Built around an abandoned shipyard, Oslo's Aker Brygge area is the heart and soul of the city. Bustling and vibrant day and night, its stunning architecture - that magnificent blend of new and old that perfectly compliments Norway's stunning natural beauty - is everywhere on display, and everywhere breathtaking. It's estimated that 12 million visitors find their way to Aker Brygge every year, drawn by its sea-front boardwalk, fine shopping, great restaurants, and cozy year-round patio bars with their snug rugs and fireplaces.

The Oslo Opera House is the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and the national opera theatre in Norway. Oslo's Opera House is located right at the harbor, with an angled, white exterior that appears to rise from the water. It invites its visitors to climb its roof and enjoy panoramic views of Oslo and the fjord, all year round.

Oslo's enormous City Hall (Rådhuset) is undoubtedly one of the city's great landmarks. This imposing square building, built of concrete faced with brick, was designed by Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulson and has two towers, one of them adorned with a huge clock face. One of the towers houses the 38 bells that can be heard chiming throughout the harbor area. Along with its fascinating facade with its sculptures and reliefs, the interior is also worth a visit, boasting a rich fresco created by Henrik Sørensen, Per Krohg, Edvard Munch, and other famous Norwegian artists.

This unique sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's lifework and contains 650 of his dynamic sculptures in bronze, granite, and wrought iron. The majority of the sculptures are in five themed groups along an 853-meter-long axis. The oldest is the fountain group, depicting the cycle of human life, beyond which can be seen the 16-meter-high Monolith, comprising 121 intertwined human bodies.

The Viking Ships Museum is home to three historic 9th-century vessels, the best-preserved being the 21-meter-long Oseberg Ship. The largest surviving pre-Christian artifact in Scandinavia, this impressively decorated vessel was built around AD 800 and was used for the burial of a chieftain's wife and two other women. They were buried with a large selection of items, including furniture, clothing, and personal items, which provide a great deal of insight into Viking life. The other vessels on display include the 23-meter-long Gokstad Ship, a seagoing vessel designed for use under sail or with oars, and the less intact Tune Ship.

Dedicated to the life and work of Norway's greatest painter, Edvard Munch(1863-1944), the Munch Museum contains a vast collection of paintings, graphic art, drawings, watercolors, and sculptures from the great artist's life. Containing almost 28,000 works of art in addition to personal effects and tools even his private library.

Mathallen Oslo is an indoor food market with more than 30 specialty shops, cafés, and eateries that offer high-quality products from Norwegian small-scale producers as well as special foreign imports. Mathallen Oslo is inspired by the great European food courts. Here you can find specialty shops, cafés and great places to eat. It’s also a venue for different festivals and events celebrating food, drink, and good experiences.

The Royal Palace in Oslo was built in the first half of the 19th century as the Norwegian residence of the French-born King Charles III John of Norway, who reigned as king of Norway and Sweden.The palace is the official residence of the current Norwegian monarch while the Crown Prince resides at Skaugum in Asker west of Oslo. The palace is located in central Oslo and is surrounded by the Palace Park with the Palace Square in the front.

The 100-km-long Oslo Fjord is the scenic gem of the Oslo area. In the summer the fjord buzzes with life. Each of the islands in the innermost part of the fjord has its own characteristics and history. At Hovedøya you can glance at the busy city while relaxing on the beach. The fjord also offers possibilities for kayaking, canoeing, diving, fishing, and sailing if you prefer a more active experience. At Bygdoy Peninsula, which is located across the harbor from downtown Oslo, you can find several of Oslo’s most popular museums. The peninsula is mainly a residential area, but in addition to the museums, Bygdøy is also a popular recreational area during summer offering beaches and a beach volleyball court at Huk. There are also several beautiful trails both for cycling and walking.

The vast areas of untouched nature that surround Oslo are just 20-30 minutes from the city centre. Big forest region in northern Oslo with ample outdoor recreation opportunities all year round. The routes in Nordmarka are usually well-marked, but a map is recommended for longer distances.