Oslo Travel Tips

Keep in Mind...

Norwegians are courteous Manners are everything in this refined city. You should particularly remember to be on time no matter where you're going; punctuality is highly expected in Norwegian culture.
Norwegians appreciate it if you try As in most foreign countries, the residents often prefer -- or at least appreciate -- travelers who attempt to speak Norwegian. Some helpful greetings include tusen takk (thank you), ja (yes), nei (no), and hallo or goddag (hello).
Norwegians are good tippers Tips are included in restaurant bills, but it is common to leave a bit extra, usually between 5 and 10 percent.

From the refurbished waterfront of Aker Brygge to the snowy hilltops of Holmenkollen, Oslo seems to offer the traveler everything they could ever want: hip cafés and nightlife, a verdant landscape (Oslo is one of the most forested cities in the world) and a culture steeped in arts and history. Where could this town go wrong?

It's expensive.

"No, I'm not kidding," says a writer for the New York Times, "It's really expensive." And he's right. The city consistently ranks among the world's most overpriced. So how do you get around the cost barrier? Consider making a weekend stopover from elsewhere in Europe (hotel rates are cheaper on Fridays) and enjoy Norway's capital while it's still a city on the rise.

How To Save Money in Oslo

Don't book for the peak-season If you're looking for hotel discounts, try booking for July and August, when the city residents typically head out on vacation.
Don't forget your Oslo Pass This card provides free travel on all public transit, free admission to museums and discounts on car rentals among other goodies. You need to book online here, and then redeem your voucher at any of the tourist information offices when you arrive.
Don't take the taxi from the airport The taxis in Oslo are notoriously expensive, so hop on the public transit instead. It's cheap and easy to use, and if you picked up your Oslo Pass, it's free.

Oslo Dining

The bayside neighborhood of Aker Brygge is Oslo's go-to spot for excellent drinking and dining venues, which include an assortment of upscale restaurants and cafés serving local fare, like meat and fish or Norway's renowned bread and pastries. A common Norwegian food staple is the smørrebrød, buttered rye with either local cold cuts or fish. The city also contains a reasonably large amount of international cuisine, including American, Turkish, Greek and Italian dishes. Like most things in Oslo, eating out can be very expensive. Deals can be found on the outskirts of the city.