Traveling to France: Paris Travel Tips
Paris Tips
Three facts about the writer, Carmen: I always have fresh eucalyptus hanging in the shower. One time I spent the night at London Gatwick Airport. Out of all the cities in the world, I've explored Paris the most.
Paris Travel Tips
How to Not Look Like a Tourist in Paris, France: Do’s & Don’ts of Paris. Consider these France travel tips. |
1. Don’t Speak Extremely Loud, Do Be Aware of Your Volume
One of the first France travel tips is to mind your voice volume. This is applicable wherever you travel. I’ll never forget the American male tourist practically yelling in the metro station that he couldn’t understand the map. His booming voice echoed through the metro, implying his tourist stats to the two hundred or more people through the station. While I completely understand the frustration, the metro can be overwhelming for even a Paris novice, but he created an easy target on his back to get pickpocketed. Travel tips for France: Not only is it courteous to be aware of your volume, but you might blend in more or be less noticeable to pickpockets, scammers, etc.2. Don’t Dress Like a Tourist, Do Dress More Parisian
Traveling to Paris doesn't have to be scary. You can tell when someone is a tourist because French people are dressed nicely, probably commuting to work or heading to dinner with friends, but as a tourist, we’re dressed for comfort, you don’t have your entire wardrobe to choose from. Travel tips for France & anywhere: I’m a tourist, a traveler myself, but I try to blend in when I can. While this isn’t 100% here are some things to keep in mind: Parisians often wear neutrals. Parisians wear sneakers over the standard tennis shoe or running shoe. Think Stan Smith Adidas - here's a real photo from Paris of three types of white shoes. Look French, that's one of the easier France travel tips.3. Don’t Walk Around Naked, Do Wear Headphones
When you visit Paris, look around & you’ll see loads of people wearing their little white iPhone headphones or the occasional person with a wireless Bluetooth headphone, either way, many Parisians, especially the younger generation wear headphones while walking around town, commuting via metro or bus. Visiting Paris? Travel tips for France: You’ll blend right in if you listen to a downloaded podcast on Spotify or look at your phone's map to figure out the best places to visit in Paris, just do it with your headphones in. Sometimes I write notes on my phone, it helps me remember details & it looks like I’m a cool Parisian texting all my Parisian friends. Travel tips for France on how to not look like a tourist in Paris? Headphones or earbuds!4. Don’t Always Speak English, Do Learn Some French words - Even a Word or Two
Traveling to Paris? Learn some French words if you're visiting Paris! I took three years of French in high school since my family lives in France. It was always my goal to communicate with my cousins, but alas, I’ve forgotten most of the verb conjugations & all the accents: accent ague? Sometimes Fred & I can have an entire interaction in our butchered French. Let go of any language shame - just try. I literally pointed to a baguette & said “un croissant, s'il vous plais.” twice while the cashier was like…. “uh…c’est un baguette.” Like I know what it is, my brain messed up. Don’t worry, you’re going to feel silly, but you can’t improve if you don’t try. If anything, you'll learn travel tips for France from this post.5. Don’t Forget to Greet People, Do Say Your “Bonjours” and “Bon Soirees”
French culture means never not saying goodbye. In the USA, we often have “ghosting” culture where you leave without saying goodbye, you just kind of evaporate, disappear. Not when you're visiting Paris, honey. That’s seen as extremely rude. You’ll almost always be greeted when you enter and establishment & you’ll be wished a good day when you leave. For example, when you enter a boulangerie (a French bakery), the cashier will often say, “Bonjour Madame, Bonjour Monsieur.” You should always respond back. My travel tips for France: I usually just say exactly the same thing back to the person. After you order and are about to leave, they usually say “Bonne journée” if it’s day time - which means "Have a nice day." In the late afternoon & evening, many people will send you off with a “Bonne soirée” - basically "Have a good evening." Again, I simply say my pleases & thank you (si’l vous plait & merci) & then regurgitate what they say to me. At our flat in Paris, every time anyone walked passed you, you’d say “bonjour” or at least some acknowledgment or their presence. At my apartment in the USA, you can walk past your neighbor of 3 years without a hello, without even knowing their name. While walking the halls, this While I’m pretty introverted, it’s just different here & you have to push yourself out of the comfort zone. Traveling to Paris is an experience like no other.6. Don’t Go Without Internet, Do Get a SIM Card
You can't go traveling to Paris without a SIM card. I've done the bulk of my travels without the internet, simply relying on public Wi-Fi whenever possible. Some cities are easier, but in Paris, unless you hop inside a McDonald’s or Starbucks, you’ll be hard-pressed to find free internet. Plus you risk someone stealing your information, passwords, and potentially hacking you. I know, I had no clue about any of this either. I was blissfully logging into every free Wi-Fi. You can easily find SIM cards in Paris at the little phone, gadget, internet kiosks throughout the city. We purchased a 20 gig SIM card for 25 Euro. It allowed us to view maps on our phone without busting out a huge I’m-a-tourist paper map.7. Consider Getting the Paris Pass
Top Things to Do in Paris for First Timers
Are you traveling to Paris soon? What are your France travel tips? Are you visiting Paris? Do you have travel tips for France?
