How to Spend 48 Hours in Oslo

A sunny day along the harbor in beautiful Oslo, Norway

Most budget travelers skip Norway because it’s an expensive country to visit. The capital, Oslo, is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world owing to its high taxes, strong currency, and high percentage of imported goods.

Understandably, traveling here on a budget here is tricky. Yet I still encourage you to visit, even though it’s not a budget-friendly destination. There are unique museums, beautiful parks, and stunning nature to be enjoyed. It’s the gateway to Norway, which is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and home to epic hikes and incredible national parks (where you can camp for free). It’s also small enough that a two-day or three-day visit is usually enough to get a feel for it.

And, while Oslo isn’t cheap, it’s definitely possible to visit without breaking the bank if you plan ahead.

To help you plan your trip and make the most of your time, here is my suggested 48-hour itinerary for Oslo.


 

Oslo Itinerary: Day 1

The famous baby statue in Vigeland Park in Oslo, Norway
Wander Vigeland Sculpture Park
Start your day wandering this 80-acre park and see its 200 statues. Located in Frogner Park, it’s the world’s largest display of sculptures created by a single artist. Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) created the collection of bronze, iron, and granite statues that now stand in this open-air “gallery” (you’ve probably seen the famous ‘crying baby’ statue on social media).

In the summer, the park is where you’ll find locals enjoying the long days of sunshine. There are often events and concerts held here as well so check in with the local tourism office (located downtown) so see what’s happening during your visit.

If the weather is nice and you want to spend more time exploring, hop on a bike tour around the city. It’s a great way to get your bearings for the rest of your visit.

From here, head down to Bygdøy, where you’ll find many of Oslo’s museums.

Explore the Norwegian Folk Museum
Not far from the Viking Museum (which is currently closed until 2026 for renovations) is the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. It has a collection of over 150 buildings from various periods throughout Norwegian history. It’s an open-air museum, so you can explore both the interior and exterior of many of the buildings, some of which date back to the 12th century.

The most impressive of its exhibitions is Gol Stave Church, an intricately carved wooden church constructed in 1157. The museum also has a large photographic archive as well as tons of historic artifacts, documents, tools, and more.

Museumsveien 10, +47 22 12 37 00, norskfolkemuseum.no. Open daily from 10am-5pm in the summer and 11am–4pm the rest of the year. Admission is 180 NOK.

Visit the Fram Museum
As a northern country used to frigid temperatures and harsh winters, polar exploration is a field intricately woven into Norwegian history. This museum highlights that history, focusing on Norway’s contributions to polar exploration (the first person to visit the North Pole and the South Pole was Norwegian). The centerpiece of the museum is the Fram, the world’s first ice-breaking ship. The ship was used between 1893 and 1912 and is actually made of wood. The Fram made trips to both North and South Poles and sailed farther north and south than any other wooden ship in history.

The museum is incredibly detailed; there’s a lot of photographs, artifacts, tools, and tons of information. It’s a unique look into Norwegian culture through the lens of exploration.

Bygdøynesveien 39, +47 23 28 29 50, frammuseum.no. Open daily 10am–5pm. Admission is 140 NOK.

Visit the Holocaust Center
Established in 2001, this museum highlights the experiences of Norwegian Jews (as well as the persecution of other religious minorities). It’s located in the former residence of Vidkun Quisling, a Norwegian fascist who headed the Norwegian government under Nazi occupation between 1942-1945 during World War II. It’s a somber and sobering place to visit but incredibly insightful with various exhibitions, photos, films, artifacts, and interviews from World War II and the German occupation of Norway.

Huk Aveny 56, +47 23 10 62 00, hlsenteret.no. Open weekdays 10am–4pm. Admission is 120 NOK.

Learn About the Kon-Tiki Expedition
In 1947, Norwegian historian and explorer Thor Heyerdahl used a traditional balsa raft to cross the Pacific Ocean from South America to Polynesia. This journey set out to prove that the Polynesian islands were populated from the Americas — not Asia, as had been previously thought. He and his small crew spent 101 days at sea, and while they survived, his theory was eventually proven incorrect.

They filmed much of the experience, winning an Academy Award in 1951 for Best Documentary (he also wrote a book about the trip). To get a sense of what his journey was like, watch the 2012 historical drama Kon-Tiki (it’s a great travel movie).

Bygdøynesveien 36, +47 23 08 67 67, kon-tiki.no. Open daily from 9:30am–6pm (shorter hours in the autumn and winter). Admission is 140 NOK.

City Hall
End your day at City Hall, which is open to the public and free to enter. While it might not sound like an interesting sight, tours of the hall will give you lots of insight into the city and its history. Most noteworthy are the hall’s twenty murals and works of art. They depict everything from traditional Norwegian life to the Nazi occupation. Also highlighted here is the history of the Nobel Peace Prize. It’s awarded here annually (the other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden).

