying the waterfront views, it’s all possible to do here. Besides, there are establishments for every budget – from Michelin-starred restaurants to budget-conscious eateries.

All in all, spending your evening here is a perfect way to wrap up the first day of your two days in Oslo. And if you are wondering about what to do in Oslo for 2 days else, we will explore several other important points of interest on the next day.

Day 2. Morning in Oslo

8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Begin your second day with a leisurely walk to Bjørvika and a visit to the Munch Museum

Enjoy a leisurely walk in Oslo’s Sentrum first thing in the morning. Since the museum planned for this morning opens at 10 AM, you can enjoy breakfast or have a relaxed stroll in the city center without hurrying anywhere. Eventually, you should come sometime around 10 to the Oslo Opera House in Bjørvika. Right next to it, there is a newly built edifice that is one of the best things to see in Oslo in 2 days – the Munch Museum.

When it comes to what to do in Oslo in 2 days, visiting MUNCH must be included in the 2-day Oslo itinerary. A museum that recently reopened in a purpose-built edifice, it is dedicated to Norway’s most famous artist – Edvard Munch, author of the famous “The Scream” paintings. With 13 floors and 11 gallery spaces, it is one of the largest art museums in Nordic countries.

During your visit to the museum, you will be able to witness some of the best works of the artist, including “The Scream,” “Madonna,” and “Sick Child.” The museum is divided into two zones: static and dynamic. Enjoy the art in the static zone (which is protected), while you will be able to take in panoramic views and enjoy interactive experiences at the dynamic zone. To sum it all up, a visit to the Munch Museum is a great way to kick off your second day in Oslo!

Day 2. Afternoon in Oslo

1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Embark on a museum-hopping tour around Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen

During your 2 days in Oslo, we advise you to spend the afternoon of your second day exploring the vibrant art scene of the Norwegian capital. At Aker Brygge, enter the National Museum, the largest museum in the Nordic countries, with more than 6,500 artworks on display. You can spend many hours wandering around this giant museum, observing the masterpieces of Picasso, Matisse, Rembrandt, Munch, Christian Krohg, Harriet Backer, and many other renowned Norwegian and international artists.

The Nobel Peace Center is located just next door. This museum is dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize itself and its winners, and its mission is to promote peace and resolution to conflicts. While, in our opinion, visiting it is not among the most exciting things to do in Oslo in 2 days, still you may find it interesting if you are interested in these issues.

After all, take a stroll down Aker Brygge all the way to Tjuvholmen, until you reach the Astrup Fearnley Museum. This gallery of contemporary art is home to some of the most unbelievable artworks, holding both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece by Renzo Piano, with its glass roof, sail-like structure, and perfect waterfront location.

After you finish your visit, you can also visit the Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park in the open air, located just nearby and featuring the works of some of the most famous contemporary artists. It’s a perfect way to finish your museum-shopping trip in Oslo in 2 days.

Day 2. Evening in Oslo

6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.

Get a bird’s eye view of Oslo and visit one of the country’s most popular attractions

Visiting the Vigeland Sculpture Park is one of the top things to do in Oslo in 2 days, and it would be unforgivable to leave Oslo without witnessing it. The world’s largest open-air exhibition by one artist, the Vigeland Park, consists of 212 bronze and granite sculptures depicting all stages of human life. The exhibition culminates in the giant Monolith, an obelisk made of 121 intertwined human figures, at the center.

You can easily get to Vigeland Park from the city by taking the subway to the Majorstuen station. Once you reach this magical place, make sure to explore it and enjoy your walk around the park. Stroll down a bridge adorned with 58 human sculptures, the most famous of which is the “Angry Boy.” All in all, Vigeland Park is absolutely one of the best things to see in Oslo in 2 days.

But before you reach the sculpture park, you can take the subway further down this line to the station Holmenkollen. There, you can visit the complex of the same name, which is home to the world’s oldest ski jump and the world’s oldest ski museum (be sure to check the closing hours). Buy a ticket to access the museum (if you’ve got an Oslo Pass, you’ll get the ticket for free), and it will also give you access to the viewing platform. From there, you will get spectacular views of the city, Oslofjord, and the forests near the city.

What ending of two days in Oslo could be better than strolling through the extraordinary sculpture park and getting a captivating perspective of the city?

2 Days in Oslo in Winter

If you are planning to spend two days in Oslo in winter, there are just quite a few things to bear in mind when creating your itinerary. Here are a few tips for planning your winter trip to Oslo:

• Temperature. As you may well guess, the temperature in Oslo in winter is much colder – around 0°C. So, you should plan your itinerary accordingly and spend less time outdoors. Include more visits to the museums, restaurants, and cafés.
• Daylight. Obviously, the daylight is much shorter in winter – especially this far north. When you create your itinerary, try to cover major attractions outdoors while there is daylight.
• Ferry. Unfortunately, ferry intervals get bigger in winter. So, it may take longer for you to arrive to Bygdøy and you may consider getting a bus.
• Christmas. Are you planning to spend your 2 days in Oslo at the end of November or in December? It’s exactly the time when the city takes on the festive atmosphere in anticipation of Christmas. Make sure to visit the city’s Christmas fairs and markets, have fun on the ice rinks, and taste Norway’s delicious Christmas food.
• Join us on the Discover Christmas Spirit in Oslo Walking Tour. Learn more about Christmas in Norway on our thematic tour, crafted specifically for this magical winter time.
• Consider taking a day trip to Norway’s Christmas town. On top of that, you can even add a day trip from Oslo to the nearby town of Drøbak (located a 45-minute drive away from Oslo), which is also known as the Christmas town of Norway.

2 Days in Oslo with Kids

Are you planning a trip to Oslo with the kids? And pondering about what to do in Oslo for 2 days? Here are a few suggestions on how you can spend 2 days in Oslo with kids:

• Visit the city’s exciting museums. Apart from the Norsk Folkemuseum, Fram, and Kon-Tiki Museums, you can also include a visit to the Natural History Museum, where the kids can see the dinosaurs! Plus, there are plenty of interactive experiences and a botanical garden.
• Make a trip to TusenFryd Amusement Park. Located outside of Oslo, this amusement park has a variety of rides, attractions, and shows for all ages, which makes it a great place to have a fun-filled day with the family.
• Take a fjord cruise in the Oslofjord. Enjoy this fun and exciting activity with your kids during your two days in Oslo – especially if you are traveling to the Norwegian capital in summer!
• Savor delicious foods at Mathallen Food Hall. Perhaps, this is the most famous food hall in Oslo, which caters to all tastes and preferences. Your kids will absolutely love it!
• Look for family-friendly cafés and restaurants. Oslo has many such establishments, which feature children’s menus and play areas.