View of Akershus Castle, Photo Credit: VISITOSLO/Tord Baklund
For the best one-day Oslo itinerary, start early with coffee and a sweet, moist cinnamon bun — we like the ones from Åpent Bakeri the best (there are a number of bakery locations in the city).
After breakfast, head down to the water to board a hop-on, hop-off cruise on the Oslo Fjord. You’ll float by city hall, medieval castle Akershus and the city’s modern opera house. The cruise continues to the museums along the Bygdøy peninsula. Get off to admire the massive boats at the Viking Ship Museum and the original 13th-century church at the Norsk Folk Museum.
When you return to the city, head to Solsiden, a seafood spot with a vast wine list, for a lunch of exceptional Norwegian delicacies. For a taste of everything, order the plateau de fruits de mer, a dish teeming with lobster, scallops, crabs, mussels, shrimp, crayfish, snow crab and king crab.
In the afternoon, wander the gardens of magical Frogner Park to admire Gustav Vigeland’s sculptures. Bring a book and stay until sunset to appreciate the sculptures in their best light.
At night, head to dinner at acclaimed restaurant Maaemo — but be sure to make this reservation as far in advance as possible. Throw yourself at the mercy of expert chef Esben Holmboe Bang and delight in a nine-course meal of Nordic cuisine at its finest.
After dinner, have a drink on rooftop bar Stratos and take in the fantastic view of the city at night and ruminate on your day in Oslo.
