Oslo may not always be the first city that comes to mind when choosing where to go in Scandinavia, but this beautiful location offers a truly unique blend of vibrant city life, stunning fjord-side architecture, and seamless access to nature.
Once known for its high costs and limited value for money, Norway is now more affordable than ever—thanks to favourable changes in the exchange rate, the British pound stretches 40% further than it did five years ago.
With only 48 hours to explore, we’ve curated a list of the best spots to make the most of your time in the city. From delicious dining experiences and a hidden speakeasy cocktail bar to trendy neighbourhoods brimming with vintage treasures and quirky homewares, Oslo offers something exciting in every corner. Read on for our top recommendations to make your long weekend trip most memorable.
Where to stay
Sommerro, from £105 per night
Located beside the stunning Royal Palace in Oslo’s West End, Sommerro is a paradise for Art Deco enthusiasts. Originally the headquarters of the city’s main electrical company, this transformed landmark includes over 200 rooms and suites, 7 restaurants, 3 bars, and a range of luxurious amenities—including an underground pool, sauna, gym, and a rooftop terrace with a heated pool and sauna.
Rooms feature a lavish four-poster bed, elegant chandeliers, soft ambient lighting, plush velvet seating, an impressive mini bar filled with plenty of drinks (including a mini bottle of Tattinger), complimentary tea and coffee and indulgent Byredo Bal D’Afrique toiletries in the bathroom.
Don’t miss the exceptional buffet breakfast, offering a generous array of cured meats, cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, yoghurt, and granola. With a dedicated bread station offering five varieties of seeded and rye loaves, an extensive selection of condiments, and a hot station serving up made-to-order eggs benedict or a classic Norwegian breakfast (complete with smoked salmon), it's the ultimate feast to ensure you're fuelled up for a big day of exploring.
What to do
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, a visit to the vibrant neighbourhood is a must—especially if you’re a fan of vintage clothing and eclectic homewares. I fell in love with Kaibosh for their playful selection of sunglasses and Mitt Lille Hjem for its quirky, kitsch-inspired home accessories.
For those who lean more toward culture and the arts, Vigelandsparken in Frognerparken is a must-see. This open-air sculpture park is home to over 200 stunning bronze and granite sculptures, making it the perfect spot to soak up the sun while admiring both the lush gardens and remarkable artwork. It’s a favourite among locals, too!
Where to eat
Jimmy’s, Leirfallsgate
For a lively and inviting dinner experience, head to Jimmy’s in the Leirfallsgate neighbourhood. This charming wine-bar-turned-restaurant offers a fantastic selection of wines (of course) alongside an array of mouth-watering starters. Don’t miss the irresistible bone marrow with tartar and sourdough, crispy chicken skin with truffle and parmesan, and thin, crispy pizzas—especially the bacon and Gruyère cheese variety. The schnitzels, served with potato salad, are perfectly crispy, while the creamy pasta dishes are indulgent and delicious. It’s the perfect place to enjoy great food and a warm atmosphere.
You should also give Brunost (brown cheese) a try – a beloved Norwegian delicacy with a unique brown, caramel-like appearance. Its flavour is reminiscent of salted caramel, and you can find it in supermarkets and at many brunch spots. The most common way to enjoy it is in thin slices, served on top of crispbread or a regular slice of bread. It's also delicious when paired with waffles and jam.
Where to drink
HIMKOK, Storgata 27
Just a short walk from Oslo’s central train station, you’ll find HIMKOK—an unassuming bar that’s easy to overlook with its subtle signage, but don’t let that fool you. Rated as the 11th best bar in the world last year, this hidden gem is a speakeasy-style bar and distillery that showcases the finest Norway spirits. With aquavit, gin, and vodka all crafted in-house, HIMKOK creates exceptional cocktails that capture the authentic flavours of the Nordic region. The menu changes annually, offering a refreshing mix of collaborative drinks with artists and beloved house classics, ensuring you’ll never get bored.
One must-try is the Birch Martini— a dry gin martini infused with birch leaves and garnished with an olive stuffed with Kraftkar blue cheese (which won a world cheese award in the past). You won't be disappointed, we promise.
