Although Oslo is one of the most expensive countries in the world, you can get by on a budget. Head to the Oslo Visitor Centre (next to Central Station) and buy a 24-hour public transport ticket ($15) to use on buses, trams and ferries. Take tram 12 to the Vigeland sculpture park (free; vigeland.museum.no) and catch a ferry from City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize is presented every year (free entry; rft.oslo.kommune.no) to or Bygdøy for the museums. Grab a bolle (bun) for breakfast from a kiosk ($2.50) and enjoy a quick coffee ($3.30) outside the inspiring Kon Tiki Museum ($15; kon-tiki.no). Burgers and pizza are the cheapest options for lunch and dinner; try Villa Paradiso in Grünerlækka (from $23; villaparadiso.no). Many bars and pubs in Grünerløkka, Gamlebyen and Grønland are quite affordable; a Carlsberg beer will set you back $13 at Fru Hagen (fruhagen.no). A bed in the handily located Oslo Hostel Central costs from $62 (hihostels.no).

TOTAL: $133.80

EASY DOES IT

A 24-hour Oslo Pass ($53, Oslo Visitor Centre) provides entry to some 30 museums and attractions and covers public transport and more (visitoslo.com). Sample a traditional Norwegian breakfast at Grilleriet ($45, grilleriet.no), then take a guided tour of the futuristic Opera House ($16.60, operaen.no). Wandering down central Karl Johan's street is free, unless you go shopping. Dinner at Louise in the waterfront Aker Brygge area costs from $40 for a main course (restaurantlouise.no) and a nightcap at tiny, retro-style Bar Boca is about $20 Thorvald Meyers Gate 30). Check into the boutique 19th-century Saga Hotel Oslo, just behind the Royal Palace ($215, sagahoteloslo.no).

TOTAL: $389.60

SPLASH OUT

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast at the historic Grand Café, once frequented by Henrik Ibsen ($44, grand.no) before setting off for an adventurous view of the city. Flying down the 361-metre zip line at the famous Holmenkollen ski jump will get the adrenaline pumping ($118, kollensvevet.no), then take a scenic helicopter flight over Oslofjord that stops for lunch at Villa Malla, near the Filtvedt Lighthouse ($350, minimum three people; heliwing.no). Check in to The Thief hotel (from $595, thethief.com) and access to the stunning Astrup Fearnley Museum next door is included (afmuseet.no). Round off the day with a memorable dinner at Michelin-starred Maaeomo ($350, maaemo.no).

TOTAL: $1457

The writer was a guest of Viking Cruises and The Thief hotel.