I have to be honest – Oslo isn’t my favorite European City.

View of architecture in Oslo; December 2022

While the actual country of Norway is stunning, I found the city to be just like most European cities – but it was a little rough around the edges. Public transportation is excellent, and things are indeed expensive – but Oslo’s most charming places were no doubt anything on the water.

View of Oslo from Opera House; December 2022

Is Oslo Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

I read a lot of stuff online about Oslo being unsafe, but if you’re a solo female traveler used to venturing around other European cities – you’ll be just fine. The same basic rules such as common sense and avoiding pickpockets apply in Oslo as they do elsewhere.

Is Oslo Worth Visiting?

Honestly, the prettier parts of Norway are undoubelty outside of Oslo – with the city being more as a service-stop before venturing to other places in the country further up north such as Lofoten. However, I do think it’s worth visiting at least once – as it’s one of the more grungier European cities.

I felt similar to Oslo as I did about Lisbon – I wouldn’t need to go back, but it does have its moments. Here are the top things I think you should do if you go to Oslo.

5 Things to Do in Oslo

Aker Brygge

This was hands down the cutest part of the city I came across.

gold lights on street — Walking Aker Brygge in Oslo; December 2022

gold lit up trees on waterfront in winter with melting snow — Aker Brygge in Oslo; December 2022

Flooded with chairs for enjoying the scenery by the water, shopping, and outdoor restaurants – I could see this area being packed in the summertime. If you’re a sucker for charm and waterfront eating, this is a place in Oslo you don’t want to miss.

Oh, and some of the magical moments peeked through – this shot was like Prague 2.0, for me.

view of Aker Brygge waterfront in Oslo, Norway — Gorgeous shot on Aker Brygge waterfront in Oslo, Norway; December 2022

You can see a castle/fortress in the distance; which is much more worth than walking up to it directly.

Walk up the opera house

Opera House in Oslo, Norway; December 2022

For some reason, this Opera House is extremely popular – like the one in Sydney (though, I have to say – no Opera House can top that one).

What I didn’t realize, is you can walk up the top for a nice view of the city.

Seek Out cozy cafes In Oslo

christmas candles and decorations on window facing bar table — Vegan Nord decorated for Christmas; December 2022

Living in Paris, it’s hard for me to think of any cafés being better anywhere else. However, I will say – Oslo does have some cozy-worthy spots, which are especially nice after wandering the slushy city streets.

Vegan Places in Oslo

Some of my favorite cafés I visited while in Oslo include:

Vegan Nord
Cultivate Food

https://www.destinationdreamerdiaries.com/blog/is-pickpocketing-in-europe-really-that-bad — View of forests in distance on streets of Oslo, Norway; December 2022

Winter markets during Christmas time in Oslo; December 2022

Typical European-ctiy-like street in Oslo, Norway; December 2022

This brings me right to my next point…

Grünerløkka

All of the other advice you’ve read on the internet is true – Grünerløkka is the perfect hipster place lined up with lots of nifty vegan spots and cute cafés.

street with cafes in oslo with melting snow — Olaf Ryes in Grünerløkka in Oslo, Norway; December 2022

I went to Cultivate food right near the tram stop and can highly recommend!

view of snowy street from window — View from Cultivate Food in Grünerløkka; December 2022

This wasn’t a bad spot to relax at after my failed attempt to go up Grefsenkollen earlier that morning…

snowy forest trees in oslo — Failed to Grefsenkollen, but damn Norway…

Is It Worth Going to Grefsenkollen?

It’s only worth going to Grefsenkollen if it’s a clear day, as going in the winter can prove challnging as Oslo is subject to fog and literal slippery slopes – which can make it hard to get all the way up to Grefsenkollen. I quickly realized in the thick of December that I wasn’t going to see a thing if I made it all the way up to the top, and eventually turned around and made my way back to the city center.

The Royal Palace

Royal Palace in Oslo, Norway; December 2022

Reminiscent of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, this is something worth walking by – especially during Christmas where the winter market is below the hill.

Want to see more of what I did and thought of Oslo?

Watch my Oslo travel vlog below!

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Last updated: June 29 2025

5 Things to do in Oslo