Thanks to the country’s thriving oil industry, Oslo is one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. This is visible in its glass-covered skyscrapers, new infrastructure, and the plethora of trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques. This beautiful city is situated right next to the Oslofjord, combining a modern attitude with a most beautiful natural environment.
Norwegian Kroner (NOK) 1 krone = 100 øre
Police: 112
Fire Brigade: 110
Ambulance: 113
VG (Verdens Gang)
Aftenposten
Dagbladet
Natt & Dag
Shops are normally open Monday-Friday: 10:00 - 18:00 and Saturday: 10:00 - 16:00.
Department stores are open Monday-Friday: 10:00 - 20:00 and Saturday: 9:00 - 18:00
634,293 (2014)
Oslo Visitor Centre
Østbanehallen, next to Oslo Central Station. The entrance is from Jernbanetorget.
+47 23 10 62 00
info@visitoslo.com
Opening Hours:
January–March:
Monday-Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00
April
Monday-Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00
May–June
Monday-Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
July–August
Monday–Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
www.visitoslo.com
www.visitnorway.se
With the mountains and the sea enhancing its innovative architecture, Oslo is a modern capital with a unique Nordic feeling. With plenty of state-of-the-art museums looking back at the city's ancient past and cultural heritage, a cityscape scattered with artworks, and green areas just a step away from the bustling centre, Oslo is one of the most appealing urban destinations in the North.
Oslo Opera House
The Vigeland Park
Munch Museum
Akershus Fortress
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset)
The Royal Palace
Oslo is a lively city full of museums, art, and entertainment that will never leave visitors bored. Right in the city centre, Viking history and old wooden neighbourhood are just beside hip districts with innovative architecture and contemporary art. Festivals and concerts are held frequently all around the city.
Below is a list of the best things to do and see in Oslo, Norway:
Oslo Opera House
Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen
The Vigeland Park
Munch Museum
Damstredet & Telthusbakken
Akershus Fortress
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset)
The Botanical Garden
Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower
The Royal Palace
Tusenfryd Amusement Park
Bygdøy
Lake Sognsvann
Norwegian Maritime Museum
Oslo is an exceptionally modern capital with a large variety of ethnic cuisines, gourmet restaurants, and classic eateries. The city is also one of the most expensive in the world. For that reason, prices are generally high.
However, if you are traveling on a budget, cheaper alternatives serving good quality food can be found all around the city.
Here are a few cheap eats in Oslo:
- Syverkiosken: an iconic hot dog stand
- Illegal Burger: homemade gourmet burgers served at two locations in Oslo
- Freddy Fuego Burrito Bar: freshly-made burritos in the heart of Oslo
- Mamma Pizza Osteria: tasty pizza and pasta for a great price
- Munchies: popular hamburger restaurant with several locations around Oslo
- Haralds Vaffel: waffle shop
- Tuk Tuk Thai: Thai restaurant
Below you will find some of the best places to eat in Oslo, Norway:
Brasserie Sanguine
Syverkiosken
The Ekeberg Restaurant
Grådi
Theatercaféen
Munchies Grünerløkka
Alex Sushi
Louise Restaurant & Bar
The Great India
Delicatessen
Trattoria Popolare
Palace Grill
Hanami
Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri
Bølgen & Moi Briskeby
Yaya's Restaurant Vika
You can easily find a cafe in Oslo to rest your legs, but the city's teeming urban scene and proximity to sublime landscapes offer much more.
Espresso bars, cosy bakeries, and tasty snacks can be found in every corner of the city's districts, serving top-notch products in characteristic environments.
Here are some of the best cafes in Oslo, Norway:
Tim Wendelboe
Café Skansen
Asylet
Hjemme Hos Svigers
Åpent Bakeri
Stockfleths
Cafe Sara
Café Laundromat
Javelin Coffee & Tea
Espresso House
Oslo has plenty of places to go for a night out, boasting top-quality wine bars, famous clubs, and innovative night spots. From fancy cocktail bars to more chill venues, the central area has a lot to offer.
If you're looking for a more relaxed evening instead, you should head to Grünerløkka for a beer and a laid-back crowd.
Here are the best bars and nightclubs for a fun night out in Oslo, Norway:
Torggata Botaniske
Territoriet
Blå
Aku-Aku
Bar Boca
The Villa
Champagneria
Sosialen
Dattera til Hagen
The Dubliner Folk Pub
Justisen
Magic Ice Bar
Friday's American Bar
You will find everything in Oslo: plenty of shopping malls and department stores as well as independent boutiques and characteristic shopping streets with small shops and retailers. Antique shops, flea markets and local handicraft shops are also very popular around the city.