The Beauty of the Notre Dame in Paris
The Notre Dame under construction - September 2019 |
Tourist Information:
History:
I love viewing the grandeur that is the Notre Dame. It's a wonderful place to visit regardless of how many times you've seen it. I am obsessed with churches & religious art. I always have been; I remember it started in my ninth grade world history class. Last time I featured the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
Once you get inside it's up to you what you want to see. There's no right or wrong way to do things. Walk around. People watch. Look at the stained glass. You can buy a candle, light it, & say a little prayer. Take a moment to soak in the glory of the Notre Dame. If you're in Paris, France this is a must-see experience. It's just one of those things you have to do!
The Notre Dame is a world wonder. It has so much character after being developed over hundreds of years. When you visit Paris make sure to set some time aside to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. After all they made a whole Disney movie about it, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. That has to mean something, right?
How To Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights
Sinking House near Montmartre by the Sacre Coeur. |
It's a strategic process. I used Google Flights to search for tickets to Paris last year. I used it to find the best prices to Portland, Oregon. I've used Google Flights for several trips & it's my favorite way to save money on flights. We used Google Flights to book our latest trip too. In October, I headed to Spain, Germany, & Norway using tickets found via Google Flights!
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Play Around With Airports
In an ideal scenario, we'd fly out from San Diego International Airport since it's the closest airport to us, but sometimes you can save $200+ from flying from LAX. It adds several hours of travel time but $200+ can make all the difference if you're on a budget or trying to travel affordably. Play around with the closest airports to you & to your destination to see price fluctuations. For example, roundtrip tickets from San Diego to Paris cost $560, whereas roundtrip Los Angeles to Paris is $360.
Keep Your Dates Open
You're less likely to get a good deal if you have to travel during a specific timeframe. If possible, keep your dates open. Check different dates & compare prices. That's why our winter trip to London was so affordable. Cloudy, frigid, with a dash of snow, but holy moly, Christmastime in London still warms my soul when I think about it. Because we keep our calendar open, we accidentally booked Bucket List moments every time we travel: Christmas in London, Autumn in Portland, Spring in Paris, Halloween in Oslo.
Check for One-Way Flights or Multi-City
We kept it simple by booking roundtrip flights the first couple Google Flights excursions. 7 nights in France. 9 nights in London (10, if you count the night we spent at London Gatwick Airport). If you're keen to explore multiple cities or countries on your trip, one-way flights or multi-city option is your best bet. It cost us a little over $29 for our flight from Barcelona to Berlin. $29. Less than a tank of gas & I'm off to a new country.
