Prices in Oslo: Is Oslo Expensive to Travel to?

Oslo, the capital of Norway and also its most visited city is renowned for its viking history, vibrant waterfront museums and surroudnign natural beauty. So just how expensive is a place like Oslo to visit and what are prices in Oslo city like?

Oslo does have a reputation for being one of the most expensive places to visit and live but that should not stop one from visiting this charming nordic city! Below is a guide to prices in Oslo to help guide your Oslo and Norway travel budget.

So what are prices in Oslo like? Lets looks at four of the largest expenses.

Housing: Rent and property prices in Oslo are quite high compared to many other cities of its size.
Food and Dining: Eating out at restaurants and buying groceries can be expensive although I would argue of higher quality than most places in the world. .
Transportation: Public transportation is excellent and reliable, although it can be costly
Entertainment and Leisure: Activities like cinema, concerts, and fitness memberships tend to cost more on average than other cosmopolitan cities.

Is Oslo expensive to visit?

I would say Oslo is certainly an expensive place to travel, but by no means should this put you off seeing this beautiful city with so much to offer.

While the city has so much to offer by offer by way of unique sights, museums and great caf and dining scene, budgeting carefully is essential to make the most of Oslo without breaking the bank.

Below is a rough guide on how much you can expect to spend as a tourist, to help budget for a visit to Oslo Norway.

Hotel Prices in Oslo

Oslo has a good range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious five-star hotel rooms and apartments. Unlike a lot of other place in Europe that have recent restrictions from imposed on accommodation options like AirBnb, Norway has remain largely unaffected. I personally would highly recommend Airbnbs over hotels in Norway. This way you have the option to cook for yourself, making food costs a little less expensive.

On my most recent travels to Oslo, by far the biggest expense was accommodation.

For those seeking a high-end experience, luxury hotels provide top-notch services and facilities like nordic saunas and Oslo harbour views, but all these do come at a premium cost.

Breakdown of Accommodation Costs

Budget Hotel/Hostel: 500 – 1,000 NOK ($50 – $100) per night
Mid-Range Hotel: 1,500 – 2,500 NOK ($150 – $250) per night
Luxury Hotel: 3,000 NOK and up ($300 and up) per night

Is Dining out in Oslo Expensive? Prices in Oslo for Eating Out

Dining in Oslo can be quite expensive. As a self proclaimed foodie, especially when I travel, this is one area where the costs can quickly add up and take up a lot of the travel budget!

Although Oslo can get expensive to eat out, there are plenty street food or casual eateries with some of the best food to try!

If you’re like me and love eating out, one thing I would say is that the quality fo food is generally very high in Norway, as s country that prides itself on quality and freshness of ingredients. I found it was a good balance splurging on meals at times, mixed with cooking a meal or two at my Airbnb.

Alcoholic beverages, particularly beer and wine, are also expensive due to high taxes, you feel find this most places you go in Oslo.

Breakdown of Food and Drink Prices in Oslo

Budget Meal (e.g., fast food): 100 – 150 NOK ($10 – $15)
Mid-Range Restaurant (three-course meal for two): 900 – 1,500 NOK ($90 – $150)
High-End Restaurant: 2,000 NOK and up ($200 and up) for two
Coffee: 40 – 60 NOK ($4 – $6)
Beer (0.5 liter draft): 100 – 120 NOK ($10 – $12)
Bottle of Water: 20 – 30 NOK ($2 – $3)

Prices in Oslo for Public Transport

Oslo’s public transportation system is efficient and convenient, covering buses, trams, trains, and ferries. Getting to and from the Airport is also very convenient with well set up transport infrastructure in the city.

While it is not the cheapest, buying travel passes can offer better value for money, especially for tourists planning to explore the city extensively. If you are planning to take public transport while visiting but also cover quite a few of the main attractions, its worth getting the Oslo pass – detailed further below.

Taxis are available but can be quite expensive, I found that are best for short distances or when public transport is not an option after 12am.

