Exploring Oslo: A neighborhood guide for newcomers and curious locals
If you’re living in or just visiting Oslo, one of the best ways to connect with the city is by exploring its neighborhoods on foot. Each area has its own personality, so whether you’re into architecture and fjord views, diverse food scenes, or boutique shopping and parks, there’s a neighborhood here for you!
In this guide, I’m sharing three areas in Oslo that go beyond the city center and Grünerløkka, which I know and love: Aker Brygge, Grønland, and Majorstuen. Below, you’ll find videos that I filmed in each of these for Visit Oslo, so you can explore those before you go!
Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen: fjord views, art, and quiet luxury
Let’s start with one of the city’s most well-known and visited neighborhoods. Once a shipyard, Aker Brygge has transformed into a sleek waterfront district, with modern architecture, fine dining, shopping, and museums. It’s also where you’ll find some of Oslo’s most expensive apartments—and probably a few Porsches parked alongside them. You’ll find a mix of tourists and locals enjoying the area year-round.
Aker Brygge and Tjuvholment truly come to life in the summer. This is a great area to grab an ice cream and stroll the boardwalk (watch out for seagulls!), spend hours exploring some amazing museums, take a ferry to the islands, relax in a sauna, swim in the Oslo Fjord, or just enjoy the water views with a nice seafood dinner.
Things to see and do in Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen:
Astrup Fearnley Museum: A striking glass-and-wood building on the edge of the fjord, this museum focuses on contemporary art, and always has something weird, wonderful, or thought-provoking on display.
National Museum: Just next door, this is the largest museum in the Nordics, home to traditional and contemporary Norwegian art, including one of Edvard Munch’s original versions of The Scream. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace.
Nobel Peace Center: Learn about past and present Peace Prize laureates and the story of Alfred Nobel in this multimedia museum.
Sauna culture: Hop in a floating sauna, then jump straight into the Oslofjord. Several companies operate right along the harbor.
Fjord cruises & ferries: This is a great place to catch a boat to the Oslofjord islands.
The famous unicorn
You can find this iconic art piece at the Astrup Fearnley Museum in Tjuvholmen.
Where to eat & drink in Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen:
There are dozens of restaurants along the water here, many with heated outdoor seating.
You’ll find everything from high-end seafood to casual international fare.
Grab an ice cream or a coffee and walk along the promenade—but beware of the seagulls (they will steal your food, seriously).
Shopping highlights in Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen:
The indoor shopping street in Aker Brygge has a mix of boutiques, Norwegian and Scandinavian fashion brands, design shops, and bookstores, all inside a beautifully renovated harbor building.
Nightlife & entertainment in Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen:
Latter: Oslo’s biggest comedy club, with stand-up shows by well-known Norwegian comedians and newer voices alike.
SHUFL: a large bar that offers high-tech shuffleboard and darks, beers on tap, and nice cocktail that suit the classy nightlife vibe of Aker Brygge.
Grønland & Tøyen: Oslo’s most underrated cultural hubs
In contrast to Aker Brygge’s quiet luxury, Grønland and Tøyen are a vibrant, multicultural part of Oslo that’s full of life and surprises. I often say this is one of Oslo’s most underrated areas—there’s just so much to do here if you take the time to wander.
Additionally, Grønland is home to many international stores that import ingredients from abroad that you can’t find in typical supermarkets. The neighborhood is also known for its fresh vegetables and reasonable grocery prices. Many people who live in Oslo go to Grønland to do their food shopping.
A truly hidden gem
One of my favorite places in all of Oslo is the Intercultural Museum in Grønland
Where to eat & drink in Grønland and Tøyen:
Evita Espressobar and Evan Espressobar: Great local spots for your morning coffee.
Punjab Tandoori: A beloved and budget-friendly restaurant that locals rave about.
Asylet: Set in a historic 18th-century building, this restaurant and bar is a cultural spot in itself.
