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Expat Exchange - The Insider's Guide to Oslo 2024
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Aker Brygge in Oslo, Norway


The Insider's Guide to Oslo

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Living it Up in Oslo: Your Insider's Guide to Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Discover the Best Recreational Activities, Connect with Friendly Locals, and Experience the Charm of the City.

Welcome to Oslo! If you're planning to move to Oslo, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Oslo has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Oslo.

Oslo is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for tourists and locals alike. The city is home to a variety of museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions, as well as a lively nightlife and restaurant scene. Popular sites of interest in Oslo include the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Munch Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Akershus Fortress. The Vigeland Sculpture Park is a large outdoor sculpture park featuring over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The Munch Museum is dedicated to the works of the famous Norwegian painter Edvard Munch, and houses a large collection of his works. The Viking Ship Museum is home to three Viking ships that were discovered in the late 19th century, and is a must-see for anyone interested in Viking history. The Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle that was built in the 13th century, and is now a popular tourist attraction.

Oslo is also known for its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Some of the most popular restaurants in the city include Maaemo, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Nordic cuisine; Restaurant Eik, a traditional Norwegian restaurant serving local specialties; and Restaurant Kontrast, a modern restaurant serving international cuisine. Popular bars in the city include Himkok, a speakeasy-style bar serving craft cocktails; Bar Boca, a cozy bar serving craft beers and wines; and Bar Boca, a lively bar with live music and DJs.

Oslo is also home to a variety of recreational activities for tourists and locals alike. Popular activities include skiing and snowboarding at Tryvann Vinterpark, hiking and biking in the Nordmarka forest, and kayaking and sailing on the Oslofjord. The Tryvann Vinterpark is a popular ski resort located just outside of Oslo, and is a great place to enjoy winter sports. The Nordmarka forest is a large forest located just outside of the city, and is a popular spot for hiking and biking. The Oslofjord is a large fjord located just outside of the city, and is a great place to go kayaking or sailing.

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Insider Tips from Expats in Oslo: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"AWC of Oslo, Petroleum Women's Club, International Forum...there are classes offered in language, culture, arts, yoga, pilates...the list continues," said one expat living in Oslo.

"Expats in Oslo can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending social events hosted by local organizations. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Oslo," wrote a member in Oslo.

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"Life for expats and digital nomads in Oslo is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its high quality of life, with excellent public transportation, a vibrant cultural scene, and plenty of outdoor activities. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and other places to work and socialize. The cost of living is relatively high, but the city offers a wide range of affordable housing options. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the city is very safe. All in all, Oslo is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a great place to live and work," commented an expat living in Oslo.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Aker Brygge in Oslo, Norway

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