Breakdown of Transportation Costs

Single Public Transport Ticket: 40 – 50 NOK ($4 – $5)
24-Hour Public Transport Pass: 120 – 140 NOK ($12 – $14)
7-Day Public Transport Pass: 400 – 450 NOK ($40 – $45)
Taxi Start (normal tariff): 100 – 120 NOK ($10 – $12)
Taxi per Kilometer: 25 – 30 NOK ($2.50 – $3)

Prices in Oslo for Tourist Attractions

One of the things which I was pleasantly surprised by in Oslo, with its reputation as an expensive city was just how much you can explore and see in this city for free. Not every place and activity costs, some of my favourite places to visit in Oslo were absolutely free to visit. Nonetheless below are the best places to check out in Oslo and their costs

Vigeland Sculpture Park

Vigeland Sculpture Park is an open air sculpture park that shows the work of Gustav Vigeland, one of Norway’s most famous sculptors. More than 200 bronze, granite and wrought iron sculptures are spread out in the park. This is a great place to spend an afternoon or morning at your own pace.

It can become busier in the summer months especially late mornings and afternoons, so if you’re looking to snap shots without other tourists, I would be recommend coming first thing in the morning .Open all year, I highly recommend this place as a peaceful oasis in the middle of Oslo.

Cost: Free

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle that guarded Oslo for more than 700 years. This fortress is situated on a promontory with stunning views of the Oslofjord (worth the view alone!) The fortress served as a royal residence, a military base, and later also a prison. Today, it is a popular attraction where you can explore the old halls, dungeons, and ramparts. There are also walking trails with panoramic views of the city and the harbor – also highly worth going for the view.

Cost: Free for the fortress grounds; $10 – $15 for museum entry

Oslo Opera House

The Oslo Opera House, a modern architectural marvel, and also one of the city’s most iconic stops on the city culture scene.

In true nordic fashion, it was designed to resemble a glacier floating in the Oslofjord. Honestly, i don’t know much about design and architecture, but I was in awe of this place. It is truely worth walking around and checking out the outside. Whats great is that the building allows visitors to walk on its roof. Here you will find stunning views of the surrounding fjord and cityscape!

The opera house hosts world-class opera and ballet performances. You can book guided tours that provide a unique behind-the-scenes look at the building’s design and architecture.

Cost: $15 – $20 (130 NOK) for a guided tour

Norwegian Folk Museum

The Norwegian Folk Museum is an open-air museum focusing on the cultural history of Norway.It has an extensive collection of historical buildings and artifacts. A great stop if you are curious and want insight into traditional Norwegian life looked in. The highlight is the Gol Stave Church, a medieval wooden church from the 1200s.

You can also explore farmhouses, townhouses, and a Sami camp, each providing a glimpse into the past. Some of these buildings have been relocated from various parts of Norway to Oslo for this Museum here and reconstructed to maintain their original condition.

Cost: $20 (180 NOK) for adults, $6 for children

Munch Museum

The Munch Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Edvard Munch, Norway’s most celebrated artist.

The iconic “The Scream.” painting is the main drawcard for people to visit, although I found the wider exhibitions and works equally fascinating too. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, performance making it a dynamic cultural venue in Oslo. The museum building, located in the Bjørvika district, with stunning views of the Oslofjord and the cityscape of Oslo.

Cost: $20 (180 NOK) for adults, free for children under 18

Oslofjord Sightseeing Cruise

An cruise on the Oslofjord is an excellent way to explore the natural beauty surrounding Oslo. These cruise take you through the scenic Oslofjord. Most of the tours pass by smaller surrounding islands of Oslo, with charming colorful houses, picturesque harbors, and historic landmarks. If you’re visiting in July – August, I recommend checking out and booking a tour in advance as these are quite popular.

Cost: $30 – $50 depending on the length of the tour

Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours in Oslo are a fantastic way to get acquainted with the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems. Local guides, often passionate about their city, lead these tours and provide engaging stories and insights that you might not find in guidebooks. These tours typically cover major landmarks like the Royal Palace, the Parliament, and Karl Johans Gate, as well as lesser-known spots that offer a more intimate look at Oslo. While the tours are free, guides work for tips, so it’s customary to tip based on your satisfaction with the tour.

