Guidebook for Oslo
Essentials
Closest grocery/convenience store - open until 23.00 mon-fri and 22.00 in the weekends
10 locals recommend
Bunnpris Sofienberg
57 SofienberggataClosest grocery/convenience store - open until 23.00 mon-fri and 22.00 in the weekends
REMA 1000 Sofienberg
47 TrondheimsveienClosest grocery store (other than the smaller Bunnpris)
Arts & Culture
The Natural History Museum at the University of Oslo is Norway's oldest and largest museum of natural history, a museum of museums with both stuffed animals and newer exhibitions:) Great museum shop!
88 locals recommend
Natural History Museum
1 Sars' gate 1The Natural History Museum at the University of Oslo is Norway's oldest and largest museum of natural history, a museum of museums with both stuffed animals and newer exhibitions:) Great museum shop!
The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet is the country’s largest performing arts institution. The impressive white marble building with an accessible roof is designed by Snøhetta. operaen.no/en
872 locals recommend
Oslo Opera House
The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet is the country’s largest performing arts institution. The impressive white marble building with an accessible roof is designed by Snøhetta. operaen.no/en
Contemporary Art gallery presenting temporary exhibitions as well as an extensive private collection. Building by Piano, beautifully located by the Oslo Fjord. www.afmuseet.no
483 locals recommend
Astrup Fearnley Museet
2 StrandpromenadenContemporary Art gallery presenting temporary exhibitions as well as an extensive private collection. Building by Piano, beautifully located by the Oslo Fjord. www.afmuseet.no
Broad exhibition, music and performance program - as well as the private collection of former ice princess Sonia Henie and husband Niels Onstad.
http://hok.no
76 locals recommend
Henie Onstad Art Center
31 Sonja Henies veiBroad exhibition, music and performance program - as well as the private collection of former ice princess Sonia Henie and husband Niels Onstad.
http://hok.no
Norway’s national stage for dance, presenting international guest artists as well as Norwegian choreographers and companies. Beautifully situated by Akerselva, next to Mathallen. dansenshus.com
23 locals recommend
Dansens Hus
1 VulkanNorway’s national stage for dance, presenting international guest artists as well as Norwegian choreographers and companies. Beautifully situated by Akerselva, next to Mathallen. dansenshus.com
Black Box is a theatre for contemporary performing art, hosting both international and Norwegian groups. Oslo International Theatre Festival from 11th -18th of March 2016! www.blackbox.no
22 locals recommend
Black Box Teater
8 MarstrandgataBlack Box is a theatre for contemporary performing art, hosting both international and Norwegian groups. Oslo International Theatre Festival from 11th -18th of March 2016! www.blackbox.no
Norwegian Centre for New Playwriting (NCNP) is a national resource center for new dramatic writing, regularly presenting works-in-progress and lectures. Shares the building w/ Oslo Mekaniske Verksted
The House of drama
34 TøyenbekkenNorwegian Centre for New Playwriting (NCNP) is a national resource center for new dramatic writing, regularly presenting works-in-progress and lectures. Shares the building w/ Oslo Mekaniske Verksted
The Viking Ship Museum presents Viking ship discoveries from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune as well as other finds from Viking tombs around the Oslo Fjord. The museum displays the world's two best-preserved wooden Viking ships built in the 9th century.
Take bus nb 30 or ferry from Rådhuskaia (18. march - 16. oct)
www.khm.uio.no/english/visit-us/viking-ship-museum/
275 locals recommend
Viking Ship Museum
35 Huk AvenyThe Viking Ship Museum presents Viking ship discoveries from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune as well as other finds from Viking tombs around the Oslo Fjord. The museum displays the world's two best-preserved wooden Viking ships built in the 9th century.
Take bus nb 30 or ferry from Rådhuskaia (18. march - 16. oct)
www.khm.uio.no/english/visit-us/viking-ship-museum/
Thor Heyerdahl (1914-2002) gained worldwide fame when he crossed the Pacific Ocean on the balsawood raft Kon-Tiki in 1947. At the Kon-Tiki Museum, guests can experience original vessels and up-to-date exhibits on Heyerdahl’s expeditions.
www.visitnorway.com/listings/the-kon-tiki-museum/2767/
171 locals recommend
Kon-Tiki Museum
36 BygdøynesveienThor Heyerdahl (1914-2002) gained worldwide fame when he crossed the Pacific Ocean on the balsawood raft Kon-Tiki in 1947. At the Kon-Tiki Museum, guests can experience original vessels and up-to-date exhibits on Heyerdahl’s expeditions.
