Planning a short stay to Oslo? Find out everything you need to know before exploring the Norwegian capital.
When you set off to visit a new city, choosing what activities to do is not easy. In the case of a city like Oslo, the situation becomes much more complicated: it is a very popular destination for curious travellers, but most popular travel blogs do not mention it.
For this reason, we asked ourselves what is there to do in Oslo and, most importantly, what to see in Oslo; such a fascinating city has so much to offer and it would be a shame not to enjoy it.
Let’s find out how to arrange a short stay in this city.
What to See in Oslo in 3 Days
Whether or not you purchase the city card, you’ll want to know what the main attractions of the city are.
No doubt, a visit to the fortress of King Hakon V is a must: built back in 1299, its ability to withstand wars, battles and numerous fires went down in history.
The castle, surrounded by defensive walls which were erected in the 1600s, houses the Museum of the Norwegian Resistance and offers a wonderful view over the surrounding landscape, in particular over the fjord and the city itself.
For lovers of religious architecture it will be interesting to admire the Cathedral, which was built in 1697 and boasts a beautiful stained glass, created by Emanuel Vigeland. The pulpit and altar piece are original and bear witness to the artistic history of the city.
What to Eat in Oslo
To conclude your three-day stay in Oslo, don’t forget to taste some of the typical local dishes. Reindeer, salmon and whale are the main ingredients of really tempting, unique dishes that fill the tables of the places throughout the year.
Stewed reindeer is tasty and according to many people, it reminds them of smoked beef. If you prefer the traditional cuisine, try the salads with salmon and allow yourself to be enthralled by toasted black bread and dips: unadventurous but very tasty.
Where to Stay in Oslo
First of all, you need to find the right accommodation. Do not let yourself be captivated by cheaper offers: always look for a good, quality compromise for your money.
Remember that during your stay in the city, the hotel will become your “home”.
Therefore, choose a place providing all the main comforts, those that make you feel “at home”.
A good option could be Hotel Anker, only few minutes from Karl Johans Gate, Oslo’s main street. It is a 3 star hotel with bright rooms, equipped with various facilities (such as cable TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom with shower or bath), ideal for couples or families.
An accommodation in the city centre offers a significant advantage: the main attractions can be easily reached on foot and you will not need to spend extra money for renting a car or for the public transport to get around.
A valid alternative is the Hotel Best Western Karl Johan.
In this case, it is a 4 star hotel located in a nineteenth century building: perfect for travellers who love luxury and want to feel the warmth of a new city since their arrival at the hotel.
The rooms are spacious with traditional wooden furniture.
If you prefer something less traditional, we recommend the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel.
The hotel is furnished in a modern style and it is within walking distance from local attractions such as the National Gallery and the Royal Palace: a good starting point for experienced travellers or novice explorers who do not know what to visit in Oslo.
Oslo Pass
Once you have chosen your hotel, you will need to organize your holiday, as well as optimizing your time: 3 days in Oslo may be enough to get to know the city and discover the many beauties it has to offer.
If you do not know where to start, we have a tip for you.
You can benefit from the Oslo Pass card, a city card that is offered to tourists, specifically designed to offer many advantages both to occasional visitors and returning ones.
The card has different prices depending on the age group, it allows the owners to free and unlimited use of public transport, to park any hired vehicles in some special parts of the residential areas and access to over 30 museums and attractions. In addition, the Oslo Pass allows free access also to pools and guided tours, plus a discount on the purchase of tickets for concerts or special events. Discounts in shops and partner restaurants are a further benefit.
That’s all for the moment.
It’s time for you to go and enjoy Oslo!