Exploring the best parks in Oslo Norway: A Guide to the City's Green Gems. Oslo is known for its stunning natural landscapes, and its parks are no exception. From serene lakeside retreats to lively urban green spaces, the city offers a variety of parks that cater to all tastes. Whether you're a nature lover, a fitness enthusiast, or just...
Best cheap restaurants in Oslo: When it comes to dining out in Oslo, the city offers a variety of budget-friendly restaurants that serve delicious meals without compromising on quality. Here's a guide to some of the best cheap eats in Oslo:
The most popular Oslo free attractions. While it's often considered an expensive destination, Oslo offers a wealth of free attractions that allow visitors to enjoy its charm without spending a krone. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or nature enthusiast, here are the ten most popular free attractions in Oslo.
The 10 Cheapest Hotels in Oslo: A Budget Traveler's Guide. Oslo, though known for its high living costs, offers a variety of affordable accommodations for budget travelers. Whether you're looking for a central location, basic amenities, or a cozy atmosphere, here are the ten cheapest hotels in Oslo to consider for your stay.
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Exploring Oslo's Viking Shops: A Journey into Norse Heritage. Oslo, the capital city of Norway, is rich in history and culture, and one of the most prominent aspects of Norwegian heritage is its Viking past. The Vikings, renowned for their exploration, warfare, and craftsmanship, have left a lasting legacy on the country.
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Here you'll find a few recommended restaurants in Oslo in different categories. Most of them are located near our apartments and rooms for rent. If you have any other suggestions or comments, let us know :)
Recommended day trips from Oslo: Explore Norway's Hidden Gems. While Oslo is a vibrant and exciting city with plenty to offer, the surrounding areas boast beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and historic sites that make for perfect day trips.
Akerselva River Walk: A Journey Through Oslo's Urban Nature
Many visitors ask us How to get from Oslo Gardermoen airport to Oslo Central Station. Please note there are two airports outside Oslo, Gardermoen (main airport) and Torp. Read about the different options below, or search and buy tickets here
The beautiful Oslo Botanical Gardens, located just a short walk from our Oslo airbnb apartments is a serene and enchanting green space that offers a refreshing escape from urban life.
Oslo, Norway's capital, is often considered one of the more expensive cities in Europe. But don't let the high price tags scare you away! With a little planning and some insider knowledge, you can experience the best of Oslo without breaking the bank. From budget-friendly attractions to affordable dining options, here's a guide on how to explore Oslo on a budget.
Oslo offers several free attractions that allow you to enjoy the city without spending a dime. Here are some top picks:
Vigeland Park (Frogner Park): As the world's largest sculpture park created by a single artist, Vigeland Park is completely free to enter. Take a leisurely walk among more than 200 sculptures and enjoy the serene beauty of the park.
The Royal Palace and Slottsparken: You can walk around the grounds of the Royal Palace and enjoy the beautiful Slottsparken (Palace Park) for free. Be sure to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 1:30 PM.
Akershus Fortress: This medieval fortress overlooking Oslofjord is free to visit and offers stunning views of the city and harbor. While the museum inside does have an entrance fee, the grounds and the view are free to explore.
Oslo Fjord: The fjord itself is a magnificent sight, and there are plenty of free activities like walking along the waterfront or exploring the small islands via ferry (or you can walk around the harbor area).
Tøyen Park and the Botanical Garden: Both are free to access, making them great spots for a relaxing day in nature.
Read our complete guide to Oslo free attractions here.
Getting around Oslo on a budget is easy thanks to the city's efficient public transport system. The metro, trams, buses, and ferries are all operated under the same system, and there are several options to save on fares:
Ruter travel pass: Consider purchasing a Ruter travel pass for unlimited travel on all public transport. A 24-hour pass costs around 100 NOK, and a 7-day pass is 300 NOK, which is much cheaper than paying for single rides.
Bike rentals: Oslo is a bike-friendly city, and you can rent bikes for as little as 50 NOK per hour. The bike-sharing service Oslo Bysykkel lets you pick up and drop off bikes at various locations throughout the city.
