You'll quickly discover the city's hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems with a little help from the locals. We have asked five Oslo residents who know the city inside and out to share their top tips on food, culture, and passionate individuals to check out in Oslo.
Line Khateeb is Head of the Palestine Committee of Norway
Leads the solidarity organization Palestine Committee, which works for a free Palestine, and is passionate about what we in Norway can do to support the Palestinians. Enjoys being outdoors, walking in the woods, swimming, and spending time with good friends or her three teenagers.
Photo: Birte Bødtker
You can only eat at five places in Oslo for the rest of your life. Where do you go?
Jamals Falafel in Heimdalsgata, Silin Bakeri in Grønlandsleiret, Godt Brød (I love their buns!), Mesob Restaurant in Grønland, and Ostara Bar for some variety.
Give us your top three cultural experiences in Oslo.
The Mela Festival at Rådhusplassen has provided many great cultural experiences, perhaps the best being when Mohammed Assaf, a Palestinian from Gaza, attended the festival. I'll never forget the dance performance "The Seasons" at the Opera in 2010, choreographed by Jo Strømgren, and a concert by Souad Massi at Cosmopolite.
Highlight someone who has done something important or great for our city!
Oslo Sauna Association! The passionate people there have been building saunas for the public for years, opening up the city to the fjord. Anyone can become a member of the Sauna Association, which is a volunteer organization. Highly recommended!
What do you do when you need a bit of international inspiration in Oslo?
I head to Grønland to shop for ingredients when I need to make good food from Palestine. Festivals like the Masahat Festival, Oslo World, Arab Film Days, and the HUMAN International Documentary Film Festival are also great places for inspiration.
If you were mayor of Oslo for a day, what would you decide?
I would have the municipality implement measures against the unfair housing policies and ensure that municipal housing is built and maintained for all its residents! It’s currently far too expensive to live in Oslo, forcing single parents and those with lower incomes out of the city.
@palestinakomiteeninorge
@line.khateeb
Would you like great tips to unique and independent places in Oslo? Get yourself a copy of Lysløypa Oslo 2025! The book gives great discounts to selected places. Think global, act local!
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