www.visitnorway.com/listings/the-kon-tiki-museum/2767/
Food Scene
combined bar / pizza restaurant located in the old post office at Tøyen Torg. Shuffle boards, good selection of beer and sometimes live music, lectures etc. Open until 01. facebook.com/toyenpostkontor
165 locals recommend
Postkontoret
27 Hagegatacombined bar / pizza restaurant located in the old post office at Tøyen Torg. Shuffle boards, good selection of beer and sometimes live music, lectures etc. Open until 01. facebook.com/toyenpostkontor
Simply styled, cozy bistro with outdoor deck, serving daily changing Norwegian/French menu. Monthly live concerts, see http://www.kampenbistro.no/konserter/
142 locals recommend
Kampen Bistro
21 BøgataSimply styled, cozy bistro with outdoor deck, serving daily changing Norwegian/French menu. Monthly live concerts, see http://www.kampenbistro.no/konserter/
Relaxed restaurant with wooden furniture for delicious Spanish tapas. (NB! Tends to get quite crowded fridays and saturday night.)
222 locals recommend
Delicatessen Grünerløkka
8 Søndre gateRelaxed restaurant with wooden furniture for delicious Spanish tapas. (NB! Tends to get quite crowded fridays and saturday night.)
If you want to swing from the chandeliers, this is propably your best choice. Wooden boots, historical paintings, classic Norwegian dishes & vast beer selection. Open til 01, kitchen closes 21/22.
147 locals recommend
Olympen
15 GrønlandsleiretIf you want to swing from the chandeliers, this is propably your best choice. Wooden boots, historical paintings, classic Norwegian dishes & vast beer selection. Open til 01, kitchen closes 21/22.
Delicious organic baked goods, juice and coffee. Backyard. Open from 06. Expect a few baby strollers.
77 locals recommend
Godt Brød Grünerløkka
49 Thorvald Meyers gateDelicious organic baked goods, juice and coffee. Backyard. Open from 06. Expect a few baby strollers.
Italian café and brunch / lunch restaurant with sandwiches, focaccia, salades and soups. Open 08-23.
90 locals recommend
Vespa & Humla
2 KøbenhavngataItalian café and brunch / lunch restaurant with sandwiches, focaccia, salades and soups. Open 08-23.
Open air bistro/bar by the seaside. Perfect for sunny afternoons! Close to Sørenga sewater pool and the Opera House.
22 locals recommend
Sukkerbiten
28 NylandsveienOpen air bistro/bar by the seaside. Perfect for sunny afternoons! Close to Sørenga sewater pool and the Opera House.
The only restaurant in Oslo with its own ferry. Situated on a tiny island close to the Bygdøy museums this very charming, old restaurant is a summer favorite. A bit out of the way, but perfectly situated by the fjord.
26 locals recommend
Lille Herbern
HerbernveienThe only restaurant in Oslo with its own ferry. Situated on a tiny island close to the Bygdøy museums this very charming, old restaurant is a summer favorite. A bit out of the way, but perfectly situated by the fjord.
Here you can buy freshly caught and cooked shrimps directly from the boats. Peel and eat right out of the bag, or bring some white bread and a picnic rug and go sit by Akershus festning overlooking the fjord.
Rådhusbrygge 1
1 Rådhusbrygge 4Here you can buy freshly caught and cooked shrimps directly from the boats. Peel and eat right out of the bag, or bring some white bread and a picnic rug and go sit by Akershus festning overlooking the fjord.
Drinks & Nightlife
One of Oslos smallest bars, super stylish retro interior and ferocious latin-american drinks
56 locals recommend
Perla Bar
66 Helgesens gateOne of Oslos smallest bars, super stylish retro interior and ferocious latin-american drinks
Relaxed, living rooom-like bar w/ bare brick walls, fireplace, mismatched furniture and board games. No food, but you can order from different restaurant around the square. Great outside sitting area!
170 locals recommend
Oslo Mekaniske Verksted
34 TøyenbekkenRelaxed, living rooom-like bar w/ bare brick walls, fireplace, mismatched furniture and board games. No food, but you can order from different restaurant around the square. Great outside sitting area!
