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What to See in Warsaw: 45+ Things to Do in Warsaw, Poland
Need a ridiculously long list of things to do in Warsaw or what to see in Warsaw? I got you, my friend. Seriously no need to Google what to do in Warsaw for 12 hours, just print out this post, book a couple outings directly, & call it a day so you can watch Friends on Netflix for the 4,000th time. Travelers can visit Warsaw with family, kids, with friends, alone, or however you to travel.
Warsaw, Poland
If the capital of Poland isn’t already on your travel radar, add it to your travel bucket list immediately. You don't have to ponder long on the top tourist attractions in Poland or what to do in Warsaw. There's TOO much, you won't be able to finish while you're visiting! Expect more crowds in the summer.Picture a colorful, well-preserved Old Town Warsaw rebuilt after it was completely destroyed during World War II. This entire city has a wide range of food options: gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, no matter your desires, there's an option for your dietary needs, making this one of the most foodie-friendly cities I’ve visited in Europe.
View from Warszawa Taras Widokowy in Old Town Warsaw Square. |
About Carmen
As a travel influencer, I'm always looking for my next adventure. On most days, I'm a San Diego food, travel, and lifestyle blogger, but since I work remotely, I can travel & work as long as there's Wi-Fi. I spent some time exploring Porto, Milan, & other bits of Europe! Learn more about me here.Buildings & flowers from the University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden. |
What to See in the Polish Capital: Castles & Palaces
Get a feel of Polish history at some of these beautiful places.
Royal Castle - The Royal Castle Warsaw has both permanent & temporary exhibitions. Audio guides & guided tours available. Buy tickets to Skip The Line Royal Castle Guided Tour. Also called plac Zamkowy / Castle Square.
Krasiński Palace - The Baroque architecture & manicured gardens of Krasiński Palace's make it look like the White House in Washington D.C. Ideal Warsaw sightseeing spot for romance, date night, or a solo moment alone.
Kazimierzowski Palace - University of Warsaw is a stunner. Constructed around 1643, Kazimierzowski Palace remains the University of Warsaw's oldest building.
Ujazdowski Castle - Looks like a castle, says it's a castle, but you might also know the castle as Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art. Exhibition & cinema tickets available. Admission free on Thursday.
Presidential Palace - Feel royal at the Presidential palace of Warsaw, the seat of the president of the Republic of Poland. Add the palace to your sightseeing list.
Piłsudski Square - Imagine a big, open cement area with the occasional memorial or sculpture. That's Piłsudski Square. Including Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The nighttime light show at the Multimedia Fountain Park. |
Gardens, Parks, Nature, Best Views
From garden views to music in the park, there's a lot to do in nature. Enjoy the atmosphere, see outdoor exhibitions, or find a community event.
Chopin in the Park - Music lovers will adore this experience. Frédéric François Chopin (born Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin) was a famous Polish composer and pianist. There is the Frederic Chopin Monument in Warsaw (Polish: Pomnik Fryderyka Chopina w Warszawie). See a Chopin concert and check the calendar out to browse when they happen!
Multimedia Fountain Park at night - Easy Warsaw sightseeing option with free shows May through September. The fountain changes colors & splish splashes artistically as music plays. One of my favorite free things to do in Warsaw. *my personal favorite.
Ogród Saski (Saxon Garden) - I was blown away by Warsawa's gardens. Head over to take a look at the fountain at Ogród Saski, also known as Saxon Garden. Perfect for Warsaw sightseeing & free things to do in Warsaw, Poland.
Ogród Saski (Saxon Garden) - I was blown away by Warsawa's gardens. Head over to take a look at the fountain at Ogród Saski, also known as Saxon Garden. Perfect for Warsaw sightseeing & free things to do in Warsaw, Poland.
Vistula River - Big river. Can't miss it. The Vistula River area even has an ecological walking & cycling path. *my personal favorite.
Landing Point - Nice beachy spot by the Vistula River. Play water sports, relax all day.
Landing Point - Nice beachy spot by the Vistula River. Play water sports, relax all day.
Łazienki Park (Lazienki Park or Royal Baths Park) - I walked by Lazienki Park a handful of times. One of the easier city of Warsaw sightseeing options. *my personal favorite.
