Top Things to Do in Oslo in May

Clean streets, good looking and happy people, eco-friendly and rich city. This is how I would describe Oslo. I had zero expectations going into my trip and left Oslo thinking to myself—there’s “Norway” I’m going back home.

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When planning my quick 4-day long weekend getaway to Norway, I put Oslo on my list because I was flying into the city and felt like I had to see Norway’s hub spot. The best cities are those where you go in with zero expectations and are pleasantly surprised by how amazing the city is. This was Oslo for me. I had read online that many people did not recommend spending more than a day in Oslo, now that I’ve experienced it myself, I do not agree.

I’d like to start off by saying that Oslo is by far THE CLEANEST CITY, I have ever stepped foot in. The buildings look brand new, the streets are perfectly paved, the public facilities are pristine and modern, everyone is very good looking and happy, there are barely any poor people on the street, the city is eco-friendly and rich (the number of Tesla’s in Oslo is out of this world and they have water stations everywhere throughout the city so you can refill your water bottle rather than waste plastic). To say the least…it is heaven. Everyone was so normal and good-looking that Pat and I didn’t feel nervous for even one second while walking around. Maybe that’s why it’s ranked as the 9^th safest country in the world.

Oslo was our first stop and was considered our “layover” for our trip across Eastern to Western Norway. We only had an afternoon to explore the whole city! We took the Flytoget Airport train from Oslo-Gardermoen Airport to Oslo Central station. [PS, Flytoget and Flubussen would shortly become mine and Pat’s favorite words]. Being a rich country, everything in Oslo is expensive, so you need to keep that in mind when planning your trip. The Flytoget cost Pat and I $20 and got us to Oslo Central Station within 20 minutes. Our first Norwegian “greeting” was this pristine, high-tech train with large screens in the middle of each cart featuring the latest news around the world in both English and Norwegian. A train attendant would come around every 10 minutes telling everyone in the quiet cars that this was THE quiet car and we all had to be silent. Pat and I accidentally stepped into the quiet car without knowing so we, and some of the other people around us, started talking. The minute the train attendant stepped in and told us to be quiet, I giggled a little. The train attendant stared at me and the car was silent for the rest of the ride down. That’s another thing about Norwegians. They are very RESPECTFUL people that ABIDE by the rules. Going to New York for Norwegians must be a harrowing and shocking experience, where respect is not really in anyone’s vocabulary and abiding by the rules…what rules?

Step into Oslo Central Station and again, you feel like you are in a modern, open spaced clean building with Espresso cafés, bakeries and 7-Elevens. As we step out into the city, it is Friday at 3PM and the streets are already bustling with people at the cafés and bars, drinking beer. The square in front of the Central Station has a large Ferris Wheel with people in line to get a view from the top. Behind the square is the main street of Oslo, Karl Johan. Pat and I drop our stuff off at our Airbnb about a 15-minute walk from Oslo Central Station and were off to explore the town. Here is a list of essentials for 24 hours in Oslo.

1. Damstredet, Oslo             Top Things to Do in Oslo in May

Our first stop in Oslo involved going back in time a little. Damstredet is a charming street in Oslo with well-preserved wooden houses from the late 1700s and 1800s. It is known for its famous cobblestone street, which is super romantic. It’s sure to melt anyone’s heart that steps foot on it. Just make sure to be courteous when walking down it, as locals still live in these picturesque homes.

2. Blå on Akerselva River             Top Things to Do in Oslo in May

The hippest spot in Oslo, it even has it’s own open aired Chandelier—very grungy. In my opinion, it’s a mix between a Camden (London) and Lower East Side (New York). Mainly known for it’s clubbing scene, it’s got a gorgeous club that’s directly on the Akerselva River. Enter through a graffiti building lined entrance, which leads to 2 open aired bars, one on each side, at the end of the street overlooking the Akerselva River. A super cool spot for drinks if one has time. Cross the bridge and you’ll see a variety of “artwork” on display throughout the river. You’ll learn that the Norwegians are very open and liberal when it comes to their sexuality, as are many Nordic countries. The nightlife across the bridge at the nightclub is one of the hottest in town so stop by if you’re here for a longer time. On Sundays from 12 – 5PM, Blå has an adorable market that sells a mix of hipster and artisanal accessories, from dream catchers to crochet work, pearls, paintings, purses, homemade soaps, steel wire, and fun jewelry. The super healthy food and homemade cosmetics would definitely be on my bucket list. I’m a sucker for locally organic made cosmetics.

One thing I must say is that I was very happy to be wearing my summery and very Oslo-ian bag from Bagail. It was a perfect sized mini backpack purse that fit my sweater for when the weather got colder, my camera and my alternate lens, and all my other essentials. You’ll notice me wearing my light blue leather backpack purse throughout my trip, it came SUPER handy (even on hikes!) throughout my pictures. If you are interested in purchasing my backpack, you can get it on Bagail.com at 10% off with SVADORE’s special coupon code: BAGAIL90.

3. Karl Johan & Royal Palace             Top Things to Do in Oslo in May

After visiting the more eclectic part of Oslo, it’s time to head to the most popular—Karl Johan. Oslo’s “Fifth Avenue,” but a way, wayyy smaller version of it. The street starts with all your usual stores, Zara, Coach, Louis Vuitton, McDonalds, TGIF (which is a huge thing in Norway for some reason) and then moves into the more European section. Right after the Parliament building, Karl Johan street leads to the Royal Palace. A bunch of outdoor bars and cafés line up right before the palace, so all those who are having their beer can enjoy the view. It’s a very short street and easily walkable within 10 minutes.

