City Guide



Oslo Shopping:


Most shops in Oslo are open from 10:00-17:00 and on Saturdays from 09:00-14:00. There are usually extended opening hours in most shopping centres on Mon-Fri from 10:00-20:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00-18:00. Most shops are closed on Sundays, however some souvenir shops stay open. Thursday is the day for late night shopping. Shopping centres and souvenir shops have extended opening hours till 19:00 or 20:00. Banks are open until 17:00.
Here is a brief guide to the main shopping areas in Oslo:

AKER BRYGGE
What used to be workshops, Aker Brygge is today an exciting cultural centre located next to the town hall. Bursting with many shops, pubs, bars and restaurants. For your covenience, the centre also has a sports centre, pharmacy, hairdressers and a cinema. Open from Mon-Fri: 10:00-18:00 and Sat: 10:00-20:00.

KARL JOHANS GATE
Karl Johans gate is Oslo's most famous pedestrian street running east to west from the Central Station to the Royal Palace. Among here, you will find several street entertainers, restaurants and not to mention the shops. This street and back streets, is in particular famous for handicrafts, clothing, jewellery and look out for the home ware within department stores.karljohansgate

HEGDEHAUGSVEIEN, BOGSTADVEIEN AND MAJORSTUA
Located between the Royal Palace and the Vigeland Park is one of the largest shopping districts in Oslo. Most of the shops here are designer stores and boutiques. Bogstadveien caters for all ages, in particular there's a wide range of music, clothes and restaurants.

Shopping centres within walking distance of the city centre:

BYPORTEN SHOPPING
Byporten Shopping is Oslo newest shopping center and is right next to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) and includes more than 70 shops, a Scandic Hotel, Norways largest Egon Restaurant and an underground car park. Open from Mon-Fri: 10:00- 21:00 and Sat: 10:00-18:00.

OSLO CITY
Built by Selmer Skanska, this is Oslo's largest and most popular shopping centre. It has around 87 shops and restaurants. Very centrally located within walking distance to the central station. In the warm weather, fresh groceries can be found at the entrance.

PALEET SHOPPING CENTRE
Paleet is situated on Karl Johans Gate, with 45 shops and 13 restaurants. Expect to find ladies fashion, men's fashion, porcelain, flowers, glassware, jewellery, sportswear etc. Open from Mon-Fri: 10:00-20:00 and Sat: 10:00-18:00.

GLASMAGASINET SHOPPING MALL
GlasMagasinet is situated by the Stortorvet square and is Oslo's most famous shopping department store since 1739. Shops sell items such as: toys, children's wear, china, shoes, cosmetics and plenty more. Near Karl Johan's Gate, it has 4 floors and is open from: Mon-Fri: 10:00-19:00 and Sat: 10:00-18:00.


Museums


Holmenkollen Museum
Holmenkollen, the most visited tourist attraction in Norway!
The Holmenkollen Museum specialises in skiing and is situated under the ski-jump. Trek through the past century of skiing and view the new snow-board exhibition. Get an amazing view from the Ski jump tower and try the ski simulator for fun. Discover the Winter Olympics too.
Opening hours:
1st Jan - 30th Apr: Mon-Sun 10:00-16:00
1st May - 31st May: Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00
1st June - 31st Aug: Mon-Sun 09:00-20:00
1st Sept - 30th Sept: Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00
1st Oct - 31st Dec: Mon-Sun 10:00-16:00
Facilities include: Museum Shop, programme, cafe and parking. Entertainment hire is possible. Open 365 days a year and free entrance with Oslo Pass. Not suitable for Disabled visitors.
Address: Kongeveien 5, N-0787 Oslo
Website: www.skiforeningen.no
Tel: +47 22 92 32 64
Fax: +47 22 92 32 70

