Svanen Cocktailbar, located in Karl Johans gate, is a charming and creatively designed bar that has been around since 1896 and is now considered a cultural heritage site. The cocktail menu reflects the bar's history as an apothecary, with its former counter now serving as the bar and cabinets filled with jars. Despite its vintage charm, Svanen is a modern gem that offers an exceptional experience.
Oslo Cathedral, a 1600s church in Norway, is not only a place for regular services but also hosts royal and state events. It's known for its historical significance and is where the Royal family gets married. The cathedral's surroundings offer opportunities for shopping traditional souvenirs at places like Den Norske Husfliden store.
Angst is a small and cozy club that attracts a trendy crowd on weekends. The music is carefully curated, creating a relaxed atmosphere for dancing and socializing. During the day, it offers a laid-back spot for coffee or tea. While some patrons love the place, others dislike the owner and bouncers for their perceived exclusivity. Despite this, it remains popular throughout the week with packed dance floors and retro vibes.
Fiskeriet Youngstorget is a seafood restaurant located in the bustling square of Youngstorget in Oslo. The restaurant offers an impressive selection of fresh Norwegian seafood, including langoustines, prawns, cod, oysters, mussels, smoked eel, and hot-smoked salmon. In addition to its dining area, Fiskeriet also has a fishmonger on-site. While reservations are recommended due to its popularity and busy atmosphere, walk-ins may also find seating.
Oslo Street Food is a trendy food court in the heart of Oslo, offering a diverse range of international cuisines, bars, and live DJ entertainment. Whether you're visiting during Easter or any other time, this vibrant spot provides ample indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy their meals while soaking up the lively atmosphere. Ordering from various vendors is made convenient through an app, allowing patrons to savor everything from fried pub fare to Asian and Indian dishes.
Tilt is a vibrant and entertaining bar nestled in the Grunerlokka neighborhood of Oslo. Boasting an impressive selection of 19 beers on tap from Norway, Europe, and the USA, it's a haven for beer enthusiasts. While not having the most extensive beer collection among bars, Tilt offers an enjoyable atmosphere to unwind. Visitors can indulge in free shuffleboard with a waitlist at the bar or exchange cash for tokens to enjoy pinball and video games.
Nestled just a stone's throw from the iconic Rockefeller Music Hall, Arakataka is a vibrant culinary gem that celebrates seasonal Nordic and international flavors. This contemporary eatery features an open kitchen and stylish designer lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere for diners. The heart of Arakataka lies in its Matbaren food bar, where guests can indulge in a delightful selection of small plates without the need for reservations.
Café Sara is a late-opening, cozy bar and restaurant with a dark wood interior and an outdoor area. It's known for serving burgers, burritos, BBQ dishes, and a wide selection of beers on tap and in bottles. The place has a bigger space than it initially appears, with a second room at the back and a small terrace. It has a lively atmosphere that feels like a neighborhood bar.
Torggata Botaniske is a one-of-a-kind cocktail bar nestled in Oslo, where the art of mixology meets a deep appreciation for botanicals. This vibrant venue boasts an impressive array of craft cocktails, many infused with fresh herbs and unique ingredients sourced from their very own greenhouse. The lush interior, adorned with climbing vines and leafy plants, creates an enchanting urban jungle atmosphere that invites guests to unwind and savor their drinks.
HIMKOK Storgata Destilleri is a renowned cocktail bar known for its sustainability efforts, with over 80% of their ingredients made or distilled in-house. The menu is crafted from recycled plastic trash, and each page is a work of art. The inventive cocktail bar offers fresh and creative drinks, many featuring their homemade spirits. The bartenders take immense pride in their work and are attentive to customers' preferences.
Free Walking Tours Oslo offers an insightful way to explore the city's history and culture. The tours are led by knowledgeable and entertaining guides who provide a comprehensive overview of Oslo's landmarks and historical significance. From Grunerlokka, a vibrant neighborhood with a blend of Norwegian and foreign cultures, to iconic sculptures like the Tiger sculpture and Eidsvolls plass, these tours offer an excellent introduction to Oslo for visitors.
Oslo Central Station, also known as Oslo Sentralstasjon, is a major rail hub offering connections to various destinations across the country. Adjacent to the iconic Oslo Opera House, it provides convenient access for travelers exploring the city. Additionally, the station serves as a gateway to two airports in Oslo, with transportation options available for easy airport transfers. The area surrounding Oslo Central Station is vibrant and bustling, featuring numerous dining and entertainment options.
Oslo Mekaniske Verksted is a charming and popular industrial-chic bar in Oslo, known for its relaxed atmosphere and mismatched furniture. It's a great spot to hang out with friends, offering good vibes regardless of the season. The interior has dim lighting, interesting decorations, and board games on some tables, making it perfect for casual gatherings or even dates. While the drink selection may not be extensive, the large space and unique vibe more than make up for it.
If you have time left — worth it too.
Sørenga is a vibrant neighborhood situated in Gamlebyen, Oslo. It is bordered by Bjørvika to the east, Vannspeilet to the west, Bispegata and Oslo torg to the north, and the Alna River to the south. This area boasts Operastranda, Oslo's newest beach located between the Opera and Sørenga.
Ekeberg Park, The Couple - Louise Bourgeois is a scenic park in Oslo with amazing sculptures and a lush, sylvan setting. It offers a great view of the city and is perfect for a leisurely walk or hike. Visitors can enjoy the surprising sculptures scattered throughout the park while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Additionally, there are lovely cafes and restaurants with stunning views to enhance the overall experience.
SALT is a unique leisure and entertainment space located along the waterfront in Oslo. It offers a combination of art, music, saunas, and outdoor vibes. The venue features different halls for various activities such as art exhibitions and movie screenings, as well as spaces for private parties. Visitors can enjoy food from diverse cuisine served by food trucks in the outdoor area. SALT also boasts sauna facilities with separate hot and cold options, providing a cool experience for guests.
KOK Oslo Sauna, located at Langkaia, is a unique floating sauna experience established in 2017. The sauna offers two boats where visitors can relax while enjoying stunning views of the Opera House and the fjord. Guests have the option to take a refreshing dip in the icy fjord after their sauna session. While there are no private changing rooms or bathrooms on site, visitors can book shared saunas and enjoy meeting new people from around the world.
Grünerløkka is the perfect spot for those seeking a laid-back vibe, brimming with stylish cafes and vibrant street food markets. A must-try local delicacy is 'polse med lompe,' which features delicious sausage wrapped in soft potato flatbread, commonly available from various food trucks around the area.
The Zoological Museum (Robert Collett's house) – Natural History museum is a small but enjoyable exhibition featuring over 5,000 plant species in the botanical garden and an indoor display of dinosaur bones and recreated animal habitats from around the world. The museum also houses fossils, minerals, geological maps, and stuffed animal exhibits. It's child-friendly with a notable T-Rex replica dominating one of the rooms.
Akerselva River in Oslo is a picturesque 5-mile stretch from Maridalsvannet Lake to the city center, offering walking paths with views of waterfalls, swimming spots, and wildlife. The river played a significant role in Oslo's industrial history but has since been cleaned up. Along the river, you can find sculptures and various dining options.