Guidebook for Oslo
Food Scene
Tim Wendelboe
1 Grüners gateBest coffee in the world. Period. Unique experience.
This small little iconic old style wooden house sells classic Norwegian waffles. The two old ladies running it are a bit strict and the price a little high, but the waffles are good and the house and location makes up for that!
56 Einheimische empfehlen
Hønse-Lovisas house
2 SandakerveienThis small little iconic old style wooden house sells classic Norwegian waffles. The two old ladies running it are a bit strict and the price a little high, but the waffles are good and the house and location makes up for that!
Månefisken sells coffee and beverages at day and drinks and beer at night. Sitting on their porch overlooking the waterfall in the river is a very soothing feeling.
31 Einheimische empfehlen
Månefisken AS
23A SagveienMånefisken sells coffee and beverages at day and drinks and beer at night. Sitting on their porch overlooking the waterfall in the river is a very soothing feeling.
Mathallen (literally: food hall) is a good place to buy good food at decent prices. The whole area (Vulkan) is filled with different restaurants, all though if you want food to go (for example to hike alongside the Akers Elva river) Mathallen is your place. They also have great Italian ice cream :D Note: They close alot sooner than you think - especially mon - thursday.
780 Einheimische empfehlen
Mathallen Oslo
5 VulkanMathallen (literally: food hall) is a good place to buy good food at decent prices. The whole area (Vulkan) is filled with different restaurants, all though if you want food to go (for example to hike alongside the Akers Elva river) Mathallen is your place. They also have great Italian ice cream :D Note: They close alot sooner than you think - especially mon - thursday.
Norwegian food is very much bread based. So why settle for anything less than the best? Godt Brød (meaning Good bread) is 100 % organic and bases it ingredients on local stuff. They make fantastic sandwiches and the best buns you'll ever taste. For the love of God: Please try the "Mandelbolle" (almond bun) its a m a z i n g !!
77 Einheimische empfehlen
Godt Brød Grünerløkka
49 Thorvald Meyers gateNorwegian food is very much bread based. So why settle for anything less than the best? Godt Brød (meaning Good bread) is 100 % organic and bases it ingredients on local stuff. They make fantastic sandwiches and the best buns you'll ever taste. For the love of God: Please try the "Mandelbolle" (almond bun) its a m a z i n g !!
This place is known for very good pizza. Note: it's often crammed. If you want just as good pizza (sometimes better) and not walk too far: check out Samson Bakery next to the Birkelunden Park.
380 Einheimische empfehlen
Villa Paradiso Grünerløkka
8 Olaf Ryes plassThis place is known for very good pizza. Note: it's often crammed. If you want just as good pizza (sometimes better) and not walk too far: check out Samson Bakery next to the Birkelunden Park.
This place is a very good bakery, has good coffee AND has fantastic pizza. My personal favourite spot to sit if I want to get some work done and not sit at home. It's also very quiet compared to the cafees and restaurant located more south on Grünerløkka.
20 Einheimische empfehlen
W.B. Samson - Grünerløkka
27A Thorvald Meyers gateThis place is a very good bakery, has good coffee AND has fantastic pizza. My personal favourite spot to sit if I want to get some work done and not sit at home. It's also very quiet compared to the cafees and restaurant located more south on Grünerløkka.
A very good Italian restaurant (run by an Italian and a Norwegian). Decent prices when thinking of the quality. Try their ox tail ravioli :D
159 Einheimische empfehlen
Trattoria Popolare
2 TrondheimsveienA very good Italian restaurant (run by an Italian and a Norwegian). Decent prices when thinking of the quality. Try their ox tail ravioli :D
Very cozy genuine tapas restaurant in a wooden house in a cute small wood house neighbourhood. On the expensive side, but it's definetely high value when considering the amount of dishes served (prices around 750 kroner). Popular place, might want to book in advance at bonlio.no
47 Einheimische empfehlen
Bon Lio
15 SofienberggataVery cozy genuine tapas restaurant in a wooden house in a cute small wood house neighbourhood. On the expensive side, but it's definetely high value when considering the amount of dishes served (prices around 750 kroner). Popular place, might want to book in advance at bonlio.no
This American Diner has fantastic pancakes, milkshakes, hashbrowns - anything to kickstart your day!
152 Einheimische empfehlen
The Nighthawk Diner
15A SeilduksgataThis American Diner has fantastic pancakes, milkshakes, hashbrowns - anything to kickstart your day!