Some of the ones I recommend doing, also based on my experience doing these in other European cities are

Sandeman’s Free Oslo walking tour – https://www.neweuropetours.eu/walking-tour-oslo/
Free Tour Olo – https://freetouroslo.com/

Cost: Free (tips appreciated)

Oslo Cathedral

The Oslo Cathedral is a prominent and historic church that dates back to 1697. It is located in the heart of Oslo city centre close to the harbour. Its known for its stunning Baroque architecture, rich interior decorations, including beautiful stained glass window.

Cost: Free

Oslo City Hall

Oslo City Hall is renowned not only for its architectural beauty but also for being the venue of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.

There are also Guided tours of the city hall which you can book offer an in-depth look at its history, art, and the significance.

Cost: Free

Bygdøy Peninsula

The Bygdøy Peninsula is a cultural hotspot in Oslo and also where you will find some of Oslo’s top museums, including the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum, and the Norwegian Maritime Museum.

If you are short on time, of these, I would highly recommend visiitngthe Viking museum and this is most unique and specific to Oslo and norway.

The peninsula itself is also a beautiful area to explore, with beaches, hiking trail

Cost: Free to visit the peninsula; museum entry fees vary (e.g. Viking Ship Museum $1.5 (125- 160 NOK) varies based on season. Fram Museum $15 (140 NOK) fo adult ticket

Mathallen Food Hall

If you consider yourself a foodie like me, then Mathallen Food Hall should be on your list of places to visit in Oslo! Mathallen is filled with street food stalls and eateries that sell everything from fresh seafood and traditional Norwegian dishes to other international dishes, some excellent gourmet pastries and more! It’s a great place to sample local delicacies without splurging as much as you would in sit down restaurants. This place is great to just also sit and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Cost: Free to enter; food prices vary

Tips to save money in Oslo as a Tourist – Norway on a Budget

It is entirely possible to explore Norway on the cheap. Norweigan prices can appear expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money and be budget savvy when traveling in Oslo.

Use the Oslo Pass

The Oslo Pass is a tourist card that offers significant savings and convenience without the need to purchase multiple tickets when exploring the city. Here are the key benefits and details on how to maximize its value:

Free Entry to Attractions: The Oslo Pass provides free entry to over 30 museums and attractions, including popular sites such as the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Munch Museum, and the Fram Museum.
Free Public Transportation: The pass includes unlimited travel on all public transport within zones 1 and 2 (bus, tram, metro, ferry, and local trains). This can save you a lot of money, especially if you plan to travel around the city frequently.
Discounts on Tours and Activities: Enjoy discounts on various tours, activities, and entertainment options, including fjord cruises, guided city tours, and more.
Restaurant Discounts: Some restaurants and cafes offer discounts to Oslo Pass holders, which can help reduce your dining expenses.
Duration Options: The Oslo Pass is available in different durations (24, 48, and 72 hours), allowing you to choose the one that best fits your itinerary. Prices typically range from 445 NOK ($45) for a 24-hour pass to 820 NOK ($82) for a 72-hour pass.

Visit Oslo’s Museums on Free Days

Many museums in Oslo offer free entry on certain days or at specific times. Taking advantage of these free periods can help you save money while still enjoying the rich cultural and historical experiences the city has to offer. Here’s how to do it:

Research Free Entry Days: Before your trip, check the official websites of the museums you wish to visit. Look for information on free entry days or times. Some museums have a particular day of the week or month when entry is free.
Popular Museums with Free Entry Times:
- The National Gallery: Often offers free admission on certain days. It’s home to Edvard Munch’s famous painting “The Scream” and other significant artworks.
- The Munch Museum: Sometimes has free entry hours, especially on special occasions or holidays.
- The Oslo City Museum: Frequently offers free entry, providing insights into the history and development of Oslo.

Get an Airbnb with a Kitchen in Oslo

This tip personally saved me quite a bit of money as it allowed us to grocery shop and not eat all of our meals out. I also found the quality of Airbnb in Norway higher so than other places in Europe, meaning facilities and comfort are definitely a lot higher.

However, as a foodie, I certainly will never recommend preparing all your meals as you definitely want to be experience nordic cuisine and dining out at a few special places.

Groceries prices in Oslo can be expensive, as such making your own meals here and there will still work out far cheaper than eating out every meal.

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