Be Aware of Flight Times & Layovers
The $506 roundtrip LAX to Amsterdam flight with a 3-hour layover seems perfect until you look at the fine print: you have one stop in London where you have to transfer from London Heathrow Airport to London Gatwick. You'd have to deboard the plane, take your luggage, get a ride to a completely different airport, go through customs & security in 3 hours?! Sounds like a missed flight to me! Be aware of flight times & layovers on Google Flights. You might find a great price but there might be some sort of weird layover or stop or time. After playing around with dates more, I found a $493 roundtrip LAX to Amsterdam flight with 1 hr 45-minute layover in Philadelphia. Now that's doable.
Book Directly With the Airline
Google Flights gave you affordable options & now you're ready to make a purchase. Heck yes! Save dollars when you book directly with the airline. Go to their website, search for your exact flight, date, & time, then make the purchase from there. Don't forget to sign up for any rewards to maximize potential savings.
Did these tips help you?
Now that I booked my affordable flight tickets, time to find Airbnb accommodations, research things to do, eat, experience, & start my countdown! You have a trip planned? Have you used Google flights to find cheap flights? Do you use a flight scanner?
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Q&A with Shiba San
SHIBA SAN. This French native is making waves globally, taking house music from his home to yours. Paired with his background in hip hop, Shiba San's music style contains bits of deep house and ghetto funk. The artist is scheduled to play his premier U.S. festival at HARD Summer 2014. The electronic dance music festival takes place on August 2 + 3 at the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in Los Angeles. "Okay," one of Shiba San's latest songs, has garnered quite a bit of attention throughout the EDM realm. Bust out your speakers, take a listen, and let it soak in. Okay? Okay. Shiba San is very chill and bassy, perfect for summer.
Ways to Avoid Blogger Burnout + My Tips for Self-Care
I answered emails at 11 p.m. I got the distinctive ping of a Facebook message at 2 a.m. I worked on a sponsored post in the morning & then prepared for my coaching session in the afternoon, only to have dinner plans with a friend in the evening. I kept buzzing around until a couple days ago when I felt completely burned out.
I physically & mentally couldn't do anything even though I had an endless task list. I decided to take a day off to boost my morale. Keep reading to find out my tips on how to avoid blogger burnout! Hint: it includes Netflix & green tea.
Read my yearly freelancing anniversary updates from Years 1, 2, & 3!
1. Sleep In
After so many mornings of getting up at 6:45 a.m. I allowed myself to get a little extra sleep. Don't start off a new day tired & unprepared. Those extra moments of shut eye helped me feel rested & ready to crush the day! After constant hustling & bustling, it doesn't hurt to get a few extra winks.2. Exercise
I was so busy that I completely forgot to take care of myself. To eliminate blogger burnout, I started to regularly integrate exercise into my life, even if only for 20 minutes. I know myself & understand that I'm pretty aimless at the gym, so I usually opt for workout videos on YouTube. They get me moving, sweating, & elevate my heart rate. I always feel better after a workout!3. Set Business Hours
Three unread emails loomed in my inbox. Five Facebook messages sat unread. My social media notifications grew out of control. A friend texted me to ask a couple of social media questions. I couldn't take it anymore. The around-the-clock work didn't look good on me. I decided to set some business hours for myself. No more constant work. No more blogger burnout.4. Unwind
I put my phone on airplane mode & made myself a cup of tea — two, actually. Sometimes there's nothing more uplifting than a warm mug of tea, & that's a fact. I went to Alberstons to stock up on some Lipton Green Tea & Lipton Green Tea Purple Acai Blueberry. I like to add a bit of "vitali-tea" to my every day. I'm sipping on some right now. Lipton's green teas allow me to stop, reset, & enjoy a moment to myself when things get hectic. I love the ritual of sip, sip, sipping as I wind down.5. Treat Yo' Self
Now's the time to catch up on the latest episode of my favorite show. Let's be real, I know I'll just watch Friends on Netflix for the billionth time. I took some time to plan my next vacation — Paris. I drank my Lipton Green Tea Purple Acai Blueberry, listened to music, & helped my boyfriend, Fred, come up with his top 25 must-see Paris attractions. I finally had a chance to paint my nails a nice pastel blue for spring. I finally read my 3-month-old magazine because that's how behind I am! T'was a great day.Blogger burnout is a real thing & should be treated with self-love & care. The smooth great taste & refreshing aroma of green tea inspires me to take a moment to feel good! Don't forget to stock up at your local Albertsons with $1 off Lipton Green Tea & let me know how it helps you #FillUpToFeelGood
Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee Shop in Town
North County San Diego offers plenty of friendly coffee shops to explore. Whether you're searching for the perfect breakfast menu for a family gathering or local restaurants to grab a fresh cup of coffee, there are so many amazing options near Encinitas.