To the left of Karl Johan is the National Theatre. In my opinion, what’s most interesting about the theater isn’t necessarily the building itself or the cute café they have outside it, but the super cool “Peacock Fountain” as the Norwegians call it.

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4. Aker Brygge             Top Things to Do in Oslo in May

Aker Brygge was so packed the Friday Pat and I were in Oslo, that we did not even realize we were in Aker Brygge because we couldn’t make out the steps. Once again cafés and bars lined the waterfront street (the Norwegians are apparently very social people). Norwegians also have a thing for ice cream, Pat and I walked by an ice cream truck about every 20 feet (no joke!) when strolling down Aker Brygge. It’s a “boardwalk” or “wharf” where people meet for drinks, ice cream, and young couples sit out on the architecturally designed steps looking out over the harbor. There is a super cool barge and boat on the water too that offers people drinks. If you make your way more inland the area has plenty of stores to shop from as well.

6. Tjuvholmen              Top Things to Do in Oslo in May

Reach the end of Aker Brygge and you are in Tjuvholmen territory. I consider this more of a residential area for people with boats. The area is comprised of tall glass buildings bundled together overlooking the fjord. The buildings were designed by 20 different architects to display the current architectural trends of our era. Each has their own boat or docking station for when they want to use their boat and their own balconies. As you near the end of the residential area, you begin to encounter once again these architecturally constructed steps on the side of the building. The steps were packed with 20 and 30 year olds tanning, playing music, drinking, and yes—swimming. The water was freezing (and we know this as a fact because we spoke to a lot of locals who went in for a swim), but they seemed to not mind the chill. It was almost like something they felt like they had to do. Although there is a beach dedicated for beachgoers, the young people prefer to take to the steps near the residential areas. As you stroll around Tjuvholmen, keep an eye out for “interesting,” liberal art pieces.

7. Akerhus Castle & Fortress             Top Things to Do in Oslo in May

Used to house royals, military bases, prisoners and government offices, this medieval castle is now open to the public and often used for cultural experiences. In fact, while Pat and I were walking up and around Akerhus Fortress to catch a view of the harbor from above, we came across the Medieval festival that was taking place. The fortress also boasts a super cute bar that overlooks Tjuvholmen and Aker Brygge, great for a drink if you have time during your stay.

On our way to the Oslo Opera House, we walked along the fjord. Again we saw people going for a swim! But this time, it made a little bit more sense. There was a small barge floating out in the middle of the fjord, with what looked like a small sauna placed on top. A sign on the roof read something along the lines of “Sauna rental, for more information contact XYZ.” There was a group of guys in there just chilling in a Sauna on the barge and occasionally popping out for a freezing swim in the fjord. I guess that’s the way to do it! If I had more time here, I swear that’s something I would’ve done as well.

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8. Oslo Opera House              Top Things to Do in Oslo in May

Our final stop in our 24 hours in Oslo was one of the crown jewels of the area, the Oslo Opera House. Here they actually encourage you to walk on their roof. It is an architectural marvel in and of itself. Just like you look to hike mountains when in Norway, this Opera house was built with exactly this concept in mind. The architect wanted its visitors to climb the opera house, just like they would climb any other part of nature in Norway. The sunset from here was gorgeous. Spend some time exploring the Opera House and it’s many different angles. It was built exactly for that. I wish I had been here during a colder month when the fjord was frozen, it would have made from a white-blanketed wonderland! If you have time catch a show as well, the interiors are just as beautiful as the exterior.

We didn’t have time unfortunately, but if you do, I recommend you go see Vigeland Sculpture Park. It is the park that contains the largest number of statues made by one single artist in the entire world. With over 200 sculptures all designed by Gustav Vigeland, it is kind of like an amusement park. The park is free and always frequented by locals. Like the park in front of the Eiffel Tower, locals love to bring a bottle of wine and enjoy a nice sit down drink in this tranquil oasis. What makes it even more interesting is the fact that, again being a liberal country, Norway allows you to climb the art. And yes…once again the art pieces are “interesting” to say the least. Do a quick Google search if you don’t believe me! If I had had the time, I would’ve gone in front of each statue and mimicked their poses. That would have made quite a photo album.

Where to eat in Oslo: Statholderens Mat & Vinkjeller Top Things to Do in Oslo

Dinners in Norway are expensive, no matter where you go, so you might as well treat yourself well, especially if you’re only there for a long weekend like Pat and I. We decided to go to Statholderens Mat & Vinkjeller, not to be confused with Statholdergaarden. The two are very different. They are owned by the same owner, but Statholdergaarden is very upscale and requires a dress code in a fancy English looking room on the first floor. Statholderens Mat & Vinkjeller is more casual, more my thing, and located in the old wine cellar of the building which gives it a cozy atmosphere. There is also a price difference between the two, Statholderens being the most affordable (with $30/40 being the price for the main course, and that’s expected in Norway). For more on my experience a Statholderens Mat & Vinkjeller, stay tuned for my up and coming post.

I went into Oslo with zero expectations. Thinking it would just be a quick layover city I would explore. Boy was I wrong. It was my experience here that instantly made me fall in love with Norway. It set the tone for the rest of the trip. I wish I had spent more time here, but it definitely gave me a taste of Oslo, which leaves me wanting to go back for more. It’s hard to explain the true essence of Norway that you will experience when in Oslo, so I guess you’ll have to go see and feel it for yourself.

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