Oslo

Oslo combines sleek Nordic design with dramatic natural surroundings, offering a city break that’s both culturally rich and refreshingly outdoorsy. The striking Oslo Opera House, with its sloped marble roof inviting people to walk across it, sets the tone for a city where architecture and public life intersect. The city’s waterfront, particularly the Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen areas, is filled with galleries, modern buildings and open-air sculptures, making it ideal for slow strolls or cycle rides by the fjord. Those keen to explore further afield can take a ferry out to the Oslofjord islands or paddleboard straight from the harbour in the summer months.

The city’s cultural offering is far more expansive than its compact size might suggest. The Munch Museum houses an extensive collection of Edvard Munch’s work, including different versions of The Scream, while the National Museum mixes classical and contemporary Norwegian art. History is layered throughout the city – from Viking ships at the Bygdøy museums to Resistance exhibits detailing Norway’s WWII story. For live music, venues like Rockefeller and Blå offer everything from indie and electronic to jazz, and Oslo’s classical scene centres around the Oslo Philharmonic and the annual Ultima Contemporary Music Festival.

Norwegian food in Oslo blends tradition with a modern, often minimalist twist. Local restaurants often focus on seafood, reindeer, and root vegetables, with seasonal menus that celebrate what’s fresh from land and sea. Mathallen Food Hall is a good place to get a taste of Oslo’s small producers and modern Norwegian cooking, while Grünerløkka’s casual cafés and independent spots serve everything from sourdough sandwiches to international fusion dishes. Coffee culture is strong, with artisanal cafés like Tim Wendelboe gaining international recognition. For those interested in shopping, the city mixes clean-lined Scandi fashion with locally made crafts, especially around the stylish boutiques of Majorstuen and the redeveloped Barcode district.