24 Hours in Oslo, Norway | A Travel Guide

24 Hours in OsloIt can be pretty tough visiting a new city, or country. You’re not sure where to eat, what to see, or even where to stay. Well I’m here to change all of that with my handy guides! They’re full of tips, tricks, and the best places to go. So stop worrying about how you’re going to make the most of your time in a new place; here are my recommendations for spending 24 hours in Oslo, Norway!

24 Hours in Oslo

24 Hours in Oslo, Norway

  • The best banana bread in town!
    • Is found at Supreme Roastworks, alongside some pretty superb coffee too. It makes for the perfect breakfast.
  • Walk along Grünerløkka
    • The latest trendy area in Oslo is somewhat akin to London’s Shoreditch. You’ll find a variety of independent stores, designers, coffee shops and restaurants.
  • Coffee stop!
    • Grab some caffeine to go from Tim Wendelboe – the coffee is high quality, as is the well thought out interior of this popular spot.
  • Architecture fans will love…
    • Oslo City Hall. Tours do run but only during certain parts of the year. However you can wander in freely and walk around the gorgeous interiors.

24 Hours in Oslo

  • Have Lunch in Aker Brygge
    • One of Oslo’s newest developments, the harbour side district is full of restaurants, cafes and shops.
  • Take in some modern art at Astrup Fearnley 
  • Take a boat around the Oslo Fjords
    • Littered with beautiful islands, stunning landmarks, and enviable Summer houses, the Oslo Fjords shouldn’t be missed. Tours run throughout the day, and start from the port in front of Oslo City Hall. Times depend on season.
  • Vippa for dinner!
    • Vippa is Oslo’s leading street food market, and you’ll find friends, couples and families enjoying a variety of cuisines alongside the sea front.

24 Hours in Oslo

Hints and Tips for 24 Hours in Oslo:

  • Stay in an Airbnb
    • You can choose something that suits your personal style, and it’s much more affordable than a hotel. We stayed in Inga’s stunning apartment.
  • Free wifi & charging in the streets
    • Look out for the smart benches littered across the city. They have USB charging ports, and free wifi!
  • It’s expensive, but…
    • Yes, Oslo is expensive but you can get your tax back on a variety of goods including clothes, homeware and food. Just ask for a tax form when purchasing your goods, and get your tax back at the airport.
  • Alcohol
    • Spirits & wine are only sold at Vinmonopolet stores. Everything else is available in supermarkets, but isn’t sold after 6pm on a Saturday, or at all on a Sunday. However restaurants and bars serve as normal.

Well there you have it, my travel guide to 24 Hours in Oslo, Noway!
And don’t forget to check out the my other 24 Hours In… guides.

24 Hours in Oslo 24 Hours in Oslo24 Hours in Oslo 24 Hours in Oslo24 Hours in Oslo

Ling Ling: Scandinavian stylings meets Cantonese cuisine

ling lingLing Ling | Hakkasan group | Cantonese | Map

If you’re living in London, you’ll know the Hakkasan group well. Yauatcha, Sake no Hana, and of course, Hakkasan. But did you know that they have restaurants in cities across the world? And much like their London counterparts the restaurants vary in style, dishes and cuisines. Well one of those cities just so happens to be Oslo, and one of those restaurants just so happens to be Ling Ling. Which was lucky for me as I was just about to take a break in Norway’s capital city.

Ling Ling Oslo

Ling Ling is the younger sibling of the Hakkasan group. Located in the trendy area of Aker Brygge. It’s vibrant, fun, and stylish; this much is clear when you walk into the harbour side restaurant. From the simple Scandinavian stylings, right down to the innovative cocktail list. And there’s no better way than starting a journey at Ling Ling than with one of their cocktails. We tried the delectable Plum Sour (Akashi Tai Ume-shu, Johnnie Walker black label whisky, lemon, lime, egg white & Boker’s bitters), and the popular Red Shéng (Aquavit white, raspberries, ginger, lime & lychee).

We could have easily spent the rest of the day on the stunning rooftop, overlooking the Oslo Fjords. However we decided that a diet of cocktails alone wasn’t for us – we wanted food! So with eyes bigger than our bellies, we chose the Ling Ling Journey menu:

  • To Start
    • Peking duck with Oscietra caviar
    • Supreme dim sum platter
    • Golden fried chicken and mango salad in sweet chilli dressing
    • Spicy Norwegian scallop in glass vermicelli noodle
  • To Continue
    • Barbecue char siu pork
    • Grilled silver cod in ginger soy
    • Norwegian langoustine in samba sauce
    • Stir-fry three style mushroom
    • Jasmine rice
  • To Finish
    • Soy caramel and banana delice (peanut, milk chocolate, vanilla chantilly)
    • Apple bavaroise mousse (sea buckthorn, caramelised white chocolate, Chinese five spice)

At 988NOK (around £97) per person, the menu is available all day for parties of 2 or more.

Scandinavian stylings meets Cantonese cuisine

My personal favourites have been bolded above, however I do want to give a few shout-outs. The Peking Duck features crunchy, fatty duck skin sandwiched between caviar, duck, cucumber & pancakes. If it was socially acceptable, I would eat a whole one. As for the Grilled Silver Cod, let’s just say that I’ve never tasted cod like that done at Ling Ling. It was chunky, flavoursome and buttery soft. And to finish with a dessert, you can’t visit without experiencing the Apple Bavaroise Mousse, even if it’s only for the photo opportunity (although it is also refreshingly light & moreish).

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from a Norwegian restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine. However I left feeling that the team behind Ling Ling have definitely done their homework. The merger of Cantonese dishes and Norwegian ingredients works perfectly at this contemporary location. Largely helped by the fresh seafood that features throughout the menu. From the location, to the service, ingredients, and execution; Ling Ling is an outstanding experience.

Check out more: Where to Eat and Oslo

——————————–

This post is in collaboration with Hakkasan however all views, photos and words are my own.

ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling