Tone Hansen
THE LOCALS’ GUIDE TO OSLO
Top insider tips
The capital of Norway is growing steadily, and so is its vibrant cultural scene. A city break in Oslo includes everything from tasty food and cool galleries to live music and nature experiences.
And the best part? Most things are within walking distance.
Here’s how to spend a long weekend in true Oslo style: a cultural Friday, Saturday with the locals, and an urban Sunday walk.
Cultural Friday
"There are many places I keep coming back to in Oslo, and I love wandering around the ever-expanding city."
Tone Hansen
Tone Hansen's top cultural Friday experiences in Oslo
Tone Hansen is a Norwegian artist, curator, art writer and the director of the MUNCH museum in Oslo.
Morning sauna: Try one of the saunas just outside the MUNCH museum! I love spending a calm early morning with a sauna session, followed by breakfast at the lovely café KUMI in Oslobukta.
Vintage shopping: Spend the early afternoon exploring unique, independent boutiques instead of mainstream chains. Check out Eftir or Fæbrik if you're into vintage fashion and design.
Lunch and art: For lunch, head to Café Platz or Kumi – they both offer great food with a relaxed ambiance. Afterward, dive into Oslo’s art scene by visiting nearby galleries like VI, VII and Kunsthall. I’m particularly fond of Kösk, since they make art from talented up-and-coming artists accessible to more people.
Parks: Nothing beats Ekebergparken with its mix of trails, art, and the buzz of people. Pipilotti Rist’s Pixel Forest makes a trip there feel like a pilgrimage!
Food: I love a quick dinner at Kanpai, champagne and oysters served on ice at Eff Eff, or mussels from Fiskeriet at Youngstorget. If you're not too hungry, grab a coffee and a pastry at Lille Betong.
Romantic dates: The best tip for a romantic date is a drink at sunset at the bar on the 13th floor of the MUNCH museum, followed by a stroll down through each floor, exploring exhibition after exhibition. On the 11th floor, for example, Horizons showcases Munch in relation to other artists of his time. You can choose to view one or several works here.
While you’re here: If you want a unique culinary experience, Oslo offers several Michelin-starred restaurants. For more inspiration, check out this article with more cool activities in Oslo.
Saturday with the locals
“Each neighbourhood in Oslo has its own charm. There's multicultural Grønland, hipster Grünerløkka, trendy Tøyen, and fashionable Frogner. And don't forget lively Majorstuen, where you can find vintage bargains at the Vestkanttorvet flea market on Saturdays."
Helle Øder Valebrokk
Helle Øder Valebrokk
Valebrokk’s tips for a Saturday with the locals in Oslo
Valebrokk is one of Norway’s most famous food and travel writers. She has published a cookbook and runs the blog Helleskitchen.org.
Fashionable Frogner: Stroll through Vigeland sculpture park (Frognerparken) and visit the lovely café Anne På Landet, with its nice selection of tasty buns and cakes. Head to Chat D'Or for a glass of Champagne or Kolonihagen Frogner for delicious light dishes. Two other hot tips are to stop for a coffee at Eckers or an affogato at Gioia. Enoteca is a neighbourhood restaurant in Bygdøy Allé. The food is Italian, but the atmosphere is 100 per cent Frogner.
Cake with a view: Take the metro to Frognerseteren, where you can tuck into a scrumptious apple pie while enjoying a view of Oslo.
Top eateries and watering holes: Enjoy oysters and organic wine at Eff Eff in Fredensborg. Stroll among traditional wooden houses at Telthusbakken before having a snack at Nektar. For the very best service by the most energetic staff, head to Skaal Matbar in Grünerløkka – also known for its legendary snacks.
The best coffee in town: Tim Wendelboe is a world-renowned coffee legend. A trip to his café in Grünerløkka is a must for anyone who wants to try Nordic-style coffee.
