Oslo Shopping and Districts

(Oslo, Ostlandet, Norway)

Oslo truly excels itself when it comes to upmarket shopping and Norway's capital city more than lives up to its image and reputation. However, as with Scandinavia in general, shopping in Oslo can be a little expensive and some goods tend to be slightly more expensive than you might expect, although special offers and markets will help you to save your pennies. However, large purchases may be eligible for a partial VAT (moms) refund, which can be obtained upon your departure at the airport.

The shops along the street of Bogstadveien, north of Frogner, are especially good and here you can expect to find plenty of popular Norwegian souvenirs, such as jewellery, knitwear, stocks, hand-carved wooden trolls, toys, and folk costumes. For the best bargain shopping that Oslo has to offer, take a stroll to the Vetkanttorget flea market on a Saturday, on the Amaldus Nilsens Plass and close to Vigeland Park.

When to Shop and Opening Hours

The majority of the shops in Oslo are open Monday to Friday, between the hours of 09:00 to 17:00, with many extending their hours on Thursdays until 19:00 or 20:00, for late-night shopping. Shops tend to close much earlier on Saturdays, opening from 09:00 until 15:00, while most close on Sunday. Shopping centres in Oslo are usually open for longer periods, from 09:00 to 20:00 Monday through Friday, and between 09:00 and 18:00 on Saturdays.

Where to Shop

There are many groups of shops located all over Oslo city centre and this is especially so around the Karl Johans Gate, alongside the Central Station. This is a lengthy pedestrianised stretch and the street of Karl Johans Gate is lined with endless shops, boutiques and eateries, many of which are housed within historical buildings.

One of the most exclusive shopping centres in this part of Oslo is Paleet, where quality comes at a price. Paleet contains over 50 different shops and eateries, together with a large glass lift, atrium area and plenty of specimen plants.

Nearby and on the Stenersgata, 'Oslo City' is another stylish shopping centre in the very heart of the city that contains everything that you could possibly want to purchase, and plenty more besides.

Linked to Oslo's train station and home to almost 80 retail outlets, Byporten is one of the city's newest shopping complexes and is easy to reach by foot or public transport. However, if you have your sights set on designer goods, then the streets around Hegdehaugsveien and the Royal Palace are where you should be.

Alongside Oslo City Hall, the wharf around Aker Brygge has become an especially trendy and up-and-coming shopping district, where many interesting stores are interspersed with cafes, allowing you to take a break, rest your legs and enjoy the scenery.