Oslo
Travelled: March 2015.
I had a spare weekend in March and decided to look for flights to "Everywhere" and see what came up cheapest. I found flights to Oslo for £9.99 each way and decided it was probably a good sign that I should have my first Scandinavian adventure. I just wish the adventure had lasted longer! A beautiful city to look at and move through, Oslo feels like a city of neighbourhoods full of neighbours. Everyone we met was surprised to find a tourist in their city, because it feels so much like home to everyone there.
SEE.
Akershus Fortress. Free to pop your head in and the grounds and buildings are beautiful.
If you journey up to Holmenkollen for the skijump, sit on the left hand side of the T (the Metro) to take in the views of the city, water and surrounding islands on your way up the mountain.
Walk by Sofienbergparken on a sunny Sunday. A great children's playground a lovely park full of trees lined with traditional yet vibrant buildings.
The water front. Just sit and enjoy the space and peace that's possible within a city.
It seems as though locals use the roof of Oslo Opera House as another beautiful opportunity for a public space in their city. A moonscape of clean lines and textures rising from the water are dotted with picnics and people exercising, while taking in yet another stunning Oslo view. There's something wonderful about being able to climb all over a building that houses a performance type that can sometimes appear inaccessible or elitist. This opera house has opened its arms (and its roof) to the public.
EAT.
Going out for dinner in Olso can be the most expensive part of the trip but make it to Munchies if you can - some of the best burgers I've ever had and a great cheap alternative. Wash it down with a mandarin Mexican soda or a local beer.
Parkteatret is a great bar and performance venue converted from an old cinema. The cocktails and bar snacks are delicious, as is the chilled party vibe. They usually have a great line up of gigs in their main space if you fancy some music while you're in town.
Although authentic Tiki drinks may be the last thing you'd expect to find in Oslo, head to Aku-Aku Tiki Bar in Grunerløkka. Fun bar!
You're spoilt for choice in Grunerløkka for a cool coffee spot, but a good choice is Leibling. Before grabbing a table outside in the morning sun, peruse the adjoining shop which has the best and kitschest of just about everything.
DO.
Walk down the water to see the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. A Renzo Piano building that looks beautiful against the water in the afternoon sun.
Wander through Grunerløkka on a Saturday/Sunday. Sit outside one of the countless bakeries and brunch spots to take in the locals and then enjoy the good balance of vintage and design shops. Markveien is the main artery.
Birkelunden flea market every Sunday. Full of locals and characters and great for some bargains.
Use the tram system. Simple, frequent, affordable. A great way to get around the city and see the city at the same time.
Shop at Monki. Fun and relatively affordable fashions with a Skandi sense of homour and style.