Utopia Retro Modern
Gutta på Haugen
Gulating Grünerløkka
Cappelens Forslag Bookshop
Paleet
Norway Shop
Chillout Travel Store
Birkelunden Flea Market
Steen & Strøm
Eger Karl Johan
Byporten
Aker Brygge
Arkaden
Oslo City
Passport/Visa
Norway can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country.
International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone.
Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
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Gardermoen Airport
Oslo’s main airport Gardermoen is situated 50 kilometres north of the Norwegian capital. The airport coaches and high-speed trains depart regularly for central Oslo.
The train takes about 20 minutes and there are two trains to choose from:
- Airport Express Train (Flytoget - www.flytoget.no/flytoget_eng)
- NSB – Norwegian State Railways (www.nsb.no/en/frontpage).
There are also several buss to take from the airport, one of them is Airport Express Coach (SAS Flybussen) that runs every 20 minutes every day between the airport and city centre. (www.flybussen.no)
Taxis are represented at the airport, just head over to the taxi information desk in the arrival hall where you will get information about the fixed rates of the different taxi companies. They can also help you book a taxi, otherwise the taxi rank is just outside the arrival hall.
Address: Gardermoen Airport, Oslo
Email: passasjerservice@avinor.no
Phone: +47 64 81 20 00
Website: avinor.no/en/airport/oslo-airport
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Sandefjord Airport Torp
Sandefjord Airport Torp is located in Sandefjord, approximately 120 kilometres south-west of Oslo city centre.
Torp-Ekspressen coaches will take you to Oslo's bus terminal from the airport. (torpekspressen.no)
NSB has a train service to Oslo that runs from the train station by the name of Torp, located between Stokke and Sandefjord. There is a connected shuttle bus service between the airport and the train station that takes approx. 4 minutes.
Taxis and car rental companies are also represented at the airport.
Address: Sandefjord Airport, Torpveien 30, Sandefjord
Email: post@torp.no
Phone: +47 33 42 70 00
Website: www.torp.no/en
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Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Oslo is in late spring and during the summer, as the temperatures rise and you can enjoy the numerous outdoor activities; it can still get chilly, however, so make sure to pack proper clothes.
Spring and summer are some of the most popular seasons to travel to Oslo, especially from May to July. During this period, you will experience nearly 24 hours of daylight.
For those who are interested in winter sports, November to April are good periods to visit. In the north of the city, there are great skiing opportunities but be aware the temperatures are around freezing and the daylight hours are short.
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Public Transport
Oslo has convenient public transportation, and there are multiple options for travelling around Oslo, including buses, trams, subways, ferries, and local trains.
The public transport system is operated by Ruter, and they are all part of the same ticketing and pricing system. Tickets can be purchased from Ruter's Customer Service Centre (in front of Oslo Central Station), from ticket machines at metro stations or in most Narvesen and 7Eleven stores. Single tickets can be bought on the buses and ferries, but be aware it gets more expensive than tickets bought in advance.
There is also the Ruter's mobile ticket app where you can buy single, 24-hour, 7-day and 30-day tickets before boarding.
Address: Jernbanetorget 1
Email:
Phone: +47 22 05 70 70
Website: www.ruter.no/en
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Taxi
You can easily catch a taxi from one of Oslo’s many taxi stands or call ahead to book. Do not try to hail cabs on the street, fares are more expensive than if you book one by telephone.
Oslo Taxi
+47 02323
www.oslotaxi.no
Norgestaxi
+47 080 00
www.norgestaxi.no
Taxi2
+47 02202
www.taxi2.no
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Post
In addition to the regular post offices, many grocery stores have a postal service. Stamps are also available from most newsagents and tobacconists.
Address: Olafiagangen 5
Email:
Phone: +47 22 40 90 50
Website: www.posten.no/en
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Pharmacy
The pharmacy Vitusapotek on Jernbanetorget is open around the clock.
Address: Jernbanetorget 4 B
Email: jernbanetorget@vitusapotek.no
Phone: +47 23 35 81 00
Website: www.vitusapotek.no
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Telephone
Country code: +47
Area code for Oslo: 022, 023 or 024
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Electricity
230 V, 50 Hz
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