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OSLO 101
Oslo is expensive. While hotels here are pretty affordable, everything else is… not. Why? Norway is a rich country thanks to lucrative oil and gas industries, and average salaries are high. Be prepared for a 10-minute taxi ride across town to set you back $35USD, and for a main course at lunch to be around $40USD (depending, of course, where you go).
The city itself is compact, which makes it a breeze to get around. You can go from one side of the city to the other in about 45 minutes, but most places are within 15-20 minutes of each other.
Because Norway is so far north, it experiences very little sunlight in winter, and nearly 24/7 sunshine in the summer. We’d advise going between May-September for long days (and swimming/sauna-ing along the waterfront).
Like most of Scandinavia, Oslo is very family friendly. It has lots of parks, its museums often have little play pens for kids (s/o the National Museum), and most restaurants are accommodating with high chairs. Generally, kids are welcome, and brought everywhere!
WHO SHOULD GO
Oslo’s main draws are its incredible architecture and art scenes, beautiful nature (best experienced via fjord swimming and its many beautiful parks), and laid-back, friendly atmosphere that doesn’t feel overly touristed. There is also a real integrity around the produce here, so the restaurants feel very high quality (part of the reason Oslo has earned many Michelin stars). We love it, and particularly recommend it for anyone who wants a low-key Scandinavian summer destination. Note that for all its positives, Oslo is really not a shopping destination.
EDITORS’ PICKS: Our 15 Favorite Spots
Grotto · Oslo
Grotto
Grotto got its start as a wine bar pop-up and had such success it morphed into a full-on French bistro. With undeniable Parisian charm, the restaurant is set in a refurbished old garage where it serves a modernized French menu (epic steak tartare, escargot with chartreuse sauce, steak au poivre with potato purée) in chic surroundings.
Fashion Research Library · Oslo
Fashion Research Library
Founded by publisher and fashion editor Elise By Olsen, this one-of-a-kind passion project houses more than 5,000 pieces of printed fashion materials from brands including Gucci, Marni, Issey Miyake, and more. While the collection includes magazines, it focuses more heavily on lesser-celebrated materials: labels, event invites, illustrations, and more. Fashion lovers could easily spend hours here, sifting through the shelves.
Kistefos Museum · Oslo
Kistefos Museum
Kistefos is a spectacular art destination located one hour outside of Oslo. The contemporary art museum and sculpture park is set on an old pulp mill and features more than 50 works from artists including Olafur Eliasson, Yayoi Kusama, Anish Kapoor, and more. The centerpiece of the destination is the main building—an artwork in its own right—designed by Bjarke Ingels Group. Dubbed The Twist, the structure is both a gallery space and a bridge, spanning the river that runs through the property.
Deichman Bjørvika · Oslo
Deichman Bjørvika
Oslo’s main public library boasts not just books but striking architecture and beautiful fjord views from its top floor.
Oslo City Hall · Oslo
Oslo City Hall
Oslo’s City Hall is more than a simple municipal building. Go inside and you’ll be rewarded with vast, colorful murals depicting scenes from traditional Norwegian life. It’s also the host of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.
Rosenhoff Kiosk · Oslo
Rosenhoff Kiosk
Don’t miss this hole-in-the-wall to-go counter for epic Neapolitan-style pizza. It's run by three friends and is a cult favorite for a quick but exceptional bite (and a noteworthy tiramisu).
The Little Pickle · Oslo
The Little Pickle
Perfect neighborhood cafe in Grünerløkka, serving sourdough-based baked goods in the morning (our favorite time to go), sandwiches and a few small plates at lunch, and a seasonal dinner menu in the evening. If you’re in town on a Sunday, book for their Sunday roast, an indulgent afternoon feast.
Maaemo · Oslo
Maaemo
Oslo’s most famous restaurant is hands-down Maaemo, which has earned three Michelin stars for its tasting menus that implement only biodynamic and organic produce. It’s a fine-dining must.
National Museum · Oslo
National Museum
A vast, very impressive museum with more than 400,000 pieces from the Norwegian state's public collection of art, including the first copy of Edvard Munch’s The Scream (several other copies are at the Munch museum). There is so much to see here, so allot a few hours so you don’t feel rushed.
Sörenga havsbad
This fjord pool is set right on Oslo’s waterfront and offers a little sandy beach, swimming lanes, diving board and more. It’s a popular hangout in summer, but it’s open year-round for those brave enough to swim during the winter.
Galleri Riis · Oslo
Galleri Riis
This Norwegian contemporary art gallery was founded by collectors Inger and Andreas L. Riis in 1980 and has been a top gallery on the Oslo art scene since then. It focuses on Nordic artists with occasional exhibits from international artists.
Merkur Bar · Oslo
Merkur Bar
This cocktail and natural wine bar has a specific focus on sake and Japanese-inspired beverages, plus beautiful, retro interiors. A late night favorite.
KOK Sauna
This seaside sauna is the best spot to experience Scandinavian sauna culture on the waterfront. Book a two-hour session, or splurge on the “fjord cruise” which takes you in a floating sauna throughout the fjords.
Munch · Oslo
Munch
Set in an architecturally striking building, this sprawling museum houses hundreds of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch’s paintings. Come to see several versions of his most famous work, The Scream, and don’t miss the fifth floor.
Sommerro · Oslo
Sommerro
The top hotel in Oslo is this sprawling, Art Deco property with more than 200 rooms featuring lavish touches like velvet furniture and vibrant wallpaper. Also on site are seven F&B outlets, a very impressive 15,000-square-foot wellness area, and a rooftop pool and sauna. The central hotel is also popular with locals (it offers a membership for its wellness center).
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