The Ultimate Oslo (Norway) Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Oslo, Norway? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

The capital of Norway, Oslo is home to around 715,000 people.
The economic and financial center of the country, with major stakes in banking and industry.
Known as Kristiania until 1925.
Nickname: “The Tiger City” due to a poem by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson.

Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK).
Spoken languages: Norwegian (English increasingly spoken by the younger population).
Best time to visit: from March to August for the best temperatures. Witness the midnight sun in June and July. Pack a coat, as the evenings are known to get cold.
Arriving via airport: Oslo Airport Gardermoen is the main airport serving the capital city.
– Airport Express train (Flytoget): NOK 220 for a single ticket to Oslo Central Station:
Emergency phone numbers: Police: 112, Medical: 113, Fire: 110

Best hostel for solo travelers: K7 Oslo. A mix between a hotel and hostel, this is your best bet to stay in town on a budget. Great location, friendly staff, and clean. Make sure to book ahead during high season, as this really is one of the few hostels in town.
Karl Johans Gate is at the epicentre, serving as the city’s main shopping and dining street; central and featuring a generous variety of accommodations. Close to all the major attractions.
Old Town is the historic, authentic Oslo (from the time before the city turned modern), while the West End has the finest hotels and restaurants.

Ruter supplies the city buses, trams, metro, ferries and rail system. Single trip: NOK 40 (adult)
– 24-hour ticket: NOK 124
– 7-day ticket: NOK 323
You can use Ruter’s smartphone app for ticket purchases, which can make it easier navigate the public transport system and avoid extra fees for on-board tickets.
The Oslo Pass combines free use of the public transportation system with free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, free entry to outdoor swimming pools, free walking tours and more. It can be purchased online, at tourist centres, at Oslo S and most hotels and hostels. Prices:
– 24 hours: NOK 445
– 48 hours: NOK 655
– 72 hours: NOK 820
Taxis run on meter and night fares apply from 5 PM and 6 AM. Dial 023 23 or 023 22.
Oslo is aiming to have a car-free city center, with extensive pedestrian areas and bike lanes.

Drinking age is 18, and last call is 3 AM in the city centre.
Grünerløkka is the casual hang out spot, with retro music bands, jazz acts and a laid back crowd.
Aker Brygge is chosen by the trendy who favour lounge bars, wine lists and DJ sets.
Some cool bars to check out: BrewDog Grünerløkka, Oslovelo, Bar Boca, Aku-Aku Tiki Bar (cocktails), Torggata Botaniske, Izakaya, Perestrojka (cheap pub), Glasnost (can you really have Perestrojka without the Glasnost?)
Looking for great live music? Here are some venues to check: BLÅ, Rockefeller Music Hall (concerts), Parkteatret Scene (concert hall), Dattera til Hagen (bar), Revolver (bar), Kafé Hærverk (club – techno/house).

Royal Palace was built as the residence of King Charles III, who at the time also reigned as the monarch of Sweden.
Fram was used in Arctic and Antarctic expeditions between 1893 and 1912. At the Fram Museum, visitors can tour the ship and witness exhibits that tell the story of how the crews survived the hardships of their journey.
Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology is the national museum for technology, industry and science. Its innovative exhibits include the first Norwegian computer NUSSE.
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is an open-air museum and the country’s largest for cultural history. It is sited near the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Norwegian Maritime Museum.
MUNCH Museum holds the world’s largest collection of artworks by Edvard Munch, Norwegian painter who redefined 19^th century Symbolism and Expressionism.
The National Museum: the largest art museum in the Nordic countries.
Oslo Opera House: you can walk on its roof for panoramic views.
Day trip ideas: Bygdøy Peninsula (several museums), Holmenkollen Ski Jump (stunning views of the city and accessible by metro. You can learn about Norway’s ski history and hike in the nearby forest).

Visit Kirkeristen (the bazaar behind Oslo Cathedral), an interesting trove of handicrafts and antiquities alongside cafés and restaurants.
Spend the afternoon in Frogner Park and its Vigeland Sculpture Park. The green lung is a wonderful recreational area, while the works of Gustav Vigeland are an interesting touch.
Discover the leafy neighborhood of Ekeberg, place of inspiration for Edvard Munch’s painting “The Scream.”
Watch the action at Sofienbergparken, where the locals go or picnics, Sunday ball games, and summer barbecues.
Free walking tours are available in the city.

Where to find good cheap eats: Torgatta and Grønland have a wide selection of oriental restaurants and take-away joints, while Mathallen runs an indoor food hall. Check out the Vippa food court for a diverse selection of cuisines.
To save money, take advantage of lunch deals or early-bird specials at restaurants.
Looking for delicious burgers at a good price? Check out Munchies Grünerløkka and Kverneriet Solli Plass.
Download the “Too Good To Go” app for discounted meals from restaurants and cafes.

Tap water is of excellent quality and often better than the bottled kind at the supermarket.
Norwegians value personal space and may be reserved at first. Respect their privacy and approach social interactions gradually. Always greet people politely!
It can be hard to find cheap accommodation – Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Bookings should be made well in advance if wanting to stay central.
Free stuff to do in Oslo: walking around the Aker Brygge area or visiting the Akershus Fortress.
Dangerous areas: Oslo is considered very safe for tourists. In any case, this is a major city – exercise caution while walking alone at night.

Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days