Oslo itinerary — 3 days

Comfort Hotel Grand Central is uniquely housed within Oslo's original 1854 central railway station building, integrated directly into the vibrant Østbanehallen dining hub. The hotel's bold design blends preserved heritage features — such as original timber beams, decorative cornices, and high arched ceilings — with striking contemporary street art and bespoke furniture. Guests enjoy immediate access to high-speed trains and the harbor.

Oslo's flagship central library opened in 2020 on the waterfront in Bjørvika, next to the Opera House. Designed by Lundhagem and Atelier Oslo, the striking building was named World's Best Public Library in 2021. Across six light-filled floors featuring a dramatic cantilevered upper level, visitors find reading lounges with fjord views, 3D-printing workshops, podcast studios, a cinema, and cafes, all open freely to the public.

An architectural masterpiece designed by Snøhetta, the Oslo Opera House opened in 2008 on the waters of the Oslofjord in Bjørvika. Clad in gleaming white Italian Carrara marble and granite, the structure resembles an iceberg rising from the fjord. Its signature feature is an angled, pedestrian-accessible roof sloping down to the water, allowing visitors to walk freely onto the rooftop for panoramic vistas of downtown Oslo and the harbor.

An architectural icon designed by Snøhetta, rising like a pristine white iceberg directly from the waters of the Oslofjord in Bjorvika. Clad in Italian Carrara marble and gleaming glass, the opera house features a gently sloping roof that functions as a public plaza. Visitors can walk straight from the waterfront up onto the rooftop for sweeping panoramas across the fjord islands and the modern Barcode skyline.

Situated in the sleek Barcode district of Oslo's waterfront Bjørvika, Vaaghals celebrates modern Norwegian gastronomy with deep respect for culinary heritage. Co-founded by renowned chef Arne Brimi, the restaurant emphasizes seasonal Arctic ingredients and shared dining. Guests enjoy the traditional 'skifte' dining concept, featuring multi-course sharing platters that bring fresh interpretations to classic Norwegian flavors.

Chic, fine dining restaurant for seasonal, Norwegian menu with wine pairings, in minimalist setting.

Towering above the waterfront in Oslo's Bjørvika district, MUNCH is an iconic 13-story museum designed by Estudio Herreros dedicated to Edvard Munch. The museum houses the world's largest collection of the expressionist master's works, including several versions of 'The Scream', 'Madonna', and 'The Dance of Life'. Interactive galleries span eleven exhibition floors, culminating in a top-floor observation bar overlooking the Oslofjord.

Ekebergrestauranten perches on the wooded hillside of Ekeberg in Oslo, offering one of the finest vantage points in the capital with sweeping views across the Oslofjord, inner islands, and the Barcode skyline. Built in 1929 by architect Lars Backer, the crisp white building is celebrated as a landmark of Norwegian functionalist architecture. It borders the Ekebergparken sculpture park, near where Edvard Munch was inspired to paint The Scream.

Covering 25 hectares on a wooded hillside overlooking Oslo, Ekebergparken combines natural forest with world-class contemporary sculpture. Established in 2013, the park features over 40 artworks by masters including Auguste Rodin, Salvador Dalí, Louise Bourgeois, and Marina Abramović. Panorama viewpoints overlook the Oslofjord; this very slope is where Edvard Munch drew inspiration for his iconic 1893 painting The Scream.

Stortinget T-bane is a key stop in Oslo, conveniently located near Norway's Parliament building, Stortinget. This iconic structure, with its striking pale yellow brick facade and impressive circular assembly hall, serves as a hub of political activity and symbolizes Norwegian democracy. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that delve into the rich history and significance of this landmark. The surrounding area on Karl Johans Gate is vibrant, often bustling with demonstrations and events in the adjacent park.

Inside lies the greatest treasure — the remains of Saint Olaf, presented to the church by Pope John II. There is also a copy of Raphael's "Sistine Madonna."

Tiny cobbled street lined with wooden houses dating back to the early 19th century.

Built circa 1150, Oslo's oldest existing building is a medieval stone church with a baroque pulpit.

Mathallen Oslo is a food market hall in the Vulkan quarter on the Akerselva river, running since 2012. Under one industrial roof are over thirty counters and cafes: Norwegian cheeses and waffles, fresh fish and shrimp, charcuterie, bread and coffee from small producers. It works for everyday shopping and for a casual meal, with wine bars and long communal tables. Weekends bring tastings and crowds; weekday mornings are the calmest.

Founded in 2007 by World Barista Champion Tim Wendelboe, this minimalist espresso bar and micro-roastery in Oslo's trendy Grünerløkka district is a global coffee mecca. It helped define the Nordic light roast philosophy, emphasizing clean, tea-like flavours and direct trade with smallholder farms. Visitors can sample pour-over brews, aeropress single-origin coffees, and curated tasting flights from exceptional harvests.

An oval park at the heart of Grünerløkka, Oslo's trendiest neighbourhood. A wooden bandstand stands in the middle, a flea market trades on summer weekends, and the city Christmas tree is raised here in winter. Around the park are late 19th-century brick and timber houses, cafés and vintage shops; Schous plass, the quarter's main promenade spot, lies just across the street.

This beloved culinary institution in Oslo's trendy Grünerløkka district began humbly from a student bedroom window before growing into a national street-food sensation. Haralds celebrates genuine Norwegian comfort food with soft, heart-shaped waffles baked fresh to order using a traditional family recipe. The ultimate local ritual is tasting them warm, topped with sweet caramelized brown cheese (brunost), sour cream, and wild berry jam.

Norway's oldest botanical garden, founded in 1814 around the Natural History Museum at Tøyen. It holds Arctic and alpine plant collections, a fragrant sensory garden and a Victoria greenhouse with giant water lilies. A peaceful spot for a slow walk, free to enter all year round; in summer the lawns fill with picnickers.

GRÅDI is a cozy and welcoming brunch place in Oslo, offering delicious and unpretentious food with a modern twist on traditional Swedish comfort dishes. The atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends, and the staff is warm and friendly.