Travel influencer? Photo lover? Take a photo at the University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden. Jeans: Liverpool Jeans in Peyton // Shop these exact Liverpool Jeans here. Shoes: Fila Disruptors // Shop these exact Fila Disruptor sneakers here. |
University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden - Do not miss this rooftop garden, easily one of the best free things to do in Warsaw. As far as what to see in Warsaw, you can savor a lovely view of Poland's capital from various points of the University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden. *my personal favorite.
University of Warsaw Botanic Garden (Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego) - I never miss a botanical garden. I love me some nature. Established in 1818 by the distinguished botanist Michał Szubert, the botanic garden stays open April through October. *my personal favorite.
Palace of Culture and Science 30th Floor Viewing Point - The best Warsaw sightseeing option to view the city from above. I talk more about the Palace of Culture and Science down below. *my personal favorite.
Warszawa Taras Widokowy - Awesome view of Old Town Warsaw Square / Old Town Market Place. Super afford Warsaw sightseeing. *my personal favorite.
Palace of Culture and Science 30th Floor Viewing Point - The best Warsaw sightseeing option to view the city from above. I talk more about the Palace of Culture and Science down below. *my personal favorite.
Warszawa Taras Widokowy - Awesome view of Old Town Warsaw Square / Old Town Market Place. Super afford Warsaw sightseeing. *my personal favorite.
The Warsaw Mermaid in Old Town Warsaw Square with colorful buildings in the background. |
What to See in Warsaw: Sightseeing & Historic Attractions
History buffs will savor the knowledge, museums, and attractions in Warsaw. There are monuments, historical buildings, cultural institutions, and more to explore as you walk around. You're surrounded by life. Discover the sculptures, churches, museums, sights, and stories.
Warsaw Uprising Monument (Polish: pomnik Powstania Warszawskiego)
Old Town Warsaw - As far as what to do in Warsaw, don't leave the bustling city without checking out the magic that is Old Town Square. It's charming, historic, photo-friendly, & beautiful. Definitely one of the tourist attractions in Poland. *my personal favorite. Warsaw Old Town is a must-see. The Historic Centre of Warsaw is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Mermaid in Old Town Warsaw Square - Snap a photo at this Instagram hotspot. The mermaid is an iconic symbol of Warsaw. See how many mermaids you count throughout the city. *my personal favorite.
Warsaw Citadel - Built in the early 1800s as a fortress, the Warsaw Citadel houses the Katyn Museum. Take a photo at the Citadel for Warsaw sightseeing & what to see in Warsaw.
Mermaid in Old Town Warsaw Square - Snap a photo at this Instagram hotspot. The mermaid is an iconic symbol of Warsaw. See how many mermaids you count throughout the city. *my personal favorite.
Warsaw Citadel - Built in the early 1800s as a fortress, the Warsaw Citadel houses the Katyn Museum. Take a photo at the Citadel for Warsaw sightseeing & what to see in Warsaw.
Powązki Cemetery - Weird, but I love walking around cemeteries; it's humbling & reminds me of my own mortality.
St. John’s Archcathedral in Warsaw - A 14th-century Cathedral.
Basilica of the Holy Cross - A baroque church along the Royal Route.
Gdański Bridge - What to see in Warsaw? Stop by the Gdański Bridge, a steel truss bridge worthy of a look. Don't forget to take a photo. One of the easier things to do in Warsaw. *my personal favorite.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Located within Piłsudski Square, two soldiers always stand guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Tourist spot for photos & what to see in Warsaw.
Gdański Bridge - What to see in Warsaw? Stop by the Gdański Bridge, a steel truss bridge worthy of a look. Don't forget to take a photo. One of the easier things to do in Warsaw. *my personal favorite.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Located within Piłsudski Square, two soldiers always stand guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Tourist spot for photos & what to see in Warsaw.
Goofing around outside the Neon Museum. Great for Warsaw sightseeing! |
Interesting Things to Do Warsaw: Education & Museums
Art galleries, museums, and many places to experience in this vibrant city. A great place to find something fun and exciting in Downtown Warsaw and more.
Neon Museum - Bzzzzzz. The sound of neon signs remains etched in my brain. Small, but one of many affordable things to do in Warsaw. *my personal favorite.
