Oslo regularly tops the charts for being one of the most expensive cities around the world. Taxi fares are exorbitant and accommodation are as expensive as expensive gets. Still, you can make your Oslo city break a memorable and enjoyable one with my tips for visiting this city on a budget. Find out where to go, what to do and how to save money.
About Oslo
Oslo is one of the largest capitals in the world by area when you consider the area the city takes up, but most of this is forest, making the city much more part of the natural area surrounding it. The forested area of Marka (Nordmarka, Østmarka, Lillomarka) is extensive and its not unknown for moose to be seen in winter.
Due to its unique location, there are plenty of things to do in Oslo from hiking in the forests, swimming in the fjords and shopping. Oslo is situated in an amphitheatre, with the city centre close to the Oslofjord, and the rest of the city around in all all directions.
There’s a beautiful waterfront which has become a popular centre in Oslo for both tourists and residents. The inner city centre is bounded by Oslo Central Station, the Royal Palace and the seafront.
Getting To and From Oslo Airport
It is easy to travel from Oslo airport Gardermoen into the city by bus, train or car. The airport is based around 47km from the centre of Oslo.
By Train
The Flytoget airport express train takes around 20 minutes to get from the airport to Oslo central station. The train takes about 20 minutes to reach Oslo Central Station and leaves every 10 minutes. For a cheaper way to get to the city centre when you fly to Oslo.
The cheapest way to get into Oslo is via Oslo to Drammen, then on to Kongsberg or Skien – trains depart from the adjacent platforms to the Flytoget express. The trip takes 23 minutes, and trains depart twice per hour.
By Flybussen
Flybussen operates buses to Oslo which take 45 minutes to reach the city centre.
By Taxi
Taxis are readily available outside, but are very expensive – and slower than the Flytoget Express.
Where to Stay in Oslo
When going to Oslo, its worth knowing that it is an expensive place to stay. Nevertheless, there is something fo all price ranges from hostels to top hotel chains.
Getting a hotel in Oslo can potentially be difficult in peak periods. There are also relatively few hostels for backpackers and people on a budget. During Nobel Prize week, room price may double!
The historic Grand Hotel is a landmark in Oslo situated on the main street – Karl Johannes Gate. The hotel is a mix of classic tradition as well as the more modern style. An elegant deluxe hotel that is a lovely place to stay in Oslo. This is where Nobel Peace Prize winners stay when coming to Oslo for their award. It has an excellent view over Karl Johans gate, but it is pricey. The Grand Café was Henrik Ibsen’s daily café.
The Radisson Blu Plaza hotel is famous for being the second tallest hotel in Northern Europe. With 37 floors, the hotel is contemporary and is in an ideal location to explore the city with popular attractions nearby.
For those travelling on a budget there is the Anker Hostel or for something a little different you could try the Bogstad camping.
Getting Around
Oslo is compact and is easily one of the most walkable cities in Europe. The main street to get to know is Karl Johans gate, the pedestrian street connecting Oslo and the Palace.
However, several of the neighbourhoods close to the centre hold interesting sights and entertainment offerings, so to explore these you should make use of the city’s comprehensive and modern public transport system.
Oslo has in recent years developed into a real bike city. It offers the use of the ¨Bysykler¨ at over more than 100 places in Oslo. Try a guided bike tour with the like of Baja Bikes and Alternative Tours Oslo.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Oslo is surrounded by forests, hills and lakes ideal for hiking, cycling, boating and skiing. There’s loads to explore in Oslo with plenty of attractions to see.
Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park
Norway isn’t cheap, but one of its greatest attractions doesn’t cost a krone. In the Frogner district of Oslo, the 80 acre Vigelandsparken sculpture park is a popular tourist attraction. This is an open-air gallery of statues that pays tribute to one of the country’s finest artists. In the beautiful capital city of Oslo you can even check out an epic Viking ship.
Oslo Opera House
The Oslo Opera House is Norway’s entry into the top league of cultural architecture. It is shaped as a glacier or a ship, the amazing building seems to float by the Bjørvika inlet. You can climb the building on the marble for a unique view of Oslo. The building has 1100 rooms!
Holmenkollen Ski Jump
If you want to view the city then the Holmenkollen ski jump has an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city and doubles as a concert venue. During the annual ski festival, Holmenkollen draws the world’s best ski jumpers.
Ski Museum
The Ski Museum leads you through the 4000-year history of Nordic and downhill skiing in Norway. There are exhibits featuring the Antarctic expeditions of Roald Amundsen and Scott. You can also climb the 114 steep steps to the top of the tower, and if you are brave, try the ski-jump simulator
Norsk Folkemuseum
The Norsk Folkemuseum is a large open-air museum with more than 140 buildings, mostly from the 17th and 18th centuries, gathered from around the country, rebuilt and organised according to region of origin. Old barns, elevated storehouses and timbered farmhouses. One of the most interesting exhibitions focuses on the life and culture of the Sami – Norwegian’s indigenous people.
