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.
Where to Stay in Oslo
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in OsloPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Oslo, Norway, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
More attractions in Oslo
Oslo Opera House (Operahuset)
Vigeland Sculpture Park (Vigelandsparken) - Frogner Park
Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning)
MUNCH Museum (MUNCH) - Bjørvika
Most popular itineraries!
Browse trip plans created by other travelers
3-Day Oslo for the Authentic Explorer
Discover Oslo beyond the tourist trails with free walking tours, local neighborhoods, cultural gems, scenic hikes, and vibrant street food in this budget-friendly summer adventure.
3-Day Oslo Summer Highlights Adventure
Discover Oslo's rich culture, stunning waterfront, and lush parks with a perfect mix of iconic attractions and local experiences this summer.
3-Day Oslo for the Offbeat Explorer
Discover Oslo beyond the usual with secret spots, scenic hikes, rich culture, and local flavors in summer.