Olympen: One of Oslo’s oldest beer halls, serving hearty Norwegian food and local beers in an atmospheric space.
Istanbul Restaurant, Kafe Saba, and more: this neighborhood is a hub for Yemeni, Turkish, Middle Eastern, and East African cuisine.
Dattera til Hagen: A cozy café by day and lively bar by night, with a colorful patio that becomes the heart of the area in summer.
Things to see and do in Grønland and Tøyen:
Intercultural Museum: Housed in a former police station, this museum is one of my favorites in the city. It combines art, history, and social commentary, sparking conversations about immigration, identity, and the future of Oslo.
Grønland Church: A beautiful neo-Gothic church that anchors the square.
Walk along Akerselva river: A nature escape right in the city, with small waterfalls, urban art, and peaceful walking paths.
Oslo Botanical Garden: Just a 10-minute walk away, this is one of the best places in the city to stroll, picnic, and (if you're lucky) pet dogs. Free and open year-round.
Shopping in Grønland and Tøyen:
Fretex and Rewear: Great secondhand clothing options.
Stikling: A super cute plant shop with personality.
Grønland Torg & Basar: For international groceries, fruits, vegetables, and hard-to-find ingredients.
Nightlife in Grønland and Tøyen:
Bars like Rock Inn, Beker’n, Mekaniske Verksted, and Pigalle offer everything from casual beer gardens to retro nightclub vibes.
Majorstuen & Frogner: trendy cafes, shopping, and museum hopping
Majorstuen (or sometimes spelled Majorstua) is where Oslo gets a little more classic, a little more stylish—but still keeps its charm. Centered around Bogstadveien, one of the city’s main shopping streets, this neighborhood is known for fashion, culture, and long afternoons in cafés.
Food & drink picks:
Pust: Minimalist, aesthetic café with great coffee.
Grains Bakery: Delicious, organic, and full of sourdough magic.
Baker Hansen: A popular local chain with great seasonal baked goods.
Lille Valkyrie: Cozy café vibes, perfect for a catch-up with friends.
Ghost Pizza: Seriously good pizza (tip: ask for the one they set on fire!).
Yum Cha: Dumplings done right in a 70s Hong Kong atmosphere.
Valkyrien Food Court: A great indoor option with a variety of cuisines.
Cultural attractions nearby:
Vigeland Park: The world’s largest sculpture park by a single artist, and a favorite year-round walking spot for locals.
Vigeland Museum: Learn about the artist behind the park's iconic statues. Hugely underrated, gorgeous place.
Oslo Bymuseum: Explore Oslo’s history from medieval town to modern city. Definitely underrated!
International Museum of Children’s Art: A colorful, creative space showcasing art by kids around the world.
Oslo Transport Museum: For the history and design lovers.
Where to shop:
Fromagerie: A beautifully curated delicatessen with cheeses, spreads, and specialty goods.
Smak av Italia: Gourmet Italian treats.
Oliviers & Co: A dream for olive oil and balsamic lovers.
Sorgenfri Art Gallery: A gallery with rotating exhibitions by Norwegian and international artists.
Eremis Jewelry, Feelgood Shop, Tjorven Yarn, Cirkulær, and more: From handmade to high-end, this area is full of indie boutiques and secondhand finds.
Tips for exploring Oslo like a local
Walk or take public transport
Oslo is compact, and most neighborhoods are connected by trams, buses, or metro. Download the Ruter app to plan your route and buy tickets.
Be curious!
Oslo is full of unexpected gems. The best places often aren’t marked by big signs (or if they are, they might be in Norwegian!), so peek down side streets and wander with intention. :-)
Visit in different seasons
The same spot can feel completely different in winter vs. summer. Aker Brygge’s boardwalk, Grønland’s fruit markets, and Majorstuen’s café scene all change with the light, so don’t make up your mind about a neighborhood after just one visit!
Happy exploring!