Norwegian Maritime Museum
Located on the edge of Olso Fjord.
Portraying current and historic displays of Norway's shipping and fishing. Featuring paintings, widescreen panorama movies and model boats. In the main building you can see full-size original interiors from vessels past and present, together with the age of sail, supertankers, cruise liners and oil rigs of today. Outside you can see the Gjøa polar ship that Roald Amundsen used when he was the first to complete the Northwest Passage.
Opening hours:
2nd Jan - 14th May: Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 10:30-16:00 and Thurs 10:30-18:00
15th May - 31st Aug: Mon-Sun 10:00-18:00
1st Sept - 14th May: Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 10:30-16:00 and Thurs 10:30-18:00
Facilities include: Audio Guide for most languages, Disabled Access, Cafe, Restaurant, Snack Bar, Museum Shop and Library. Free entrance with Oslo Pass, admission free for under 16's. Museum library closed throughout July.
Address: Bygdoynesveien 37, N-0286, Oslo
Website: www.norsk-sjofartsmuseum.no
Tel: +47 24 11 41 50
Fax: +47 24 11 41 51

The Munch Museum
Opened in 1963, the museum holds the works and inspirations of the artist Edvard Munch. The museum shows a wide range of sculptures, paintings, books and prints. Famous pieces includes The Scream (1893), The Sun (1912) and Starry Night (1923).
Opening hours:
1st Sept-31st May: Tues-Fri 10:00-16:00 and Sat-Sun: 11:00-17:00
1st June - 31st Aug: Open every day 10:00-18:00
Closed on Mondays and closed from 6th February - 16th February. Easter opening hours vary.
Facilities include: Museum Shop, children's workshop, hall bookable for conferences and events. Free admission for all up until 31st March 2006. Free entrance with Oslo Pass.
Address: Toyengata 53,N-0578, Oslo
Website: www.munch.museum.no
Tel: +47 23 49 35 00
Fax: +47 23 49 35 01


Restaurants


Oslo offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes serving excellent food with something to suit everyone. Seafood is a speciality in Oslo and you will find many seafood restaurants along Aker Brygge where you can enjoy your meal outside with good waterfront views. However there are also many Italian, Chinese, Indian and French cuisine restaurants.

Theatercaféen has remained Oslo's most popular dining place throughout the 20th century. It is a part of Norwegian cultural history and a must for every visitor to Oslo.

The Hotel Continental is a hotel with many restaurants. They are prowd of their kitchen - and Annen Etage is "The Crown Jewel". Norwegian gastronomy with a French accent at its best. E-mail: annen.etage@hotel-continental.no

Through the years, Mamma Rosa, one of Oslo's first Italian restaurants, has taught steadily greater numbers of Norwegians how Italians like to prepare food. It requires a certain adaptation of Norwegian flavor as well as the understanding that one need not eat a full Italian meal complete with appetizer, pasta, main course and dessert at Mamma Rosa. All guests are equally welcome, whether they chose to enjoy the entire evening in the generous, vivid interior or to satisfy themselves with a salad. Mamma Rosa's crisp pizzas are popular among those with an impatient appetite to suffice. Most popular is the corner table facing Egertorget, one of the prime viewing posts of the capital city's streetlife, both at it's liveliest and most serene.
ACQUA
Acqua is a minimalist style restaurant and bar. A little expensive, but serving amazing food and cocktails. Booking is advisable.
Filipstadkaia,Oslo
http://www.acqua.no

MAMMA ROSA
Mamma Rosa is one of Oslo's most popular Italian restaurants offering a warm atmosphere and classic Italian dishes.
Stoltenberggaten 46,Oslo
http://www.mamarosa.no

BRASSERIE 45
This popular restaurant is best known for continental food and located in one of the more popular areas.
Stortingsgata 20,Oslo
http://www.brasserie45.no

HARD ROCK CAFE OSLO
Offering American cuisine with the lively Rock atmosphere.
Karl Johans Gate 45,Oslo
http://www.hardrockcafe.no

