Discover Oslo
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Oslo.
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Must-see attractions in Oslo
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 20 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
Oslo’s geographic location at the head of an over one hundred kilometer-wide fjord makes it a naturally stunning city and opens up a number of activities that give the city its lively and culturally aware feel. With most sites easily accessible on foot, Oslo features world-class museums, lively night-life, and a huge range of outdoor activities for the adventurous. Although Oslo is one of Europe’s largest capitals by area, it is one of the continent’s least populated. This setup enables local residents to enjoy cycling, hiking, ice-skating, skiing, kayaking, sailing, and more all within the city limits or a short train ride away. But Oslovian
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Oslo
Halal restaurants in Oslo
Oslo’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 28 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
osloBagatelle
This restaurant has long been considered one of Oslo’s, and Norway’s, finest. Seafood dominates the menu, which features market-fresh ingredients and creative dishes. Excellent chefs and ambiance only add to the allure of this establishment. The restaurant was recently closed due to a workers strike, but it promises to reopen in 2010 with a new feel, but same quality of cuisine. Address: Bygdoy Alle 3 Tel: +47 22-44-63-97 Website: www.bagatelle.no
osloEkeberg
this restaurant was entirely redesigned in the 1990s and is one of Oslo’s most modern and finest dining establishments. The beautiful view of the Oslo fjord is said to have inspired Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Seafood is the primary item on the menu, and the desserts will not disappoint.
osloFeinschmecker
This is one of Oslo’s top restaurants, and is known for its antique style, although the building is quite modern. The quality of the food here is excellent, and the preparation very detailed and presented beautifully. The menu changes frequently, so you never quite know what you will catch. One dish that is generally consistent on the menu is the rack of Norwegian lamb, which deserves trying out.
osloRestaurant Le Canard
This restaurant is located in one of Oslo’s most fashionable neighborhoods a short drive away from the city center. The restaurant is located in an old mansion, which adds to the allure of this French and Belgian dining destination.
osloPalace Grill
This exclusive venue features an exciting atmosphere with a bar and small restaurant that are sure to entertain. This hang-out is unquestionably upscale, and attracts the young, hip, and sophisticated. The menu is always changing and the food is made daily.
osloStatholdergaarden
This quaint restaurant is only open for dinner. It is located within a restored 17th century house and has been in operation as a restaurant for over one hundred years. Inside, you will find a beautiful setting and artwork that alone justify the decision to eat here. Cuisine changes with the season, but whenever you come, you will find a wide array of dishes including, but certainly not limited to, seafood. Do not confuse this restaurant with Statholderens Krostue, which is the (less expensive) bistro in the building’s cellar.
Oslo masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Where to stay in Oslo
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
osloHotel Continental Oslo
This five-star hotel is located between the National Theatre and Aker Brygge and is considered by many to be Oslo’s best. This family-run hotel has a large Vienna-style café, mouth-watering breakfast, and a great bar lobby. The beautiful rooms are serviced excellently. Though expensive, at the Hotel Continental, you will get a good value for the price.
osloGrand Hotel Oslo
One of the most luxurious hotels in Oslo, the Grand Hotel dates back to 1874. Most bedrooms are modern and typical, with the exception of the “ladies floor,” which features rooms decorated by wealthy Norwegian celebrities. The hotel is directly across from Parliament and overlooks the main street of the city. To give you an idea of the caliber of this establishment, Nobel Prize winners stay here when visiting for the award’s ceremony. Address: Karl johansgate 31, Oslo 0101 Tel: + 47 23 21 21 00 Website: www.grand.no
osloThon Hotel Bristol
Hotel Bristol is located in the center of the city, near the National Gallery, the main shopping street, and the city’s public transportation network. The hotel sticks close to tradition, with rooms decorated in early 20th century style. Elegant and beautiful, the Hotel Bristol is filled with energy and the staff will make sure you have a delightful stay.
osloGrims Grenka
This five star hotel is located in the center of the city, only a few hundred meters from the nearest metro stop. Oslo’s only design hotel, the Grims Grenka is an excellent choice for families with kids in tow. Each room is designed based on the life of a famous Scandinavian, giving rooms a fairytale feel. Its ultra-modern lobby and numerous facilities make this hotel one of Oslo’s finest. Address: Kongens gate 5, Oslo 0153 Tel: + 47 23 10 72 00 Website: www.grimsgrenka.no
osloRica Holdberg
this quaint hotel does a good job of mixing traditional Scandinavian flair with sensible design and amenities. The hotel is largely wooden, and many rooms have an old, yet rustic feel to them. The hotel is located in a quiet district near the city center. Address: Holbergs plass 1, Oslo 0166 Tel: + 47 23 15 72 00
History and today in Oslo
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
Visa Information
Norway is one of the multiple Schengen countries which require a Schengen visa for entry. This can be obtained from the Norwegian Embassy.