Warsaw Rising Museum (Warsaw Uprising Museum) - The Warsaw Rising Museum / Warsaw Uprising Museum is a tribute to Warsaw residents who lost their lives fighting for Poland's independence.
Warsaw Rising Museum (Warsaw Uprising Museum) - The Warsaw Rising Museum / Warsaw Uprising Museum is a tribute to Warsaw residents who lost their lives fighting for Poland's independence.
Royal Łazienki Museum - The Royal Łazienki consists of The Palace on the Isle, The Old Orangery (housing the Royal Sculpture Gallery), as well as Royal Łazienki gardens: the Royal Garden, the Romantic Garden, the Modernist Garden, Chinese Garden. & the Deckchair Leisure Zone. Don't forget Łazienki Park.
National Museum in Warsaw - The National Museum in Warsaw contains over 800,000 pieces of art. Temporary exhibitions on rotation as well as permanent galleries (Faras Gallery, Gallery of Medieval Art, Gallery of Old Masters, Gallery of 19th Century Art, Gallery of 20th and 21st Century Art, Gallery of Polish Design).
POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews - The Core Exhibition at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket covers 1,000 years of Polish-Jewish history, paintings, artifacts, & culture with interactive installations, video projections, & reconstructions. Buy your tickets to POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket.
Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów - Why not visit the Wilanów Palace Baroque royal residence as part of your Warsaw sights adventure? Points of interest include the intricate interior of The White Hall, the Statue of Jan III Sobieski, the King's Library, the Queen's Bedroom, the Wilanów Garden, Morysin Nature Reserve, & quite a lot more. Buy tickets to skip the Line Wilanów Palace and Gardens Guided Tour.
Heritage Interpretation Centre - The Heritage Interpretation Center is the starting point of the Cultural Route of Old Town Cellars.
Additional travel reading: Things to do in Oslo: Norway.
Heritage Interpretation Centre - The Heritage Interpretation Center is the starting point of the Cultural Route of Old Town Cellars.
Additional travel reading: Things to do in Oslo: Norway.
Palace of Culture and Science - When my bus arrived in the city of Warsaw at 12 A.M., I spotted the towering Palace of Culture and Science straight away. What to do in Warsaw? The Palace houses a number of theaters, museums, restaurants, cafes, an observation deck, so you could spend all day here! One of the top tourist attractions in Poland.
Praga Museum of Warsaw (Muzeum Warszawskiej Pragi) - Located on Warsaw's right bank, the Praga Museum of Warsaw possesses both core & temporary exhibitions showcasing the story of Praga.
Pawiak Prison Museum - What to see in Warsaw if you're a history buff? The Pawiak Prison Museum used to be a prison from 1835 to 1944 when the Germans blew up nearly the entire prison complex. The museum is positioned in the surviving prison blocks VII & VIII.
Polish Army Museum (Muzeum Wojska Polskiego w Warszawie) - The permanent exhibit at the museum covers Polish military history starting from the 10th century up until the end of World War II.
Copernicus Science Centre - If you need ideas on what to do in Warsaw, spend the day browsing one of 400 exhibits at Copernicus Science Centre / Copernicus Science Center. including a play inside the Robotic Theatre or activities at the Minilabs laboratory. This science museum is one of the best things to do in Warsaw with kids & families!
Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium - Part of the Copernicus Science Centre, Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium allows tourists & residents to enjoy laser shows, live shows, & films about the planet.
PGE Narodowy Stadium - Built for the European Football Championship in 2012, PGE Narodowy Stadium hosts football (soccer) & other sporting events as well as concerts for big-names like The Rolling Stones & Madonna.
Legia Warsaw Marshal Józef Piłsudski Municipal Stadium - Football (soccer) team, Legia Poland, plays their home games at the Legia Warsaw Marshal Józef Piłsudski Municipal Stadium. Legia & PGE Narodowy Stadium are perfect things to do in Warsaw for sports fans.
Fotoplastikon Warszawski - Museum visitors can watch rotating stereoscopic images. They even host lessons about 20th-century Warsaw history.
History Meeting House - History Meeting House stands as the city of Warsaw’s municipal institution of culture, promoting history the history of the capital city through organized exhibitions, discussions, workshops, & other cool things to do in Warsaw.
History Meeting House - History Meeting House stands as the city of Warsaw’s municipal institution of culture, promoting history the history of the capital city through organized exhibitions, discussions, workshops, & other cool things to do in Warsaw.
