Insiders guide to Oslo - by Tuva Syvertsen
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.
Tuva Syvertsen is a Freelance Musician
Plays in Valkyrien Allstars and Karl Bjorå Ensemble. Hosts Tuvas Blodklubb, a monthly folk music night at Riksscenen in Oslo.
Photo: Knut Utler
You can only eat at five places in Oslo for the rest of your life. Where do you go?
The taco buffet at Klosterenga (every Friday), Nektar, Fat City, Eff Eff (best oysters in town), and Falafel Me.
Your top three cultural experiences in Oslo?
Oh, it's hard to make a ranked list. My best cultural experiences are almost always the spontaneous ones. I can mention the folk music jam at Cafe Cito on Galgeberg, the Oldtime jam at Papa Borracho, and Sturm und Drang, who play every Wednesday at Valkyrien Restaurant. Great cultural experiences don’t necessarily have to cost money.
Highlight someone who has done something important or great for our city!
Vegard Heskestad and Marius Gustavsen, who started and run Kafe Hærverk, the best concert venue in town!
What do you do when you need a bit of international inspiration in Oslo?
Baba Bar in Hausmannsgate! A queer bar with many cool DJs.
If you were mayor of Oslo for a day, what would you decide?
Free public transport for everyone.
@valkyrienallstars
@eggstock
@karlbjoraa
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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Read Alexandra Archetti Stølen’s (festival director of Oslo World Music Festival) best tips to Oslo’s hidden gems here!