Walk and explore: Many of Oslo's attractions are located within walking distance of each other. Strolling through neighborhoods like Grünerløkka or along the Aker Brygge promenade is completely free and a great way to take in the city's charm. Read more about the most popular Oslo hiking and walking tours here.
See the cheapest way to get to Oslo city centre from the airport here.
Dining out in Oslo can be expensive, but there are plenty of budget-friendly eateries where you can enjoy tasty meals without emptying your wallet:
Street Food Markets: Oslo has a growing street food scene, with several food markets offering affordable bites. Oslo Street Food in Torggata 16 is a great spot for international street food at reasonable prices (around 100-150 NOK per meal).
Cafés and Bakeries: Bakeries like W.B. Samson and Sult offer delicious pastries, sandwiches, and coffee at a fraction of the cost of sit-down restaurants. You can grab a quick lunch for around 50-100 NOK.
Self-Catering: If you're staying in an Airbnb or hostel with kitchen facilities, consider shopping at local supermarkets like Rema 1000 or Kiwi, where you can buy ingredients for affordable meals. A quick pasta or salad is an easy, budget-friendly option.
Budget Restaurants: Restaurants like Illegal Burger or Punjab Tandoori offer great value for money. Expect to pay around 130-150 NOK for a filling meal.
See also: Best cheap restaurants in Oslo
Although some museums in Oslo have high entry fees, there are several ways to save:
Oslo Pass: The Oslo Pass offers free entry to over 30 museums and attractions, plus unlimited use of public transportation. Prices start at around 450 NOK for a 24-hour pass, making it a good deal for travelers who want to see as much as possible in a short time.
Discounts for students: If you're a student or young traveler, you can often find discounts at museums, galleries, and even public transport. Always carry your student ID or youth card.
Free museum days: Keep an eye out for special days when museums offer free entry. Many of Oslo's museums have free admission on specific days of the month. For example, the National Gallery is free on Thursdays.
If you're a nature lover, you're in luck! Oslo offers plenty of outdoor activities that are either free or inexpensive:
Hiking in Nordmarka: Oslo is surrounded by beautiful forests and lakes. You can take a short metro ride to Nordmarka, a vast forested area perfect for hiking, skiing, or just enjoying the great outdoors.
Swimming in the Oslofjord: During the summer months, the Oslofjord offers several free swimming spots, such as Hovedøya Island or the beaches at Bygdøy. Bring a towel and enjoy the fresh air and water without spending a penny.
Public Beaches: The city also has several public beaches, including Paradisbukta and Huk, which are free to access and offer a great spot to relax and enjoy the sun.
See also: The best parks in Oslo Norway
Throughout the year, Oslo hosts numerous free festivals and events, especially in the summer. Keep an eye on local event listings, as you may find free concerts, cultural events, and outdoor movie screenings. The Øyafestivalen and Oslo Jazz Festival, for instance, often have free entry events.
Exploring Oslo on a budget is entirely possible with a little planning. By taking advantage of free attractions, using public transport passes, enjoying affordable eats, and participating in outdoor activities, you can enjoy the best of the city without spending a fortune. Whether you're soaking up the art at Vigeland Park or enjoying a day on the Oslofjord, Oslo's charm is accessible to all.
With these tips, you'll have an unforgettable, budget-friendly trip to one of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia. Enjoy your Oslo adventure!
Oslo has a reputation for being expensive, but there are plenty of ways to explore the city on a budget. With free attractions like Vigeland Park, Akershus Fortress, and the Botanical Garden, along with affordable dining options and public transportation passes, it's possible to experience the city without overspending.
What are the best free activities in Oslo?
Some of the best free activities in Oslo include:
What's the cheapest way to get around Oslo?
The cheapest way to get around Oslo is by walking, as many attractions are within a short distance of each other. For longer journeys, purchase a Ruter travel pass, which offers unlimited travel on the city's metro, trams, buses, and ferries. A 24-hour pass costs about 100 NOK, and a 7-day pass costs 300 NOK. Bike rentals, like Oslo Bysykkel, are another affordable option for getting around.
Where can I find affordable food in Oslo?