Cheese in the city: Winther at Aker Brygge is an artisanal cheesemaker and farm shop. It also serves delicious Italian dishes and sourdough pizzas. Their pizzaiolo Michele Volpicella was rated #93 on the prestigious, global list: The Best Pizza Chef 2024.
Typically Norwegian: Vaaghals in Bjørvika offers beautiful food with a Norwegian focus. Bibliotekbaren at Hotel Bristol has satisfying sandwiches and afternoon tea. If you would like to visit the most Norwegian of all shops in Oslo, head over to Fenaknoken where you can learn about our food heritage and taste local specialities.
Quirky places: Smalhans at St. Hanshaugen is known for its simple but delicious food. Around the corner, you’ll find Restaurant Schrøder, which is not to be missed for fans of Norwegian crime author Jo Nesbø and his main character, Harry Hole.
While you’re here: There are so many fantastic eateries in Oslo that your only problem will be choosing which ones to visit. Plan ahead and start exploring cafés, bars, and restaurants!
Sunday city walks
“Oslo is Norway’s only metropolis and a wonderful place to explore on foot. It’s big enough to go for long walks without having to leave the urban area. I love strolling through its neighbourhoods and exploring the differences between the east and west sides.”
Hanna Norberg
Hanna Norberg
Norberg’s tips for urban Sunday walks
A true Oslo patriot, Norberg was nominated as Oslo's Citizen of the Year in 2016. She is a journalist who has published two books about the city – one about the best walks around town, and one about the best things to do with kids.
Concrete jungle: Oslo has everything from coffee shops and skyscrapers to ancient forests and beaches. What more could you want? Take a break in one of the city parks. The best coffee in the world is always within reach when you are strolling around the streets of Oslo.
The best city walk ever: Havnepromenaden, an eight-kilometre-long promenade along the Oslofjord, is one of the finest city walks in the world. Start in Frognerkilen and make Kongen Marina your first stop. This is an uber-cool bar, restaurant, and shop by the water with deck chairs and a sauna. Then, sip a take-away coffee from Aker Brygge as you stroll past Akershus Fortress. Taste street food at the Vippa food hall or from the food trucks at SALT. The walk ends in Bjørvika, where you'll find the main library Deichman Bjørvika and the iconic Oslo Opera House.
Along the river: Along the Akerselva river you can explore everything from tranquil nature to lively cafés and industrial history. From Ankerbrua bridge at the lower end of Grünerløkka, you just follow the river upwards. If you want to bring a packed lunch, the food hall Mathallen is within easy reach. Leave room for dessert at Hønse-Lovisas Hus, a café located on the steepest hill next to a waterfall.
River paddling: How about a bit of paddling? Join a guided SUP board or kayak tour along Akerselva with Mad Goats. Wet and wild!
Wow factor: Travel to Akebakkeskogen. From there, walk up to the top of Grefsenkollen. Once you reach the top, your first thought will be “wow!”. The view is absolutely stunning – as is the restaurant up there. It’s hard to beat a pizza on the roof of Oslo.
Sauna time: Visit one of the floating saunas on the fjord, any time of year! After a hot steam, enjoy a refreshing dip – probably the coolest (and hottest) thing you can do in Oslo. There are several saunas to try: Kok Oslo, Oslo Sauna Association in Bjørvika right by the Opera House, and Greenboats at Aker Brygge.
Go skiing: Take the metro from the city centre to Frognerseteren. Look forward to some lovely cross country skiing with amazing views. Follow the trail down the hill to Ullevålseter, a quaint forest café. Back at Frognerseteren, you can complete your Norwegian experience by enjoying sour cream porridge in front of the fireplace at Kafé Seterstua.
Without skis: Try Korketrekkeren, the mother of all toboggan runs! It goes all the way from Frognerseteren to Midtstuen. That’s 2 kilometres with a 255-metre descent! Take the metro back to the top and do it all over again.
While you’re here: Other suggestions for a Sunday in Oslo are to explore the city by bike, go for a walk in the forest, and visit a climbing park. Find more outdoor activities in Oslo.
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