For such a comparatively small city, Oslo is remarkably well supplied with museums and galleries. The compact city centre retains much of its medieval layout, amid acres of greenery and parks. Within walking range of the centre, there are pleasant districts through which to browse, enjoying the street life and the shops. The area immediately to the west of the Oslo S station (Oslo Sentralstasjon), however, is best avoided after dark.
Aker Brygge, at the centre, has a quayside bustle. To the west, on the edges of the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Frogner is dotted with cafés and interesting boutiques. On the eastern edge of town, in Tøyenbadet Park, lies the Munch Museum, which houses the vast collection left to the city by Edvard Munch, as well as the Botanical Gardens and the Tøyenbadet swimming pool complex. The peninsula of Bygdøy, with its fascinating collection of museums and desirable residential areas, is a short ferry ride away from the City Hall. The Rådhus (City Hall), which lies midway between the Royal Palace and Akershus Slott, is a short walk from Oslo Cathedral, the Domkirke, and the nearby market, Stortorvet. It is surrounded by museums and theatres and is a perfect starting point for an exploration of the town centre or for undertaking a cruise on the fjord from nearby Pier 3. |