Like Norway in general, Oslo has a reputation for being expensive. While that’s certainly true in some ways, there are also plenty of amazing free things to do in Oslo.
In this guide, you’ll find attractions and experiences I’d recommend regardless of your budget. They just happen to be free, making it even easier to enjoy the best of Norway’s capital without spending a fortune.
Free Things To Do In Oslo
As the capital of Norway, Oslo is a city that has something for almost everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, a history buff, interested in architecture or simply enjoy exploring stylish neighbourhoods and local fashion, you’ll find plenty to love. Add in the beautiful Oslo Fjord and easy access to nature, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular city break destination.
See The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway’s King and Queen, as well as one of the top landmarks to see in Oslo. While you can’t go inside for free, it’s completely free to admire the palace from the outside. If you time your visit for 1:30 PM, you can also watch the daily changing of the guard.
The palace is open for guided tours during the summer for an admission fee, but even if you just visit the grounds, it’s still one of the free things to do in Oslo that shouldn’t be missed.
📍 Slottsplassen 1
🆓 Free to see from outside, plus daily changing of the guard
🎟️ Purchase tickets for guided tour: Royalcourt.no
Explore Grunerløkka
You can’t visit Oslo without checking out Grünerløkka, one of my favourite areas in the city. Simply wandering around the neighbourhood is one of the best free things to do in Oslo. I like to think of it as Oslo’s version of New York City‘s Greenwich Village, with a laid-back atmosphere, colorful streets, cosy cafés, cool bars, and quirky shops. Those into second-hand should check out Velouria Vintage, and the flea market at Birkelunden on Sundays!
Velouria Vintage
📍Thorvald Meyersgate 34
@ VelouriaVintage
Birkelunden flea market
📍Birkelunden
📅 Most Sundays 12.00-19.00 (12-7 PM)
Walk The Roof of The Opera House
Walking on the roof of the Oslo Opera House is one of the city’s most unique experiences and easily one of the best free things to do in Oslo. The sloping white marble roof is open to everyone, giving you fantastic views over the Oslo Fjord and the city while letting you admire the building’s striking modern architecture. If you can, visit around sunset, as the views are especially beautiful then.
Visit Deichman Bjørvika
Right next to the Oslo Opera House, you’ll find Deichman Bjørvika, Oslo’s impressive main public library. Opened in 2020, the modern building is worth visiting for its striking architecture alone, but it’s also home to fantastic views over the Oslo Fjord and the Opera House. Whether you stop by to browse the books, grab a coffee or simply admire the building, it’s easily one of the best free things to do in Oslo.
📍Anne-Cath. Vestlys plass 1
ℹ️ www.visitoslo.com
Check out MUNCH
MUNCH is one of Oslo’s most popular museums and is dedicated to Edvard Munch, Norway’s most famous artist. The museum is home to more than 26,000 artworks, as well as his personal library and other belongings, making it a fascinating place to learn more about his life and work.
If you’re looking for free things to do in Oslo, visit on a Wednesday between 6 PM and 9 PM for free entry (excluding July and August). It’s worth getting there early to secure your spot, as you can only collect a free ticket on-site.
📍Edvard Munchs plass 1
🆓 Free admission: Wednesdays 18.00-21.00
🎟️ Purchase regular tickets: Munch.no
Visit Charming Damsstredet and Telthusbakken
If you enjoy charming old streets, Damsstredet and Telthusbakken are well worth a visit. Damsstredet is a picturesque cobbled street lined with colourful wooden and brick houses, while nearby Telthusbakken is known for its beautifully preserved wooden homes and lovely city views. It’s a great place for a peaceful stroll and easily one of the most charming free things to do in Oslo.
See Stortinget (The Parliament Building)
The Parliament Building (Stortinget) is one of Oslo’s most important landmarks and has been home to Norway’s National Assembly since 1866. It’s a beautiful building to admire from the outside and definitely deserves a spot on your list of free things to do in Oslo, even if you don’t go inside. If you’re visiting during the summer, you can also join one of the free guided tours in English, making it a great way to learn more about Norway’s history and politics without spending a penny.
📍Karl Johans gate 22
ℹ️ www.stortinget.no
Enjoy The Views Over Oslo
One of my favourite ways to experience a new city is by seeing it from above, and Oslo has no shortage of great viewpoints. From scenic hills to rooftop terraces and lookout spots, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy incredible views over the city and the surrounding fjord and forests. Best of all, many of them are completely free, making them some of the best free things to do in Oslo.
Free viewpoints in Oslo:
📍The roof of the Opera
📍Frognerseteren
📍Ekebergutsikten
📍Grefsenkollen
See Free Art In Public Spaces
Oslo is a fantastic city for art lovers, and you don’t even have to visit a museum to enjoy it. From impressive sculpture parks to public installations and murals, you’ll find artwork all over the city. It’s a great way to experience Oslo’s creative side while exploring on foot, making it one of the most enjoyable things to do in Oslo for free.
Where to see outdoor art in Oslo:
📍Ekebergparken
📍Vigelandsparken
📍VisitOslo’s map of outdoor sculptures
Experience Bjørvika and Sørenga
Bjørvika is one of Oslo’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, where modern architecture meets the waterfront. Stroll along the wooden boardwalks, browse the cafés and restaurants, admire the iconic Barcode district and cross the striking Akrobaten pedestrian bridge. And don’t miss the distinctive apartment buildings known as “Little Venice”.
Continue on to nearby Sørenga, a popular waterfront area with plenty of places to relax by the water. During the summer, Sørenga Sjøbad is one of the city’s favourite spots for swimming and soaking up the sun, making this one of the most enjoyable things to do in Oslo
Discover Oslo’s Architecture
Oslo is a great city to explore on foot, especially if you’re interested in architecture. Wander through Grünerløkka for colourful wooden buildings, explore Frogner for historic architecture and grand townhouses, or head to Bjørvika and Barcode for striking modern designs. The mix of old and new is part of what gives Oslo’s different neighbourhoods their own unique character.
🏛️ List of noteworthy buildings: www.tripadvisor.com
🎟️ Private architecture tour (not free): www.tripadvisor.com
Head Into Oslo’s Peaceful Nature
One of the best free things to do in Oslo is getting out into nature. Whether you’re after a peaceful walk through the woods, a scenic hike or a mix of nature and art, Oslo has plenty of beautiful places to explore. One of the things that makes the city so special is how easy it is to escape the busy streets and be surrounded by nature in just a short time.
Nature experiences in Oslo:
🥾 Take a hike along Maridalsvannet, the city’s largest lake
🖼️ Visit Ekebergparken, where art and nature come together in a unique setting
📸 Hike up to Vettakollen or Grefsenkollen for incredible views
🌊 Take a stroll along Akerselva river for a charming experience
Take a Stroll Along The Oslo Harbour Promenade
The Oslo Harbour Promenade is a great way to see several of the city’s top attractions in one walk. Stretching from Bjørvika to Frognerkilen, the route follows the waterfront and takes you past places like the Oslo Opera House, Aker Brygge and more. You can walk the whole promenade or simply join it wherever suits you, making it one of the easiest and most scenic free things to do in Oslo.
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I love visiting cities like Oslo and finding so many things to do for free or even for low prices. I love seeing the architecture and the colour of street art. Oslo is definitely a great city for strolling.
Author
I agree, Oslo is definitely great for strolling. Thank you so much for popping by!
As someone who has been to Oslo, I can attest to the importance of free activities, as Norway can be hard on the wallet, haha. These are great suggestions, and I love the architecture you found and photographed so well, along with the beautiful nature.
Author
Thank you so much, Susanna!