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You’ve got an apartment, you’ve sorted your paperwork — now it’s time to start enjoying your new life in Oslo! Not the tourist version; we mean the ins-and-outs of real local life (like knowing where to buy discounted groceries). As PART IV of our Memory Guide to Oslo, here’s our definitive list of everything you need as an Oslo newcomer — from where to get bedding and good coffee, to useful everyday apps and unique experiences. And it’s 100% organisk — created by the expats and Norwegian locals here at Memory!
…Ok, one more — head to Hitchhiker for global street food.
Bonus extra! Prindsens Hage has a super cool outdoor area in summer.
It completely comes down to your personal style. There are tons of malls, vintage thrift stores, designer boutiques and independent shops all over this city!
Meny and Coop Mega have the biggest selection, but are the most expensive. Good for more specialist ingredients you can’t find in other supermarkets. Rema 1000 and Kiwi are your standard “everyday” grocery stores. They are the cheapest among the chains with a good variety. You’ll find everything you need for normal breakfast, lunch and dinner. Coop Extra has a similar vibe to Reema 1000 and Kiwi, but there are fewer of them about. Joker and Bunnpris are generally smaller stores. They close later than others (some operate 24/7) and are the only stores open on Sundays. Being smaller, their selection tends to be more limited and at times a little pricey.
We recommend you check out these local activity and hangout spots to really get a flavour of Oslo city life. While you’re guaranteed a cool set of friends by joining Memory, they’re great places to build quality new friendships.
People love hanging out at the beaches in Bygdøy (Huk and Paradisbujta) and Sørenga in summer. If you’re into swimming, try Tjuvholmen at Aker Brugge or embrace the sharp waters of Akker Selva itself! Want to stay dry? Take a boat from Aker Brugger to visit the islands of Oslo’s fjord.
toboggan down the 20km Winter Olympics track Korketrekkeren, head to Tryvann winter park for some skiing and snowboarding, and check out the pop-up ice rinks across the city in winter. Don’t miss the Holmenkollen ski festival too!
Oslo is surrounded by beautiful nature! As a start, check out Kolsåtoppen, Mellomkollen, Frognerseteren-Sognsvann and Øyungen Lake hikes. Head to the Marka forest for everything from biking and skiing to fishing and foraging.
Aside from the Astrup Fearnley, Viking Ship and Fram museums, there are tons of tiny museums across Oslo to check out. For culture without the price tag, get free entry to the National Museum on Thursdays and enjoy free music concerts across the city during the Musikkens Dag festival. If you don’t mind standing, you can see world-class ballet performances and operas at Oslo’s Opera House for just 100 NOK.
PART I: How stuff works in Norway PART II: Sorting your paperwork PART III: Where to live in Oslo
