Dive into the heart of Scandinavian authenticity during a three-day weekend in Oslo. Nicknamed the Tiger City, the capital of Oslo elegantly blends modernity and history. Bordered by the sparkling waters of the fjord and surrounded by Nordic forests, the city is full of surprises. From unusual museums to historic buildings, discover the best things to do in Oslo in 3 days.
Day 1: What to do in Oslo in 3 days? Royal Palace, Vigeland and Fram Museum
Your visits begin in the west of Oslo, between history, nature and museums. An exciting program to start your 3 days in Oslo!
To book explore Oslo by booking this audio tour on a multi-stop bus. You hop on and off whenever you like on an itinerary that takes you to the city's main attractions and monuments.
Morning: Oslo Royal Palace and Garden, National Gallery and Cathedral
To book: this guided bike tour of Oslo will take you through the streets of downtown Oslo, taking in the main sights: City Hall, the Royal Palace, the Oslo Fjord...
Your first steps in the city center will take you to Oslo Cathedral, a jewel of the XVIIᵉ century. Its colorful frescoes, Baroque altar and organ make it a magnificent place steeped in history.
The morning continues in the National Gallery, home to Norway's largest collection of artworks, including Edvard Munch's iconic painting The Scream. The museum also houses works by Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet, to name but a few.
Last but not least, visit the superb Royal Palace of Oslothe official residence of the Norwegian royal family. From its elegant architecture to its frescoed interiors, it plunges you elegantly into Norway's royal history. Take the opportunity to stroll through the Palace gardens, perfect for a peaceful stroll among century-old trees and historic sculptures.
Tip from Petit Futé: if you stay for lunch, you'll have the chance towatch the Changing of the Guard at 1:30 p.m., which starts at the Akershus citadel
Afternoon: Vigeland Sculpture Park, Fram Museum and Kon-Tiki Museum
It's time for a digestive stroll in the Vigeland Parka 32-hectare area dedicated to the work of Gustav Vigeland. The park is home to more than 200 sculptures in bronze and granite, exploring human emotions in scenes of life.
Continue your discovery of Oslo in 3 days at the must-see Fram Museum, where the famous polar ship Fram is honored. Built to brave the ice on polar expeditions between 1893 and 1912, this legendary ship leaves no one indifferent!
Want a little more? It's a good thing you're here, because just around the corner is a museum with an amusing name: the Kon-Tiki Museum. Dedicated to Thor Heyerdahl and his legendary expedition across the Pacific, it invites you to discover the original raft used to cover 7,000 km, from Peru to Polynesia. A wonderful discovery!
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Day 2: What to do in Oslo in 3 days? Aker Brygge, Folklore Museum and Viking Ship Museum
On this second day, you'll visit several of Oslo's must-sees, including the famous Akershus Citadel. Let's get started!
Morning: Aker Brygge, Akershus Citadel, Town Hall and Opera House
The livelyAker Brygge district, lined with boats, is a pleasant way to start your second day in Oslo. Along the fjord, stores and restaurants line your path, before crossing the bridges to explore Tjuvholmen, an area dedicated to contemporary art. If you're feeling artistic, we recommend a visit to the Astrup Fearnley Museum and the Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park.
For the rest of your visit, head for one of Oslo's must-sees: the Akershus Citadela historic fortress that dominates the city. You can visit the castle, its ornate halls and dungeons. It also houses two museums: the Defense Museum, retracing Norwegian military history, and the Resistance Museum, dedicated to the Nazi occupation. Not very cheerful, but very interesting! Rumor has it that the Akershus Citadel is also home to spirits... Get ready to visit one of the 25 most haunted places in the world!
What if we told you to visit Oslo Town Hall next? Unusual, you might ask? Perhaps, but it's definitely worth a visit. The vibrant frescoes adorning its walls of Norwegian history are pure enchantment!
Good to know: every year, Oslo City Hall hosts the Nobel Peace Prize.
