Get a City Bike Subscription

First things first – get the lay of the land! The best way to explore Oslo is to see it with your own eyes. Set aside a few days to bike around the city, discover new neighborhoods, hidden cafés, or even just new street corners.

With a seasonal Oslo City Bike pass, you’ve got a bike whenever you need one. And if you get lost, just park your bike at one of the many stations and hop on a bus home! Check out our tips for how and where to use bikes in Oslo.

Ready to ride? Here are three great biking routes we recommend.

Go on a Public Transport Safari

Another fun way to get to know Oslo is by going on a public transport safari. There’s nothing like the thrill of exploring a city you don’t know yet – and it’s a great way to figure out where the different neighborhoods are. Just hop on a bus or tram and see where it takes you!

Some useful routes to try:

  • Tram 17 & 18: Through downtown to OsloMet and Blindern
  • Bus 37: The legendary route that runs all day, all week
  • Bus 21: Tjuvholmen, Majorstua, Bislett, St. Hanshaugen, Grünerløkka
  • Bus 54: Kjelsås, Nydalen, Bjølsen, Sagene, Vulkan, city center, Kværnerbyen
  • Bus 25: Majorstua, Ullevål, Blindern, Sogn and Kringsjå student village, Frysja
  • Tram 12 & 15: Storo, Torshov, Grünerløkka, city center, Solli, Frogner, Majorstua
To studenter går på en blå trikk i Oslo sentrum.

Hidden Courtyard Gems

Behind many facades are charming courtyards and cafés where you can hide from the hustle and bustle – you just need to know where to find them. One of our favorites is Prindsens Hage, which feels like a little festival with hammocks, fairy lights, garden games and cozy vibes.

Other great courtyard spots:

  • Dattera til Hagen - Grønland

  • Haandslag - Youngstorget

Chateau Neuf – The Ultimate Student Hangout

Naturally, one of the best places to hang out is the student house Chateau Neuf! This place has everything: affordable food and drinks, concerts, gallery space, theater, cinema, and exciting events. It's open every day except Sunday and is just 3 minutes from Majorstuen metro station.

Study Spots Beyond Campus

Studying doesn’t always have to happen in a library. Quiet cafés or low-noise hangouts can be great too – just not Palmesus-level party noise. Try these places for reading or group work:

  • Kulturhuset - Youngstorget
  • Pust - Majorstua
  • Skatten - Tøyen Torg
  • Café Sør - downtown

Find Your Perfect Park

Oslo is full of great parks where you can hang out, play games, or catch some sun. Try St. Hanshaugen, Kuba Park, Tøyen Park, or Sofienberg Park – they’re central, sunny, and popular with students. Want more greenery? Head to the Botanical Garden at Tøyen. Like Cezinando says:

“You can still hear the people and cars. Between the butterflies, bushes, and nature.”

A Hero Can’t Live on Coffee Alone …but what if your wallet’s empty?

After a long study session, your stomach wants more than coffee. You want good food at student prices. You’ll find that at SiO Food and Drink’s eateries around campus. But if you want to venture out, try:

  • Oslo Street Food – a big food hall with flavors from around the world
  • Lille Saigon 1 – a budget-friendly Vietnamese spot in the city center
  • Curry & Ketchup – a quirky Indian place at Majorstua
  • Rice Bowl – great Thai food near Kristiania - Kirkegata
To studenter drikker kaffe sammen på et SiO spisested.

When Ball Games Are Life

Oslo has fields and courts for every kind of ball game – whether you're using your feet, hands or a racket. Want to play soccer? Check out Dælenenga, Marienlyst, or Voldsløkka. Voldsløkka also has volleyball and tennis courts.

Prefer your sports a little more chill? Try mini golf at Oslo Camping!SiO Athletica Domus also has awesome facilities for ball sports. Check it out – and remember to register atsio.no. You've already paid your semester fee – make the most of it!

Ready to Explore the City?

We think Oslo is an amazing student city – and we hope you’ll agree! We're so happy you've chosen Oslo for your studies, and we hope this intro helps you feel at home in your new city.