Are you planning a trip to Oslo, Norway and looking to explore the city on a budget? I’ve got you covered with a curated list of free attractions in Oslo – tried and tested whilst I was a poor student living in the city.
As a student I had to get crafty with ways to explore Oslo and have a good time without breaking the bank. As a result, I’ve handpicked the best free things to do that will make your visit both memorable and budget-friendly. From stunning parks to vibrant neighbourhoods, Oslo has plenty of cheap thrills to offer!
Side note: Norway *is* expensive, and Oslo is the most expensive city in the country. If you are travelling Norway on a budget, you’ve come to the right place – as this list of things will either cost you nothing (or no more than $5). However, for even more tips, check out my Oslo on a budget guide.
So, let’s dive in and discover the hidden gems of Oslo that won’t cost you a dime!
Table of Contents
Quick Oslo Travel Guide
Where to stay: My absolute favorite hotel in Oslo is Amerikalinjen, but I also love the luxury of the Grand. Oslo is an expensive city, but there are some budget-friendly options such as CityBox and Comfort Xpress.
Where to eat: Oslo is home to a haven of great restaurants. Personal favorites include Villa Paradiso in the Grünerløkka neighbourhood, Kverneriet in Majorstua (where I used to live), Vippa (a local food court with outdoor seating along the waterfront) and Royal Gastropub (homey pub food in the King’s former waiting room in the train station).
Top activities and tours in Oslo:
- Fjord Cruise on the Oslofjord ($58)
- Oslo Highlights Bicycle Tour ($46)
- City Tour by Bus including Museum Admission ($95)
- Guided Island Hopping and Hiking Tour ($49)
- Culture and Street Food Tour ($77)
Packing for Oslo: Oslo is a city of contrasts. It gets very cold in the winter (my Norway winter packing guide has you covered), and can be nice and toasty in the summer. Therefore, what to pack for Oslo depends on the time of year you visit. Generally, keep layers in mind, and even on a warm summer day I recommend a light jacked in the evening (Norwegians love thin puffer jackets such as these).
Airport transfers: Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) is about a 50 minute drive from the city center. The most efficient way to get from the airport to the city is by train. The airport express train is called Flytoget, and they have an app where you can get your tickets using the airport wifi when you arrive. The train takes about 20 minutes. Of course, you can also book a private luxury transfer taking you straight to your hotel.
15 Free Attractions in Oslo, Norway
Below are the best free attractions and things to do in Oslo, Norway. The absolute majority of things on this list are completely free of charge, with some having a potential added charge if you choose to.
For example, the first item on the list (Akerselva) has an option to grab a coffee from a renowned coffee shop – it’ll cost you a few dollars, but you can totally ignore this tip!
Regardless of whether I recommend anything that’s at a cost, I’ve only included these if they are super cheap – max $5-10.
#1 Akerselva River Walk
I’ve written about this green walk in the city before, and walking along Akerselva is one of my favourite things to do in the city. I always recommend it when people are limited on time and want to see Oslo in just a couple of hours.
And I especially recommend it for anyone looking for free attractions in the city – it costs literally 0 kroner!
Grab a coffee from Tim Wendelboe (a local coffee magician with his own little espresso shop along the river) and put on your best shoes. You’ll meet runners, dog walkers, businessmen on their breaks and more along Akerselva.
Side note: if you want to grab a free coffee instead, check out my tip in this guide!
The river stretches through the city, and practically divides it in half. You can spend hours strolling along it watching all the people. You’ll also catch some popular Oslo sights along the way too.
A nice walk along Akerselva is highly recommended, and there is even the option of downloading a self-guided walking tour to learn more about the sights along the river!
This is perfect for those that want to spend a lot of time outdoors during their trip, and you can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours walking along the river.
Tim Wendelboe
Since I mentioned Tim Wendelboe already, I couldn’t not give his espresso shop by the river a shoutout.
Find it in Grüners Gate 1, just up a small hill from the river walk. If you are a coffee lover, you don’t want to miss grabbing a coffee to go from here.
They make their own blends and roast coffee beans from all over the world, and if you tell anyone in Oslo you enjoy your coffee, they’ll tell you to go here.
This is a tiny, hole-in-the-wall espresso bar, so don’t expect to find a seat (there are literally 2-3 tables inside, and they are usually taken). So just order your coffee to go and keep exploring!
#2 The Vigeland Sculpture park (Vigelandsparken)
The Vigeland Park in Oslo is perhaps the most popular attraction in the city – but it’s also completely free!
It boasts the world’s largest collection of sculptures made by a single artist. His name was Gustav Vigeland, and he (obviously) named the park after himself.
The park is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with Sundays being particularly busy (as most stores and activities are closed). It is a great place for a stroll, packed with fun photo ops and details to notice.
Each sculpture depicts some form of human interaction and emotion, and you can have a lot of fun studying them all.
The park is smaller than you think, so an hour is usually enough time to see it all. Reach it by taking the tram to Frognerparken, og walking around 20 minutes from the city center. The walk is quite nice, taking you past the palace and through some nice neighbourhoods.