Best Coffee Shops Near Me in Encinitas!
This town is really the perfect location to find a cool cafe especially if you love beach vibes, cool breezes, and the smell of salt in the air. Want to eat in or get takeout? You can always enjoy a cup of coffee in this fun beach town.
This list covers some of the best coffee shops in Encinitas, with locations in Downtown Encinitas, Leucadia, and Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
I’ll be adding more great locations to this list in the future.
*Updated as of September 2022
Better Buzz |
Better Buzz Coffee Encinitas
Better Buzz offers quick single-origin drinks like macchiato, latte, cortado, to name a couple. Their handcrafted beverages, served hot or cold, include options such as Best Drink Ever® (classic americano with their signature creamy vanilla), Honey Latte (espresso, creamy vanilla, honey, steamed milk), and more things to sip on. This cute shop also has teas, smoothies, sandwiches, fancy toasts, and cold brew on tap. Free Wi-Fi, open for takeout, dogs are allowed, vegan options too.
Address: 578 S Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (760) 487-5562
Website: Better Buzz Encinitas
Coffee Coffee
In this space, you'll find organic coffee roasted on-site by Revolution Roasters. Gotta love a quality coffee roast! The aroma smells delicious. Get a quick bite to eat from Coffee Coffee's breakfast menu with food such as the Jose Especial made with scrambled egg, spinach, tomato, red onion topped with avocado and feta. Pick between the housemade salsa fresca or choice of bread. lox bagel, acai bowl, avocado toast, breakfast wrap, and a lot more. They serve lunch too if you want to come for an afternoon meal.
Address: 970 N Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (760) 436-2233
Website: Coffee Coffee
Related reading: Things to Do in Encinitas: North County San Diego Gem
Encinitas Cafe
This cafe has a long history in town, originating in the 1930s as Fred's Cafe, then known as Zim's cafe into the 1950s. By 1960, the name was The Coffee Mill. The Encinitas Cafe name has stuck since 1989. If you're on the hunt for food, as in a full-on breakfast brunch, lunch menu scenario, this is the perfect spot to check out. Encinitas Cafe has an extensive four-page menu filled with breakfast classics such as delicious eggs benedict, mimosa, scrambles and lunch items like burgers, soup, salads, and hot open-faced sandwiches.
Address: 531 S Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (760) 632-0919
Website: Encinitas Cafe
GOODONYA® Organic Eatery
Find organic coffee and tea, such as a classic coffee to the Repair latte with collagen, lucuma, raw honey. From breakfast scrambles to organic sandwiches and salads, GOODONYA® offers a variety of organic, non-GMO goodies. This is one of those restaurants that has a little bit of everything. Open for delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, sit-down dining, indoor and outdoor seating, you name it. Great place to eat outside or grab a quick coffee by the coast.
Address: 1051 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (858) 264-8550
Website: GOODONYA® Organic Eatery
Lil Jungle Java
On a mission to support small businesses? Then this Encinitas coffee shop is worth your time. Available in the drive-through/takeout only, you can pick up a quickie drink before heading to work or on your next errand. Located in Encinitas Village Square II, Lil Jungle Java is a local favorite and hidden gem because it's a coffee stand versus a larger shop.
