Oslo Travel Guide 2025: Budget Tips, Sights, and Local Secrets

Planning a trip to Norway’s capital? This Oslo travel guide shares budget tips, must-see attractions, and personal insights from my time living near Oslo. Perfect for young travellers looking to explore the city without breaking the bank.

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Why Visit Oslo?

When people think of Norway, they often picture dramatic fjords and endless hiking trails — not necessarily the capital. But Oslo is actually one of my favourite cities. It’s modern, artistic, and incredibly green. In fact, almost two-thirds of the city is forests and parks. Perfect if you’re like me and want to balance museums and a bustling city with fresh air.

I personally visited Norway in 2024 and again in 2025, using my uncle’s place in Røyken (about an hour outside the city) as my home base for the first three months of this year while I traveled Europe for auditions. That gave me time to explore Oslo at different paces: some days I did the tourist highlights, other days I wandered like a local.

This Oslo travel guide will focus mostly on more budget-friendly tips, but will include a few paid experiences worth the splurge.

Getting Around Oslo

The first thing you’ll notice is that Norway is not cheap. But there are ways to make transportation budget-friendly.

From Oslo Airport (Gardermoen):
The high-speed Flytoget train is fast but very pricey. Instead, use the VY app (everything will be in English, which is helpful). You can buy regular NSB trains or buses for about half the price, and it only takes 10 minutes longer to reach the city center.
Within the city:
- Public transport tickets work across buses, trams, ferries, and the metro.
- A 24-hour ticket can save you money if you’re hopping around a lot.
- Walking and biking are popular, especially in summer. Oslo, like many cities now, have city bikes you can rent by the day.

Where to Stay in Oslo

Accommodation is the biggest expense for most travelers. Hostels and budget hotels are limited, so try your best to book early.

Budget hostels: Anker Hostel and Saga Poshtel are great for younger travellers.
Mid-range hotels: If you’re traveling as a group, budget hotels like Citybox Oslo can sometimes work out cheaper than multiple hostel beds.
Apartments: Airbnb or short-term rentals can be affordable if you’re staying several nights.

Check out Expedia for flight & accommodation deals!

Top Things to Do in Oslo on a Budget

Here’s where Oslo shines: so much of the city is free to enjoy.

1. Vigeland Park (Free)

A sculpture park with over 200 statues by Gustav Vigeland. It’s weird, artistic, and totally free. I once spent an afternoon here with my uncle, having fun mimicking and posing with the statues for pictures.

2. The Oslo Opera House (Free, unless visiting for a show)

This beautiful, iconic building looks like an iceberg rising out of the fjord, and is home to one of the world’s top ballet companies. Even better — you can walk on the roof for panoramic views, free of charge.

3. Akershus Fortress (Free)

Dating back to the medieval era, this fortress is fun to wander around and offers great harbour views. I had a few days where I would just come back and take a stroll around the fortress.

4. Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Paid)

If you’ve ever been interested in what life used to look like in Norway through an open-air museum built to look like Oslo’s past eras, this is where you’ll find it. I personally found it very interesting!

5. The Viking Ship Museum (Paid, reopening in 2026)

Currently under renovation, but worth keeping on your radar. In 2025, you can still see Viking-related exhibitions at the Museum of Cultural History.

6. Take a Fjord Ferry Ride (Transport Ticket)

I didn’t get the chance to do this, but the public ferries, which are covered by your transport ticket, gives you Oslofjord views without the tourist cruise price tag.

Food & Drink on a Budget

Eating out in Oslo can drain your wallet fast. A sit-down dinner easily runs $25–$40. Here’s how I recommend managing:

Street food: Head to the Mathallen Oslo for international eats under $15. (More info at nothingfamiliar.com and mathallenoslo.no)
Bakeries: Grab a pastry and coffee at local spots like Åpent Bakeri.
Grocery stores: Rema 1000, Coop, and Kiwi supermarkets are great for sandwiches, fruit, or budget dinners. (Both my family and I use these a lot)
Splurge once: If you’re a coffee lover, Oslo’s café culture is world-class. A latte at a place like Tim Wendelboe is worth it.

Again, I’m not personally one for going out, but Oslo has a growing nightlife scene:

Grünerløkka neighborhood is hip, with bars, thrift shops, and street art.
Youngstorget has cheap(er) student bars and live music.
Beer is expensive (around $10+ per pint), so many locals pre-game at home before heading out.

Packing Tips for Oslo

Don’t make the mistake of underestimating Norway’s weather — yes Oslo is further south in Norway, but it will still get very cold.

Summer (June–August): Light jacket, layers, walking shoes. Even in July, evenings can be chilly.
Winter (November–March): Heavy coat, gloves, and boots. Oslo can be snowy and icy.
Year-round: A reusable water bottle (tap water is excellent) and a good backpack.

And don’t forget the importance of an eSIM if visiting for longer than a few days! Check out my post on eSIMs here.

Suggested Itineraries

1 Day in Oslo: Opera House → Karl Johans Gate → Vigeland Park
3 Days in Oslo: Add a museum, Bygdøy museums (Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Kon-Tiki)
5 Days in Oslo: Day trip to Holmenkollen ski jump or find some forest hikes near Sognsvann Lake.

Photography Hotspots

Opera House rooftop at sunset
Aker Brygge waterfront
Frogner Park sculptures
Holmenkollen ski jump views

FAQ: Oslo Travel Guide

Is Oslo expensive?
Yes, but you can save money by using public transport, visiting free attractions, and cooking your own meals.

What’s the best way to get around Oslo?
Download the VY app — it makes tickets, routes, and schedules super easy.

Do I need cash in Oslo?
Not really. Norway is almost completely cashless. A debit/credit card works everywhere.

How many days do you need in Oslo?
2–3 days is enough to see the highlights. With 5+ days, you could add day trips to nearby nature spots.

Is Oslo safe for solo travelers?
Yes, very safe. Just watch your budget more than your belongings.