#3 Oslo’s Art Galleries
Oslo actually has quite a busy art scene, with several art galleries worth visiting, in addition to the many great museums in the city (such as Astrup Fearnley and the MUNCH Museum). The galleries are free to visit, and perfect for any art enthusiasts.
Don’t miss Fineart Oslo, a 2000-square meter space with paintings, drawings, graphic art and photographs from all over the country. Find it on Filipstad Brygge 2, near the National Museum.
The Pushwagner Gallery is also a must, as Pushwagner (born Terje Brofos) is perhaps the most important (and famous) contemporary artist in Norway.
Visiting a gallery may not be amongst the most popular things to do in Oslo. The result is that you’ll be surrounded by locals as opposed to tourists (for the most part).
#4 Explore around Karl Johan’s Gate
Karl Johan’s Gate (for short, just Karl Johan) is Oslo’s busiest pedestrian street, with plenty of things happening at all times.
You’ll find shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment along the way, and the street leads from the central train station and all the way to the Norwegian Palace, passing the Oslo Cathedral, the Norwegian Parliament and National Theatre on the way.
Therefore, it is not only a street worth visiting in order to get shopping done or find a restaurant, but also a good way to orient yourself around the sights of Oslo.
Famous Buildings in the City Center
As mentioned, there’s quite a few well-known buildings along (or near) Karl Johan’s Gate. As a result, you can take yourself on a free mini tour of the city!
At the end of the street is the Norwegian Palace – and this is a great starting or ending point for your walk. The Palace was build in 1849, and you can learn more about it in this article.
A little further down the street you’ll find the University of Oslo and the National Theatre – on opposite sides of Karl Johan’s Gate.
Just along Karl Johan’s gate from the palace you will find the Norwegian Parliament, housed in a building named after the political body itself: Stortinget.
The building opened in 1866, and is one of many important buildings raised in Oslo in the 1800s (such as the Royal Palace, the University and National Theatre).
On their website you can get a free digital tour of the interior, and in the summer months there are daily (physical) tours.
And last but not least, the Oslo City Hall (Norwegian: Rådhuset) is a large, brick building in the city center – that is clearly visible from Aker Brygge and the waterfront of the city. It is located just a couple of side streets from the National Theatre.
Rådhuset opened in 1950, and is open to the public. However, to experience the most fun thing about it you don’t have to enter!
Free “Concerts” Every Day
Every hour from 7 in the morning to midnight, the city hall clock tower (the largest chimes in Norway) play a variety of songs. These change with the season and years, but you will usually hear Morning Mood at 7am (written by famous Norwegian musician Edvard Grieg).
Throughout the years the clocks have played everything from the Downton Abbey and Top Gun themes, to Heal the World by Michael Jackson.
During the winter of 2023 they actually played the theme from The Office daily at 9am!
Listening to the bells is (obviously) free – and I highly recommend going several times to hear them play. Check the current “set list” here.
#5 Guided Walking or Bicycle Tours
There are some great tours on offer throughout Oslo, and joining one of them is a great way to get to know the city – especially for a first-time visitor.
These are not fully free, but can be done surprisingly cheap! However, this one is just $3 to guarantee a space!
Pick your tour based on your preferred mode of transport (hop-on hop-off bus tours are also available) and start exploring!
I especially love going on walking tours when I’m in a new city, because you really get close and personal with everything going on.
The guides are usually local, or have lived there long enough to be considered a local, and so you get more up to date information than from any guidebook.
Of course, if you prefer moving at a slightly faster pace, there are also bicycle tours you can join!
Here are some of the top walking and bicycle tours in Oslo:
#6 The Oslo Botanical Gardens
At the Botanical Gardens, you will be able to see and explore plants and beautiful flowers from all over the world.
This is one of the more popular places for locals to visit in Oslo. Mostly because they have a ‘scent garden’ filled with plants of different scents, and designed specifically with the blind in mind.
The Botanical Gardens in Oslo were founded in 1814, and are worth a visit if you want a more relaxing day of sightseeing. And of course, it’s free!
From June to August they even have free guided tours of the gardens in English (on a first-come, first-serve basis).
#7 Explore the City by Tram (The Most Scenic Tram Ride)
Oslo has a great public transport system, consisting of underground subways, buses and trams. This one is not fully free, but a ticket on the tram will only cost you 42 kroner. You might even already have the Oslo Pass or a multi-day ticket, making this *technically* free.
The latter is by far one of the best ways to explore the city, and can provide you with spectacular views of Oslo. For an overview of the different ways to get around in Oslo, check out the route maps before you go.
My favourite route for sightseeing is Tram 19. Get on at Majorstuen just west of the city center.
It’ll take you through Bogstadveien (the shopping street), past Slottsparken (the Palace Park) and Jernbanetorget (the central square by the train station), before climbing the hills up to Ekebergparken where you get amazing views.
However, Visit Oslo also recommends Tram 12, as it takes you past several of the sights mentioned above (the buildings along Karl Johans Gate).
#8 The Big Tiger
Outside the Oslo Central Station, you will find a large statue of a tiger.