Warsaw Zoological Garden - Add the Warsaw Zoological Garden to your list of things to do in Warsaw with children & many tourist attractions in Poland.
Lokal Vegan Bistro has delicious vegan spins on authentic Polish dishes. |
Things to Do in the City of Warsaw: Polish Food & Drinks
Hala Koszyki - A food hall with restaurant, grocery, & culinary options.To Lubie (To Lubię) - a small, sweet cafe located in Warsaw's Old Town. Don't leave without trying their Dominican mead. *my personal favorite.
Bar Prasowy (Press Bar) - A classic take on a Polish classic, the milk bar. Milk bars come from the Communist area as a way to make affordable food available to working people.
Bar Gdański (Gdańsk Bar) - Another milk bar.
Lokal Vegan Bistro - Incredible vegan alternatives to some of Poland's most popular authentic dishes. I'm drooling just thinking about the meal I had. *my personal favorite.
You can also opt for a Warsaw food tour.
Things to Do in Warsaw: Shopping
Złote TarasyArkadia Shopping Mall
Galeria Mokotów
Mokotowska shopping street
Mysia street
Szpitalna street
What to see when you visit Warsaw: Another mermaid. There are mermaids all over the city. |
Did I forget anything? Leave me a comment! But don't bust my chops - there is a ridiculous amount of things to do in Warsaw. You'll never have to wonder what to do in Warsaw. There's an endless amount!
After sharing my Warsaw Poland experience with my Instagram family, one of my followers messaged me to say, "I was talking to my boyfriend about what you shared about Warsaw & we are adding to the list of places in Europe we would like to go someday."
It's truly the biggest compliment that is something I experienced & shared from my own perspective influence someone that they wanted to add it to their own list. I feel like I should mention that this type of feedback is so important & heartwarming & seriously makes me smile. Your message or comment can really make a difference!
What to do in Warsaw: Look out on Old Town Warsaw Square from Warszawa Taras Widokowy. |
A City with Heart: Warsaw's Charm
The weather may range depending on the season, but travelers should always be able to find good accommodation. There are sightseeing options for families, couples, solo travelers, & travel influencers alike. The city's charm comes in its mix of historical landmarks, parks, walking along the modern streets, enjoying every morsel of food, sipping coffee, and its beauty.
Catch a concert or learn something at a museum. If you made it all the way to the end of this blog post then you know there's an endless amount of things to do in Warsaw, Poland. You can spend days in Warsaw sightseeing as a travel influencer, a tourist, or if traveling with your friends or family or children! Enjoy your trip to Warsaw.
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Milan Highlights
Milan is known as a fashion mecca, but what are some of the other best known Milan highlights? Located in northern Italy, Milano City is more than a buzzing tourist metropolis. Some of Milan's most well-known points of interest include the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, Navigli River, Milan canals, & the Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Consult this Milan highlights list during your travels for classic things to do in Milano city as well as some modern, fun options.
About Carmen
I'm a travel influencer who has worked with tourism boards such as Visit El Paso & the French Ministry of Agriculture. Take a look at my Press + Media page! I hadn't been to Italy since 2010, so my Milan travels were a well-needed reminder of the Italian way of life. The city is a gastronomic hub filled with delicious food (think salted pistachio gelato & fluffy pizza dough). Scroll down to see my Milan highlights.The vertical garden forest known as Appartamento Bosco Verticale in Milano City. |
Appartamento Bosco Verticale (Vertical Gardens)
Breathe in a bit of greenery at the Appartamento Bosco Verticale. This vertical garden/vertical forest is a sustainable residential building meant to absorb CO2 & dust particles while producing oxygen. The Appartamento Bosco Verticale towers are visually pleasing with an array of plants & trees strategically placed throughout the building. *Appartamento Bosco Verticale is one of my personal favorite Milan highlights.The Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting, The Last Supper, depicts Jesus & his disciples the moment he announces that one of them will betray him by sunrise. The scene shows the men shocked as they begin to gossip amongst themselves. Find The Last Supper in the refectory (Cenacolo) at Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While this might be a popular choice for your Milan travels, you must secure your tickets months in advance during the open pre-sale dates.
