Tourist information

I'VE GOT ONLY....

• 20 min: Go down to Aker Brygge and enjoy the fresh air, the boats and the people
• 1 hour: Visit the National Gallery and have a look at the paintings by Norway`s most famous artists, like Edvard Munch and Christian Krohg.
• 2 hours: Go to the Bygdøy peninsula, which is lovely in the summer and visit the museums. The Viking Ship Museum is extremely popular.

IF YOU DO ONLY ONE THING...

Visit Vigeland Park. The park contains statues by Gustav Vigeland that show the journey through life, starting with birth and ending with death.

MONEY AND COSTS

How I`d spend....

• 10 dollars: You won`t get far on 10 dollars in Oslo. Buy a small beer at one of the harbour restaurants or a hot dog and a soft drink as you walk down the street.
• 100 dollars: Buy a nice meal for two, for instance, at Grand Café`s jazz brunch on Sundays.
• 1000 dollars: If you do not want to use all your money on shopping, visit a spa. The selection of spas in Oslo has really expanded over the last few year, and there are many excellent options.

TIPPING
Service charges and tips are included in restaurant bills and taxi fares and no additional gratuity is expected, but there's no problem if you wish to reward exceptional service with a top. There are no set rules to abide by, but most customers leave small change at bars and, occasionally, 5-10% at restaurants. Wait staff are often paid derisory wages on the assumption that tips will boost their salaries, so think twice about leaving a bare table at meal's end. Bargaining for services or goods is not a usual practice.

GREAT SIGHTS

Holmenkollen
There is no introduction necessary for the most famous ski jump in the world. Oslo`s mail tourist attraction offers a breathtaking view of Oslo from the top of the scarily high ski jump. And be sure not to miss the Ski Museum and ski-jump simulator. Kongsveien 5. Tel: +47 22 92 32 00

Ibsen Museum
Tor the famous Norwegian playwright`s home, and take in the exhibit on his life and work.. Guided tours only and no more than 15 people are allowed at one time, so be patient. Closed on Mondays. Henrik Ibsens gate 26. Tel: +47 22 12 35 50

Oslo Opera House
After many long years of anticipation, the majestic Oslo Opera House has at last sprung from the drawing boards of renowned Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta and into its full, marbled life. Make sure you enjoy one of the performances there, by the edge of the Oslo fjord, before bidding Oslo good-bye. Kirsten Flagstads plass 1. Tel: +47 21 42 21 00

Munch Museum
Edvard Munch, Norway`s greatest artist, used to paint the same motif over and over again in different colours. He left behind an amazing collection of his artwork to the city of Oslo. Security has been improved since two of the museum`s famous works. Scream and Madonna - were stolen in 2004 ( but eventually recovered in 2006), so make sure to keep your fingers off the paintings. Tøyengata 53. Tel: +47 23 49 35 00

Nobel Peace Center
Located inside the historical Vestbanen building, the Nobel Peace Center presents all the laureates in a fun, interactive and even high-tech way. There are smaller exhibitions and short documentary films to watch as well. In addition, you can also discover the story of Alfred Nobel and how all the world-famous Nobel prizes came into being. Brynjulf Bulls plass 1. Tel: +47 48 30 10 00

Vigeland Park
Approximately 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland (1869 1943) are on display here. Vigeland also designed the layout of the park. Take a blanket and a picnic basket here on a beautiful day, and then you can enjoy the fine art with lots of other happy people. Main entrance from Kirkeveien.