Pssst! We have tested and filmed a range of fun activities and cultural experiences in Oslo. Take a look at the videos below.
🚲 Get out and explore
The best way to get to know the city is to use it. Hop on one of the many e-scooters, or get a subscription to Oslo City Bike and cycle your way around. You can pick up and return the bike at more than 260 locations across the city.
🚇 Get to know the city through public transport
Hop on a bus, tram, metro, or boat and see where you end up. It’s an easy way to get an overview of the city. Some useful routes:
- Bus 37 – runs 24/7, all week, from Helsfyr via the city center to Nydalen
- Tram 17/18 – runs through the city center to OsloMet and Blindern
- Bus 21 – connects many central areas, from Tjuvholmen to Grünerløkka
- Bus 25 – runs from Majorstuen to Groruddalen via Blindern, Kringsjå, and Frysja
- Metro line 5 (the Ring Line) – literally runs in a loop around the inner city
- Boats B1 and B2 – take you out to Oslo’s fjord, islands, and archipelago
Check Ruter for more information and download their app.
☕ Hidden courtyard gems and places to hang out
Oslo has many great spots for students—both indoors and outdoors. Popular places include:
- Courtyard cafés like Prindsens Hage and Dattera til Hagen
- The student center Chateau Neuf (food, concerts, events)
- Oslo Mekaniske Verksted, a bar and social spot where you can bring your own food
📚 Study outside campus
You don’t have to sit in a study hall all the time. Try:
- Kulturhuset at Youngstorget
- Pust at Majorstuen
- Café Sør in the city center
- Deichman Library in Bjørvika
🌳 Make the most of parks and the forest
Oslo has many beautiful parks — perfect for breaks, soaking up the sun, and socializing. As Cezinando says: “you can still hear people and cars, among butterflies, bushes, and nature.” Some we recommend:
- St. Hanshaugen
- Tøyenparken
- Sofienbergparken
- Kubaparken
- Botanical Garden
- Birkelunden
In Oslo, you’re never far from the forest — what locals simply call “marka.” You can easily get there by public transport to Nordmarka, Østmarka, or Lillomarka.There you’ll find miles of hiking trails, cross-country ski tracks in winter, cabins, and forest lodges that serve food on weekends.
🍜 Eat well – without spending too much
On campus, SiO Food and Beverage cafés and eateries are usually the most affordable option. Tips off campus:
- Oslo Street Food in the city center
- Lille Saigon 1 in the city center
- Rice Bowl by Kristiania in Kirkegata
- Curry & Ketchup at Majorstuen
🎪 Oslos kulturliv
Oslo offers a wide range of cultural experiences, from classical art forms to modern and urban expressions. Here are just a few examples!
🎭 The city has a strong theatre scene:
- National Theatre and Oslo Nye Teater
- Contemporary performing arts at venues like Black Box Teater
- Stand-up and comedy on several stages
🎼 Oslo’s music scene is highly diverse:
- Large concerts at Oslo Spektrum and Unity Arena
- Smaller venues like Rockefeller, Parkteatret and Blå
- A rich offering of jazz, electronic, indie and classical music
- The Oslo Pilharmonic and the Opera provide high-quality classical experiences
🎤 Throughout the year, many festivals are held::
- Øyafestivalen (music)
- Oslo Jazz Festival
- Oslo World (international music)
- Culture Night Oslo – when the city fills with free cultural experiences
🎨 In recent years, Oslo has grown as an art city:
- The National Museum – the largest art museum in the Nordic region
- MUNCH – dedicated to Edvard Munch, with modern exhibitions
- Astrup Fearnley Museum – contemporary art in an iconic building at Tjuvholmen
There are also many smaller galleries and pop-up exhibitions around the city. In addition, the city is full of outdoor street-art wherever you go.
🍹 Cultural life is closely connected to cafés, restaurants and nightlife:
- Grünerløkka is known for its creative and alternative culture
- Bjørvika combines architecture, art and waterfront living
- Vulkan and Mathallen offer food and events in the same area
⚽ When ball games are at their best
The city offers plenty of options:
- Football (soccer) at Voldsløkka, Dælenenga or Marienlyst
- Mini golf at Oslo Camping
- Beach volleyball at Voldsløkka or Kringsjå
- Tennis, squash or multi-purpose sports halls at SiO Athletica
Did you know there’s a dedicated event calendar for students?
In the event calendar, you’ll find a complete overview of social activities, events, and cultural experiences for students in Oslo—most are completely free or available at an affordable price.
We have tested and filmed a range of fun activities and cultural experiences in Oslo. Take a look below!
Getting around the city
Stine and Patrick show you how to roll, bike, pedal, ride the train, hop on a tram, and take the bus around Oslo.
Salt, sauna and swimming in the heart of Oslo
Salt is simply a place you have to experience. Here, you can enjoy a sauna, catch a show, grab a drink, or share some street food with good friends.
River paddling on Akerselva
Paddling down the Akerselva? Yep, it’s actually possible. See for yourself!
Det Andre Teatret
Stine and Patrick get to try improv and play on stage.
Trip to Vettakollen with zipline surprise
Lise Mari takes Stine and Patrick to Vettakollen and gives them the surprise of a lifetime.
Deichman Main Library
Oslo’s stunning main library in Bjørvika is absolutely amazing. Here you’ll find not only over 100,000 books, but also reading rooms, group rooms, workshops, multimedia rooms, and much more.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is a truly amazing green park located in Tøyen, Oslo.
Natural History Museum
Stine and Patrick meet a dinosaur and visit the Climate House.
Parks in Oslo
Oslo isn't just a concrete jungle! Join us for a tour of the city's most beautiful parks.
The Oslo Opera House
The building is iconic and worth a visit in itself. Join Stine and Patrick for a behind-the-scenes tour.
💚 Oslo is a fantastic city for students
You don’t need to get to know all of Oslo at once. Explore little by little – and you’ll quickly find your own favorite spots.Welcome 💚
