A Design Lovers Guide to Oslo
Oslo is the most cosmopolitan city in the Nordics. Once a quiet dock city, the Norwegian capital has been experiencing a cultural revival ever since its national opera house was built in 2008.
Today, the city’s central shoreside area is buzzing with cafés, sleek restaurants, and high-rise buildings that are part of the Barcode Project, which graced the city with its first skyline in 2016. The neighboring Fjordbyen waterside project has a series of new apartment buildings alongside a new world-renowned museum showing international art.
For Oslo, 2019 marks a new beginning for the city, as it has eliminated 700 parking spots in the downtown core to make it more pedestrian and bike friendly. Strolling through Oslo is the best way to soak up the city’s flair, as the city’s architecture encompasses everything from stately hotels to glass-encased restaurants, proving this city has it all.
The best time to visit Oslo is after the winter chill—in spring, or in the summer during Oslo Fashion Week, which is when the city is ripe with parties in the park. Here is AD’s roundup of all the design hot spots you don’t want to miss in this stellar Scandinavian city.
Where to Stay
Classically styled and crowned with a clock tower, the Grand Hotel Oslo is the most prestigious accommodation in the city. Step back in time while staying in one of these timeless hotel rooms. Since it opened in 1874, it has hosted world leaders, like the Obamas, alongside celebrity couples like the Clooneys and Nobel Peace Prize laureates. The café here was a favorite hangout for Norwegian luminaries like Edvard Munch and Henrik Ibsen. Don’t miss one of its six on-site restaurants or its century-old ballroom.
Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway
Where to Eat and Drink
For upscale fine dining with a Norwegian twist, try Statholdergaarden, a 17th-century baroque palace converted into a restaurant, which has a seasonal winter menu featuring deer. But for Norwegian delicacies, head to the Vulkan district for the upscale food market, Mathallen Oslo, which has specialty coffee, organic meats, and freshly baked bread. It even has a wine club, a culinary academy, and events.
For a taste of Norwegian beer, it’s worth trying the Schouskjelleren Microbrewery, a 19th-century brewery that serves six homemade brews at its neighboring brewpub (try the Oslo Special Bitter). For cocktails, Himkok is a cocktail bar with a discreet entrance, making it feel like a secret club (try the Beta cocktail, which combines vodka with carrot juice and ginseng). For a stunning view overlooking the city, the Summit Bar is perched at the top of a hotel in the central downtown area.
For sweets, Cocoa is the city’s first “cocoa bar” tucked beside the leafy Birkelunden park. After a walk through the wilderness, try a traditional hot chocolate, a chocolate beer (yes), or chocolate cake with chili, honey, and lemon peel.
What to Do
The city’s most striking architectural masterpiece is, hands down, the Oslo Opera House, home of the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. This iceberg-reminiscent building, made of white marble, opened in 2008 with a stunning design by Snøhetta architects, which turned a bland corner of the Oslo Fjord into a welcoming public space on the water.
Oslo Opera House, Bjorvika
Steps away from the opera house, Aker Brygge is part a bourgeoning art complex as part of the Fjordbyen urban renewal project. The stunning Renzo Piano–designed Astrup Fearnley Museum sits on Tjuvholmen Island, and is accessible by bridge. It’s worth the visit to see the stunning sea views and artworks by Gilbert & George and Damien Hirst; a retrospective of Jeff Koons is on view until January 20.
Oslo Aker Brygge waterfront Astrup Fearnley museum illuminated dusk Norway
Since 1901, the Nobel Peace Prizes have been awarded in Oslo. The Nobel Peace Center is a museum that tells stories about the lives of Nobel Peace Prize laureates. The current exhibit of Rune Eraker's photographs from the civil war in Colombia runs until April 1.
Panorama of Nobel Peace Center in the Evening, Oslo, Norway
While the Norwegian royal family is on holiday, take a trip to the Royal Palace of Norway, which is open to the public in summer months. The stunning Nordic-designed rooms of state, many of which are adorned with Neptunian tridents, are lit up at night, enhancing the building's marvelous front gates and architecture.
Tourists Gather For The Changing of The Guard At Oslo's Royal Palace
Uncover the local art scene in Grünerløkka, the bohemian east side of Oslo, known for its art galleries, independent boutiques, and bar scene. For starters, check out TM51, an art gallery showcasing cutting-edge local artists. A short walk will take you to independent spaces like Gallery 69 and Kunstplass 5. But the main exhibition of the year is the forthcoming Oslo Architecture Triennale, which kicks off in September.
Where to Shop
In the heart of Oslo, Egertorget street is home to Eger Karl Johan, a high-end department store featuring 125 brands, including Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs. For a more local feel, pop by the F5 Concept Store, which features independent brands and accessories from Moe Oslo, SWY Studio, and Annie Berner.
If you’re looking for something more eclectic, head to a menswear boutique called Dapper. From city bikes to shaving brushes and wool sweaters, this preppy paradise sells backpacks by Herschel Supply Co. and boots by Dr. Martens.
