If you are planning a trip to Oslo, here are a few places we recommend you check out while you are in town

1 Visit the Akershus Castle

This 13th-century fortress lies smack in the middle of the city, and is a great way to experience the citys fascinating history. It houses several museums, a nice restaurant, and the views of the Oslo Fjord from here are unbeatable on a clear summer day.

2 Check out the Oslo Cathedral

The Oslo Cathedral is a perfect spot to take a little break from all that walking around Oslo. The cathedral itself is beautiful dating back several hundred years to 1697. Amongst others, it is home to the biggest silver statue in the world, a true-to-size replica of the last supper. Free entrance!

3 Spend time in Grünerløkka

Grünerløkka is a neighbourhood in Oslo by many compared to Shoreditch or Williamsburg. What was once a gritty working-class area has now been revamped into a funky place with interesting shops, quirky cafes, and Oslo best vintage shopping. Every Sunday there is a outdoors market for clothes and bric-a-brac at Birkelunden, check it out!

4 Visit Mathallen

Neighbouring the southern end of Grünerløkka you find Mathallen Foodhall, major hub for restaurants and gourmet speciality shops. Go here for the free samples, or spend hours discovering new fine cheeze and indulging in pastries. Open all days but Mondays. In the basement you find the restaurant Smelteverket, which has high quality small sharing platters, an impressive selection of craft beer, frequent quiz and live events, and boasts of having the longest bar in Norway. Upstairs you have the cozy street food restaurant Hitchiker.

5. …and the Blå area

Closest neighbour to Mathallen is legendary pub and live music scene Blå. The pub is interesting not only for its pretty grat outdoor serving overlooking the Akerselva river, but also for it’s location in the middle of one of the city’s best street art areas. Each sunday there is a crafts market just across the road, sometimes including great paella. Also check out the Bortenfor bar for great drinks!

6 The Oslo Opera house

Oslo’s most famous arcitectual landmark. A must see for every visitor! Made out of Italian white marble by the famous Norwegian architecture house Snøhetta, it’s supposed to resemble a glacier on the waters of the Oslofjord. In the summer you can picnic on the opera roof. You can also check out their website to see upcoming shows.

7 Aker brygge

Aker Brygge is known for its strip of restaurants, bars and fashion shops along the seaside boardwalk. This is an especially popular spot in the summertime, as you can eat fresh seafood outside right by the water.

8 Tjuvholmen and Astrup Fearnley Museum

Tjuvholmen is one of Oslo’s newest boroughs. The area is characterised by an intriguing architectural diversity and unique outdoor areas. Here you find several great restaurants, as well as several and art installations, including the Astrup Fearnley Museum flanked by a sculpture park and a small city beach.

9 Island hop in the Oslo fjord

From Aker brygge you can take a ferry to the different islands around Oslofjord with a regular public transport ticket or an Oslo Pass. You can visit Hovedøya, Lindøya, Nakholmen, Bleikøya, Gressholmen and Langøyene, and if you’re visiting on a nice summer’s day you should definitely bring your swimsuit for a dip in the fjord!

10 Have a drink at Himkok

Himkok is Oslo’s worst kept speakeasy bar. Famous for their grat coctails on tap, and selectes as on of the worlds 50 best bars.

11 Check out the Botanical Gardens

The botanical garden is located at Tøyen and is a huge garden with impressive botanical variety and diversity with approximately 1800 different plants.
​​​​​​​Large, woven sculptures by the British artist Tom Hare are found around in the park. There are also two green houses; The Palm House from 1868 and The Victoria House from 1876 present exotic plants from other parts of the world. The greenhouses are open daily 10 am–8 pm between 15 March and 30 September, and 10 am–4 pm the rest of the year. Free of charge.

12 Damstredet and Telthusbakken

Get a taste of historical Oslo by visiting some of the last remaining tree houses in the city centre. Damstredet and the nearby Telthusbakken are home to charming cobblestone roads and colorful 18th century wooden homes.