24 Hours in Oslo, Norway!

24 hours in Oslo (what to see and do in Norway's capital)

Essentially, Oslo is not the final destination of a trip. Most people land in Oslo and immediately set off on a cruise to the magical Fjords. Here we will show you that it is worth spending at least one day in this frozen capital.

If you've never visited Oslo, there's never been a better time than now. And we don't mean packing your bags because you're travelling tomorrow, but it's the perfect time to consider organising a short trip to Oslo. The summer months are ideal for a visit to the Fjords. The forests are lush and green, offering a landscape of unique beauty.

The city now boasts the most modern architecture and a beautiful waterfront. The city is full of life and ideal for spending your time.

Where to wander

Ideally, start from the Aker Brygge wharf. It's packed with shops and stores, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Continue to Tjuvholmen, a municipal district within Oslo that is one of the most rapidly developing. It features unique apartments, offices, a supermarket, and many modern restaurants. The name of the area is inextricably linked to its history. The first compound word 'tjuv' means 'thief', and the reason the area has this particular name is that it was once a place of execution for thieves. So, one thing is for sure: the area has evolved greatly since then.

Art lovers should not miss the opportunity to visit the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art http://afmuseet.no/en/hjem. A unique museum of contemporary art.

Close to the harbour is Akershus Fortress. A place you will want to see up close. Many events are organised there, such as concerts and national holiday celebrations https://www.visitoslo.com/en/product/?TLp=14900

You can spend your time in the museums inside the fortress, if you are interested in medieval history or World War II. If history and museums don't excite you, you can simply take a stroll and enjoy the scenery.

If you continue east, you will find Bjørvika bay in the Sentrum district. This is Oslo's cultural, urban centre. In this district, you'll find the Oslo Opera House https://operaen.no/en/, and of course, the waterfront is lined with the most modern shops and restaurants by the sea.

What to see

Although it is far from the city centre, The Vigeland Park is well worth a visit. A metro or tram ride is all it takes to get there. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the largest sculpture park in the world, housing works by one unique artist. This is none other than the talented Norwegian Gustav Vigeland, and this park is his life's work, comprising 200 of his works made from granite, bronze, and iron.

At the centre of the park is a unique work that took the artist and his team 14 years to complete. It is a 14-metre-high monolith representing the human desire to reach the divine.

Another excellent work of his is "The Cycle of Life", symbolising eternity and harmony in the form of a circle with 4 adults and a baby. It is a unique experience you won't want to miss.

Where to admire the view

As mentioned above, the Oslo Opera House is located in the Bjørvika area, almost in the heart of the city. It is the centre of the award-winning Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. Beyond its fame and accolades, the Opera House also features a magnificent roof that slopes down to the ground, creating a large public plaza where visitors can walk and admire the splendid view.

What to eat and drink

A short walk from the city centre to the east of the river will take you to the Grunerløkka district. It used to be an industrial area but is now filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, as well as many boutiques and shops.

On the banks of the Mathallen river, you'll find about 25 unique restaurants competing to host you.

Vippa is a new and quite popular seaside bar with a vision. Its vision is to bring cultures together through each nation's cuisine. The method is to integrate new immigrant entrepreneurs into Norwegian culture.

If a meal isn't what you're after, visit Tim Wendelboe for a unique coffee experience. Owner Tim travels the world to source only the finest varieties for your coffee.

Tip 1: Do as the Scandinavians do! Order filter coffee, and you won't regret it.

Tip 2: Norwegians don't prefer a big breakfast. Something light and a cup of coffee is the ideal start to their day.

At hotel breakfast buffets, you'll find mountains of bread and many choices of accompaniments. These can range from jams to meats and cheeses, and of course, mackerel and salmon.

If you want an affordable meal, you can visit Chinese or Thai restaurants on Torggata. These restaurants offer good quality and unique lunch deals.

Where to shop

Taking a short stroll from the city centre to the east of the river, you'll find the Grunerløkka district, which was once an industrial area but is now home to many cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

The city's best shops are all clustered around Markveien and Thorvald Meyers gate. If you love vintage items and are interested in fashion, head to Robot, Fretex, Unika, Velouria Vintage, while Liten & Tøff and Lillemonster have the best Scandinavian pieces for children.

Finally, Chillout Travel is the place to visit for your travel gear and guidebooks.

Where to stay

The city has many quality hotels to stay in, and more open every year. You can find what suits you best according to your preferences.