Calm atmosphere, great breakfasts (Northern European style with rye bread, etc), great juices, very friendly clientele and staff.
120 Einheimische empfehlen
Liebling
4 ØvrefossCalm atmosphere, great breakfasts (Northern European style with rye bread, etc), great juices, very friendly clientele and staff.
old building - been a restaurant here since 1850s. Now they serve modern variants of Norwegian food. Cosy! jazz on wednesdays!
72 Einheimische empfehlen
Sagene Lunsjbar
153B Maridalsveienold building - been a restaurant here since 1850s. Now they serve modern variants of Norwegian food. Cosy! jazz on wednesdays!
Supreme Roastworks
18A Thorvald Meyers gateAnother great coffee bar close by.
Only close-by place where they serve typical Norwegian food. Also brew their own beer.
83 Einheimische empfehlen
Grünerløkka Brygghus
30B Thorvald Meyers gateOnly close-by place where they serve typical Norwegian food. Also brew their own beer.
Drinks & Nightlife
This place has great classic drinks, and some new ones too. Tip: give the bartended a description of what tastes you like and he will create a perfect one for you.
105 Einheimische empfehlen
Bar Boca
30 Thorvald Meyers gateThis place has great classic drinks, and some new ones too. Tip: give the bartended a description of what tastes you like and he will create a perfect one for you.
After Bar Boca, why not head over to the neighbour; Aku-Aku? Aku-Aku does not make as good classics as Bar Boca, but what it lacks in finesse it makes up in fun and experimentation. Tropical and bigger than big is the name of the game here. It's also bigger, so it's easier to find a table here.
218 Einheimische empfehlen
Aku-Aku Tiki Bar
32 Thorvald Meyers gateAfter Bar Boca, why not head over to the neighbour; Aku-Aku? Aku-Aku does not make as good classics as Bar Boca, but what it lacks in finesse it makes up in fun and experimentation. Tropical and bigger than big is the name of the game here. It's also bigger, so it's easier to find a table here.
This bar specialises in tequila and mescal - and all those drinks that have the latter two in them. You want a good Margarita? Go here. Very friendly bartenders, great drinks and cool retro interior makes this a must-go for drink fans!
56 Einheimische empfehlen
Perla Bar
66 Helgesens gateThis bar specialises in tequila and mescal - and all those drinks that have the latter two in them. You want a good Margarita? Go here. Very friendly bartenders, great drinks and cool retro interior makes this a must-go for drink fans!
Arguably Oslos most famous (and best) nightclub / bar. It's known as a "bohemian" or "alternative" place, but really: everybody's welcome. Often live music, usually Hip/hop, rock or electronica (dj-sets). Cover charge on fridays and saturdays as well as if there is live music. Sometimes free events such as literature evenings, etc. If you're off work on Monday try to go to Blå on Sunday evenings. On Sundays they always have a big brass band that plays GAS standards and other historic icons.
394 Einheimische empfehlen
Blå
9C BrenneriveienArguably Oslos most famous (and best) nightclub / bar. It's known as a "bohemian" or "alternative" place, but really: everybody's welcome. Often live music, usually Hip/hop, rock or electronica (dj-sets). Cover charge on fridays and saturdays as well as if there is live music. Sometimes free events such as literature evenings, etc. If you're off work on Monday try to go to Blå on Sunday evenings. On Sundays they always have a big brass band that plays GAS standards and other historic icons.
Torggata street is an exciting street brimming with cool bars and pubs as well as cool shops.
48 Einheimische empfehlen
Torggata
TorggataTorggata street is an exciting street brimming with cool bars and pubs as well as cool shops.
Large bar with it's own craft beer, cider on tap, lots of wine and drinks. Huge open backyard with heating lamps and comfy seating areas. One of the best informal places in town. Rustic interior in an old building.
212 Einheimische empfehlen
HIMKOK Storgata Destilleri
27 StorgataLarge bar with it's own craft beer, cider on tap, lots of wine and drinks. Huge open backyard with heating lamps and comfy seating areas. One of the best informal places in town. Rustic interior in an old building.
Parks & Nature
Walking alongside the Akerselva is a beautiful and very Oslo thing to do. Go west from Grünerløkka and start following the river from the bar Blå, for example and follow it going north. Stop at "Mathallen" (gourmet food court) to buy some lunch to go and sit in one of the many benches or parks along the Akerselva. For desserts stop by Hønse-lovisas hus a bit further north for waffles - then you can take your coffee at Månefisken (just a bit north of Hønse-lovisas hus on the left side of the river (looking north)) and enjoy the view over the waterfall.
