You'll quickly discover the city's hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems with a little help from the locals. Four Oslo residents who know the city in and out share their top tips on food, culture, and passionate individuals to check out in Oslo.
Dana Jdid is the founder of Baba Bar
In addition to being a nightlife baddie, Dana runs the queer bar and nightclub Baba Bar and is more than a little passionate about building community.
Photo: Ali Hamza / Blikk
Where do you go when you need to feel included and full of love in Oslo?
For food I go to Jamal’s Falafel, and for everything else: definitely Baba Bar – and even more definitely the Oslo World music festival!
Lift up someone who’s done something important or good for our city!
Perosh Qader, aka “Queer Baba,” founder of Bad Habits Oslo. It’s an interdisciplinary club concept that brings different art forms together, curated all onto the same dance floor.
If you were mayor of Oslo for a day, what would you decide?
I’d put forward a bill in support of grassroots businesses, especially in Grønland, so they can thrive. There are so many resourceful and innovative people in our city, and we need to strengthen and support them!
Would you like great tips to unique and independent places in Oslo? Get yourself a copy of Lysløypa Oslo 2026! The book gives great discounts to selected places. Think global, act local!
Read Noman Mubashir’s (journalist and TV-host) best tips to Oslo’s hidden gems!
Read Nora Kirkvold Sæter’s (freelance journalist and Lysløypa writer) best tips to Oslo’s hidden gems!
Read Bard Yden’s (head of Oslo/Fusion ) best tips to Oslo’s hidden gems!