Parkteatret Scene is an old cinema from 1907 now functioning mainly as a bar and concert venue (pop/rock, indie). Movie nights on Wednesdays, often with discussions/lectures. http://parkteatret.no/
129 locals recommend
Parkteatret Scene
11 Olaf Ryes plassParkteatret Scene is an old cinema from 1907 now functioning mainly as a bar and concert venue (pop/rock, indie). Movie nights on Wednesdays, often with discussions/lectures. http://parkteatret.no/
This is a green house disguised as a bar. Ceiling is covered with ivy, and the scent of basil, lime and coriander fills the room.The bartenders definitely know what they are doing -highly recommended
205 locals recommend
Torggata Botaniske
17B TorggataThis is a green house disguised as a bar. Ceiling is covered with ivy, and the scent of basil, lime and coriander fills the room.The bartenders definitely know what they are doing -highly recommended
Alternative music venue staging international bands plus live DJ sets. The wonderful FZQ holds free concerts every sunday at 16 and 20! There's also a handicraft marked, every sun 12-17. blaaoslo.no
394 locals recommend
Blå
9C BrenneriveienAlternative music venue staging international bands plus live DJ sets. The wonderful FZQ holds free concerts every sunday at 16 and 20! There's also a handicraft marked, every sun 12-17. blaaoslo.no
Once one of Oslos first discotheques, the bar in the same building as Olympen restaurant has been refurbished into a 1920, art deco style. Open until 03.
40 locals recommend
Pigalle
15 GrønlandsleiretOnce one of Oslos first discotheques, the bar in the same building as Olympen restaurant has been refurbished into a 1920, art deco style. Open until 03.
Grünerløkkas most established coctail bar. Newly refurbished, and larger than it used to be, but still quite intimate and with '50s/'60s interior.
105 locals recommend
Bar Boca
30 Thorvald Meyers gateGrünerløkkas most established coctail bar. Newly refurbished, and larger than it used to be, but still quite intimate and with '50s/'60s interior.
In a surprising gesture to adventurer Thor Heyerdahls expedition to the Easter Island in 1955, this bar contains at least one boat and uses blowfish as lamps. Beware of its legendary chili coctails.
218 locals recommend
Aku-Aku Tiki Bar
32 Thorvald Meyers gateIn a surprising gesture to adventurer Thor Heyerdahls expedition to the Easter Island in 1955, this bar contains at least one boat and uses blowfish as lamps. Beware of its legendary chili coctails.
If you are in the area, take the elevator up to Radisson Blu Plaza Hotels Sky bar. Located on the 34th floor it gives you a really nice view of the capital!
8 locals recommend
Skybar
If you are in the area, take the elevator up to Radisson Blu Plaza Hotels Sky bar. Located on the 34th floor it gives you a really nice view of the capital!
Getting Around
Lakkegata skole station
Stop to tram nb 17
Helgesens gate station
Stop to bus nb 20.
Tøyen T-Bane
Tøyen T-BaneMetro station, connecting all lines
Boats to the Islands of the Oslo fjord! The Oslo Ferries take you from the city centre to the islands of the Oslo Fjord. Tickets for public transport are valid on the ferries.
www.visitnorway.com/listings/boat-to-the-islands%3a-oslo-ferries/2970/
Rådhusbrygge 4
4 RådhusbryggeBoats to the Islands of the Oslo fjord! The Oslo Ferries take you from the city centre to the islands of the Oslo Fjord. Tickets for public transport are valid on the ferries.
www.visitnorway.com/listings/boat-to-the-islands%3a-oslo-ferries/2970/
Oslo city bikes can found at over 100 racks in and around the city centre. The 2016 season costs NOK 299,-
Once you have paid for your subscription, you can pick out a bike via the mobile app, a personal code used at the bike rack. You can use the same bike up to three hours.
https://oslobysykkel.no/information-in-english
187 locals recommend
Oslo City Bike
Oslo city bikes can found at over 100 racks in and around the city centre. The 2016 season costs NOK 299,-
Once you have paid for your subscription, you can pick out a bike via the mobile app, a personal code used at the bike rack. You can use the same bike up to three hours.
https://oslobysykkel.no/information-in-english
A guided bike tour or bike rental is the perfect way to discover Oslo. Vikting biking does organized tours and bike rental. www.vikingbikingoslo.com/en/
8 locals recommend
Viking Biking & Viking Hiking
31 AkershusstrandaA guided bike tour or bike rental is the perfect way to discover Oslo. Vikting biking does organized tours and bike rental. www.vikingbikingoslo.com/en/
My friend Graciela runs Oslo smallest city tour company, AlternativOslo. She offers tours by bike, tram or foot, dedicated to make you discover parts of Oslo not described in the tourist guides. At the end of a tour you will know a few words in Norwegian, and how to move alone in the city.