It is also popular to jog alongside the Akerselva. Follow it up to Maridalsvannet - if you have the stamina for it!
284 Einheimische empfehlen
Akerselva
98 SannerbruaWalking alongside the Akerselva is a beautiful and very Oslo thing to do. Go west from Grünerløkka and start following the river from the bar Blå, for example and follow it going north. Stop at "Mathallen" (gourmet food court) to buy some lunch to go and sit in one of the many benches or parks along the Akerselva. For desserts stop by Hønse-lovisas hus a bit further north for waffles - then you can take your coffee at Månefisken (just a bit north of Hønse-lovisas hus on the left side of the river (looking north)) and enjoy the view over the waterfall.
It is also popular to jog alongside the Akerselva. Follow it up to Maridalsvannet - if you have the stamina for it!
Although the park isn't very special, if the sun is shining and/or it's above 15 celcius, Sofienbergparken will probably be full of Norwegians grilling and drinking and enjoying the Norwegian summer. It's a very Oslo thing to do. Also: it's cheaper than eating outside. Most Norwegians just go to a regular super marked (Rema 1000, Joker, Bunnpris, Meny, Kiwi, etc) buy a "one time grill" a few cheap hot dogs and buns or "lefse" (a Norwegian potato based tortilla) to put the dogs in. Some mustard & ketchup, "tørket løk" (dried onion, sells in bags) a six-pack - and you're good to go!
190 Einheimische empfehlen
Sofienberg-Park
14 SofienberggataAlthough the park isn't very special, if the sun is shining and/or it's above 15 celcius, Sofienbergparken will probably be full of Norwegians grilling and drinking and enjoying the Norwegian summer. It's a very Oslo thing to do. Also: it's cheaper than eating outside. Most Norwegians just go to a regular super marked (Rema 1000, Joker, Bunnpris, Meny, Kiwi, etc) buy a "one time grill" a few cheap hot dogs and buns or "lefse" (a Norwegian potato based tortilla) to put the dogs in. Some mustard & ketchup, "tørket løk" (dried onion, sells in bags) a six-pack - and you're good to go!
Veyr famous sculpture park - hundreds (thousands?) of hand made sculptures. Very impressive. Must see in Oslo.
598 Einheimische empfehlen
Vigelandsparken station
KirkeveienVeyr famous sculpture park - hundreds (thousands?) of hand made sculptures. Very impressive. Must see in Oslo.
Ekeberg park has moderne sculptures integrated with the nature. Also a very nice view of the Oslo Fjord.
343 Einheimische empfehlen
Ekebergparken
23 KongsveienEkeberg park has moderne sculptures integrated with the nature. Also a very nice view of the Oslo Fjord.
Sightseeing
The iconic ski jumping slope of Oslo is a very touristy thing to check out, but it's a reason why. Firstly, that we Norwegians would want to build such a huge thing is perhaps... interesting for many people who have never had skis on their legs before. But foremost it's a very nice place to view over the Oslo city (probably the best). It is also close to the Oslo Marka (The Oslo woods) where you can take many, many nice hikes. It's also free (only thing is buying a ticket on the metro).
365 Einheimische empfehlen
Holmenkollen
The iconic ski jumping slope of Oslo is a very touristy thing to check out, but it's a reason why. Firstly, that we Norwegians would want to build such a huge thing is perhaps... interesting for many people who have never had skis on their legs before. But foremost it's a very nice place to view over the Oslo city (probably the best). It is also close to the Oslo Marka (The Oslo woods) where you can take many, many nice hikes. It's also free (only thing is buying a ticket on the metro).
Arts & Culture
Edvard Munch is Norway's greatest painter. This small museum usually showcases Munch next to other temporary exhibitions (usually comparing Munch to the other painter).
170 Einheimische empfehlen
Munchmuseet station
Edvard Munch is Norway's greatest painter. This small museum usually showcases Munch next to other temporary exhibitions (usually comparing Munch to the other painter).
Norway has a few really good painters. The iconic "Scream" by Munch is also placed here. A small, but very good gallery. Many of my Airbnb guests recommend this place.
230 Einheimische empfehlen
Nasjonalgalleriet
3 UniversitetsgataNorway has a few really good painters. The iconic "Scream" by Munch is also placed here. A small, but very good gallery. Many of my Airbnb guests recommend this place.
