Visit Oslo in 2 Days: Where to Stay, Play and Eat According to a Local Tastemaker
Norway is an incredible country to visit - widely accepted as one of he most beautiful countries in the world - and Oslo, it’s capital, should absolutely be on your list of cities to explore during your stay. It’s also where Norway’s international airport is so it’s the perfect place to spend two days at the beginning or the end of your trip.
Oslo is a culturally diverse city that and offers a walkable city center with fantastic international cuisine, fabulous rooftop bars and amazing museums, as well as plenty of outdoor parks, a fjord for water activities and rich forests. This itinerary will take help you spend two days in Oslo like a local while still keeping this trip feeling like a luxurious vacation.
It’s worthwhile to note that our belief here at The Citrine Compass is that travel is best with the help of a local expert that can make curated recommendations to your specific travel needs, whether that be traveling solo, celebrating a big life event, doing a girl’s trip or adventuring with a young family. Our recommendations will also change depending on your budget, passions, the time of year you visit, the weather and what seasonal events may be happening.
This itinerary includes outdoor activities best for acclimate weather and while it can be adapted to a lot of different travel styles, your truly incredible Oslo experience will be had planning a curated trip with our team!
MEET TIRIL
Tiril, the curator of this insider itinerary, is one of our Local Tastemakers in Norway. She was born and raised in Norway and is an expert in Northern Norway, Oslo and Norwegian adventures.
STAY
Oslo has plenty of accommodations to choose from, but we’re recommending three chic hotels centrally located near the city center: Sommerro, The Thief and Grand Hotel Oslo.
Sommerro | This Art Deco-inspired hotel is for those that like luxe, up-and-coming hotels. Newly opened in September 2022, guests can indulge in one of the hotel’s six bars + restaurants or enjoy a service at their highly rated spa which includes a Roman bath turned cold plunge, infrared sauna and public bath restored from the 1930s.
The Thief | A classic luxury boutique hotel on Oslo’s Tjuvholmen islet, The Thief is known for its design aesthetic and waterfront views. The Thief also has an incredible spa and is conveniently located at the end of Aker Brygge. Note that the hotel is adults only so not the best option for young families
Grand Hotel Oslo | A sophisticated option originally opened in the 1870s, the Grand Hotel Olso is a historic luxury hotel located near Sentrum (Oslo's city center). It is family friendly and has hosted some iconic figures over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela.
INSIDER ACCESS
Sommerro, The Thief and Grand Hotel Oslo are all part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio. That means we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary breakfast for two each morning, hotel credit, early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades, subject to availability.
Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
DAY ONE
ARRIVAL: Welcome to Norway! Upon arrival at the airport, take Flytoget (Oslo’s high speed express train) or the VW train (a cheaper option) to Oslo’s sentrum, the city center. All of our recommended hotels can be easily reached via public transport, taxi or ride share like Uber or the local alternatives, Yango or Bolt.
10AM: Once you’ve checked in to the hotel, wander through the Frogner neighborhood’s historic buildings, leading up to the Royal Castle. Make sure to stop by David Andersen, a Norwegian jewelry brand since 1876, who is known for their “forever bracelet” that is carefully welded together on your wrist as a sign of something everlasting.
12:30PM: For lunch you’ll be having a picnic experience curated by Mer av Oslo, a women-led community group based in Oslo, that has partnered with different local brands to craft an array of experiences for visitors and locals alike. In collaboration with Oslo Picnic Box, they will coordinate a gorgeous picnic in Vigelandsparken where delicious flavors meet picturesque scenery. Book in advance here as only one picnic is offered daily.
3PM: After enjoying a delicious lunch al fresco, it’s time to start exploring the cultural side of the city. There are many great museums to visit, but my absolute favorites are The Mini Bottle Gallery, The National Museum and Astrup Fearnley Museum.
7PM: For your first meal in Oslo, secure a table at the iconic Grefsenkollen Restaurant, which is situated in a historical building with a stunning view of the city. Indulge in Norwegian cuisine through their carefully curated menu, which highlights local ingredients and offers a modern twist on traditional recipes. I recommend trying out the Spicy Moose Pizza or the steamed mussels.
DAY TWO
8:30AM: Culturally, dining out for breakfast is not very common in Norway. All of our recommended hotels offer delicious breakfast included in the price of your stay so we recommend taking advantage!
9:30AM: Start the day by taking a short ride on the tram to Grünerløkka neighborhood, a warm and lively area full of colorful buildings just a quick ride from the city center. Immerse yourself in authentic Norwegian living as you wander through streets of cozy cafés, design boutiques, flea markets and parks. Make sure to stop by the market in Ingensgate to pick up some unique handmade souvenirs. LOCAL TIP // Grünerløkka is the only part of Oslo where shops remain open on Sundays.
12PM: Stay in the neighborhood for lunch and head to Delicatessen Grünerløkka, an intimate, cozy restaurant that serves delicious tapas-style dishes that are perfect for sharing. It’s the oldest of its kind in the city and a great to place to enjoy a variety of dishes.
3PM: It’s time to try out the famous Nordic saunas. Down by the harbor with a stunning view over the Opera House lies SALT Sauna, where you can opt for a session in their communal sauna or your very own private sauna. They host events often (like having local DJs spinning inside of the sauna) so be sure you check out their calendar of events and reserve well in advance. If you’re looking for an alternative, check out KOK floating sauna which offers private saunas, communal saunas and sauna cruises that take you out in the archipelago with a skipper. Whatever you choose, be sure to cold plunge in the Oslo fjord!
7:30PM: Freshen up at the hotel and get ready for an amazing meal out and tonight, I want to give you some options! If you’re a meat lover, check out Brasilia, a unique dining experience where 12 different types of meat are brought to your table straight from the grill and guests can choose their own sides a la carte. A more lowkey local option is Den Glade Gris, which has a delicious traditional Norwegian menu of local meats and recipes. Finally, if you’re looking for more vegetarian options, Dinner is worth checking out. It's an incredibly tasty Asian fusion restaurant centrally located in Sentrum.
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