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Shopping

Paleet

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

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Paleet

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

More shopping spots in Oslo

Keep exploring Oslo.

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Steen & 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

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Glasmagasinet

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

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House 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

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Aker 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.

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Norway Designs

this store features an exhibition of Norwegian crafts and upscale merchandise, including jewelry, crystal, pewter, and more. The designs here are innovative and the store worth a trip. Location: Stortingsgaten 28 Tel: +47 23-11-45-10

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Oslo City Shopping Center

Market

Oslo City Shopping Center is Oslo’s most visited shopping center and offers a wide range of stores to satisfy your shopping needs. The shopping center is located just across the street from the city’s central station. Location: Stenersgata 1 Tel: +47 22-17-65-46

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Byporten

Byporten This shopping center is easily accessible and is connected to Oslo’s Central Station. It is one of the city’s newest shopping centers and has traditional designer stores in addition to stores geared towards travelers. Address: Jernbanetorget 6 Tel: +47 23-36-21-60

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Heimen Husflid

Here you will find many traditional and modern Norwegian items and apparel in a variety of styles. Sweaters, folk costumes, and brass goods await in abundance. The store is conveniently located only a block from Karl Johans Gate.

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Vestkanttorget Flea Market

Market

This market might be worth a shot if you are on a low budget. It is located near Vigeland Park and can provide entertainment for a few hours. Most of the items you will find here can be considered to be other people’s junk, but you never know what might pop up! Address: Waldemar Thrane street 46 Tel: +47 22-60-79-81 or +47 48-15-47-38

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Ringstrom Bookshop

Here you will find second-hand books and other media, including CDs. Most products here will be found to be in good condition. Address: Wessels Gate 2 B Tel: +47 22-20-78-05

More places in Oslo

Keep exploring Oslo.

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The museum of Natural History

Museum

This museum is split into multiple sections that chronicle the history of life on Earth. The garden here is breath-taking, and children will enjoy spending time gawking at the dinosaur fossils, gemstones and meteorites contained within the museum. A well-presented display of the evolution of plants is also available for visitors. The museum is open year round has a café.

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The Museum of Norwegian Football

Museum

For children who cannot get enough sports, especially those who are in love with football, the Museum of Norwegian Football is sure to entertain. The museum is interactive and well-laid out, making this more intriguing than your average museum. The whole lay-out of the museum is meant to resemble a soccer game, with the first half chronicling football in Norway and the second half providing an account of the history of international play within the country.

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Akershus Castle and Fortress

Castles

Akershus Castle and Fortress is one of the flagship destinations in Oslo. The fortress was first built in the thirteenth century to protect the city from invaders. It has withstood many sieges and still serves a reduced military function today. The castle features intriguing dungeons, crypts and a still-functional cathedral. Several museums are located on the grounds of the fortress, and tourists can see the changing of the guard daily. Though it might be closed occasionally for state functions, the fortress usually closes at nine p.m. Tours are offered several times a day during the summer and on a limited basis (usually Thursdays) during the winter. Call +47 23 09 35 53 for information on tours. Address: Oslo mil/Akershus 0015 Oslo Tel: +47 22-41-25-21

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The Nobel Peace Center

Museum

The Nobel Peace Center is one of Oslo’s most modern museums and was completed in 2005. Inside, you will find a history of the award’s namesake, Alfred Nobel, along with profiles of each of the winners of the award. Informative movies and recordings of past ceremonies are also included in the museum. Sometimes, former winners come to give lectures within the museum’s confines. The museum is located in the city center; for more information, visit www.nobelsfredssenter.no.

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Norway’s Parliament building

Building

Norway’s Parliament building is located in Oslo’s city center, right across from the Royal Palace. This yellow-brick building is quaint and one of the more beautiful parliament buildings in Europe. The inside is decorated by gorgeous art that spells out the history of Norway. Guided tours are short and available daily.

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The National Gallery

Gallery

The National Gallery in Oslo houses the nation’s largest collection of Norwegian art and many of its most famous pieces. It is located in the city center and can be contacted by calling +47 22 20 04 04. The most famous piece found in the museum is Edvard Munch’s The Scream. The gallery includes more of Munch’s work, the pieces of many famous impressionists (including Monet, Renoir, and Degas), and those of other famous artists (like Picasso and Gauguin). The collection features art created until 1945, when Norway freed itself from German occupation. The gallery is worth a few hours of your trip to Oslo.

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The Ibsen Museum

Museum

The Ibsen Museum is a must see for fans of the famous Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen. The museum is built in the playwright’s former house, and is decorated as if Ibsen still lived there; some call it a “living museum.” The museum is definitely worth a visit; for more information, go to www.ibsenmusset.no.

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Gamle Aker Kirke

Building

Gamle Aker Kirke is Oslo’s oldest building, built in 1080. It is located north on the city center and provides Lutheran services on Sundays. The Church is associated with a mythical dragon and has quaint and historically relevant views to behold within its walls. Taking the bus is the easiest way to get here.

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Oslo Opera House

Building

This building is home to the National Opera of Norway. Seated at the mouth of Oslo’s fjord, the building was awarded the culture award at the World Architecture Festival in 2008. Over one million people have already visited this beautiful building; we recommend you do the same, if only in passing.

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The Munch Museum

Museum

Edvard Munch is perhaps Norway’s most famous artist, and was a pioneer in the expressionist movement. The museum contains a large amount of Munch’s work, most of which were left by the artist for the city. The display is constantly changing, which brings life and dynamism to this museum. For those who wish to see Munch’s most famous work, The Scream, take note that this masterpiece is located in the National Gallery, and not within the Munch Museum itself.

More restaurants in Oslo

Keep exploring Oslo.

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Bagatelle

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

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Ekeberg

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.

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Feinschmecker

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.

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Restaurant 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.

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Palace 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.

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Statholdergaarden

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.

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Solsiden

This restaurant has a flare that has attracted multiple celebrities since the establishments grand opening fifteen years ago. The dining room has massive windows to accompany its high ceiling, providing a beautiful view of Oslo’s harbor. The meals here are excellent, and dessert will not disappoint. We suggest you reserve in advance.

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Grand Café

This classic venue was once one of the most chic dining locations in all of Oslo. It attracted famous artists, diplomats, and heads of state. Today, the café relies heavily on its tradition and is furnished from within accordingly. the dining selections are strong but not exemplary; this venue serves traditional Norwegian meals.

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Markveien Mat og Vinhus

This restaurant is one of the most authentic Oslovian eateries you will find in the city. Excellent service and a large menu are hallmarks of this establishment-you will not be disappointed by the sauces that accompany the majority of the meals here. The restaurant uses local food primarily, has a formal dining room, and serves fantastic wine. You will probably find that eating well here might stretch your budget, but it is almost certainly worth it.

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Theatercaféen

This café is one of Oslo’s, and the world’s, finest. The café was founded over one century ago and features live classical entertainment and impeccable decoration designed to match the season. You’ll find it difficult to leave once you step in; this café is definitely worth a visit.