Duomo di Milano
The Duomo di Milano is obviously a must-see part of the Milan highlights. You can buy tickets to go inside & check out the impressive Milano city views from the rooftop. Beware: the exterior of the Duomo is crawling with tourists, pigeons, & people trying to sell you things (bracelets & pigeon feed). You'll see every Instagram travel influencer posing in front of the Duomo. Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time!Sipping on Pico Brew by Navigli at sunset in Milan, Italy. For a similar floral scrunchie, click here. |
Navigli
The views of Milan canals & homes make Navigli another tourist spot but for good reason. You might hear Milano Navigli referred to as a district, neighborhood, area, zone, but it's all the same place. Take a stroll around the canal, people-watch, grab a sunset beer at PicoBrew. One downside is congestion due to tourist pedestrian foot traffic. You can even take a Navigli canal cruise. *Milano Navigli is one of my personal favorite Milan highlights.
Monumental Cemetery Milan should be considered a free art museum because it's majestic, grand, thought-provoking, serene. Oh & there are literal masterpieces & works of art. No big deal. Walk through the massive cemetery as you observe the tombs, sculptures, mosaics, & even the crematorium.
Taking a selfie in the reflection at Fondazione Prada. |
Fondazione Prada
If you're an art museum lover like me, then you must visit Fondazione Prada, a museum with temporary exhibitions, permanent projects, performing art projects, photography exhibitions, cinema virtual reality installations, & a heck of a lot more. You could spend an entire day at Fondazione Prada or at least a half-day. Of course, you can go faster if you're on a time crunch. I oohed & aahed for Wes Anderson & Juman Malouf's exhibition project “Il sarcofago di Spitzmaus e altri tesori” (Spitzmaus Mummy in a Coffin and Other Treasures), available 20 Sep 2019 through 13 Jan 2020.
Yes, I'm talking about Wes Anderson the filmmaker of Moonrise Kingdom, The Darjeeling Limited, The Grand Budapest Hotel, & many more. I felt amused walking through the exhibition knowing that Wes Anderson's vibrant perspective came into play.
The aesthetically-pleasing Wes Anderson's Bar Luce at Fondazione Prada. |
Bar Luce
Designed by Wes Anderson (yes, that Wes Anderson) in 2015 & located within Fondazione Prada, Bar Luce is a hot spot for the food bloggers & travel influencers. The pastel eatery was crowded while I was there; a consistent line to order, a mishmash of people running to hand their order to the food makers, limited seating. One person saved a seat for a "friend" who never arrived while we were there. Fred & I found a little table to stand at while we ate our sandwiches. All this can be avoided if you opt for table service. Note: Bar Luce is closed on Tuesdays.A sculpture at Cimitero Monumentale di Milano (Monumental Cemetery). That lens flare though. |
Cimitero Monumentale di Milano (Monumental Cemetery)
Monumental Cemetery Milan should be considered a free art museum because it's majestic, grand, thought-provoking, serene. Oh & there are literal masterpieces & works of art. No big deal. Walk through the massive cemetery as you observe the tombs, sculptures, mosaics, & even the crematorium.Castello Sforzesco (Sforzesco Castle)
I quite enjoyed the remarkable brick facade of Castello Sforzesco but you can admire other pieces of the architecture such as the moats, the Filarete Tower, the Bona Tower, Carmine & Santo Spirito Towers, Castellana and Falconiera Towers, battlements, courtyards, & more.Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center, a fancy mall in Milan. |
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Shopping Center)
Whether you have plans to shop til you drop or not, add Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to your Milan highlights list simply for its beauty. The 150+-year-old shopping mall stirs with people, tourists taking photos spinning on the bull ball mosaic, patrons shopping for their next memento, or someone like me — a wanderer finding my way through Milano City.Maurizio Cattelan's Middle finger sculpture titled, L.O.V.E. |
L.O.V.E by Maurizio Cattelan (Middle Finger Sculpture)
The famous middle finger sculpture is said to be a big eff you to the banking industry. Add this to your city sightseeing Milan list; it's free & out in the open. It's off the beaten path & you can get an edgy photo while you're at it.Salted pistachio gelato & chocolate gelato in a waffle cone from Milan, Italy. |
Food Highlights: Gelato & Pizza
There are many Milan highlights. My own Milan travels showed me the city's culinary opportunity. How can I forget those decadent, fluffy pizza crusts? Each pizza felt like a carefully crafted work of art. My favorite gelato was the 1 scoop of 7 layers of pistachio & 1 scoop of 7 layers of chocolate. Absolutely divine.Where Am I Going After Milan?