Walk the "harbor promenade" - starting from the opera, walk along the coastline to "Vippetangen" (food market), then to Akershus Fortress, then to the City Hall, then to modern Aker Pier (Aker Brygge) , and then to the end (Astrup Fearnley Museum)
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Havnepromenade
1 LangkaiaWalk the "harbor promenade" - starting from the opera, walk along the coastline to "Vippetangen" (food market), then to Akershus Fortress, then to the City Hall, then to modern Aker Pier (Aker Brygge) , and then to the end (Astrup Fearnley Museum)
Great architecture - great accoustics - great operas and ballets.
40 Einheimische empfehlen
The Norwegian Opera and Ballet
1 Kirsten Flagstads PlassGreat architecture - great accoustics - great operas and ballets.
Getting Around
Stop for tram. Tram 12 (Majorstua) , Tram 13 (Bekkestua) and Tram 11 all take you south to the city centre and they all stop at Jernbanetorget (closes stop to Oslo Central Station).
130 Einheimische empfehlen
Birkelunden station
Stop for tram. Tram 12 (Majorstua) , Tram 13 (Bekkestua) and Tram 11 all take you south to the city centre and they all stop at Jernbanetorget (closes stop to Oslo Central Station).
Essentials
The closest spot to my place to buy groceries. It's very small, basic and cheap (by Norwegian standards). Open monday - Friday 7-23 and Saturdays 8-22. Sundays: Closed.
NOTE FOR ALCOHOL: Norway has a very strict alcohol buying policy for units you want to bring home:
Buying anything below 5 %: between 9-20 in grocery stores mon-friday. Saturdays: 10-18. Sundays: no way.
Buying anything over 5%: You have to go to "Vinmonopolet" (litteraly: The Wine Monopoly): they are open 10-18 mon-fri and 9-15 on Saturdays. Sundays: no way.
43 Einheimische empfehlen
REMA 1000 Thorvald Meyersgate
23A Thorvald Meyers gateThe closest spot to my place to buy groceries. It's very small, basic and cheap (by Norwegian standards). Open monday - Friday 7-23 and Saturdays 8-22. Sundays: Closed.
NOTE FOR ALCOHOL: Norway has a very strict alcohol buying policy for units you want to bring home:
Buying anything below 5 %: between 9-20 in grocery stores mon-friday. Saturdays: 10-18. Sundays: no way.
Buying anything over 5%: You have to go to "Vinmonopolet" (litteraly: The Wine Monopoly): they are open 10-18 mon-fri and 9-15 on Saturdays. Sundays: no way.
A much bigger grocery store than the closest one (Rema 1000). It's also about 20% more expensive.
93 Einheimische empfehlen
MENY Ringnes Park
6C SannergataA much bigger grocery store than the closest one (Rema 1000). It's also about 20% more expensive.
This is the place to go if you want to buy alochol (to bring with you) stronger than 5%. The Vinmonopol has a very friendly and knowledgable staff. Our taxes make cheap to regular priced wine much more expensive than other places in the world, but since it's a monopoly the Vinmonopol buys stock very large quantities, forcing the prices down. This means that rare and exceptional wines are not necessarily more expensive here than in other places - they could often be cheaper!
NOTE FOR ALCOHOL: Norway has a very strict alcohol buying policy for units you want to bring home:
Buying anything below 5 %: between 9-20 in grocery stores mon-friday. Saturdays: 10-18. Sundays: no way.
Buying anything over 5%: You have to go to "Vinmonopolet" (litteraly: The Wine Monopoly): they are open 10-18 mon-fri and 9-15 on Saturdays. Sundays: no way.
91 Einheimische empfehlen
Vinmonopolet
31 Thereses gateThis is the place to go if you want to buy alochol (to bring with you) stronger than 5%. The Vinmonopol has a very friendly and knowledgable staff. Our taxes make cheap to regular priced wine much more expensive than other places in the world, but since it's a monopoly the Vinmonopol buys stock very large quantities, forcing the prices down. This means that rare and exceptional wines are not necessarily more expensive here than in other places - they could often be cheaper!
NOTE FOR ALCOHOL: Norway has a very strict alcohol buying policy for units you want to bring home:
Buying anything below 5 %: between 9-20 in grocery stores mon-friday. Saturdays: 10-18. Sundays: no way.
Buying anything over 5%: You have to go to "Vinmonopolet" (litteraly: The Wine Monopoly): they are open 10-18 mon-fri and 9-15 on Saturdays. Sundays: no way.