Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Oslo?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Oslo?
Most visitors spend one to five days in Oslo when visiting. The clean city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, the food, and the nightlife.
Oslo is the capital of Norway. It's a beautiful city that has many parks and green space, but it's also filled with museums and local culture. The city has a longtime shipping and maritime history which you can learn about at the Viking Ship Museum or the Norwegian Maritime Museum. The city also offers access to winter sports.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Oslo? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Oslo?
Three days is the perfect amount of time in Oslo, as many visitors prefer to spend one to five days here. You'll be able to explore the major attractions and take part in the city's most popular things to do such as the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, the food, and the nightlife. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
How to spend 3 days in Oslo
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Oslo, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.
A few tour suggestions include:
- The Fram Museum Admission Ticket ($13)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour ($73)
- Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer ($111)
Oslo is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.
Because Oslo is a fairly large destination, you can spend at least a full day exploring the many neighborhoods, landmarks, and popular attractions found around town. The city does a good job of integrating its waterside setting and greenspace into everyday life.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Guided Oslo Fjord Cruise by Silent Electric Catamaran ($55)
- Akerselva River Tour ($92)
- Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise ($119)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.
The public transit in Oslo is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.
Perhaps the most famous spot in Oslo is the Royal Palace, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
Is 4 days enough time in Oslo?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Oslo at your own pace to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and grab some drinks at a bar. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Oslo
How to spend 4 days in Oslo
If you have more than 4 days in Oslo, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Oslo, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- White Water Rafting in Sjoa, Day Trip ($131)
Is 5 days enough time in Oslo?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Oslo has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Oslo as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, and the food at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Oslo
Having 5 days in Oslo will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Oslo is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Oslo, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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