5 min read
Published 02. March 2024
Experience the different neighborhoods of Oslo
The Norwegian capital is as multifaceted as it is rich in history, with buildings new and old co-existing in an aesthetically pleasing collage that keeps travelers hooked. Whether you head downtown toward the harbor, explore Oslo’s more affluent west side or lose yourself in the bohemian vibes of east Oslo, one thing’s for sure: there’s always something new and exciting to experience!
Here’s all the things you can do, see, and taste in some of Oslo’s coolest neighborhoods:
Skøyen
In Oslo’s west side, the neighborhood of Skøyen often falls under people’s radar, yet it’s worth visiting for a relaxing day of strolling at the park, shopping and eating.
Skøyen’s most well known feature is Skøyenparken, with nice walking paths lined with ash and oak trees as well as statues — it is, after all, an extension of the Vigeland sculpture park you’ll find in Frogner (more of that below). Skøyenparken is also home to Skøyen Manor, a medieval estate that maintains a cellar from the 13th century, with a main house built in the 17th century.
When you’re ready to get back to the hustle and bustle of the city, Skøyen will reward you with a shopping spree at Karenslyst Allé, a shopping area that contains more than 80 boutiques, including some high fashion names. The vibrant shopping street was named after the wife of German pharmacist Johan Heindrich Maschmann who bought this area in the 1700s.
After getting your fill of fashion, you can pop up into Maschmanns Matmarked to explore their specialty foods, or sit to enjoy a slice of pizza. Speaking of food, whether it’s sushi, light salads, pizzas or gastropub offerings accompanied with drinks, Skøyen has you covered!
Grunerløkka
Grunerløkka (or Løkka, as the locals often call it) is one of the most unique, bohemian and diverse areas in all of Oslo — and one of the trendiest places to explore. Just on the left of the Akerselva river, Grünerløkka will entice you with its cultural and culinary offerings.
If the weather is nice, start with a coffee at Blå, or catch their Sunday market where local artists and craftspeople exhibit their creations (if you don’t have plans for the night, the concerts at Blå are always interesting). Then, check out all the vintage and second-hand shops in Markveien, where you just might find your next preloved treasure, or the flea market at Birkelunden park.
While Grunerløkka is a coffee aficionado’s paradise, with both specialty coffee shops and relaxed cafes dotting its streets (some of them doubling as bicycle repair shops), you’re also in for a treat when it comes to food. From noodle and omakase places to an authentic American dinner and several succulent burger spots, Løkka delivers a multicultural experience that packs a punch. And if you’re looking to sample Norwegian flavors, head to Mathallen food hall; a foodie’s paradise with more than 30 specialty shops waiting for you!
Majorstua
On the other side of Frogner lies the busy neighborhood of Majorstua — still part of Oslo West, but with more downtown vibes and a wealth of selection when it comes to things to do and explore!
First, get a dose of nostalgia at the Oslo Transport Museum (Sporveismuseet in Norwegian), where you’ll walk amid vintage trams and buses from decades past. Then, depending on your mood, you can relax and try a rejuvenating treatment in one of the many spas in the area (there’s even a flotation tank!) or head to the shops.
If you choose the latter, the Valkyrien shopping mall will be a great starting point. In the 3-storied building you’ll find concept stores by international brands like H&M as well as exciting Norwegian retailers. And if one of the many food offerings within Valkyrien doesn’t win you over, at Majorstua you’ll be spoilt for choice: from gourmet burgers to artisanal bakeries to authentic tapas and pizzas, to Indian and Japanese cuisine restaurants, you won’t leave the area hungry.
Aker Brygge
Overlooking the Oslofjord, the wharf of Aker Brygge and the broader harbor area has gotten several facelifts over the years, resulting in a dynamic mix of futuristic buildings, rich history and culture, and endless socializing options.
You could start on the other end of the harbor, with a stroll at the medieval Akershus Castle, which was built in the 13th century and was once the royal residence — you could opt for a guided tour, to get a better sense of the history that surrounds you. Then, slowly make your way toward the modern wharf, but not without stopping by some museums along the way. The Oslo Opera House (even if you just stay outside and take in the views from its top) and the Astrup Fearnley Museum of contemporary art at the islet of Tjuvholmen should definitely be on your list, as should the Nobel Peace Center when it reopens in December 2023.
When you’re done with art and culture, the wharf offers an exciting promenade lined with options for al fresco dining and coffee shops, food trucks and ice cream shops complete the picture, particularly in the summer months. Since this is a no-car zone, you can safely stroll with your little ones and hop in and out of the many shops, before settling down for lunch or dinner.
Being so close to the harbor, great seafood options abound, with one restaurant exclusively dedicated to Norwegian salmon and several oyster bars and haute cuisine restaurants brimming with the freshest catch of the day. However, it’s not just about the fish: in Aker Brygge and nearby Tjuvholmen you’ll find anything from tapas bars to cupcake and donut shops, to authentic Italian gelato you can enjoy while watching the sunset fall on the waters.
St. Hanshaugen
Bordering Majorstua to the north, the neighborhood of St. Hanshaugen takes its name from its park — which is actually one of the largest in the city! If the weather is nice, the St. Hanshaugen park is actually the perfect place for a picnic or for long, leisurely strolls while you enjoy hilltop views of the fjord and the city. The park actually has a long history, as it used to be a popular place for Midsummer celebration gatherings (which gave it its name, as Hanshaugen translates to "midsummer hill") from the 1800s. If you reach the top of the hill, make sure to check the cafe; it’s been there since 1936!
Apart from its namesake park, St. Hanshaugen will entice you with its coffee and brunch places. Nearby Café Laundromat, for instance, combines coffee and food with an extensive library you can browse and read with your coffee, while you’re waiting for your clothes to wash (yes, it’s also a Laundromat). There’s also several designer boutiques in the area, as well as delicatessens and confectionery shops.
Frogner
With its beautiful houses and gourmet eateries, Frogner is one of the most aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods in Oslo’s west side and a must on your list. The crown jewel of Frogner is none other than the Vigeland Sculpture Park, within the larger Frogner park: comprising more than 200 statues by Gustav Vigeland spread out across 500,000 square meters, this sprawling park is a must visit — and completely free and open 24/7, all year long. After you spend some time walking amid the unique-looking statues, get to know the artist better at the Vigeland Museum, which used to be the artist’s dwelling and atelier.
While exploring Frogner park you will also find its namesake Frogner Manor, a villa built in the 1700s that is now part of the Oslo Museum. There are guided tours in the summer, and walking inside the ballrooms is sure to give you Bridgerton vibes… but with a Norwegian twist!
When you’re finally ready to leave the park, the neighborhood of Frogner is also home to several art galleries featuring contemporary Norwegian artists, as well as to the National Library which collects and preserves everything published in the country (and it’s a great place to further familiarize yourself with Norwegian cultural heritage). Here you’ll also find several deco and design stores, many of them carrying precious antiques, as well as posh boutiques. And when you want to wine and dine in style, Frogner delivers with aplomb thanks to its sushi places, Nordic cuisine restaurants and chic cocktail bars.
Tøyen
One of east Oslo’s gems, among other things, Tøyen is famous for the Botanical Garden, where you can explore close to 1800 different plants planted systematically based on plant families, while you also take in the woven sculptures by British artist Tom Hare whose impressive curves and forms are dotted throughout. Within the Botanical Garden, you’ll also find the Tøyen Manor, whose main wing is the oldest wooden building in all of Oslo. Outside the gardens, Tøyen will excite you with its unexpected food and drink offerings: from Turkish cuisine to authentic pizzerias, to a nature wine gastrobar, to several cool bars.
