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Norway : Oslo - May 2010

Country Code: Dial for Norway

Oslo consistently ranks high in surveys of the world’s most expensive cities – but that’s just part of the story. There are affordable options, distinctive neighbourhoods, and places of interest to visitors regardless of budget and taste. There’s a fine public transport system, too, although most attractions are within walking distance. Scott Berman steps out

Getting around

Gardermoen Airport is 48km north of the city centre.

Bus: A shuttle bus leaves the airport every 20 minutes, taking about 40 minutes to reach central Oslo. A single ticket costs €15/NOK 120.
Train: The Flytoget express train leaves Gardermoen airport every 10 minutes and takes about 20 minutes to reach the city. A single ticket is €20/NOK 160.
Taxi: A journey to the city centre costs approximately €70/ NOK 560 and takes about 45 minutes.
Tourist information: The main office is near Central Station in the Trafikanten Service Center, 1 Jernbanetorget (tel. , visitoslo.com).

CENTRE

Explore Karl Johans Gate, the nearby grand promenade and the surrounding area for a slew of shopping, culinary and cultural attractions.

Culture vultures – With works from the Middle Ages to Munch and modernism, the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design (13 Universitetsgata) deserves a thorough visit.

Must eat – Popular Restaurant Ylajali (2 St Olavs Plass, tel. ) serves up everything from reindeer to ravioli in an elegant yet relaxed setting.

Dance the night away – Smuget (22 Rosenkrantz Gate) is a large, well-known hot spot, with plenty of live music.

Shop til you drop – Norway Designs (28 Stortings Gate) has more design pieces of myriad type, function and style than you can shake a Vipp toilet brush at.

CENTRE EAST

This busy area offers plenty of street life, convenience and variety.

Sleep soundly – Cool MS Innvik (Langkaia, Bjørvika, tel. , msinnvik.no, double with bunk beds from €93/NOK 750) is a B&B boat within walking distance of Oslo’s Central Station and a ton of attractions.

Culture vultures – Every tour guide will mention the new Opera House (1 Kirsten Flagstads Plass), a waterfront colossus in the city’s evolving Bjørvika quarter. Walk up the great slope for dramatic views.

Must drink – A standout option near Youngstorget is Bar Robinet Gurrik (7 Mariboes Gate) It has a musicians’ vibe, cool cosiness and a retro setting (cash only).

Dance the night away – Revolver (32 Møllergata) is a cocktail bar with a kitchen upstairs and clubs, concerts and plenty of dancing in the basement. You’ll find fashionistas throughout.

Shop til you drop – Hunting Lodge (36 Torggata) has international street wear, design classics and more. Or check out the design shop at the Norwegian Fashion Institute (16 Hausmanns Gate), which has some interesting pieces. Look out for exhibits and events, too.

KVADRATUREN

An informal enclave in the centre, Kvadraturen has an emerging identity and some fine architecture.

Sleep soundly – Thon Hotel Oslo Panorama (7b Rådhusgaten, tel. thonhotels.com/oslopanorama, rooms from €74/NOK 600) is convenient for everything of interest both in and around the centre, including the waterfront and public transport.

Culture vultures – The National Museum of Contemporary Art (4 Bankplassen) houses Norwegian and international art from 1945, with three floors of thought-provoking work.

Must eat – Have a fresh, affordable lunch at Café Celsius (19 Rådhusgata, tel. ), with tables outside in a small, attractive courtyard and an easy walk to the waterfront.

Must drink – If the weather’s right, try the cool rooftop deck at the First Hotel Grims Grenka (5 Kongens Gate) for good views of the city.

Shop til you drop – Freudian Kicks (10B Prinsens Gate) has trendy, eclectic styles for men and women, while Kunsthåndverkerne (2 Kongens Gate) features a variety of glass, textiles and ceramics by local artists.

GRÜNERLØKKA

Arguably the hippest area of Oslo, Grünerløkka is a vibrant, diverse quarter that merits a lingering visit.

Must eat – Delicatessen Tapas bar (8 Søndre Gate) is a Grünerløkka landmark. Given the range of wine and other delicacies, it’s not surprising – and all in a cool setting.

Must drink – Take your pick of the busy, informal bars/cafés ringing Olaf Ryes Plass, a square bordering Thorvald Meyers Gate, the area’s main drag.

Dance the night away – Blå (9c Brennerivelen) is a serious jazz club that’s widely recommended for getting a sense of what Grünerløkka is about.

Shop til you drop – There are many interesting small shops in this area: look out for Floyd (11 Bentsrudveien) for women’s fashions and Insomnia (50 Thorvald Meyers Gate) for men.

Compiled by Scott Berman