Rådhusplassen 1, +47 23 46 12 00, oslo.kommune.no/radhuset. Open daily 9am-4pm. Admission is free. Tours are only available in the summer. Check website for details.

Oslo Itinerary: Day 2

People gathered in front of the Royal Palace in Oslo, Norway
Wander Akershus Fortress
Originally built in 1290, Akershus Fortress is a medieval fortress that evolved into a Renaissance palace under Danish King Christian IV. Currently, it’s used as an office for the prime minister. It was built for protection and the fortress has never successfully been besieged (though it did surrender to the Nazis during World War II).

Inside the fort is a military museum as well as a museum dedicated to the Norwegian resistance during World War II. In the summer you can take a guided tour and there are also often events here as well (mostly concerts). Check the website to see if anything is occurring during your visit.

+47 23 09 39 17, kultur.forsvaret.no/forsvarets-festninger/akershus-festning. The main gate is open 7am-9pm in the summer (winter hours vary). The visitor center is open 10am-5pm. Admission is free.

Take a Harbor Cruise
The Oslo fjord is stunning. With its towering cliffs, calm waters, and rugged green shoreline, the Oslo fjord should not be missed. You can take a hop-on-and-off boat that shuttles people from the various attractions and museums or enjoy a proper two-hour cruise through the fjord. I recommend the two-hour cruise since it goes deeper into the fjord and you see a lot more. It’s a relaxing way to spend part of your day — especially if you’ve been on your feet all day. Most two-hour cruises cost around 400-450 NOK.

Explore the Royal Palace and Park
The Royal Palace is the official residence of the monarch (Norway still has a king!). Completed in the 1840s, it’s surrounded by a huge park and locals can usually be seen enjoying the long summer days here. During the summer, parts of the palace are open to visitors and tours. Tours last one hour and you’ll be able to see some of the lavish and ornately preserved rooms and learn about the country’s monarchs and how they ruled Norway.

Slottsplassen 1, +47 21 98 20 00, kongehuset.no. Summer hours vary. See the website for details. Admission is 175 NOK and includes a tour.

Visit the National Gallery & Museum
While small, Oslo’s National Gallery (which is now a part of the National Museum) has a wide range of artists on display. Here you’ll find Impressionists, Dutch artists, works by Picasso and El Greco, and the highlight of the gallery, “The Scream” by Edvard Munch. Painted in 1893, The Scream has actually been stolen from the gallery twice over the years. Admittedly, the gallery doesn’t have the biggest collection I’ve seen but it’s nevertheless worth a visit. It’s a relaxing way to end your trip.

Pb. 7014 St. Olavs plass, +47 21 98 20 00, nasjonalmuseet.no. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm (8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday). Admission is 200 NOK.
 

Other Things to See & Do

A floating sculpture in the harbor in Oslo, Norway
If you have extra time in Oslo, here are a few other suggestions to help you make the most of your visit:

  • Explore Nordmarka – The Nordmarka Wilderness Area offers everything from biking to swimming to skiing. It spans over 430 acres and is home to huts that are available for overnight stays. You can reach the area in just 30 minutes by car or one hour by bus. Avoid going on Sunday, as that’s when all the locals go so it will be busier (unless you want to meet more locals!).
  • Go Tobogganing – If you visit during the winter, do the Korketrekkeren Toboggan Run. The track is over 2,000 meters long (6,561 feet) and sleds are available for rent (including helmets) for around 150 NOK per day (so you can take as many rides as you like). It’s only available when there is snow so the schedule will vary, however, it’s incredibly fun and popular with the locals too!
  • Wander the Botanical Garden – Home to over 1,800 different plants, this botanical garden/arboretum has two greenhouses full of exotic plants and a “Scent Garden” designed specifically for the blind so they could have a sensory experience (it’s a really neat experience so don’t miss it). There are lots of benches so you can sit down with a book and relax, as well as works of art throughout the garden. Admission is free.
  • Go Swimming – Oslo is surrounded by water and has lots of places to swim. The water is clean and safe and locals can be found swimming all year round. Tjuvholmen City Beach, Sørenga Seawater Pool, and Huk are three spots worth checking out if you’re looking to take a dip when the weather is nice.

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Since there are a lot of attractions in Oslo, it’s best to get the Oslo Pass if you plan on seeing a lot. Like everything in Norway, attractions are expensive. If you plan on visiting lots of museums (and using public transportation) the pass can save you a good chunk of money. The 24-hour pass is 495 NOK while a 48-hour pass is 720 NOK (they also have a 72-hour pass for 895 NOK).

While Oslo has a lot more sights and activities, two days here is manageable enough to get a feel for the city and learn its history without entirely breaking the bank (though you’ll come close!).

Book Your Trip to Oslo: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Norway?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Norway for even more planning tips!

Note: Visit Oslo provided me with free accommodation and a tourist card to get into attractions for free while I was there. I paid for my own meals and flights to/from Norway.