Let’s talk bargains! Exploring Oslo in 2 days AND for only $50

If you do all of the things on this list you will spend about $50 USD a person and it will take about 2 days. You can cut it down and still see a significant amount of the city in 1 day.

Frogner Park, Oslo
  1. Get a daily pass for the public transit system. This will not only help you navigate the city but it gets you on board the ferries – I’ll explain why this is so cool later – $12
  2. Climb on the roof of the Oslo Opera House – FREE 
  3. Hop on a ferry and go to Hovedoya to see the monastery ruins. It’s also fun just to hike this island. You will see some amazing views of the fjord – FREE (included with your daily public transit pass)
  4. Akershus Fortress– FREE These medieval ruins are fun to explore on your own or with a guide. It’s amazing so much is still standing since this castle was built in the year 1300. 
  5. Frogner Park – FREE The sculptures are so unique and the park itself is beautiful to just walk around. 
  6. Viking Ship Museum – $12 I learned so much about the culture of the Vikings. I found it surprising how many customs were similar to that of ancient Egyptians. Accessible by ferry or bus (included in the public transit ticket) 
  7. Aker Brygge is a must. This area is right in central Oslo. There are several nice restaurants right on the water. It’s also just a nice area to walk around and grab an ice cream (no matter the weather Norwegians like their ice cream). When the weather is nice (and honestly even when it’s not) you can sit outside and take in the beautiful view along the boardwalk. Most of the restaurants have heat lamps outside so you can still be comfortable even when the weather isn’t ideal. 
  8. Noble Peace Center $14 – This is something you want to be able to set 1-2 hours aside for 
  9. The changing of the guards at the Royal Palace happens at 1:30pm daily 
Viking Ship Museum, Oslo
Views from the ferry in the fjord

Monastery ruins at Hovedoya
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Feeling like royalty in Norway

Simplicity is the best way to describe the feeling when you walk toward the Royal Palace in central Oslo. And it is so refreshing.

The walk to the Royal Palace, Oslo

There aren’t many royal palaces where you can get so close it feels like you could knock on the front door, and be invited in for tea. Of course, the guards are still stationed in front of the door to prevent that from happening. 

Royal Palace, Oslo

The feeling as you walk down the gravel covered road is almost like you’re walking up to a friend’s house, albeit a friend with a very nice house. It was such an up close and personal feeling. 

It’s refreshing that Norway can still do this. Though in a world of increasing threats and heightened security it makes me wonder…for how long. 


The changing of the guards, Royal Palace, Oslo
The changing of the guards, Royal Palace, Oslo

Tradition still holds strong. You can see the changing of the guards daily at 1:30 pm.

The changing of the guards, Royal Palace, Oslo
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