If you’re visiting Oslo for the first time in 2026, you’ll likely have a list of must-see landmarks and top places to eat and drink. The city impresses with contemporary architecture, vibrant nightlife, a strong Viking legacy, and a wealth of traditional Norwegian dishes.
Before we explore the must-see landmarks in Norway’s capital city, here are some top tips for first-time visitors:
- Take advantage of free experiences: Norway is known for being expensive, but Oslo offers many free experiences. Join a free walking tour of Oslo, watch the changing of the guards at the Royal Palace, or kayak around the stunning fjord.
- Consider the Oslo Pass: Depending on your plans, the pass may save you money with entry to 30+ museums, free public transportation, and dining discounts. If you’ll only visit a couple of museums, single tickets may be cheaper.
- Pack a reusable water bottle: Tap water in Oslo is clean and delicious, so refill your bottle anywhere. It saves you money and reduces waste.
- Download the Ruter app: The Ruter app will make it super easy for you to take advantage of Oslo’s clean, safe, and reliable public transport system. Use it to plan routes and buy tickets for the metro, tram, bus, and ferry.
- The currency is different: Although part of Europe, Norway doesn’t use the euro or any of the other currencies used in neighboring Scandinavian countries. It has its own currency, and £10 is around 135kr (Norwegian Krone). Don’t worry about taking cash, though; everywhere accepts (and in most cases, prefers) card payments.
- Beware of the daylight hours: In the summer, you will experience long days with up to 18 hours of daylight. Meanwhile, winter has extremely short days, with some only having six hours of daylight. Plan your itinerary according to the time of year you are visiting.
We’ve made your upcoming trip a little easier by rounding up all the must-see landmarks and museums in Oslo.
Oslo Opera House
The Oslo Opera House is the modern home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. Guided tours help visitors learn more about the building’s history and architecture, as well as the work of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet.
However, we recommend climbing up the sloping roof of Oslo Opera House (yes, you are allowed!) and enjoying the sunset alongside tourists and locals. The white marble roof, designed by local architects, is intended to be walked on.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is the King of Norway’s residence, and you can get remarkably close to the entrance (unlike Buckingham Palace).
On any trip to Oslo, you should take your time to climb the many steps to the palace and marvel at the 19th-century building. However, on your first visit, we recommend attending the free Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every day at 1:30pm.
If you want to go inside the King’s residence, guided tours are available throughout the summer.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
The Vigeland Sculpture Park is located inside Frogner Park, the largest park in Oslo. It displays over 200 of Gustav Vigeland’s world-famous sculptures. Some of these are truly bizarre, making it a must-see for tourists and locals alike all year round.
Munch Museum
Munch is a vibrant art museum and one of the world’s largest museums devoted to a single artist, Edvard Munch. The museum exhibits Munch’s paintings, drawings, woodcuts, and photographs across 13 floors. There are also temporary exhibits of local and international artists.
Whilst the museum itself is highly recommended, the main drawing point is The Scream, a world-famous masterpiece. Munch has three versions of The Scream: a painting, a drawing, and a print. The fun part is, you never know which you’ll be able to see, as only one is visible at any given time.
Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle and fortress with over 700 years of history, built to defend and house Oslo’s royalty. It’s a must-see for history lovers and travelers alike.
Visitors can explore the fortress area for free. However, the museums, including The Armed Forces Museum and Norway’s Resistance Museum, and Akershus Castle, are ticketed.
Excited To Visit Oslo For The First Time?
Oslo is a stunning city, known for its green spaces and fjord views. However, there are some must-see landmarks and museums that balance modern architecture with Norway’s exciting history. Add the landmarks on this blog to your to-do list!
Published by HOLR Magazine.