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Where Was Gilmore Girls Filmed? Where Is Stars Hollow?
If you're a Gilmore Girls fan, you might have ever wondered where is Stars Hollow? Is Stars Hollow a real place? Where was Gilmore Girls filmed? Where does it take place? When was Gilmore Girls made? Can you visit the set or go on a Stars Hollow tour? I answer all of these questions & more. Scroll down to find your question & the answer to it!
Lorelai and Rory Gilmore are a mother-daughter duo who lives in the small town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut.
Lorelai runs Stars Hollow's Independence Inn and they go to Luke's diner whenever possible. Although it still looks so real when they walk around, it's actually a fictional Gilmore Girls town. Lauren Graham plays Lorelai. Alexis Bledel plays Rory. Scott Patterson plays Luke. Kelly Bishop is Emily and Edward Herrmann plays Richard. Melissa McCarthy is Sookie, Keiko Agena is Lane, and Yanic Truesdale is Michel.
"Oy with the poodles already!" - Lorelai Gilmore
Gilmore Girls In Omnia Paratus Carry All Pouch / Travel & Pencil Pouch by Tbdprints - Set of 3. Click here to shop.
Interested to learn more about the show's world? Read Lauren Graham's book Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between).
About Carmen
I've been watching the Gilmore Girls series, written & created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, for over half of my life at this point. I remember being a tween pipsqueak when it first came out & I aged with Rory. In fact, I was partly inspired to study journalism because of Rory's career choice. The beloved show ended in 2007, just as I finished up sending my college applications. I remember siding with Rory & my mom always sided with Emily, thinking Lorelai was too rash. As I age, I realize they all have their flaws, just like every human being on earth. Learn more about me here. You can also follow me on Instagram.Men's Gilmore Girls Stars Hollow Logo Tee, Size: Large, Med Grey. Click here to shop! Great for fans!
Related reading: Gilmore Girls Binge Watching Essentials
"In omnia paratus!"
Where does Gilmore Girls take place? Gilmore Girls Town - Where Is Real Stars Hollow?
Is it Stars Hallow or Stars Hollow? From this sign, it shows that it is spelled with an "o" Stars Hollow. Star Hollow's top attractions include, Luke's Diner, the Gazebo, Doose's Market, Independence Inn, town hall, and more. Fans might be wondering...Where is the real Stars Hollow?! Want some New England charm? Is Stars Hollow a real place that you can visit? Stars Hollow is a fictional town; it's supposed to be located in the state of Connecticut in the United States. Unfortunately, there is not a real-life small town Stars Hollow in Connecticut that you can visit. Although you can't walk around the town square to watch the ballet dancers practicing at Miss Pattie's & you certainly can't stop by for coffee at Luke's diner, you can see where the magic happened by exploring the Gilmore Girls filming location. It feels like real small town charm. There's a lot of small town camaraderie in the show, from supporting the local diner to Miss Patty's to Lorelai's historic inn.
If your first question is where does Gilmore Girls take place or where is Stars Hollow? followed by where is Gilmore Girls filmed??, then the answer is: On a backlot in Burbank, California! Book your tickets for the Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood Tour. Do you have a favorite season?
"People are particularly stupid today. I can't talk to any more of them." - Michel
Where Was Gilmore Girls Filmed?
The Gilmore Girls series filming location is based in Burbank, California at the Warner Brothers Studios, not in the small fictional Connecticut town of Stars Hollow. Many popular films & beloved TV shows and characters are shot here including Friends, Pretty Little Liars, Blade Runner, & even the famous kiss between Spider-Man & Mary Jane. Yup, it was all shot at the WB Studios in Burbank, California.
Since it is a fictional town, there is no Stars Hollow, Connecticut! It was shot on a studio lot. That means Rory (Alexis Bledel) & Lorelai (Lauren Graham) all our favorite Gilmore Girls characters walked around the set too. Buy a ticket for the Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood Tour. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, Gilmore Girls stars Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Scott Patterson, Kelly Bishop, Edward Herrmann, Melissa McCarthy, Keiko Agena, Yanic Truesdale, and more.
Some scenes, especially ones about Chilton Academy were shot in Beverly Hills at Greystone Park and Mansion. Rory's visit to check out Harvard with Lorelei was actually shot at UCLA and some Yale scenes were filmed at Pomona College.
