Is Oslo worth visiting?
Yes, Oslo offers many reasons for a visit. It's a city everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the spectacular museums and attractions and terrific food.
Oslo is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Conde Nast's Best Cities in Europe.
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.
Oslo
3 Reasons to Visit Oslo
1. Museums and Attractions
Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.
2. Food
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.
3. Nightlife
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.
Is Oslo worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Oslo is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the nightlife scene.
Summer Weather in Oslo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 18°C (64°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| August | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| September | 12°C (53°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
Is Oslo worth visiting in the Autumn?
The weather in Oslo can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 7°C (45°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Oslo, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to browse the museums and enjoy the city's energy.
Autumn Weather in Oslo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 7°C (45°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| November | 1°C (35°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| December | -2°C (28°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Oslo worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Oslo. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Oslo can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -4°C (25°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and take advantage of the local nightlife. Also, you'll be able to discover the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Oslo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -4°C (25°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| February | -3°C (26°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| March | 1°C (33°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Is Oslo worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Oslo. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather in Oslo can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 6°C (42°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Oslo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 6°C (42°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| June | 16°C (61°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Oslo
Shopping: Oslo isn't exactly a shopper's destination. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Oslo might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Oslo here or see if Oslo is expensive here.
Related
What is Oslo most famous for?
Oslo is most famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. The city is very popular for its museums and attractions. It is also known for its great food and nightlife. It is often described as park-filled, green, clean, and progressive.
What is the most famous sight in Oslo?
The most popular sight in Oslo is The Royal Palace. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Oslo on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Royal Palace and other attractions here.
How touristy is Oslo? Is it a popular city to visit?
Oslo is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- 3 Hours Walking Tour for Great Food in Oslo: $158
- Oslo city center Tour: $31
- Jewish Heritage Tour in Oslo: $234
- Hipstoric Grünerløkka Private Walking Tour: $231
- Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
- Top of Oslo Snowshoe Tour: $170
- Historic Exclusive Private Tour with a Local: $204
- Self Guided Tour in Oslo with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.58
How long should I spend in Oslo?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Oslo is one to five days. Since Oslo has activities such as museums and attractions, many visit for up to five days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Oslo?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Oslo?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Oslo?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Norway and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Norway.
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