Exploring Oslo’s Fjords Waterfront

As an adult with no children, we kind of take all of our vacations as “romantic getaways”. On Tuesday, I gave you a list of great ideas for free things to do in Oslo and today I’m going to talk about what to do on and along the Oslo Fjord, because we all know that the seaside can be pretty romantic.

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Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art

I know I’m not the only one who doesn’t really get modern art, but there are a lot of you that love it, so why not check out this amazing museum housed in a building built to resemble a giant ship with sails that are made of glass. Tickets run a little over $13 per person and for that you can view both permanent and rotating Norwegian exhibits.

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Middelalderparken

Here’s a free and interesting attraction. This medieval park is located in Old Town and is just a 10-minute walk from the Central Station. It holds the ruins of St. Clement’s Church, St. Mary’s Church and the former Royal Estate. It is bordered by Lake Tenerife and several events and festivities happen here throughout the year. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera, because there’s fantastic photo opportunities that make a great backdrop for pictures of the two of you.

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Hanami Japanese Restaurant

For me, the worst thing you can do is visit a seaside destination and ignore all the seafood possibilities. Hanami resides in a very modern building full of windows facing the harbor and serves up sushi and cooked dishes that come from the area, such as black cod (one of my favorites), Norwegian lamb and pan-fried duck. Prices here aren’t cheap, but they aren’t crazy expensive either. It’s well worth the splurge for an afternoon or night out.

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Oslo Opera House

Do you love opera or ballet? If so, then the Oslo Opera House is on the waterfront and a fabulously popular attraction in the city. The outside is angular and covered in marble and granite, making it appear as if it’s a part of the water. If this type of culture is not really your thing, you can still head over and take a tour of the building and its gorgeous architecture.

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Lofoten Fiskerestaurant

Overlook the harbor while enjoying a delicious and local seafood meal. Sundays they offer a two-course dinner for 345 Krone (around $45 US) or you can choose from a lovely – and more affordable – menu the rest of the week. Some of the dishes that jumped out at me were pan-fried skate, king crab ravioli and grilled whale. Why not try something brand new? If you are afraid of some of those, you can also try Greenland shrimp or Norwegian lobster.

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Akershus Slott & Fortress

This medieval castle is full of history and you can learn more about it in my other Oslo post.

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Aker Brygge

Go shopping along the fjord, but even more than that you can learn about shipbuilding and hop on a boat to one of the islands. Aker Brygge is a hotbed of entertainment, unique shopping opportunities and delicious dining all on the seaside. Take a cruise of the Oslo Fjord or spend your whole day exploring the mall, which is like a small city in itself. This is where you can pick up a nice little souvenir from your trip, enjoy the promenade along the fjord or sit down to a romantic meal with a view of the water.

By using Hipmunk, you can also find yourself the perfect little romantic place to stay in the city that'll fit your budget an keep you near the part of Oslo you're most interested in exploring.

Have you been to Oslo? What are your suggestions for romantic days/nights out?

Disclaimer: This post was inspired by my partnership with Hipmunk - a great site to find low hotel rates wherever you travel. #hipmunkcitylove

Infographic: Cell Phone Etiquette Around the World

Did you know that there are places with special cell phone laws? Obviously, smartphones and their owners who are glued to them aren't going anywhere soon, so it's important to know how to use them correctly and what to expect from other users around the world. I like to use apps and the internet as much as anyone else (well, maybe a little less, because I like to actually see where I'm going and not run into a bunch of strangers), but there's a time and place for texting and talking. Here's a handy infographic of cell phone etiquette around the world. 

What have been your experiences with foreigners and cell phone usage?

Awesome Free Activities in Norway’s Capital

Though Oslo has been said to have some of the most expensive public transportation anywhere, I can’t say that I would declare it too expensive to get away with taking taxis to points of interest, since taxis are, inescapably, still easily sky-high in comparison. So, you have three choices:

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     1. Stay home or travel elsewhere

     2. Rent a car instead
     3. Walk as much as possible, take public transportation when needed and save elsewhere on your trip.

I happen to find #3 works well on trips like this, because I am not one to back down from a challenge. It’s lucky that Oslo is full of cheap and free things to do to offset the cost of getting to them. That just means you can do a lot more than expected, plus still get in a few activities that cost and you must do while you’re there. I’ve compiled a list of cool, free stuff that I would do if I were to travel to Oslo, which is now on my travel wish list.

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Akershus Slott

I’m never going to turn down a trip to a castle. This one is located right along the Oslo Fjord and used to be a prison. The medieval castle is protected by a fort and is full of some very interesting historical artifacts that will be interesting to both adults and to kids.

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Birkelund Fleamarket 

Browsing is always free, but maybe you’ll find a little something for yourself that fits into your budget here. If not, it’s always fun to look…and people watch.

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Det Kongelige Slott (The Royal Palace)

Everyone loves a palace. While you can’t get in, you can see the changing of the guard every day at 1:30pm. You can also take a stroll through Slottsparken, the public park right there that is full of trees and a perfect place to have a picnic.

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Munch Museum

Oslo has a lot of museums, but only one has the famous Scream painting and other works by Edvard Munch.

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Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture

You’ll find me frequenting many museums on my trips, but I like one that is a little bit different. Housed in an old transformer station, the NCDA has free guided tours every Sunday afternoon and features ever-changing exhibits on design and architecture of the Christmas markets, Fashion Week and more.

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Norwegian Museum of Magic

Magic isn’t just for kids, though they adore this museum too. You’ll be treated to a collection of Norwegian magical history that ranges from magicians to wizards. Visitors can expect a mini magic show on Sunday afternoons.

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Oslo Theatre Museum

I love theater and the sets and costumes. You can view such things at the Oslo Theatre Museum that is also housed in an amazing place: the old Town Hall, built in 1641 and the site of the first theater performance in Oslo in some 25 years later.

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Radhus (City Hall)

Does this sound boring to you? Well, maybe that would be true if there weren’t amazing fountains and sculptures out on the grounds to check out or galleries with fantastic murals to wander or the fact that you’re in the place where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each year.

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Vestkanttorvet (antique market)

Again, “window shopping” is free, but it’s always nice to see the difference between antiques in your own country and another. It’s even possible you’ll find a little trinket or a gift for someone else as you browse the stalls.

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Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park

I think it’s always nice to get out and enjoy the fresh air when I travel. Parks are a perfect way to see what a city is all about and it’s even better when there are works of art to check out as you walk around and take in the quiet atmosphere.

You can definitely get the feel of Oslo by exploring the city and museums, even the free things. It gives you a chance to interact with the Norwegians and really immerse yourself in the culture, all while not emptying your wallet. Let Hipmunk help you find an affordable place to stay and then figure out where you want to eat in order to fortify yourself for your many days of sightseeing.

Stay tuned for ideas on how to take a romantic Oslo getaway.

If you’ve been to Oslo, what are your favorite affordable or free activities?

Disclaimer: This post was inspired by my partnership with Hipmunk - a great site to find low hotel rates wherever you travel. #hipmunkcitylove