City Information
When to go
Summer in Oslo is usually the best time to visit. The summers are not too hot, and several music and shopping festivals take place for the benefit of tourists. If you prefer the cold, winters are good too, with snowfall usually occurring during January and February. Winters are also colourful, with a lot of festive cheer making any tourist feel welcome.
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Fast Facts
-Location: Oslo is the capital city of Norway. It is shaped like an amphitheater with the city centre at the bottom, and hills and residences to the top. The North Sea that encloses the city from below also includes the island archipelago of Oslo, which is a popular tourist hotspot in the summer. -Dialing code: +47 -Emergency numbers: - Fire 110 - Police: 112 - Ambulance: 113 -Population: 580,229
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Public Holidays
Thursday 1st January: - New Years Day
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Annual Temperature
January Minimum Temperature: -7 Maximum Temperature: -2
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Oslo Residents
Oslo proper has a population of about 550,000 people, with an additional 850,000 including its extra-municipal suburbs, for a total population of 1.4 million people. Although it is one of Europe’s smaller capitals, Oslo may be one of its most diverse. The population includes over 100,000 immigrants, not to mention many of Norway’s most famous celebrities. Roughly twenty percent of Oslovians hail from another country, making Oslo the melting pot of Norway. The cultural differences have impacted local culture in a variety of ways, ranging from different food served at local restaurants to a wealth in the variety of shops in the city center. The most notable immigrant communities hail from Sweden, Denmark, Pakistan and India, among others. Oslovians are also well known for their love of outdoor activities, which is made easy given Oslo’s expansive forests, mountains, and ports. Generally considered a lively and friendly people, residents of Oslo enjoy life in the city.
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Oslo Today
Oslo’s geographic location at the head of an over one hundred kilometer-wide fjord makes it a naturally stunning city and opens up a number of activities that give the city its lively and culturally aware feel. With most sites easily accessible on foot, Oslo features world-class museums, lively night-life, and a huge range of outdoor activities for the adventurous. Although Oslo is one of Europe’s largest capitals by area, it is one of the continent’s least populated. This setup enables local residents to enjoy cycling, hiking, ice-skating, skiing, kayaking, sailing, and more all within the city limits or a short train ride away. But Oslovians do not settle for the wonders afforded them by one of Europe’s most heavily forested cities. The recent expansion of the city, fuelled largely by the discovery of oil reserves in the North Sea during the 1960s, has resulted in the development of a lively retail and leisure sector centered on increased traffic in the cities docks. Nowadays, Oslo is a thriving and vibrant city with a cosmopolitan feel and lively nightlife and café/bar culture. The influx of oil money has allowed the city to make increased investments in art and culture. Home to a wealth of cultural and musical festivals, especially during the summer months, Oslo is a must-see for anyone interested in Nordic culture. The city is also home to some of the greatest museums in Northern Europe, including the National Gallery, which houses Edvard Munch’s The Scream.
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Oslo History
Oslo is the oldest of the Scandinavian capitals and was founded in 1049 by the Norwegian King Harald Hardrade. Arcahealogical findings have discovered human remains dating before 1000, leading the city to celebrate its millennium in 2000. The look of the city was shaped largely by its founders, which is evident by looking at some of its buildings, among them the imposing fortress Akershus Slott, which was built by Hakon V in the thirteenth century.
