A beautiful, megalomaniac, crypto-Aryan celebration of life that is simultaneously awesome and slightly creepy. Look past the "Cycle of Life" cliche to find much death and weirdness.
A classic for architecture and public space buffs alike, the Snohetta-designed Opera House slopes out of water and opens up to an amazing roof plaza. Check inside for Eliasson art + wood details.
A rare magical alley of cute wooden houses from the 1800s that not even most Oslo residents know about.
Features views of the Fjord, a cute fortress and a corny WWII museum. A great walk in itself, rarely crowded, potentially a spot for soaking up sun (on the Western embankments - don't fall off.)
Cliche and guidebook appeal aside, the Viking ships are beautiful and this oldschool museum is very charming. Just avoid the tour bus visits.
Cute cafe slash drinking hole on the small idyllic island of Gressholmen. Grab a beer here and combine it with some swimming if the weather permits. (Seasonal.)
Goofy but awesome museum of Norwegian culture represented by artifacts and architecture. Go see the Stave Church, already.
Sculpture park in actual (not manicured) nature that combines awkward rich guy philanthropy with great views over the Oslo fjord. The restaurant is a big plus.
Lovely rocky beach that is equally worth visiting in summer and winter. Best reached from Kongsgården bus stop, via a path through the woods. Adventurous? Try nearby Huk nudist beach.
One of the nicest (and yes less well-known) views of the Oslo Fjord. Take the tram to Sjømannsskolen and walk up hill, or just walk out past the school itself for another (lower) angle.
An excellent piece of urban design in the middle of the so-so Barcode real estate development, Sørenga is a great place to hang out by the water and even swim if weather allows.
The commuter ferry to Nesodden is a cheap alternative to a fjord cruise, minus any dining + drink options except a basic on-board kiosk. On a clear day, views are great and the round-trip is <1hr.
Grim, dark and unique: The mausoleum of the less famous Vigeland is fairly obscure even to Oslo people. Features a grand 4-wall fresco, amazing acoustics and the artist's own remains.
If you want to cross "see the view in Munch's Scream" off your bucket list, this is the place. Not much else here but the view, but you can walk over to Ekebergparken for a scenic combo trip.
Charmingly corny museum dedicated to the voyages of Norwegian hero Thor Heyerdahl. Get a combo ticket and check out the Fram ship next door, too.
Located in Vulkan, an industrial area redesigned as a hub for food and nightlife, Mathallen offers a mix of restaurants. Also a great spot to see the Akerselva river on your way to Grünerløkka.
