Oslo on a Budget

CHEAP ACTIVITIES:

The Oslo Pass gives you free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, free travel on all public transport, free parking in municipal car parks, free entry to outdoor swimming pools, free walking tours, as well as discounts on sightseeing, ski simulator, Tusenfryd Amusement Park, concert tickets, climbing, ski and bike rental, and special offers in restaurants, shops, entertainment and leisure venues. More information: www.visitoslo.com/ en/ activities-and-attractions/oslo-pass

FREE ACTIVITIES:

The Vigeland Sculpture Park inside the beautiful Frogner Park near Majorstua boasts 212 impressive bronze and granite sculptures designed by Gustav Vigeland.

You can walk on the roof of the Norwegian Opera and Ballet, situated by – and literally sloping into – the sea near the central station, enjoying amazing views of the city, fjord and surrounding hills and islands.

Take a long walk and enjoy waterfalls, parks, bridges, swimming spots, historical buildings, bars, cafes, museums and cultural centres along Oslo’s urban river Akerselva, which snakes its way down from the lake Mariadalsvannet by the forest edge to Grønland in the city centre.

The Holmenkollen Ski Jump at Holmenkollen in the hills above Oslo is one of the capital’s most famous landmarks, hosts many winter sporting activities, and the area has great views. There is a ski museum (closed until the end of 2023) inside the ski jump and an observation deck on top (free with Oslo Pass).

The Holmenkollen area (especially from Frognerseteren and Tryvann) is also a great starting point for trips into Nordmarka, the most popular part of the forest around Oslo - with endless possibilities for walks, trekking, biking, skiing and swimming, and with cozy cafes hidden among the trees.

It’s perfectly possible to visit or live in Oslo on a relatively low budget with a bit of planning! Here are some tips on how to spend wisely and still have a good time.

Another good starting point for trips into Nordmarka is the forest lake Sognsvann. Both Sognsvann and Holmenkollen are accessible by metro (free with Oslo Pass).

FOOD & DRINK SUPERMARKETS:

Rema 1000, Kiwi, Rimi and Bunnpris are among the cheapest supermarkets, and can be found around town. Meny is a more expensive supermarket with a larger selection of more fancy food. Various other supermarkets are also available.

EATING OUT:

While restaurants can be quite expensive, a good tip is to check out cheaper eateries for instance at Grønland, Grünerløkka and Sofienberg on the east side of town - although there are cheap places on the west side too.

Examples are Café Sara in Hausmanns gate 29, Fiskeriet Youngstorget at Youngstorget 2, Viet Nam House in Bernt Ankers gate 6B, L’oasis Mazze in Trondheimsveien 14A, as well as Tasty Thai in Thereses gate 51, Punjab Tandoori in Grønland 24 and Gazakjøkken in Møllergata 10.

BEER:

Norway’s high alcohol prices are no big secret, but there are savings to be had on beer if you know where to go. As with food, many of the cheap places are on Oslo’s east side. Among the very cheapest places are Rett Inn Bar in Storgata 39, Samfunnet Bislet in Pilestredet 52, Los Tacos (7 outlets in Oslo) and Luna Park