Pampering
Artesia Spa Grand Hotel
Artesia Spa Grand Hotel is a new high-class spa simply oozing with modern indulgence. Including seven exclusive treatment rooms, the spa offers an extensive range of spa treatments including massage, facials and delicious body treatments alongside steam baths and saunas.


Sights
Vigelandsparken
Not to be missed is the Vigelandsparken, a beautiful park-come-museum which houses over 220 works by prominent Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Most impressive among the sculptures is the Vigeland Monolith which sits atop the park’s highest ill; a 16 metre (52-ft.) piece composed of 121 massive figures carved into one piece of stone.


Nobel Peace Centre
Oslo is home to the Nobel Peace Centre, an ultramodern museum showcasing the history of Alfred Noble and the careers of those who have received the coveted award. If you’re lucky enough to visit on the right day, it’s not uncommon to see one of the Peace Prize winners attending the centre to give lectures.


Shopping
Oslo is an ideal shopping destination for rare one-offs and unique pieces as handmade clothing and antique jewellery are a specialty.


David Anderson
For remarkable jewellery, head to David Anderson which has been selling sterling silver bracelets with enamel in a variety of stunning colours for over a century. The store’s collection of Saga silver was inspired by Norwegian folklore and Viking designs, and also offers an intricate selection of pewter items.


Esaias Solberg
Esaias Solberg is the oldest and biggest venue for antique gold and silver in the city, selling designer-brand watches like Rolex and an exquisite range of diamond-studded gold and silver necklaces, brooches, and earrings.


MA
MA is a wonderful store for Norwegian designers and also carries some of the top labels from Italy, Australia and Belgium. Shoes, clothing and accessories are all beautifully unique.


Sweater Shop
Oslo is famous for its handcrafted sweaters in luxurious fabrics, and the Oslo Sweater Shop close to the Royal Palace is the best place to find these first-rate items.


Ove Harder Finseth
Ove Harder Finseth is home to the one-of-a-kind dresses and gowns of designer Ove Finseth whose immense talent saw the princess of Norway’s wedding dress designed here.


Activities
Hovedøya
For an escape from the city, head out to the Oslofjords island of Hovedøya for satisfying sunbathing and swimming. The island is also home to the ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery which form part of a lovely walk inland to explore the myriad of brightly coloured flowers and plants that bloom all over this protected area. Also worth visiting is Langoyene, as the furthest island in the fjord, is home to the cleanest water and a pretty sandy beach.

 

Winter Pursuits
Head inland to the northern part of Oslomarka forest for cross-country skiing in winter and scenic hiking, biking and fishing in summer. The area around Oslo, known as Oslomarka, offers perfect snowboarding in winter with over 2,500 kilometres of prepared runs, or for the brave, try the two kilometre toboggan run from the 1952 Winter Olympics.


Bites
Theatercafeen
Featured on New York Times’ list of the world’s ten most famous cafes is Theatercafeen, situated in the opulent Hotel Continental. Designed in classic Vienna-style, this popular meeting place is home to delicious meals, light snacks, sweet treats and classic drinks.


Alex Sushi
Alex Sushi in Downtown is the city’s best for this Japanese delight and is a favoured celebrity haunt. Serving up the usual seafood specialties, Alex Sushi also features distinctly Norwegian bites.