Don’t ask me why, but Oslo’s nickname amongst Norwegians is actually Tigerstaden – ‘the tiger city’.
Whether the nickname or the statue came first, I don’t know.
I have always found this to be quite random, especially since the statues “guarding” our Parliament building are lions..
Taking a photo with the tiger has become a tourist staple, however, so make sure you drop by and strike a pose.
#9 Aker Brygge
Oslo is located by the Oslo fjord, and there are plenty of areas close to the water where you will find stunning views and the opportunity to go for a nice walk.
Aker Brygge is a short walk from Karl Johan (the above-mentioned main shopping street), and boasts plenty of restaurants along the fjord. Here you can enjoy everything from a proper steak to Spanish tapas. You’ll really find something for everyone.
However, my main reason for including it on the list is that walking along the docks is just lovely. At the very end you’ll find luxurious Tjuvholmen, with the fancy Thief hotel (one of the nicest hotels in Oslo) and the Astrup Fearnley museum. And of course some very expensive apartment buildings.
As you move towards the city center, you can people watch, or simply watch the boats coming in and out of the harbour.
If you are visiting Oslo in the summer, make sure to arrive early to scout out a restaurant, or to book your table in advance. It can get very busy on Aker Brygge, especially on the weekends.
#10 Explore the Grünerløkka neighbourhood
There are several neighbourhoods in Oslo and they all have their distinct style and reputation.
Grünerløkka is considered the hipster area of Oslo, located a little east of the city centre. In the evenings you will find that the neighbourhood comes alive with restaurants, bustling bars and an exciting nightlife.
A stroll through Grünerløkka in the daytime will let you go vintage shopping, explore cute boutiques and unique coffee shops. In the nighttime, the restaurants are busy and the bars full of life.
If you don’t want to spend any money, people-watching in this area is the best. You can simply relax in one of the parks, and watch all the interesting people walk by.
Pair it with a visit to the Botanical Gardens or National History Museum (both located nearby).
#11 Visit the food markets at Mathallen
This isn’t a completely free attraction in Oslo if you end up buying food, but it’s still a great way to dine a little cheaper. Unless you opt for free samples only, which is totally doable on some days.
Mathallen is a ‘food hall’ inspired by the European indoor food markets. Here you will find stalls, cafes and restaurants, and many food-related activities throughout the year.
Make sure to visit their website before your trip to see if there are any special events or offers going on!
From tapas to desserts, they’ve got a large selection of great foods and dishes to try. Oslo food tours often include a stop here.
#12 The Oslo Opera House
The Oslo Opera House is more than just a cultural performance hall. It’s actually possible to walk on the roof of it, enjoying great views of the waterfront – completely free!
The Oslo Opera House is a striking architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned firm Snøhetta. The building is supposed to look like a glacier floating on the water. Completed in 2007, the Opera House has become an iconic landmark, inviting visitors to walk on its white marble roof and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
#13 Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress is perched majestically overlooking the harbor of Oslo. It stands as a historic landmark tracing back to the 1300s. Throughout its rich history, the fortress has served many purposes – from being a prison to housing the royal family, and currently barracks for the Norwegian army.
What’s so great about Akershus is that entering the fortress grounds is free. They have a visitor center with information, and offer (paid) tours of the grounds for those that are interested. But exploring and walking around the grounds is open for anyone. So, if you are looking for a free attraction in Oslo – this is my top recommendation.
You are also just a short walk from Aker Brygge, so it’s a perfect place to go after a stroll on the roof of the Opera House!
There are daily tours taking you around the grounds of Akershus, and they also have a visitor centre where you can get all the information you need.
#14 Damstredet (the prettiest street in Oslo)
Damstredet is one of the most beautiful streets in Oslo, due to the lovely wooden houses along it.
This is definitely one of the more unknown suggestions on my list, and is of course completely free.
Basically, this area is just really pretty and makes for a great photo spot. All the houses in Damstredet date back to the 1800s, and I promise you that you’ll enjoy a stroll along this street.
Find it here. The nearby Telthusbakken is also worth seeing (some say it’s even prettier)!
#15 A Self-Guided Audio Tour
I have recommended quite a few walks in this guide, from Akerselva to Aker Brygge. I always say that walking is the best way to explore a city – and it’s just an added bonus that it’s free.
Exploring Oslo by foot is super easy, and a very affordable way to see the sights of the city.
What’s even better is that you can download self-guided audio prompts to your smartphone to make your walks even more informative! From exploring the city center with a traditional walking tour to having fun with alien-themed “walking tour games” -there’s plenty of options.
And they all cost less than $10. If you are a family of 4, that’s just $2.5 per person!
Browse some of Oslo’s fun self-guided tours below.
Final Thoughts: Free Things to do in Oslo
There you have my top things on free things to do and attractions in Oslo. As you can see, the city is full of affordable gems, in spite of being an expensive city.
I’ve covered Oslo and Norway in detail all over my blog, so why not check out my guide to the most popular things to do in Oslo, or perhaps this 10-day Norway itinerary?