Oslo, Norway
A City Break
Oslo had been on our list for a while, but one thing became clear very quickly, it’s not a cheap destination. In fact, food and beer prices felt comparable to London, sometimes even higher. The train from the airport to the city centre set the tone early on, costing £41.00 for two on the fast train, although you can take the standard option for £21.00.
Getting around the city itself is straightforward. A-60 minute tram ticket within Zone 1 cost £7.93 for two, and while you do need to download an app to buy tickets, it’s very easy to use.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Anker Hotel, about a 25-minute walk from the harbour. The location was convenient thanks to the tram line right outside, making it easy to get into the centre.
The hotel itself was nice and felt worth the money, especially considering how expensive Oslo can be. One of the highlights was the substantial help yourself breakfast, plenty of choice and a great way to start the day without spending extra elsewhere.
That said, the walk to the harbour area had its downsides. Walking back in the afternoon, we passed a stretch where several people were openly sitting on the ground injecting drugs. They weren’t trying to hide it at all, and it’s something to be aware of.
Day 1: First Impressions
My first impression of Oslo was mixed initially due to a section we passed through where there were some drug users, though that’s something you encounter in many cities. Beyond that, the rest of the city felt clean, pleasant, and really quite lovely.
That evening, we dined at Dr. Kneipp’s Wine Bar near the hotel. We had steak and lamb, accompanied by two glasses of wine, it was a lovely meal. The total came to £113, not excessive, but definitely another reminder of Oslo’s high cost of living.
After dinner, we walked through the city streets to the Royal Palace, which was a highlight. The city definitely has energy and charm, especially in the evening.
We took the tram back (Zone 1 again). Before bed, we grabbed two 500ml bottles of water from the hotel, £10.30!
Despite the costs, Oslo felt vibrant and exciting.
Day 2: Oslo Fjords – The Highlight of the Trip
Day two completely changed our perspective on Oslo. We booked a boat trip through the OsloFjords on an eco-friendly electric boat, and it turned out to be the standout experience of the whole trip.
From the moment we stepped on board, the atmosphere was calm and relaxed. The boat itself was modern and quiet, because it’s electric, you glide through the water almost silently, which makes a huge difference. It felt far more peaceful and immersive than a traditional noisy boat engine.
The crew were excellent, friendly, approachable, and clearly passionate about what they do. They pointed out landmarks along the way and were happy to answer questions, which added a personal touch to the experience.
As we moved further out, the views just kept getting better. You pass small islands dotted with colourful cabins, lush greenery, and the occasional secluded homes perched right on the water’s edge. It’s the kind of scenery that feels almost too perfect to be real. Even though Oslo itself hadn’t completely won me over at this point, being out on the fjord was something else entirely.
There’s something incredibly calming about being surrounded by that much natural beauty. The water was smooth, the air felt fresh, and everything just slowed down.
We also appreciated how clean and environmentally conscious the whole experience felt. Knowing the boat was electric added to that sense of preserving the landscape rather than disturbing it.
If you’re visiting Oslo, this is an absolute must-do. It gives you a completely different perspective of the city and its surroundings and honestly, it was the moment where Oslo really started to win us over.
Day 3: A Quiet Sunday
Sunday in Oslo is very quiet. We took the tram down to the harbour for lunch and a wander around the city centre, but aside from restaurants and small convenience stores, almost everything was closed.
At first, it feels a little surprising, especially if you’re used to busy, always open cities. But this slower pace is actually part of Norwegian culture. Sunday is traditionally seen as a day of rest established to encourage people to step away from work, spend time with family, and simply be together.
Once you understand that, the stillness of the city feels more intentional than inconvenient.
If shopping is a big part of your trips, it’s worth planning around this Sunday is definitely not the day for it in Norway.
Day 4: Final Stop
Before heading home, we visited the Oslo Opera House. It’s a striking, modern building that really stands out along the waterfront, with its sloping white roof designed so you can walk all the way to the top.
One of the highlights is being able to wander across the roof and take in panoramic views of the Oslo Fjord and the surrounding city. From the top, you get a completely different perspective looking out over the water, watching boats pass by, and seeing the mix of modern and historic buildings along the shoreline. On a clear day, it’s especially impressive, but even with mixed weather it still has a calm, open feel.
It’s more than just a building, it’s a place to slow down, take in the scenery, and reflect on the trip. People were sitting, walking, and simply enjoying the space, which added to the relaxed atmosphere.
It was a great final stop and a fitting way to end the trip, tying together the city and the fjord views in one place.
Final Thoughts
Oslo is a city of contrasts. It’s expensive, there’s no getting around that and parts of it didn’t match the clean, polished image I had in mind. But it’s also lively, scenic, and full of character.
The fjords alone make the trip worthwhile, and the city has a unique atmosphere that grows on you the longer you stay.