Sleepy Oslo is experiencing a global moment. Fueled in part by the meteoric rise of national icons like English-born football superstar Erling Haaland, Norway is drawing unprecedented international attention. In the capital, this cultural spotlight coincides with massive urban growth as the city anticipates an influx of global travellers and Norwegians moving from across the country. Construction cranes along the waterfront are abundant, but local traditions still hold strong.
The city has developed a remarkable culinary and style scene: coffee bars that seamlessly transition into evening cocktail lounges, local fashion designers who work exclusively with ethically sourced materials and innovative restaurants challenging conventional notions of Scandinavian gastronomy.
Here, our little black book on where to stay, what to eat and what to do in Oslo.
SEE & DO
A taste of the outdoors, high culture and sustainability.
Oslo Fjord & Saunas
Photo: KOK / Lina Hindrum
The Vibe: Clean, cold-water coastal living where locals embrace the outdoors year-round.
The Move: Go for a swim off the harbour decks, then warm up inside a floating sauna built from reclaimed materials along the shoreline.
The Damage: Public sauna access from ($27 CAD) per hour.
Location: Harbour Promenade / Bjørvika | visitoslo.com
Oslo Opera House
The striking white-marble facade of the Oslo Opera House sloping dramatically into the waters of the Oslofjord.
Photo: VisitOSLO/Didrick Stenersen
The Vibe: A landmark of contemporary architecture designed by renowned Norwegian firm Snøhetta.
The Move: Purchase tickets for an opera or ballet performance, or simply join the locals walking directly up the sloping marble roof for panoramic fjord views.
The Damage: Walking the roof is free; performance tickets vary.
Location: Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1 | operaen.no
Losæter Urban Farm
Photo: VisitOSLO/Didrick Stenersen
The Vibe: An innovative urban farm, event space and community bakery featuring a central wheat field right in the middle of Oslo.
The Move: Stop by to discuss sustainable food production, join a workshop on beekeeping or reserve a spot for a community locavore dinner.
The Damage: Free to wander; workshops and dinners priced separately.
Location: Sørenga / Losæter | loseter.no
EAT & DRINK
Sweet and salty mix here in classic Scandi style.
Åpent Bakeri
Photo: Åpent Bakeri
The Vibe: A cherished local bakery chain where classic Norwegian baking traditions take centre stage.
The Move: Order a fresh cinnamon bun, Norway’s unofficial national baked good, generously spiced with cardamom and never overly sweet. Pair it with a dark filter coffee.
The Damage: Pastries and coffee around ($11 CAD).
Location: Multiple locations across Oslo | apentbakeri.no
Fiskeriet Youngstorget
Photo: Fiskeriet
Photo: Fiskeriet
The Vibe: A bustling central fish market and informal seafood restaurant sitting directly on Youngstorget Square.
The Move: Take a table outside or grab a seat at the counter for nicely seasoned fish cakes, crispy fish and chips or steamed mussels in marinara sauce.
The Damage: Lunch around ($34–$48 CAD) per person.
Location: Youngstorget 2b | fiskeriet.net
Kampen Bistro
Photo: Kampen Bistro
The Vibe: A cozy French Norwegian hybrid dedicated to the city’s localism movement, featuring a frequently changing seasonal menu.
The Move: Enjoy expertly grilled fish, fresh herb salads and nourishing soups. In warmer months, secure a table on the rooftop terrace for a pre-dinner cocktail.
The Damage: Dinner for two with wine around ($160 CAD).
Location: Bøgata 21 | kampenbistro.no
Mathallen Food Hall
Photo: VISITOSLO
The Vibe: A vibrant covered market packed with artisan vendors selling everything from smoked fish and sourdough to paella and whole crab.
The Move: Browse the gourmet stalls for tinned souvenirs, grab a bite to eat, then head outside to the adjacent park to watch the raging Akerselva River.
The Damage: Dishes range from ($14–$34 CAD).
Location: Vulkan 5 | mathallenoslo.no
Maaemo
Photo: Maaemo
The Vibe: The ultimate expression of Nordic gastronomy. Meaning “Mother Earth” in Old Norse, Maaemo is the northernmost three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. Inside, time seems to stand still within a dramatic, high-ceilinged dining room featuring a theatrically lit open kitchen and a wall draped in wool offcuts from traditional Norwegian folk costumes.
The Move: Book months in advance for a surprise tasting menu of sublime, expertly crafted dishes. Expect sublime combinations of wild, organic and biodynamic ingredients, such as honey-glazed langoustine grilled over embers with hazelnuts or dry-aged reindeer with blackcurrant. Cap off the evening with coffee and jewel-like petits fours served in the speakeasy-style lounge.
The Damage: Multi-course tasting menu from ($700 CAD) per person.
Location: Dronning Eufemias gate 23 | maaemo.no
WHERE TO STAY
Rooms near the rail station and harbour are in high demand.
Smarthotel Oslo
Photo: Smarthotel Oslo
The Vibe: Budget-friendly with a sleek capsule hotel feel. Single rooms are micro sized but clean and affordable, complemented by warm and knowledgeable front desk staff. Located right next to the Royal Palace and its surrounding parklands.
The Move: Ideal for solo travellers who want a minimalist central launchpad. Grab an espresso in the social lobby lounge before heading out to tour the palace grounds.
The Damage: Rooms from ($115 CAD) per night.
Location: St. Olavs gate 26 | smarthotel.no
Comfort Hotel Grand Central
Photo: Comfort Hotel Grand Central
The Vibe: Modern, comfortable and efficient, situated directly inside Oslo central rail station with instant access to the airport express train.
The Move: Walk right out your front door directly into the city centre or down toward the nearby Oslo Fjord within minutes of stepping off the train.
The Damage: Rooms from ($200 CAD) per night.
Location: Jernbanetorget 1 | strawberryhotels.com
Hotel Continental
Photo: Hotel Continental Oslo
The Vibe: Five-star heritage luxury holding One MICHELIN Key for its exceptional character and service. Opened in 1900, this grand dame still sets the gold standard for high-end hospitality in Oslo with 139 plush guest rooms.
The Move: Reserve a table at Theatercaféen, the formal dining venue long frequented by Norway’s cultural, political and business elite.
The Damage: Rooms from ($650 CAD) per night.
Location: Stortingsgata 24–26 | hotelcontinental.no
SHOPPING
For those who like it practical, warm and chic.
Acne Studios Archive
Photo: @acnestudios
The Vibe: High-concept Swedish minimalism. This discount annex offers previous season collections from the cult brand.
The Move: Hunt for discounted denim, warm knits, dresses, heeled boots and leather accessories at a fraction of standard retail prices.
The Damage: Varies by piece; expect 30% to 50% off original retail.
Location: Markveien 56 | acnestudios.com
Fransk Bazar
Photo: Fransk Bazar
The Vibe: An eclectic and beautifully curated vintage shop filled with European curiosities.
The Move: Browse industrial lighting, old metal cabinets, colourful glassware and small taxidermy pieces.
The Damage: Unique finds starting from ($27 CAD).
Location: Grünerløkka | franskbazar.no
Glasmagasinet
Photo: Glasmagasinet
The Vibe: A historic department store in the city centre operating since 1899, specializing in Scandinavian home design, beauty and fashion.
The Move: Explore contemporary Norwegian decor, then head up to the third-floor café for traditional open-face sandwiches overlooking Stortorvet Square.
The Damage: Café lunches around ($25 CAD).
Location: Stortorvet 9 | glasmagasinet.no