The pilot was filmed in Unionville, which is a Toronto suburb. Other scenes were filmed at South Royalton, Vermont. It's said that the town of New Milford, CT and the Mayflower Inn in Washington, Connecticut inspired Stars Hollow so you might want to explore there if you're curious!
"What she tackles, she conquers." - Richard Gilmore
“I'm sorry if you thought we had some kind of deep Thelma and Louise thing going here, but we didn't.” - Paris Geller
Gilmore Girls location: The iconic gazebo in Stars Hollow. |
When was Gilmore Girls filmed?
When was Gilmore Girls made? The original Gilmore Girls ran from 2000 to 2007. Creator Amy Sherman-Palladino is the writer as well as the creator of the show. Where was Gilmore Girls filmed? The pilot episode of Gilmore Girls series was filmed in Unionville, Ontario. Everything else besides the pilot was filmed at the Warner Brothers Studios, including Gilmore Gils: A Year in the Life. Stars Hollow is supposed to be located in the state of Connecticut.
"The person I most wanted to be was her." - Rory Gilmore
This is where all the local Stars Hollow, Connecticut shops are. Just about everything is shot here, from the Dragonfly Inn to Lorelai & Rory Gilmore's cozy home to the house of Sookie St. James and Jackson Belleville and everything in between. Even Luke's diner! Now when you visit the Warner Bros Studio Your everything is reused, so you might have seen Luke's diner in a different movie or show. They completely alter the set each time with paint, props, & other cool tricks of the trade. It's magical. It was so fun to explore the Gilmore Girls series filming location! Click here learn more about the Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood Tour.
Gilmore Girls Christmas: Holiday Lunch at Lorelai's
I visited during the Gilmore Girls Christmas & winter festivities. In 2018/2019, the event was called "Lunch at Lorelai's." In 2019/2020, they called it "Holiday Lunch at Lorelai's." They had a whole set up at Lorelai's house where you could enjoy your meal outside. There wasn't a Luke's diner, but I did nosh on a veggie burger while sitting outside of Lorelai Gilmore's house. They also sold Poptarts & coffee. They had Gilmore Girls merchandise which I was very excited to look at but was disappointed that most items were gone & there was hardly anything in my size. Lots of smalls though! Almost feels like you're a Stars Hollow local yourself.
I ate lunch in the small town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. I stepped inside the iconic Gilmore Girls gazebo in the town square. So many good moments happen in the charming town square as they walk around. I saw Lorelai's beige Jeep & saw Rory's college admissions letters in the Gilmore mailbox. I took a photo in front of the Stars Hollow sign. It's a magical experience I won't forget.
This particular Gilmore Girls Christmas moment isn't always available; it's a seasonal offering & I just had to buy a ticket when I heard about the Lunch at Lorelai's house festivities. If you love Gilmore Girls, then you have to experience this at least once. Now if only you could stroll through Chilton school. It's worth the money to have the memories, to have the photos, & to see some behind-the-scenes of a television series that I spent so much time watching over the years. Book your tickets for Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood Tour & make sure to tell your guide you're Gilmore Girls series fans! Take photos or take your family and enjoy yourself.
"I am not your mother or your hugger. If you need some love, get a hooker. If you're having a bad day, find a ledge or a way to deal. My door is not open to you ever." - Paris Geller
Stars Hollow was all about community and the relationship of each person in the town. Each character plays an important role, giving their unique spin and funny quotes.
While there isn't a specific Stars Hollow tour, you can always tell your guide that you're a Gilmore Girls fan & they will tailor the tour toward what people like. Everyone said a couple of their favorite movies and shows and they make sure to tell you factoids related to them! They'll share filming behind-the-scenes, show you Gilmore Girls filming locations, maybe tell you something about the cast of Gilmore Girls. If you're a Friends fan, you can also visit Central Perk! If you're lucky, you might be able to see the gazebo. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is perfect for many movie & TV fans.
More Information on Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Warner Brothers Studio Tours are offered in English, Spanish, French, Mandarin. ASL interpreted tours also available upon advance request. Click here to buy a ticket for Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood Tour. They tell you a bit about the Gilmore Girls cast. There were even acceptance letters from Yale & Harvard in the mail box. At the end you can shop at the gift shop.