RESTAURANT BLOM
A beautiful restaurant where famous Norwegian artwork is displayed on the walls. The food is fantastic and the menu offers traditional Norwegian cuisine and one of Norway's largest selection of wines.
Paléet,Karl Johans gate 41 B,Oslo
http://www.restaurantblom.no

GANDHI RESTAURANT
Visit here for exciting Indian flavours and experience the culture of India.
Majorstuveien 36,Oslo
http://www.gandhi.no

BALTAZAR
Situated behind Oslo Cathedral, Baltazar offers an international menu in simple and subdued surroundings. Seafood dishes are also served here.
Dronningensgate 27,Oslo
http://www.baltazar.no

MUCHO MAS CAFE
Typical Mexican dishes, such as: tacos, tortillas, burritos, quesadillas etc. Cocktails can also be seen on the menu.
Thorvald Meyers Gate 36, Oslo
http://www.muchomas.no

SOLSIDEN
Here is a popular seafood restaurant located by the seaside, at the foot of Akershus Festning.
Søndre Akershus kai,Oslo
http://www.solsiden.no

CAFE EUROPA
This is a hotel restaurant at the Thon Hotel Europa. Combination of Cafe, Restaurant and Bar.
St. Olavs Gate 31, Oslo


Clubbing


Oslo is packed with an overwhelming combination of Bars,Clubs,Cafés,Restaurants & Theatres and Operas! The most popular areas for nightlife is Karl Johan's Gate,Grønland,Storgata and Majorstua. Norway does not allow smoking in restaurants, clubs or bars. Nightclubs are often open until 3 a.m,with the entrance ages over 18 & 21, but in some places, you have to be 23 or 25. You will discover most theatres in the area of Majorstua. The most popular theatre here is called the Coloseum, which has very good sound and visual quality. Others include The National Theatre & Vika. In Storgata, be expected to find Opera & Classical Houses/Venues.

BARS

BOB'S BAR
Well-known pub. Laid back and reasonable rates for beers.
Address: Grønland 1, 0190, Oslo
Tel: +47 404 70 863.

SMUDGET
Very popular nightclub, restaurant & bar all in one! Boasts 7 bars with 3 floors, playing various music. Closed on Sundays.
Address: Rosenkrantz Gate 22, 0160, Oslo
Tel: + 47 22 42 52 62
Fax: + 47 22 42 67 59
Website: www.smudget.no

THEATRES

THE NATIONAL THEATRE
The National Theatre opened in 1899. Situated by Karl Johan's Gate. Provides for those with hearing difficulties.
Address: Karl Johan's Gate, Oslo
Tel: + 47 22 00 14 00
Fax: + 47 22 00 16 90
Website: www.nationaltheatre.no

CAFES

GRAND CAFE
Located on the ground floor of the Grand Hotel. Edvard Munch and Henrik Ibsen used to dine here. Offers a la carte and bar. Open late evenings Mon-Sat.
Address: Karl Johan's Gate 31, 0101, Oslo
Tel: + 47 23 21 20 18
Fax: + 47 23 21 21 00
Website: www.grand.no

COCA VIKA
Coca Vika is a trendy cafe by the Town Hall where you can enjoy lunch outside with a view of the waterfront. Here you will find a fine selection of wines and a dinner menu which changes regularly. Sushi is a speciality.
Address: Dronning Mauds Gate 1,0250,Oslo
Tel: + 47 22 83 18 18
Website: www.eatout.no/coco

CLUBS
Blå
Live performances of Jazz music. One of the best in Scandinavia and has a large range of Jazz.
Address: Brenneriveien 9, 0182, Oslo.
Tel: + 47 22 20 91 81
Fax: + 47 22 11 04 39
Website: www.blx.no

JACKSON NIGHTCLUB
Here is a good club in Oslo's city centre, music is mostly 80s with some house. There is also a jukebox and karaoke. Minimum Age is 20.
Address: Karl Johans Gate 10,Oslo