Finally, the second morning of your 3 days in Oslo ends at the majestic Oslo Opera House, clad entirely in marble and glass. While its architecture is impressive, we also recommend climbing up to its terraced roof. From up there, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the fjord, the Akershus Citadel and the surrounding area. Get out the cameras!
Afternoon: Norwegian Folk Museum and Viking Ship Museum
This afternoon is all about museums! It all starts at the Norwegian Folk Museumhalfway between historical park and museum. Here you'll be immersed in the evolution of Norway through the centuries, in the heart of an open-air space with 150 old houses. With stars in your eyes, you move from rural farms to more modern areas, passing through typical shops. It's a complete change of scenery in a place where even the employees wear traditional clothes. The museum's centerpiece remains the superb XIIIᵉ century wooden church, a magnificent testimony to Norwegian medieval architecture. A real favorite!
Nearby, don't miss the Viking Ship Museum. Its three ships (Oseberg, Gokstad and Tune) will delight young and old alike! This museum plunges you into the fascinating world of the Vikings, punctuating a superb day's visit to Oslo.
Day 3: What to do in Oslo in 3 days? Grünerløkka, Munch Museum, Mathallen Market and Ski Museum
On the last day of your stay in Oslo, you'll find a number of museums and other surprises.
Morning: Grünerløkka, Munch Museum and Mathallen Market
Your last morning of your 3-day stay in Oslo starts in Grünerløkka, Oslo's vibrant alternative district. Formerly a working-class area, it has evolved into a place where urban art has been elevated to the status of an art of living. Here, street music, vintage boutiques and colorful cafés set the pace and immerse you in the city's cultural effervescence.
Good to know: the famous painter Edvard Munch grew up here, and his work can be found in many parts of the city.
Just a few steps away, you can immerse yourself in the painter's world at the Munch Museum, which houses a huge collection of his works. In all, over 1,000 paintings and 15,000 drawings offer a unique insight into his genius.
If you still have time, end your morning at the mathallen marketmarket, which could easily be described as a gastronomic paradise. As lunchtime approaches, take the opportunity to sample some of the delicious dishes prepared on site!
Afternoon: Holmenkollbakken Ski Museum or cruise on the fjord
All good things must come to an end, like your wonderful 3 days in Oslo. But before that, how about a ski jump at Holmenkollen? This 69-meter-high structure, rebuilt 18 times since 1892, is a legendary competition venue where skiers reach dizzying speeds. OK, it's not for everyone! On the other hand, the Ski Museum is for everyone! It plunges you into 4,000 years of history, from the origins of the sport to the polar exploits of Nansen and Amundsen, and the evolution of the Olympic Games.
Prefer a more relaxing time before you leave? Take a cruise on the Oslo Fjord. Sail peacefully between the islands, admiring the natural scenery with real pleasure.
To book : Tempted? We recommend you book this Oslo Fjord cruise aboard a sailboat.
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Where to stay in Oslo for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
As always, the city center is ideal for its proximity to many attractions. Looking for peace and quiet? In the north-west, towards Majorstuen and Frogner, you'll find accommodation away from the hustle and bustle.
- The cheapest
HI Oslo Haraldsheim is a luxury youth hostel. The atmosphere is cosy, the staff pleasant and the location quiet, surrounded by greenery. Click here to to book your cheap room in Oslo.
- The most luxurious
Higher, more comfortable, more upscale: the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is Oslo's must-visitluxury hotel. Bonus: a rooftop swimming pool, where you can swim while enjoying an incredible view of the city. Book your room your room.
- The best value for money
Ideally located in the city center, the Clarion Collection Hotel Savoy offers a breakfast renowned for its quality. From the quality of the welcome to the comfort of the rooms, there's not a false note to be found in this beautiful, affordable establishment , which you can book here in just one click.
Discover also the most popular things to do in Oslo:
Do you have the chance to visit the country for a longer stay? We recommend the Lofoten Islands, one of Norway's treasures! Norway is also an ideal place to admire the Northern Lights: you can't leave without seeing them at least once: a memory engraved in your mind forever!
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