After my Milan travels I'm heading to Bergamo, Italy. Of course, there's the curious few who maybe wonder what's after Bergamo? Well, you're the first to know. After Milan, Italy I fly to Warsaw, Poland! I used my own tips to save money on flights to find the cheapest airline tickets available.Hotels in Milan
If you're on the hunt for where to stay in Milan, this map will show you all the available options. Put in the length of your stay & see what accommodations are available. It's that easy.Tourist Information
Official tourism website of Milan, Italy: TurismoMilano
Official tourism website of Bergamo, Italy: Visit Bergamo
Official tourist website of the capital of Poland: Fall in Love with Warsaw
Official tourism website of Bergamo, Italy: Visit Bergamo
Official tourist website of the capital of Poland: Fall in Love with Warsaw
Fondazione Prada in Milan, Italy |
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Things to Do in Oslo, Norway: Is Oslo Worth Visiting?
Nude beach. Food halls. Viking ships. Breathtaking views. Oslo, the metropolitan capital of Norway, sits at the head of Oslofjord. Oslo has cold winters as well as warm sunny days by the fjord. The Norwegian capital has Michelin star restaurants, nature parks, museums, & whatever you want to do. If you're endlessly researching for the essential list of things to do in Oslo, Norway, this list has 18 top activities in Oslo all year round.
Norway is incredible. From the history at the Viking Ship Museum to the remarkable arts of the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet to the funky sculptures at Vigeland Sculpture Park at Frogner Park, Oslo, Norway has so much cultural history. You can go ski jumping on Holmenkollbakken or at least see the Holmenkollen Ski Museum. If you have more time, you could head to Tusenfryd, an amusement park at Vinterbro, Norway.
Is Oslo worth visiting?
Yes. Oslo is certainly worth a visit if you're a travel lover. The crisp nighttime air feels empowering. The view from the Oslo Opera House is magnificent; you might even make a seagull friend. Some of the best things to do are actually free. No matter what you want to see, Norway is breathtakingly beautiful. I'd come back in a heartbeat. From hanging out at a groovy sculpture park by Gustav Vigeland to checking out the Aker Brygge neighborhood, you'll come to savor your Norwegian moments of bliss.
What is famous in Oslo Norway?
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Norway; there's the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway. Top attractions include Holmenkollen Ski Museum, Vigeland Museum, The Kon-Tiki Museum, University Botanical Garden (Botanisk hage), & more. Experience the magic & charm of Oslo city center!
About Carmen
If you came here because you searched for things to do in Oslo, Norway, you probably don't know much about me. Hey, I'm Carmen, a travel influencer & blog coach from San Diego, California. I've traveled to 20 countries. I started my blog in 2011. One of my greatest hobbies is finding bargain flight tickets. These are some of the best things to do in Oslo. I traveled to Norway end of October/early November, so there's still a lot of things to do in Oslo during autumn & winter.At the highest point of The Vigeland Park at Frogner Park |
Oslo Pass
Opt for the Oslo Pass which gives you free entry to museums and activities, free public transport, and discounts on sightseeing, restaurants, shopping, & more. It's worth researching if you want to experience a lot of what Oslo has to offer in a short period of time. The Oslo Pass is best when utilized to the maximum. That way you can see a bit of everything from the fjords to Oslo city center.
The Vigeland Park
Separate from the Vigeland Museum, The Vigeland Park at Frogner Park contains over 200 sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. The sculpture park consists of the Monolith, the bridge, & the fountain. The Monolith shows 121 human figures holding onto each other in various positions. The bridge shows 58 sculptures of men, women, & children, while the fountain depicts a group of men holding a vessel with water spilling out. The fountain wasn't running while I was there, so it looked like a bunch of dudes holding a bowl. Did I mention all the figures are naked? Tip: Vigeland Park at Frogner Park is free to enter every day, 24 hours a day (or night). Sometimes the best things in life are free!
Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress also called Akershus Castle was completed in the 1300s. Entrance to the fortress grounds is free to walk around, which is the ideal option for anyone on a budget. The clear skies & green grass against the stone castle look beautiful in the summertime, but the Akershus festning (that's the Norwegian name) is pretty romantic on a rainy autumn/winter day. Tip: Akershus Fortress makes an excellent sunset vista point; look out at the fjord with the city lights glistening as it gets dark.Aker Brygge
Walk along the boardwalk of Aker Brygge, a strip of eateries by the water. It's pretty small. I walked by it during a wintery evening. This is the ideal spot to wine & dine with friends, loved ones, & of course, alone. This place is buzzing during the summertime, but there wasn't much happening when I walked by on a November night.Oslo Cathedral at night |
Oslo Cathedral
Why not pop in the cathedral while you're checking off free things to do in Oslo, Norway? I was walking by the Oslo Cathedral (Oslo domkirke) & ended up making it for part of an evening service. The chorus echoing in the cathedral will ring in my ears forever. There is a lot you can see around Oslo city center.Stumbled upon the street art at Ingens Gate |
Street Art at Ingens Gate
Make sure this magical alleyway filled with street art is on your free things to do in Oslo list. Oslo has quite a lot of art throughout the city, but Ingens gate is located in the Grünerløkka neighborhood near the Akerselva River. Walk under the magnificent chandelier; the dangling charms sound soothing when the wind hits it ever so gently. Drop by Ingens gate alley for an array of artwork. It's small & charming, but you won't be disappointed.People eating at Mathallen Oslo food hall |
Mathallen Oslo
Food halls are one of my favorite ways to eat in Oslo other than stopping inside a grocery store for munchies. Mathallen Oslo offers a tempting range of food from Asian tapas, Tex Mex, fresh seafood, & more. This is the perfect spot to stock up on cheese, meat, veggies, & yummy baked goods. Oh, & Mathallen Oslo is conveniently located near the street art at Ingens gate! Tip: Walk up to the second story to see a bird's eye view of the hall & see if the boutiques are open. Grab a bite to eat at Vippa Oslo near the Port of Oslo |
Vippa Oslo
Another food hall? Why yes. I wouldn't have it any other way. Food halls are a convenient, affordable way to grab a bite to eat or satisfy multiple food personalities, rather than your typical sit-down restaurant. Come to Vippa for multicultural food stands & a stunning view of the Port of Oslo.The Inner islands of Oslo Fjord offer many summertime activities |
Islands of Inner Oslo Fjord
Spend the day exploring the Oslo Fjord, a 68 miles/100 kilometers long with many islands freckled. The islands are a hub during the warmer months with everyone swimming, hiking, & having fun outside. On the island of Hovedøya, there are monastery ruins from the Middle Ages. Drop your knickers because Langøyene island has a nudist beach on the southern tip.One of the large ships at the Viking Ship Museum |
Viking Ship Museum
As the name suggests, the museum contains the beautifully restored Gokstad & Oseberg Viking Ships. These ships were used in burial rituals for rich Vikings. The ships are positively massive & you can walk up a couple steps to a second story to see inside the ship, so you get a view of preserved Viking ships & other Viking finds like coins & even skulls. If you're looking for a souvenir, the Viking Ship Museum has a cool gift shop too. Tip: Stay around for the Vikings Alive visual journey projected onto the walls of the museum. I enjoyed the music & animation as an entertaining way to learn about the Viking Age.
Norwegian Folk Museum
Located at Bygdøy in Oslo, the Norwegian Folk Museum (Norsk Folkemuseum) is the optimal place to learn about Norwegian folk art, folk costumes, the Sami culture, & people I knew nothing about prior to visiting the museum. Don't forget to also the Open Air Museum, which is part of the Norwegian Folk Museum. This one of the best hidden gems during my trip.Just a small corner of the Open Air Museum at the Norwegian Folk Museum |
Open Air Museum (at Norwegian Folk Museum)
The Open Air Museum turned out to be a hidden gem that I can't recommend enough, easily one of my favorite parts of Oslo! If you enjoy the outdoors, quaint villages, old towns with history, this is the place for you. The Open Air Museum displays Norwegian rural & urban buildings from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. Visit the Old Town, the countryside, the Setesdal farmstead, & Tip: Find the barn to see cows, pigs, chickens, & rabbits up close!Posing next to "The Scream" by Edvard Munch |
Munch Museum
The Munch Museum (Munchmuseet) houses the work of Edvard Munch, a Norwegian painter. You might recognize his most famous piece, "The Scream." Munch was raised in Christiania, which is modern-day Oslo. "The Scream," however, isn't located at the Munch Museum; it's at the National Gallery. We had some trouble locating the museum as it was under construction due to a planned expansion of the museum. Upon his death, Munch donated over 1,000 paintings to the government & that's when the country built the Munch Museum.National Gallery
Note: The National Gallery is closed until 2020 while they move to a new museum location.