If you want to delve deeper into the Gilmore Girls world, read Lauren Graham's book Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between). There are many merch options for fans.
If you want to delve deeper into the Gilmore Girls world, read Lauren Graham's book Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between). There are many merch options for fans.
Where was Gilmore Girls filmed? In Burbank, California at Warner Bros. Studios. |
Comment your favorite Gilmore Girls quote. I'd love to hear it! Have you visited the Warner Bros. studio? What are your favorite episodes? Did this answer your question about where was Gilmore Girls filmed? Are you a Gilmore Girls fan too? Which is your favorite season?
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Best Places to Stay in Porto, Portugal
Porto sounds like seagulls flying overhead. Porto sounds like water lapping as you sit by the Douro River. Porto sounds like a group of Portuguese middle-aged women chatting to each other on the bus. Porto sounds like car tires clickety clacketing as it drives across cobblestone.
Booking.com
After booking my flight from La Rochelle, France, I started to research where to stay in Porto, Portugal. I wanted to know the good, bad, & the ugly with the ultimate goal of finding the best places to stay in Porto. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, affordable hotels, or even Airbnbs, you'll enjoy exploring the seaside city. The best places to stay in Porto are within your fingertips!
The view of Porto, Portugal & the Douro Valley. Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel is the yellow building. This is one of the best places to stay in Porto as far as location! |
About Carmen
Hi, bonjour, bom dia. My name is Carmen. What do I know about travel? I’ve visited 22 countries. I’ve worked as a content producer for TripSavvy, the #4 largest site in the ad-supported Travel Information category. As a blogging coaching & social media consultant, some of my clients are travel influencers, travel companies, tourism boards, & more. Learn more about my blogging & career background. Keep reading to discover the best places to stay in Porto.
* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click &/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or my social media platforms, I may make a small commission from that click &/or purchase. It's at no additional cost to you! Learn more about my disclosure.
Booking.com
Create a list of 10 or more things to do in Porto. How far are you from those things? Ideally, I try to be within a 30-minute transportation ride away from the bulk of my to-do list/what I want to do; the occasional outlier is fine. Ultimately, you don’t want to be commuting for an hour each way every day- that’s a waste of precious time.
Planning Your Trip to Porto
If you’re considering where to stay in Porto, Portugal, first ponder about what you want to do while you’re visiting. Porto tourism continues to grow, so there may be some crowds depending on the time of year.Create a list of 10 or more things to do in Porto. How far are you from those things? Ideally, I try to be within a 30-minute transportation ride away from the bulk of my to-do list/what I want to do; the occasional outlier is fine. Ultimately, you don’t want to be commuting for an hour each way every day- that’s a waste of precious time.
What Are Some of the Best Places to Stay in Porto?
Decide if you’re more of a hotel person or an Airbnb person. Porto tourism means there are plenty of choices. I have options for both, so read them all or scroll down to find what you’re looking for. Based on actual reviews, these are some of the top-rated, best places to stay in Porto.Homes with a view of the Douro River. |
Best Hotels to Stay in Porto
These are some of the top-rated hotels throughout the city of Porto, according to Google reviews, TripAdvisor reviews, and more. Take a look at each hotel & decide where to stay in Porto, Portugal.
InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas – Stare at the beautifully restored interiors. InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas overlooks Liberdade Square. You can find the famous Livraria Lello bookstore & São Bento station within a close walk of the hotel.
Pestana Palácio do Freixo, Pousada & National Monument – Pestana Palácio do Freixo has gorgeous views overlooking the Douro River. The 18th-century palace was built by Nicolau Nasoni. Pestana Palácio do Freixo is part of the "The Leading Hotels of the World." This is easily one of the best places to stay in Porto.
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa – Reviews show that past Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa guests appreciate the hospitality, the rooms, & the amenities (sauna, fitness center, Wi-Fi) but felt as though it might be out of the way for the average tourist. It's modern decor & facilities make it a popular choice.
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel – Eat breakfast with waterfront views of the Douro River at Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel - World Heritage Site. The Pestana hotel building & location date back to the 16th century. This is a seriously stunning area if you're wondering where to stay in Porto, Portugal!
