Vestre Guide To Oslo
Welcome to our hometown. Oslo is a small capital with surprisingly big ambitions. Surrounded by forests and fjord, nature is never far away – and architecture, landscape and public space play an important role in everyday life.
Over the past two decades, former industrial and harbour areas have become new neighbourhoods, the waterfront has been opened to the public, and investments in architecture, mobility and public space have created new places for people to meet, move, play and spend time together – creating a stronger sense of Public Belonging.
This is our guide to the Oslo we love – the architecture, food, culture, neighbourhoods and activities we think are worth experiencing while you’re here. We hope you leave inspired.
AREAS TO EXPLORE
Bjørvika — Oslo’s transformation in one neighbourhood, bringing new architecture, cultural institutions, public spaces, swimming and city life together along the waterfront.
Grünerløkka — Follow Akerselva through parks and former industrial areas before exploring Grünerløkka’s independent shops, cafés, bars and lively street life.
Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen — A former harbour transformed into a waterfront district where architecture, art, restaurants, swimming and public space meet the Oslofjord.
Grønland — Colourful, diverse and distinctly less polished, the neighbourhood offers some of Oslo’s best street life, food and cultural contrasts.
EAT & DRINK
KAFETERIA AUGUST — A relaxed food and wine bar hidden in a courtyard at Tullinløkka, and a favourite among Oslo’s creative crowd.
Katla — Icelandic chef Atli Mar Yngvason’s energetic take on Nordic cooking, combining fire, fermentation and influences from further afield.
Fuglen — Coffee by day, cocktails by night, surrounded by original Norwegian mid-century furniture.
HIMKOK — Hidden behind an unassuming entrance in central Oslo, this award-winning cocktail bar and distillery is well worth seeking out.
Rouleur — A neighbourhood bar and clubhouse where cycling, art, sport and culture come together over coffee, wine and drinks.
ARCHITECTURE & CULTURE
Oslo Opera House — Snøhetta’s landmark building blurs the boundary between architecture and public space, inviting everyone to walk from the waterfront onto its marble roof.
MUNCH — estudio Herreros’ distinctive waterfront museum brings the world’s largest collection of Edvard Munch together with spectacular views across Oslo and the fjord.
Deichman Bjørvika — Designed by Lund Hagem and Atelier Oslo, the city’s main library has become a generous public living room in the heart of Bjørvika.
Ekebergparken — Contemporary art, landscape and forest come together in a sculpture park overlooking the city, with works by leading Norwegian and international artists.
VESTRE PROJECTS
You’ll find Vestre all over Oslo – in parks, plazas, schools, workplaces and along the waterfront. Here are four very different places that show how thoughtful public spaces can bring people together.
Aker Brygge — Once a shipyard, today one of Oslo’s most vibrant waterfront destinations – a place to meet, eat, swim, relax and spend time by the fjord.
Rudolf Nilsens plass — A lively neighbourhood park shaped around children and young people, creating an inclusive meeting place in one of Oslo’s most diverse communities.
Construction City — A new campus designed to bring people and ideas together, with shared spaces that encourage informal meetings, collaboration and everyday interaction.
Voldsløkka School — More than a school, Voldsløkka is a neighbourhood meeting place where outdoor spaces invite learning, play, activity and social life throughout the day.
LIKE WE DO IT HERE
Take the metro into the forest — Take Line 1 to Frognerseteren and step straight from the metro into Nordmarka, less than 30 minutes from the city centre. Plan your trip here.
Heat up and cool down — Book a waterfront sauna, get properly hot, jump into the Oslofjord and repeat until the cold water starts to feel almost normal.
Take the ferry to an island — Use your regular public transport ticket and escape to Hovedøya for beaches, forest and monastery ruins just minutes from downtown.
GOOD TO KNOW
Walk it — Oslo is compact. Many of the places in this guide are within walking distance of each other, and walking is often the best way to experience the city.
Getting around with Ruter — Oslo is easy to explore without a car. Download the Ruter app for metro, tram, bus and local ferries – one ticket covers them all.
Tipping is optional — Service is included. At restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5–10% for particularly good service is appreciated, but never expected.
Drink from the tap — Norwegian tap water is excellent. Bring a bottle and refill it anywhere.
Welcome :)