Right, Oslo is on the agenda! You've packed your bags, checked the battery on your camera and phone, left your mum with instructions on how to feed the fish, packed blister band-aids and you're ready to explore the city. We then recommend you try out tips from real Oslo locals. This way you'll be able to explore Oslo through the eyes of selected locals. These locals have been hand selected to keep you up to date with happenings and great spots in Oslo. And they're not strangers either. You'll know who it is that's supplying you with tips through their profile.
Let's start alphabetically, with Andrea Chirulescu. Originally from Bucharest, she's made Oslo her home for the last five years and counting! She recommends you visit skate-park Gamlebyen. It's one of the biggest in Oslo. And no, you don't have to risk life and limb to enjoy this park. Even if you're not a skater or BMX biker, you can still enjoy the amazing tricks being performed in front of you. If you'd like a calmer experience, then feast your eyes on the amazing graffiti drawn around the premise. If you want an even calmer experience, she recommends a visit to Oslo's Botanical garden.
And for the record, if you're in Oslo at the beginning of August (August 6-10), why not buy a ticket for Øyafestivalen? It's one of Oslo's biggest festivals, and even bigger artists perform here. At the moment, you can still buy tickets for Wednesday and Thursday.
Next up: Elin Reitehaug. She's been a real Oslo local for more than 10 years now, so she knows her stuff! One popular recommendation with our Spotted by Locals visitors is the Sunday Market at Blå. The market is not too big, but from 12:00 - 17:00 you can enjoy the fruits of labor from many artists and designers. A completely different tip, but just as great, is Cafe Laundromat. Bring an appetite and your laundry! The menu is extensive, the furniture is retro, there are books aplenty, and the wifi is free.
One last example from Elin is a cafe with the best location in Oslo. Månefisken serves the usual suspects, as well as tapas, with a view of Akerselva's waterfall.
Our third local is Rolf Steier, an American Oslo local for 5 years now. One of his tips is one of Oslo's islands, Gressholmen. Hop on a ferry and hike around the island, or in summer, take a dip in the ocean! There's also a small restaurant & bar for the hungry and thirsty. If you're staying on the mainland and you want something spicy, Rice Bowl is the one for you. Thai cuisine at a reasonable price, and it's good too, as you might be able to tell by the queue outside.
Our final local is Zoë Waage, a city local since 2004. Two of her (many) tips are Food Story and Colonel Mustard. The first is all about American pancakes with bacon, blueberries and maple syrup. Organic, delicious, sunny terrace, beers and some things you can buy to take home! The second is all about vintage boardgames and Schous pilsner.
If these examples aren't enough for you, do visit Spotted by Locals Oslo for many, many more tips and the iPhone and Android apps!