Address: 1500 Encinitas Blvd
Phone: (760) 917-5589
Related reading: Carlsbad Coffee Shops: Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California
Lofty Coffee |
Lofty Coffee Company
Lofty is a popular spot with multiple locations in San Diego County. I also included Lofty Coffee in my Carlsbad Coffee Shops guide: Searching for the Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California. This coffee shop has indoor and outdoor seating too. They serve fresh coffee, tea, pastries, hand-rolled croissants, muffins, and cookies. Who doesn't love a quality cookie?! They have yummy things such as their house coffee, Kyoto-style cold brew, Iced Hibiscus Lemon Grass and Blood Orange Tea, baked from scratch pastry and dessert such as almond croissant. Eat outside and enjoy the great scenery.
Address: 90 N Coast Hwy 101 #214
Phone: (760) 230-6747
Lofty Coffee Encinitas Roasting Works
Address: 97 N Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (760) 230-6747
Website: Lofty Coffee Encinitas
Related reading: Things to do in Oceanside, California - visit here to read!
Ironsmith Coffee Roasters |
Ironsmith Coffee Roasters
Order ahead to takeout and pick up at the counter or stay around to enjoy your beverage at this locally-owned Encinitas coffee shop. Ironsmith Coffee Roasters is a fresh, independent coffee shop and roastery that sells espresso beverages, specialty drinks, tea, chai tea, hot chocolate, and retail bag coffee to purchase to make at home. Roasts on pour might range so be sure to ask what they have or check their current menu.
Address: 458 S Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (626) 429-6397
Website: Ironsmith Coffee Roasters
Bump Coffee
This little coffee shop is located in Cardiff by the Sea park; it has a hole-in-the-wall vibe that you might just walk by on accident. Bump Coffee selects ingredients from geographically diverse regions in South America. Come for the coffee but stay for the empanadas.
Address: 126 Aberdeen Dr, Cardiff, CA 92007
Website: Bump Coffee
Pannikin Coffee & Tea
Pannikin has been serving the local community with coffee, tea, and other baked treats since 1968. This family-owned and operated business based in the heart of Leucadia, California roasts coffee and bakes daily for all four Pannikin locations in San Diego County. The Encinitas CA Pannikin is located in a historic Santa Fe Railroad Station built in 1888.
Address: 510 N Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (760) 436-5824
Website: Pannikin Coffee & Tea
Peet's Coffee
You might have heard of this coffee shop chain that sells handcrafted espresso beverages, freshly made coffee, Mighty Leaf teas, as well as warm breakfast. Peet's Coffee in Encinitas Village Shopping Center has the Peet's standard range of menu including hot coffee, seasonal drings, hot tea, iced drinks, and more.
Address: 1486 Encinitas Blvd
Phone: (760) 274-1280
Website: Peet's Coffee
Philz Coffee
Philz Coffee has quite a few locations throughout California as well as Chicago and the D.C Metro area. They serve some pretty interesting drinks in their featured creations, from Iced Coffee Rosé smooth and sweet iced coffee, topped with subtle rose cream to the Tesora, original coffee blend, which they recommend with cream and honey.
Address: 1060 S Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (760) 230-6880
Website: Philz Coffee
Queenstage Coffee House
Coffee, pastries, breakfast, lunch
Address: 190 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Website: Queenstage Coffee
Surfdog's Java Hut - Temporarily Closed
Address: 1126 S Coast Hwy 101
Woodsy Coffee
This cute spot features menu items such as the beet hummus toast or the buttermilk biscuit served with maple butter and local jam. They have specialty lattes like honey lavender and salted maple, coffee drinks, tea, and smoothies too!
Address: 875 Santa Fe Dr
Phone: (760) 452-6380
Website: Woodsy Coffee
Zumbar Coffee & Tea
Established in 2003, this San Diego boutique coffee roaster has locations in Sorrento Valley and Cardiff. Zumbar Coffee & Tea sells, you guessed it, coffee and tea: espressos to 16 oz. cold brew coffee to pastries such as locally baked almond croissants. People tend to love the friendly service and good prices.