Infante Sagres – The Hotel Infante Sagres is a historic luxury hotel. It underwent renovation & reopened in April 2018. Notable decorative features of the Infante Sagres include ironwork, carved wood detail, & stained glass panels.
Spot Apartments Porto – The hip, cool rooms at Spot Apartments Porto feel homey, unlike your a boring, sterile hotel room. Spot Apartments Porto guests seem to love the location, clean and spacious apartment, & the friendly staff.
There are so many hotels & accommodations in the area. Scroll down to search the map to find where to stay in Porto, Portugal.
InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas – Stare at the beautifully restored interiors. InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas overlooks Liberdade Square. You can find the famous Livraria Lello bookstore & São Bento station within a close walk of the hotel.
Pestana Palácio do Freixo, Pousada & National Monument – Pestana Palácio do Freixo has gorgeous views overlooking the Douro River. The 18th-century palace was built by Nicolau Nasoni. Pestana Palácio do Freixo is part of the "The Leading Hotels of the World." This is easily one of the best places to stay in Porto.
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa – Reviews show that past Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa guests appreciate the hospitality, the rooms, & the amenities (sauna, fitness center, Wi-Fi) but felt as though it might be out of the way for the average tourist. It's modern decor & facilities make it a popular choice.
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel – Eat breakfast with waterfront views of the Douro River at Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel - World Heritage Site. The Pestana hotel building & location date back to the 16th century. This is a seriously stunning area if you're wondering where to stay in Porto, Portugal!
Infante Sagres – The Hotel Infante Sagres is a historic luxury hotel. It underwent renovation & reopened in April 2018. Notable decorative features of the Infante Sagres include ironwork, carved wood detail, & stained glass panels.
Spot Apartments Porto – The hip, cool rooms at Spot Apartments Porto feel homey, unlike your a boring, sterile hotel room. Spot Apartments Porto guests seem to love the location, clean and spacious apartment, & the friendly staff.
There are so many hotels & accommodations in the area. Scroll down to search the map to find where to stay in Porto, Portugal.
Blue & white azulejo tiles in Porto - if you look closely, these are all individually painted tiles! |
Search for Hotels in Porto
Search for where to stay in Porto, Portugal with this handy dandy map. Type in the date of your travel & it'll give you a list of options.
Consult my guide on how to save hundreds of dollars on flight tickets. I paid $350 for roundtrip tickets to London & $420 for roundtrip tickets to Paris! Browse through these tips on how to eat on a budget while traveling abroad without depriving yourself. Scroll down & read comments from readers to learn their tips too.
Visit Porto & the North - News, events, things to do, & information on Porto & the area north of Porto.
Visit Porto - Information on Porto Card transportation, trip planning, entertainment in Porto.
Best places to stay in Porto, Portugal - Hotels, Airbnbs, & other accommodations. |
Airbnb Accommodations
Sign up for Airbnb with my link & get $40 off your booking. That could be a free night's stay somewhere! I stayed in Airbnbs in Amsterdam, Netherlands; Oslo, Norway; Tijuana, Mexico, & manyyyyy more cities/countries.Other Sources of Information on Porto
Visit Portugal - Information on Porto tourism & Portugal.Visit Porto & the North - News, events, things to do, & information on Porto & the area north of Porto.
Visit Porto - Information on Porto Card transportation, trip planning, entertainment in Porto.
Do you prefer hotels or Airbnbs? Where do you think are the best places to stay in Porto?
Things to Do in Oslo, Norway: Is Oslo Worth Visiting?
Nude beach. Food halls. Viking ships. Breathtaking views. Oslo, the metropolitan capital of Norway, sits at the head of Oslofjord. Oslo has cold winters as well as warm sunny days by the fjord. The Norwegian capital has Michelin star restaurants, nature parks, museums, & whatever you want to do. If you're endlessly researching for the essential list of things to do in Oslo, Norway, this list has 18 top activities in Oslo all year round.
Norway is incredible. From the history at the Viking Ship Museum to the remarkable arts of the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet to the funky sculptures at Vigeland Sculpture Park at Frogner Park, Oslo, Norway has so much cultural history. You can go ski jumping on Holmenkollbakken or at least see the Holmenkollen Ski Museum. If you have more time, you could head to Tusenfryd, an amusement park at Vinterbro, Norway.
