CityBuddy
Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen waterfront
Best time to visit
Late afternoon and early evening in summer for golden light, outdoor seating, and lively atmosphere; shoulder seasons and weekday mornings offer quieter walks and easier seating.
Budget tips
Promenade, sculpture park and public art are free; Astrup Fearnley Museum charges admission so check its website for current prices and free or reduced days. Save on meals by opting for lunchtime set menus, food stalls, or buying picnic supplies from nearby supermarkets.
Recommended for
Food lovers, Art and design fans, Couples, Photography enthusiasts
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: A hint of sea-salt in the air mixes with the aroma of frying fish as sleek glass facades reflect boats and public sculptures, creating a lively promenade for evening strolls. Inside former shipyard buildings you'll find trendy galleries, design shops and acclaimed restaurants, so you can hop from street art to fine dining without leaving the waterfront.
Highlights: Renzo Piano's glass-walled museum, completed in 2012, tilts like a sail over the quay and houses big-name works by Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst that mirror the water on sunny afternoons. Come June, office workers in suits and teenagers crowd the wooden piers to take bracing swims after 5 PM, with the sun still high after 11 PM and the air filled with the scent of fresh reker, lemon, and diesel from the moored wooden boats.
Insider tips
- Dress in layers and bring a windproof jacket, waterfront can be chilly even on sunny days.
- Best photos from the Tjuvholmen bridge and the low quay near the sculpture park at sunset for reflections and warm light.
- Skip dining at the busiest weekend restaurants unless you have a reservation; choose weekday lunch or outdoor food stalls for quicker service.
- Take the short ferry from Aker Brygge to nearby islands for a scenic extension, tickets are sold at kiosks and apps.
Book a FREE walking tour in Oslo, Norway
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
Reviews
No reviews yet