Address: 111 Chesterfield Dr #115, Cardiff, CA 92007
Website: Zumbar Coffee & Tea
Coffee, Tea, and More in North County San Diego
Experience coffee with a view! Grab a cup of coffee then head near Moonlight Beach to watch the waves ebb and flow. Encinitas CA is close to Carlsbad/Carlsbad Village. You can also find a range of cafes in the area as well. These are more than what you'd consider an average coffee shop. L’Atelier de Paris is popular for its drool-worthy desserts. Visit a couple of the best coffee shops in Encinitas and savor the gift of caffeine. Click here to visit Encinitas Visitors Center website.
What are your favorite Encinitas coffee shops? Do you have a go-to order?
Things to Do in Oslo, Norway: Is Oslo Worth Visiting?
Is Oslo worth visiting?
What is famous in Oslo Norway?
About Carmen
If you came here because you searched for things to do in Oslo, Norway, you probably don't know much about me. Hey, I'm Carmen, a travel influencer & blog coach from San Diego, California. I've traveled to 20 countries. I started my blog in 2011. One of my greatest hobbies is finding bargain flight tickets. These are some of the best things to do in Oslo. I traveled to Norway end of October/early November, so there's still a lot of things to do in Oslo during autumn & winter.At the highest point of The Vigeland Park at Frogner Park |
Oslo Pass
The Vigeland Park
Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress also called Akershus Castle was completed in the 1300s. Entrance to the fortress grounds is free to walk around, which is the ideal option for anyone on a budget. The clear skies & green grass against the stone castle look beautiful in the summertime, but the Akershus festning (that's the Norwegian name) is pretty romantic on a rainy autumn/winter day. Tip: Akershus Fortress makes an excellent sunset vista point; look out at the fjord with the city lights glistening as it gets dark.Aker Brygge
Walk along the boardwalk of Aker Brygge, a strip of eateries by the water. It's pretty small. I walked by it during a wintery evening. This is the ideal spot to wine & dine with friends, loved ones, & of course, alone. This place is buzzing during the summertime, but there wasn't much happening when I walked by on a November night.Oslo Cathedral at night |
Oslo Cathedral
Why not pop in the cathedral while you're checking off free things to do in Oslo, Norway? I was walking by the Oslo Cathedral (Oslo domkirke) & ended up making it for part of an evening service. The chorus echoing in the cathedral will ring in my ears forever. There is a lot you can see around Oslo city center.Stumbled upon the street art at Ingens Gate |
Street Art at Ingens Gate
Make sure this magical alleyway filled with street art is on your free things to do in Oslo list. Oslo has quite a lot of art throughout the city, but Ingens gate is located in the Grünerløkka neighborhood near the Akerselva River. Walk under the magnificent chandelier; the dangling charms sound soothing when the wind hits it ever so gently. Drop by Ingens gate alley for an array of artwork. It's small & charming, but you won't be disappointed.People eating at Mathallen Oslo food hall |
Mathallen Oslo
Food halls are one of my favorite ways to eat in Oslo other than stopping inside a grocery store for munchies. Mathallen Oslo offers a tempting range of food from Asian tapas, Tex Mex, fresh seafood, & more. This is the perfect spot to stock up on cheese, meat, veggies, & yummy baked goods. Oh, & Mathallen Oslo is conveniently located near the street art at Ingens gate! Tip: Walk up to the second story to see a bird's eye view of the hall & see if the boutiques are open. Grab a bite to eat at Vippa Oslo near the Port of Oslo |
Vippa Oslo
Another food hall? Why yes. I wouldn't have it any other way. Food halls are a convenient, affordable way to grab a bite to eat or satisfy multiple food personalities, rather than your typical sit-down restaurant. Come to Vippa for multicultural food stands & a stunning view of the Port of Oslo.The Inner islands of Oslo Fjord offer many summertime activities |
Islands of Inner Oslo Fjord
Spend the day exploring the Oslo Fjord, a 68 miles/100 kilometers long with many islands freckled. The islands are a hub during the warmer months with everyone swimming, hiking, & having fun outside. On the island of Hovedøya, there are monastery ruins from the Middle Ages. Drop your knickers because Langøyene island has a nudist beach on the southern tip.One of the large ships at the Viking Ship Museum |