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Shopping in Oslo
Explore 13 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
osloSteen & Strøm
Steen & Strøm is located near Karl Johans Gate and is the largest and one of the oldest department stores in Norway. Many of its stores sell traditional Norwegian outdoor gear; others sell kitchenware that reflects traditional Norwegian art. The department store also features a number of famous brand names and a café on the top floor that gives you a great view of the city. Address: NEDRE SLOTTSGATE 8 Tel: +47 22-00-40-00
osloGlasmagasinet
This old department store is a location where you can find souvenirs, kitchenware, china, and much more. The store is one of the most visited by locals is also a good location for more general, main-stream shopping. Address: Stortorvet 9, Oslo Tel: +47 22-42-53-05
osloPaleet
This might be Oslo’s most exclusive shopping center and features multiple attractions within that will make a walk through the mall pleasant at worst. There are a number of fine restaurants within the center, in addition to numerous designer stores. The center is located right next to Karl Johans Gate, and is thus easily accessible. Address: 35 Karl Johans Gate Tel: +47 22-42-10-22
osloHouse of Oslo
This shopping center opened fairly recently and focuses on interior design. The center features over twenty stores, each with their own theme and style. This upscale destination has become one of the finest interior design centers in Europe. Address: Ruselokkveien 26 Tel: +47 23-23-85-60
osloAker Brygge
Aker Brygge is a trendy seaside food court and shopping center with a bustling atmosphere. It includes shops and bars in addition to restaurants and is one of Oslo’s most popular attractions.
Signature sights in Oslo
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Oslo
Plan around 22 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
osloDisney on Ice
What better way to enjoy the cold weather than by watching Walt Disney’s beloved characters perform on ice? This is a great place to bring the kids for great family fun.
osloOslo Kirkemusikkfestival (Church Music Festival)
Throughout the month of March, churches and cathedrals mark the Church Music Festival with concerts, choirs, pipe organists and gospel group performances.
osloLillehammer WinterArts Festival
The Lillehammer Winter Arts Festival showcases the beauty of winter. Tourists and residents alike can gather together to view the natural icy wonders and frozen waterfalls in the Lillehammer area of Oslo.
osloGrete Waitz-Lopet
Female athletes participate in Grete Waitz-Lopet in a variety of
osloNorwegian Military Tattoo
A colourful event marked with gymnastic displays and marching brass bands at the Oslo Spektrum Arena. Global military bands, motorcyclists and gymnasts
Oslo tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
osloVisit Oslo Pass
This pass is probably the easiest way to tour Oslo, and if used appropriately, can be one of the most inexpensive ways to visit Norway’s capital. The premise of the pass is that purchasing it will give you free access to virtually all of Oslo’s main attractions, free use of public transportation (including ferries on the fjord), free parking in certain areas, free entry to pools, free guided walking tours, and discounts at a range of other city functions and restaurants. The pass comes with a booklet outlining the entirety of the services you have purchased. The pass comes in 24, 48, or 72 hour intervals and is valid from the moment it is stamped. Don’t miss out on this convenient and relatively inexpensive way to explore Oslo!
osloFull Day Grand Tour of Oslo
This seven and a half hour tour is one of Oslo’s most inclusive. For around 100 USD, you will get free admission to all the sites on the tour and a lunch cruise on the Oslo Fjord. Sites visited on the tour include the Norwegian Folk Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum, as well as the Viking Ship Museum and Vigeland Sculpture Park. The tour is guided and comes in English but comes with multiple languages upon request (German, French and Spanish in particular), and children ride at a reduced fare.
osloOslo City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
This tour provides plenty of flexibility for any tourist in Oslo. The tour takes place on an open-top double-decker bus, which provides great views of the city and all of its major attractions. The bus drives around the city in a 90 minute cycle. The tour stops at twelve conveniently placed locations that will allow you to maximize the number of Oslo’s attractions you can see, and you can “hop-off” as many times as you like! The added bonus is that you can take advantage of this offer for two full days with an unlimited number of rides around the city. While this might not be Oslo’s most structured tour, the price (at well under 50 USD) makes it worth the ride.
osloOslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise
This two hour cruise is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening. The tour takes you through Oslo’s fjord and into the gorgeous bays and breath-taking islands a bit farther from the coast. You will also get to view many of Oslo’s attractions that lie on the edge of the fjord, including the award-winning Oslo opera house. Drinks are available for sale on board. All together, this is a classic Norwegian experience!
osloOslo Experience Cruise and Tour
On this tour, you will have the opportunity to spend 40 minutes on the Oslo fjord by cruise in addition to visiting several of Oslo’s highlights by bus tour. After taking in Oslo’s most important and historically relevant area by boat, the buses on this tour will take you to the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Viking Ship museum and Vigeland Sculpture park. You will also drive by many of the premier attractions near the fjord, including the Naval Museum and the Fortress Town of Fredrikstad. The price of this tour is slightly under 100 USD, which makes it a competitive option for those wishing to purchase a tour in Oslo.
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Oslo travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
