Oslo, Norway
Despite traveling to Oslo in a less-than-ideal time (early November), I fell in love with this hip Scandinavian city. The freezing cold temperatures, bare trees, and overcast skies did not stop me!!
Oslo is small, walkable and has beautiful outdoor spaces, a cool vibe, and excellent public transportation. I definitely need to return and spend more time here, especially in summer when there’s endless daylight. 2025 GOALS.
Things To Do
There are loads of things to do in Oslo, and it is a relatively small city, so it’s easy to pack a lot into a short visit. My 3 day Oslo itinerary included:
Vigeland Sculpture Park (Vigelandsparken) - This iconic sculpture park in Frogner Park (Frognerparken) has 200+ sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The sculptures are bizarre and I was OBSESSED. I spent a couple hours here and was amused and overwhelmed by the intense displays of ~the circle of life~. Definitely one of the most unique outdoor art collections I’ve ever seen.
Opera House - The Oslo Opera House is famous and for good reason. It is STUNNING and basically blends into the water surrounding it. You can walk up the sloping roof (easier than it sounds) for incredible views of the city, fjord, and floating glass sculpture “She Lies”. And there’s no slipping and sliding thanks to the grippy ground!
Munch Museum (Munchmuseet) - I was a massive fan of Edvard Munch’s The Scream when I was younger so naturally I had to see the original in person at the Munch Museum, heralded as one of the best museums in Oslo.
The museum rotates three different versions of The Scream (painting, drawing, print) every hour in order to protect them from light and preserve their condition. So you can absolutely see a version of The Scream while visiting, but will only see all three if you are very patient...
I bought tickets online in advance (180 NOK) for a half-hour entry window. Upon arrival, you have to store everything in lockers, but they are free!
There were SIX(!) floors of art, four of which were full of Munch’s work and two with rotating exhibits. When I visited, they were showing Alice Neel’s Every Person is a New Universe and works by Admir Batlak.
I wandered for about 2.5 hours before realizing I didn’t actually like Munch’s art that much anymore... which is unfortunate because the gift shop merch was VERY hip. Alas, no Munch merch for me.
Nedre Foss - Located on the west side of Grünerløkka, Nedre Foss is a small waterfall along the Akerselva River, with a scenic path following the water. I grabbed a coffee at the famous Tim Wendelboe, then had a nice little stroll along the path.
Folk Theater (aka Folketeateret) - When I saw that Miss Saigon was playing here, OF COURSE I had to buy a ticket. Even though it was performed entirely in Norwegian, I could follow along thanks to knowing the musical so well. It was INCREDIBLE. It could have easily been a West End or Broadway performance! Highly recommend seeing a show here if you’re into musicals.
Oslo Cathedral - I love visiting churches wherever I go, and Oslo’s cathedral ceiling did not disappoint. I lit a candle for some of my beloveds and went on my way.
Aker Brygge - A waterfront area perfect for eating and people-watching. It’s busy, even in the colder months, though it felt a little corporate when I visited. Seems like it would be fun at night or in the summer!
Kjernekraft Yoga & Pilates - I booked a Yin Yoga class here on Classpass. The studio is in the same building as Folketeateret and the class was taught in English with dim lighting. Such a treat! Sign up for Classpass here for 20 free credits.
Food & Coffee
Tim Wendelboe - Everyone insisted this was the BEST coffee in Oslo + Norway + maybe even the world, so I had to try it…twice. On my second visit, I could have sworn I saw the famous Tim tinkering in the little side cafe! Oslo celeb spotting! My cappuccino was excellent both times.
Khanateria Indian - I almost walked past this spot, hearing my parents’ voice in my head saying, “We have food at home.” But it just looked TOO cute, with its dim lighting and checkered tables. I ordered butter chicken and it was very, very good. This spot is firmly on my list of Oslo food recommendations.
Pasta Fresca - I grabbed fresh fettuccine and pesto from this adorable spot to cook at home.
Lokki Deli - I was exhausted after a long travel day so I indulged and ordered a grilled cheese and fries from the nearby Lokki Deli. It was a perfect treat for a cold and sleepy Hannah.
Lodging
I rented an Airbnb in Grünerløkka with a kitchen to save money on food costs. Food in Scandinavia is notoriously expensive and after my splurge on Juvet Landscape Hotel (post coming soon), I needed to keep my budget in check.
Grünerløkka is a lively and trendy neighborhood with lots of vintage shops, cafes, and restaurants. I loved it here and it was the perfect location to base myself while I did some Oslo sightseeing.
Transportation
Download the Ruter app to buy bus, tram, and train tickets on your phone OR you can purchase them at kiosks.
Public transport in Oslo runs on an honor system so tickets aren’t checked when you board BUT random inspections do happen! If you’re caught without a ticket, expect a hefty fine (+ public humiliation). I don’t know which is worse!
Country Info
Tipping: Not expected but appreciated (rounding up is common)
Water: Safe to drink
Outlets: Plug type C and F (standard Euro); 230V
Credit Cards: Widely accepted
Language: Norwegian (though most people speak English)
E-Sim: I bought one from Airalo that covered 42 countries in Europe. Shameless plug: use my referral code HANNAH8604 to get $3 USD off your first eSIM purchase.
Oslo in November? Freezing. Overcast. And still a delight! Here’s what I loved about Norway’s capital.