www.alternativoslo.com / +47 95 55 93 77
Graciela Arzelan
5B EkebergveienMy friend Graciela runs Oslo smallest city tour company, AlternativOslo. She offers tours by bike, tram or foot, dedicated to make you discover parts of Oslo not described in the tourist guides. At the end of a tour you will know a few words in Norwegian, and how to move alone in the city.
www.alternativoslo.com / +47 95 55 93 77
Oslo autoosta station
Oslo bus terminal
Oslo Central Station
1 JernbanetorgetOslo Central Station
Shopping
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.
780 locals recommend
Mathallen Oslo
5 VulkanIndoor 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.
Markveien is a really cute, alternative shopping street for those into second hand / retro clothing. Feminine visitors, check out Manillusion and Dianas salonger...
72 locals recommend
Markveien
MarkveienMarkveien is a really cute, alternative shopping street for those into second hand / retro clothing. Feminine visitors, check out Manillusion and Dianas salonger...
Neseblod records
56 Schweigaards gateA cult shop/ small museum for heavy metal.
One of the very original shops in the area. Fossils, rocks, minerals, meteorites, insects... you name it.
Naturens Mangfold
13 UllevålsveienOne of the very original shops in the area. Fossils, rocks, minerals, meteorites, insects... you name it.
Norwegians are obsessed with coffee. This espresso bar and rostery run by World Barista Champion Tim Wendelboe aims to be among the best espresso bars in the world.
Highly acclaimed - and bit on the pricy side for those happy with regular, black coffee.
249 locals recommend
Tim Wendelboe
1 Grüners gateNorwegians are obsessed with coffee. This espresso bar and rostery run by World Barista Champion Tim Wendelboe aims to be among the best espresso bars in the world.
Highly acclaimed - and bit on the pricy side for those happy with regular, black coffee.
Kollekted By AS
7 A Schous PlassFurniture and design objects signed by Scandinavian designers.
Parks & Nature
my best neighbour: A quiet place for walks and contemplation or observing the 5500 plants. Look for squirrels, check out the green houses or take your lunch to the picnic lawn in the southern end.
376 locals recommend
The University's Botanical Garden
1 Sars' gatemy best neighbour: A quiet place for walks and contemplation or observing the 5500 plants. Look for squirrels, check out the green houses or take your lunch to the picnic lawn in the southern end.
Just five minutes away from the city centre by ferry, you'll find beautiful Hovedøya. Two beaches, the ruins of a monastery from the middle ages, a big field, tracks for hiking and a small cafe. Parts of the island is a nature reserve, and flowers, trees, animals are protected.
Take the ferries from Rådhuskaia 4 by the city hall. B1/B2/B4 takes you directly to the island in five minutes. B3 takes you on a little tour between the other islands before you arrive at Hovedøya.
196 locals recommend
Hovedøya
Just five minutes away from the city centre by ferry, you'll find beautiful Hovedøya. Two beaches, the ruins of a monastery from the middle ages, a big field, tracks for hiking and a small cafe. Parts of the island is a nature reserve, and flowers, trees, animals are protected.
Take the ferries from Rådhuskaia 4 by the city hall. B1/B2/B4 takes you directly to the island in five minutes. B3 takes you on a little tour between the other islands before you arrive at Hovedøya.
The peninsula near the city centre with some of Oslo's most popular museums, hiking trails and beaches. The area is used for outdoor recreation all year round, and is very popular place to go for a walk, a run or a bicycle trip.
http://www.visitoslo.com/en/activities-and-attractions/boroughs/bygdoy/activities/
125 locals recommend
Bygdøy
The peninsula near the city centre with some of Oslo's most popular museums, hiking trails and beaches. The area is used for outdoor recreation all year round, and is very popular place to go for a walk, a run or a bicycle trip.
http://www.visitoslo.com/en/activities-and-attractions/boroughs/bygdoy/activities/
Paradisbukta
Katten station
Hvervenbukta
Nordstrand bad
Ingierstrand bad
27 IngierstrandveienBestemorstua
12 IngierstrandveienProbably the only beach in Oslo with entrance fees, but not expencive.
www.oslofjorden.com/badesteder/oslo/sydstranda.html
Sydstranda
Probably the only beach in Oslo with entrance fees, but not expencive.
www.oslofjorden.com/badesteder/oslo/sydstranda.html