If you only have two days in Oslo, don’t worry—you can still see the highlights, taste the best local food, and even sneak in a world-class cocktail. During our 48 hours in Oslo, we mixed biking, walking, and ferries to cover a lot of ground while still having time to slow down and enjoy the city’s vibe.

Things to Do in Oslo in 2 Days

Bike Tour of Oslo’s Highlights

We started with a bike tour of Oslo, which provided a way to see the city quickly. Oslo is clean, compact, and incredibly bike-friendly.

Our ride took us past:

• The Royal Palace and gardens – the official residence of the Norwegian monarch.
• Akershus Fortress – a medieval castle overlooking the Oslofjord.
• Oslo City Hall – where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place each year.
• Vigeland Sculpture Park – the highlight of the tour! This park is home to more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, and is one of the most unique art experiences in the city. It’s really worth biking or walking through it and checking out the sculptures, and of course, highly recommend this one for a sunny day if possible!

Oslo Opera House & Waterfront

After the bike tour, we strolled over to SALT, a cultural hub of food stalls, bars, and saunas. We stopped for food and drinks and enjoyed watching the parties on their private floating saunas, quickly jumping into the cold water and coming back out.

We then made our way across the harbor to the Oslo Opera House, one of the city’s most iconic modern landmarks. Its sloping roof allows visitors to walk up for panoramic harbor views.

We also got out on the water — we took the museum boat across the harbor to the Fram Museum, where you can step aboard the actual ship used in legendary Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. It’s one of the most impressive museums in Oslo. Although there are plenty of other museums, most notably the Munch museum which houses the iconic “The Scream”.

Where to Eat in Oslo

One of the best surprises during our trip was Oslo’s food scene. With only two days, we focused on local specialties and a few trendy spots:

• Harald’s Waffle House – for Oslo’s most famous waffles, served with brunost (Norwegian brown cheese, jam and sour cream) or you can get something less traditional like Nutella.
• Local bakeries – don’t miss Norwegian cinnamon buns, best enjoyed with coffee.
• Fenaknoken – an old-school delicatessen known for its incredible smoked salmon, some of the best I’ve had!
• Tak Izakaya – a rooftop Japanese spot serving sushi and small plates, a nice change of pace after classic Norwegian flavors.

Oslo Nightlife: Cocktails at Himkok

No visit to Oslo is complete without experiencing its cocktail culture. We ended our trip at Himkok, ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars. Behind its unassuming entrance is a multi-room space where bartenders craft inventive cocktails with local ingredients and house-distilled spirits. A cool little speakeasy to check out.

Final Thoughts: Is 2 Days in Oslo Enough?

Two days in Oslo gave us time to see the highlights, sample the food, and enjoy the nightlife. The city balances history and modernity perfectly—where medieval fortresses and royal palaces stand alongside sleek design, innovative food, and cutting-edge cocktails.