Oslo is split into clear districts, each with its own character and charm. Previously, the great dividing line between east and west was the Akerselva, and in many ways it still is. The western side is known for its wide streets, entertainment and high housing prices, while the eastern side features small, cosy cafés and free outdoor areas.
Some districts are organised around the locals' heavy use of public transport, while others are more car-friendly Common to them all is easy access to most public facilities, such as libraries, schools and health services.
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Bergen City Centre
Oslo City Centre Has All You Need
If you look past the office buildings, shopping centres and Oslo S, you will find small, cozy streets with character and a good selection of charming and trendy cafés and shops that have something to suit all tastes.
You don't get more central than this part of town, and if you live in a hotel in the centre of Oslo, you literally have the whole city at your feet. Take advantage of the excellent public transport networks to see other districts, but don't forget to take a walk in Pløens gate, Tollbugata and - of course - along Karl Johan.
Location: Oslo, Norway
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Frogner
Best Areas on the West Side
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The Frogner district extends over some of the most beautiful, and most expensive, residential areas within Oslo's borders. But there is plenty to experience here, even for those on a limited budget.
Perhaps the biggest attraction is Frogner Park with its fantastic sculptures in the Vigeland facility in the centre. The park still has much more than sculptures to offer, so try a bite to eat from a local bakery and enjoy it in the shade of one of the ancient trees. Alternatively, a walk, perhaps hand in hand with your loved one, along Frognerveien or Bygdøy Allé, is one of the best things you can do on a Sunday.
Location: Oslo, Norway
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Majorstua
The City's True Hub
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Far more than being a public transport hub, Majorstua is the hub of many people's lives in general. This is Oslo's main hub for students, workers and people out on the town.
Two large educational institutions are headquartered at Majorstua, along with the Norwegian Police Academy and the Norwegian Academy of Music. These are located next to Chateau Neuf, which is a hub for theatre, concerts and the student community. In addition to this, you can go to the Tramway Museum, shop in Bogstadveien and see a film in what is probably Oslo's most recognisable cinema building: the Colosseum cinema.
Location: Oslo, Norway
Mapphoto by Trond Strandsberg (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Grünerløkka
Hip and Relaxed, and Full of Trendy Places
Until the 1990s, Grünerløkka was a fairly busy and tired area, mostly characterised by workers' housing and pensioners. Then a small miracle happened, and the district, which had once been so drab and grey, became a colourful and vibrant place to live.
Over the years, "Løkka" has become one of Oslo's most popular districts and a fun place to visit for its bustling life, trendy eateries and comfortable, public outdoor areas. A must-see for anyone who wants to support the small, independent stores, where you can get to know the employees and find completely unique things.
Location: Oslo, Norway
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The Old Town
A District in Transformation
The old town of Oslo is a historic part of the capital that is really on the rise, and which attracts many different people. Here you'll find everything from medieval ruins and traditional pubs to finer eateries.
Ekebergskrenten is the area for anyone looking for a quiet green space, and the park in front of the old Botsfengselet is a popular place to have a picnic in the open air or go sleighing in the winter. And did you know the prison entrance was featured in all the Olsenbanden films? If you walk towards the top of the park, you will also find an exciting sculpture park, which few people know about.
Location: Oslo, Norway
Mapphoto by Kjetil Ree (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Hanshaugen Park
Cosy and Central
With Ullevålsveien as its central lifeline, it is easy to get to most places in Hanshaugen Park by public transport. Those who live here still prefer to walk.
The proximity to the city centre makes Hanshaugen Park a sought-after and popular place, and people of all ages live here. You will find restaurants in all price ranges, one of the city's very best parks and one of the city's best and most historically interesting sports arenas. It is well worth a visit, if simply just to stroll around and look at the nice, old buildings.
Location: Oslo, Norway
Mapphoto by Grzegorz Wysocki (CC BY 3.0) modified
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Uranienborg
Western District Close to Centre
Uranienborg is a really great district, but it also bears the mark of having been a functionary district in its previous life.
The large farms that lie along streets such as Oscars gate, Camilla Colletts gate and Holtegata, stand side by side with detached city dwellings, and reveal that this was once a fairly rural place. The location between the castle and Frogner means that it is close to more or less the entire centre. That means shopping, the city's best restaurants and of course top-notch culture and entertainment.
Location: Oslo, Norway
Mapphoto by Jan-Tore Egge (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Bjørvika and Sørenga
New District with Everything You Could Wish For
Bjørvika and Sørenga are the districts that face the fjord - with Barcode and Oslo S on one side and the Old Town on the other.
The more efficient the port in Oslo becomes, the more parts of the water's edge can be delegated to people rather than machines. Sørenga is a pleasant residential area with bathing spots, cafés and a park, while Bjørvika is home to both the opera house, museums and the city's perhaps most important traffic hub. Oslo S has it all: shopping, nightlife and a wealth of great restaurants, while the entertainment on the waterfront is almost unsurpassed.
Location: Oslo, Norway
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Bygdøy
Suburban Atmosphere Close to Centre
When you are on Bygdøy, it's easy to think you have moved far away from Oslo's hustle and bustle, but that's actually not the case. Because it's actually not that far from the city centre and you can get here by bus or boat in a relatively short time.
But why go to the city, when there's so much you can do on Bygdøy? Here you can experience our common history at the Folk Museum, Vikingskiphuset and Sjøfartsmuseet. Go for a swim at Huk or one of the more secluded beaches, and stroll through the manicured gardens to the area's many cafés.
Location: Oslo, Norway
Mapphoto by Palickap (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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Tøyen
Cosy Streets in the Inner City
Although the district is central and densely populated, Tøyen clearly has charm and soul. This isn't just an area full of apartment buildings - you can also experience the delightfully green Botanical Garden!
For a slightly less groomed park experience, there's Tøyenparken and Kampen park. If you need to get to the city centre, just take a short walk through Tøyengata. Bring a bite to eat from one of the many cafés on Tøyen Torg and you'll soon see why this is perhaps Oslo's best kept secret.
Location: Oslo, Norway
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