Henrik Ibsen Museum
To find out about Norway’s most famous author, visit the the Henrik Ibsen Museum. If you prefer art, go to the Munch Museum but remember that some of Edvard Munchs more famous pictures are on display in the National Gallery, so don’t complain that “The Scream” is not on display! For explorers, find out about Thor Heyerdahl at the Kon-Tiki Museum which show his balsa raft Kon-Tiki on which he sailed the south pacific Easter Island.
Blå
Music lovers should visit Blå – recognised as one of the top jazz clubs in the world, with a free jazz/blues/soul concert every Sunday.
Eating & Drinking
Whilst in Oslo you will want to try some of the Norwegian cuisine including moose, reindeer and lutefisk which are common in restaurants. Norway is also famous for it’s seafood.
Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen is home to many of the best seafood restaurants in the city. Oslo is also the place to find all of Norway’s Michelin-starred restaurants if you’re into fine dining – and can afford it!
Most cafes and restaurants serving traditional food are upmarket, but there are a couple of good spots to get on meat cakes and brown gravy, lutefisk and other delicacies. Aker Brygge is a noisy and vibrant waterfront area located south of the city hall – but it can be pricey unless the weather makes it worthwhile in the summer.
The cheapest restaurants are Asian restaurants which in many cases serve good food at low prices. The cheapest of food of the lot are Hot Dogs. They are referred to as “pølse” and are available as street. Sven’s near Vika Atrium, delivers a fast food version of the dietary staple – lutefisk. Ask for the sides of herring, pickled vegetables, and salted meats.
If you are drinking alcohol, Oslo is expensive. But if you insist on drinking when you visit Oslo, the places with the highest density of pubs are Grünerløkka and Aker Brygge.
Oslo Budget Travel Tips
When to Visit
Opt for a winter trip when Oslo tourism is off peak.
Buy Oslo Pass
The Oslo Pass gives you free access to more than 30 museums and destinations, public transport, municipal parking spaces outdoor swimming pools, walking tours, concert tickets, ski and bike rental and special discounts at restaurants and leisure spots.
It comes in three choices: 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. If you’re a sightseeing addict, buy the 72-hour pass to save on entrance fees, which normally costs 150 NOK each.
- Adult pass: 24 hours (290 NOK), 48 hours (425 NOK), and 72 hours (535 NOK)
- Child/Senior pass: 24 hours (145 NOK), 48 hours (215 NOK), and 72 hours (270 NOK)
Alcohol
Alcohol is heavily taxed in Oslo, so expect them to be pricey. Your best solution is to buy a bottle of alcohol in duty-free shops, and enjoy a shot or two every night before you hit the bars. Once in the bar, you no longer need to buy so much, just one alcoholic drink will do. Another alternative is join Oslo Crawl, an organized bar tour that gives you alcoholic treats and some discounts for 199NOK.
Save on Food
Eating out is very expensive in Oslo. A restaurant meal costs around 200NOK, while fastfood costs around 100NOK. To save on food, buy from local markets, cook your own meals and pack lunches and snacks for day tours. If you like, bring a couple of easy-to-cook food packs from home. Check out farmers markets in the weekends to reload your supply. Eat at Grünerløkka library café where you can have snacks for under 20NOK.
Save on Accommodation
You might want to find an apartment, Airbnb or a cheap studio room with kitchenette. Book for your accommodation in advance for the cheapest prices. You can normally get an apartment for around 500NOK a week. Other budget-friendly accommodation options include staying at hostel (so few of them in Oslo) and camping (free at Ekeberg Park).
Places to Visit Near Oslo
Keen to travel in Norway and see more of the country? Taking a train means you get see some of the spectacular countryside in Norway.
One of the best is the Bergen Train from Oslo and Bergen – a seven hour journey across one of Europe’s highest mountain plateaus, and takes you to through spectacular scenery. This train trip is one of the most amazing you can do in your life, and you can also take a detour at Myrdal and hop on board the famous Flåm Railway.
The Myrdal Flåm Railway is an incredible trip down the steep valley to the fjord by Flåm. The journey takes about an hour and is an engineering masterpiece. Twisting tunnels that in and out of the mountain, extremely high gradients and the awesome Kjosfossen waterfall make this one of the highlights of any trip to Norway. The Flåm Railway is open all year.
If you prefer cycling, Rallarvegen is Norway’s most scenic cycling route – and the lower parts of Rallarvegen runs along the Flåm Railway. Flåm itself on the Aurlandsfjord has charming museums, fjord safaris or a kayaking trips available. You could also plan a trip to Stavanger.