As the capital and most populous city in Norway, Oslo is a must-visit. Whether you’re going with family, friends or on a solo adventure I have plenty of travel tips for you. For help planning a custom Oslo adventure, Just Ask!
Where to Stay
I highly recommend staying at The Thief Hotel and Spa. It’s a hip hotel close to an amazing array of trendy restaurants along the Aker Brygge. This fun and fashionable location used to be a shipbuilding yard as it’s right on the harbor and fantastic for shopping and eating. A refreshing side note about Norwegian hotels is that no one will carry your bags up to your room. Everyone in Norway carries their own bags. No elitism here! Ha!
What to Do
Take the ferry ride to see the small Oslo fjords, the Opera House and Monica Bonvicini ”She Lies” floating art work in the Bjorvika town bay. Also, pass by the Akershus fortress and various museums such as The Viking Ship Museum.
Hike up to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. You’ll pass Frognerseteren , a famous Norwegian restaurant in Oslo. Then, hike down to the Sculpture Garden Park called The Vigeland Park to view the 212 bronze and granite sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Truly spectacular experiences!
Visit SALT , which is a harbor-side project for art, music, food and more. Check out the enormous and incredible art installation by female artist Kaarina Kaikkonen called, “ We Are Still The Same”, which is currently being shown until October 28, 2019. It’s an exhibition of approximately 1200 recycled shirts referring to humanity, identity, and personal histories. It’s very special.
For some extra fun, I recommend hiring all-around guide Erlend Oyan. He might even grill Norwegian hotdogs on a disposable grill for you! Find him on Instagram @BestofOslo, or Just Ask for his contact info.
Where to Eat or Drink
The Mathallen Food Hall is a special location in the village-like neighborhood called Grunerlokka. It’s filled with cool cafes that turn into fun bars in the evening. My kind of neighborhood!
GALT is a Michelin star restaurant located in the “bougie” Frogner neighborhood. Get ready for a culinary treat at this fabulous spot. You’ll find great champagne in this neighborhood, as well!
Inside SALT, don’t miss Cafe Naustet (The Boat House). It’s a cafe/bar in a cozy little nook on the harbor which serves the famous Norwegian brown cheese with waffles. I consumed the most delicious cap there, too!
Himkok is a funky bar. The location is truly a secret (think Prohibition days) as it’s completely hidden with only a number on the door. It’s considered one of the best bars in the world with a team of cocktail professionals. It’s easy to miss, but worth the visit!
Note: Walking is the best way to get around Oslo. However, if you’d like to visit the ski jump, then take the tube.
Have fun exploring!