Viking Ship Museum
Norwegian Folk Museum
Located at Bygdøy in Oslo, the Norwegian Folk Museum (Norsk Folkemuseum) is the optimal place to learn about Norwegian folk art, folk costumes, the Sami culture, & people I knew nothing about prior to visiting the museum. Don't forget to also the Open Air Museum, which is part of the Norwegian Folk Museum. This one of the best hidden gems during my trip.Just a small corner of the Open Air Museum at the Norwegian Folk Museum |
Open Air Museum (at Norwegian Folk Museum)
The Open Air Museum turned out to be a hidden gem that I can't recommend enough, easily one of my favorite parts of Oslo! If you enjoy the outdoors, quaint villages, old towns with history, this is the place for you. The Open Air Museum displays Norwegian rural & urban buildings from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. Visit the Old Town, the countryside, the Setesdal farmstead, & Tip: Find the barn to see cows, pigs, chickens, & rabbits up close!Posing next to "The Scream" by Edvard Munch |
Munch Museum
The Munch Museum (Munchmuseet) houses the work of Edvard Munch, a Norwegian painter. You might recognize his most famous piece, "The Scream." Munch was raised in Christiania, which is modern-day Oslo. "The Scream," however, isn't located at the Munch Museum; it's at the National Gallery. We had some trouble locating the museum as it was under construction due to a planned expansion of the museum. Upon his death, Munch donated over 1,000 paintings to the government & that's when the country built the Munch Museum.National Gallery
Note: The National Gallery is closed until 2020 while they move to a new museum location.
The National Gallery (Nasjonalmuseet) in Oslo, Norway houses Edvard Munch's "The Scream" & "Madonna" as well as other notable Norwegian artists, such as J.C. Dahl, Thomas Fearnley, & Harald Sohlberg. Together The National Gallery & the Norwegian Museum of Architecture comprise the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design.Fram Museum Oslo
Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern (Astrup Fearnley Museet) contains collections of contemporary art with a focus on acquiring pieces that push boundaries, & perhaps even comfort zones. The building design itself aims to welcome visitors to look out at the boats on the fjord. Some popular pieces included: "God Alone Knows" by Damien Hirst, "Michael Jackson" & "Bubbles" by Jeff Koons.The brick exterior of the Oslo City Hall |
Oslo City Hall
We walked by Oslo City Hall (Oslo rådhus) many times. You can't miss its big, beautiful, brick exterior. The City Hall is home to Oslo's administrative body as well as their City Council. Guided tours of City Hall are available all year long.Salvador Dalí's Venus de Milo aux tiroirs at Ekebergparken Sculpture Park |
Ekebergparken Sculpture Park
Ekebergparken is essentially an outdoor art gallery with sculptures from Salvador Dalí, Auguste Rodin (I went to the Rodin Museum in Paris), Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Sean Henry, & other magnificent artists. You could spend hours here finding best things to do as you stroll through the woods & spot artwork along the way. Tip: Check out the spectacular views of Oslo during sunset; the city lights up at night. Bonus Tip: They host a free tour of the Skyspace on Sundays.The Kon-Tiki Museum
The remarkable view from the roof of the Oslo Opera House |
Opera House
The Oslo Opera House is home to the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. Stay entertained with internationally acclaimed opera & ballet performers, or head to the roof for plays, concerts, & other events throughout the year. The architecture of the building is meant to be accessible & open. Tip: It's free to walk up the roof of the Opera House, so head there for an epic view. Add this freebie to your things to do in Oslo list! The best things in life are free!The Oslo, Norway Royal Palace |
Royal Palace
Want to stand near royalty? Well, the King & Queen of Norway live right here at the Royal Palace in Oslo. A lot of royal meetings & official dinners take place here. Foreign heads of state don't stay at Airbnb, like me, they stay at the Palace! The Royal Palace is open to the public during the summer months, yet another experience I missed out on because I visited Oslo, Norway in November.Things to do in Oslo, Norway bingo |