Is Oslo worth visiting?
Yes. Oslo is certainly worth a visit if you're a travel lover. The crisp nighttime air feels empowering. The view from the Oslo Opera House is magnificent; you might even make a seagull friend. Some of the best things to do are actually free. No matter what you want to see, Norway is breathtakingly beautiful. I'd come back in a heartbeat. From hanging out at a groovy sculpture park by Gustav Vigeland to checking out the Aker Brygge neighborhood, you'll come to savor your Norwegian moments of bliss.
What is famous in Oslo Norway?
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Norway; there's the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway. Top attractions include Holmenkollen Ski Museum, Vigeland Museum, The Kon-Tiki Museum, University Botanical Garden (Botanisk hage), & more. Experience the magic & charm of Oslo city center!
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
Opt for the Oslo Pass which gives you free entry to museums and activities, free public transport, and discounts on sightseeing, restaurants, shopping, & more. It's worth researching if you want to experience a lot of what Oslo has to offer in a short period of time. The Oslo Pass is best when utilized to the maximum. That way you can see a bit of everything from the fjords to Oslo city center.
The Vigeland Park
Separate from the Vigeland Museum, The Vigeland Park at Frogner Park contains over 200 sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. The sculpture park consists of the Monolith, the bridge, & the fountain. The Monolith shows 121 human figures holding onto each other in various positions. The bridge shows 58 sculptures of men, women, & children, while the fountain depicts a group of men holding a vessel with water spilling out. The fountain wasn't running while I was there, so it looked like a bunch of dudes holding a bowl. Did I mention all the figures are naked? Tip: Vigeland Park at Frogner Park is free to enter every day, 24 hours a day (or night). Sometimes the best things in life are free!
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
As the name suggests, the museum contains the beautifully restored Gokstad & Oseberg Viking Ships. These ships were used in burial rituals for rich Vikings. The ships are positively massive & you can walk up a couple steps to a second story to see inside the ship, so you get a view of preserved Viking ships & other Viking finds like coins & even skulls. If you're looking for a souvenir, the Viking Ship Museum has a cool gift shop too. Tip: Stay around for the Vikings Alive visual journey projected onto the walls of the museum. I enjoyed the music & animation as an entertaining way to learn about the Viking Age.
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
The Fram Museum Oslo allows you to step aboard the original expedition ship!
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
Located in the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo, Norway, the Kon-Tiki Museum offers insight into Thor Heyerdahl, one of history’s most famous explorers. Head over to the Kon-Tiki Museum website for more information. Thor Heyerdahl was a Norwegian adventurer known for his Kon-Tiki expedition in 1947 where he sailed thousands of kilometers across the Pacific Ocean in a homemade raft.
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 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 |
Where to Stay in Oslo, Norway
I stayed in an Airbnb whilst in Oslo. I shared a room with my boyfriend, our Airbnb host, & his dog. We had an amazing experience. If you're interested in creating an Airbnb account, please use my *affiliate link* to receive a $30 credit toward your account.I hope you get a chance to visit Oslo. There's much to explore, especially if you enjoy nature & museums. Public transport is easy to navigate. Norway's capital might be expensive for some, so keep that in mind.
How To Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights
Hello friend! I hope you're having a thoughtful, interesting, productive day. The last several weeks zoomed by in a ridiculously rapid haze of writing, creating, clients, emails, & making moves. During all the hubbub, Fred & I looked for flights throughout Europe. I get a lot of questions asking how I afford to travel. My secret? I use Google Flights as my own personal flight scanner.
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!
Dying for more travel secrets? Sign up for travel tips, hacks, best photo spots, & behind-the-scenes designed for blogger, influencers, & travelers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Sign up for travel tips & behind-the-scenes, a newsletter for blogger, influencers, & travelers who want the best, most current information & ideas.
* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
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.
Related reading: How I Decided to Quit My Corporate Job While Traveling in Paris
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?
Sign up for travel tips & behind-the-scenes, a newsletter for blogger, influencers, & travelers who want the best, most current information & ideas.
* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
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