The National Gallery (Nasjonalmuseet) in Oslo, Norway houses Edvard Munch's "The Scream" & "Madonna" as well as other notable Norwegian artists, such as J.C. Dahl, Thomas Fearnley, & Harald Sohlberg. Together The National Gallery & the Norwegian Museum of Architecture comprise the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design.Fram Museum Oslo
The Fram Museum Oslo allows you to step aboard the original expedition ship!
Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern (Astrup Fearnley Museet) contains collections of contemporary art with a focus on acquiring pieces that push boundaries, & perhaps even comfort zones. The building design itself aims to welcome visitors to look out at the boats on the fjord. Some popular pieces included: "God Alone Knows" by Damien Hirst, "Michael Jackson" & "Bubbles" by Jeff Koons.The brick exterior of the Oslo City Hall |
Oslo City Hall
We walked by Oslo City Hall (Oslo rådhus) many times. You can't miss its big, beautiful, brick exterior. The City Hall is home to Oslo's administrative body as well as their City Council. Guided tours of City Hall are available all year long.Salvador Dalí's Venus de Milo aux tiroirs at Ekebergparken Sculpture Park |
Ekebergparken Sculpture Park
Ekebergparken is essentially an outdoor art gallery with sculptures from Salvador Dalí, Auguste Rodin (I went to the Rodin Museum in Paris), Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Sean Henry, & other magnificent artists. You could spend hours here finding best things to do as you stroll through the woods & spot artwork along the way. Tip: Check out the spectacular views of Oslo during sunset; the city lights up at night. Bonus Tip: They host a free tour of the Skyspace on Sundays.The Kon-Tiki Museum
Located in the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo, Norway, the Kon-Tiki Museum offers insight into Thor Heyerdahl, one of history’s most famous explorers. Head over to the Kon-Tiki Museum website for more information. Thor Heyerdahl was a Norwegian adventurer known for his Kon-Tiki expedition in 1947 where he sailed thousands of kilometers across the Pacific Ocean in a homemade raft.
The Oslo Opera House is home to the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. Stay entertained with internationally acclaimed opera & ballet performers, or head to the roof for plays, concerts, & other events throughout the year. The architecture of the building is meant to be accessible & open. Tip: It's free to walk up the roof of the Opera House, so head there for an epic view. Add this freebie to your things to do in Oslo list! The best things in life are free!
The remarkable view from the roof of the Oslo Opera House |
Opera House
The Oslo Opera House is home to the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. Stay entertained with internationally acclaimed opera & ballet performers, or head to the roof for plays, concerts, & other events throughout the year. The architecture of the building is meant to be accessible & open. Tip: It's free to walk up the roof of the Opera House, so head there for an epic view. Add this freebie to your things to do in Oslo list! The best things in life are free!The Oslo, Norway Royal Palace |
Royal Palace
Want to stand near royalty? Well, the King & Queen of Norway live right here at the Royal Palace in Oslo. A lot of royal meetings & official dinners take place here. Foreign heads of state don't stay at Airbnb, like me, they stay at the Palace! The Royal Palace is open to the public during the summer months, yet another experience I missed out on because I visited Oslo, Norway in November.Things to do in Oslo, Norway bingo |
Where to Stay in Oslo, Norway
I stayed in an Airbnb whilst in Oslo. I shared a room with my boyfriend, our Airbnb host, & his dog. We had an amazing experience. If you're interested in creating an Airbnb account, please use my *affiliate link* to receive a $30 credit toward your account.I hope you get a chance to visit Oslo. There's much to explore, especially if you enjoy nature & museums. Public transport is easy to navigate. Norway's capital might be expensive for some, so keep that in mind.
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