Where was Friends Filmed? Central Perk Cafe From Friends: Warner Bros Studio Tour
Friends fans can sit on the orange couch at Central Perk Cafe where Ross, Rachel, Joey, Monica, Phoebe, & Chandler spent so much of their time at the coffee shop. Take a photo in the Friends cafe. Stand where Red Ross played rugby. See where Rachel, Ross, Chandler, & Monica walked down the stairs for prom. The Warner Bros Tour Hollywood is a must-see experience if you like Friends, Harry Potter, Batman, Gilmore Girls, & entertainment in general.
We all know the iconic opening credits song. The cast of the show made us all laugh while they hung out in their apartment building. Do you know when Ross played rugby? The piece of grass is TINY! The magic of angles. You can see where Rachel, Ross, Chandler, & Monica walked down the stairs for prom. There were a couple other Friends fans on our tour, but we also had Gilmore Girls fans, Batman fans, Big Bang Theory fans, quite a nice range. Speak up or else your tour guide will talk about what others ask for!
Is Central Perk real or just a building? Can you do a Friends set location tour? Where was Friends filmed? What are the filming locations? Where is the Central Perk coffee shop? Are there cheap hotels in Burbank, CA? Plan your Friends trip & stay up-to-date on everything you need to know about Warner Brothers Studio Tour Los Angeles.
Learn more About Carmen here.
Keep reading to learn all about Central Perk Cafe, Lot 48, Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood, & more. |
Friends Boutique & Café
Warner Bros has a cool Friends Boutique & Café where you can shop for exclusive Friends-themed souvenirs and even eat in recreated sets. The Friends Boutique is only accessible when you purchase a ticket to the Studio Tour, located within Stage 48: Script to Screen. Learn more online!
Tell Your Warner Bros Tour Guide You're a Friends Fan
Friends was an original show that aired on NBC. You have to buy Warner Bros Studio tickets! The Warner Bros Studio Tour is located in Burbank, which is part of the greater Los Angeles Area. Most of the filming locations occur here. There isn't an official Friends set tour, but the Warner Bros Hollywood Tour is customizable based on tour participants, so make sure to specify you're a Friends fan! They'll tell you all the juicy details, show you where certain scenes were filmed, & more!We all know the iconic opening credits song. The cast of the show made us all laugh while they hung out in their apartment building. Do you know when Ross played rugby? The piece of grass is TINY! The magic of angles. You can see where Rachel, Ross, Chandler, & Monica walked down the stairs for prom. There were a couple other Friends fans on our tour, but we also had Gilmore Girls fans, Batman fans, Big Bang Theory fans, quite a nice range. Speak up or else your tour guide will talk about what others ask for!
Buy your tickets to the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood!
Explore the guided Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Burbank, California. |
Is Central Perk a Real Place? Was Friends filmed in NYC?
Yes & no. The Central Perk in New York City doesn't really exist & you can't visit Monica's apartment. While the show took place in New York, the show was filmed in California. Warner Bros Tour Hollywood created a real-life Central Perk coffee shop where visitors can sit down to enjoy a coffee, located at Stage 48 in Burbank, California. The Central Perk Cafe isn't a replica of the Friends set, but you can still eat a sandwich or pastry in the Friends cafe. Order food at the counter then chose where to eat from the available tables & seats. It was pretty busy at the cafe. Buy a Friends coffee mug, coffee, Friends souvenirs, & any Warner Bros Tour souvenirs your heart desires.Stylistically, you might see the show written as f.r.i.e.n.d.s or f r i e n d s. The show takes place in New York but in real life it was filmed in the Los Angeles/Burbank area. The apartment is supposed to be in Greenwich Village, New York. For ten seasons, the Friends apartment entertained us. That apartment held a lot of laughs & good times together. The sitcom remains popular to this day, all these years later.
In season three, the friends all go to see Joey perform at Lucille Lortel Theatre, which is a real theatre in New York. With the art of filmmaking, they didn't actually have to go to the Lucille Lortel theater to get the shot.
The exterior shot of the apartment was filmed at 90 Bedford Street at the corner of Grove Street.
Tip: The Friends cafe does include a replica of the Central Perk coffee shop sign. There might be a line in front of the sign but it goes quickly. Worth it if you have time.
Don't forget to take a photo in front of the Central Perk Cafe sign on Lot 48 at the end of the Warner Bros Studio Tour. |
Is There a Friends Set Tour? Can You Visit the Set?
Central Perk New York City doesn't exist nor does Monica's apartment in Greenwich Village or ugly naked guy. You can't jog through Central Park after a cup of coffere. However, there are multiple Cental Perks out there. There is no official set tour. The Friends set tour doesn't include Joey and Chandler, Monica, Rachel, Ross, or Phoebe's apartment building. They always made New York look so cool. However, the Central Perk Cafe is available at the end of the Warner Bros Studio Tour at Stage 48 when your guide drops you off at the gift shop. This is at the end of the tour so there's no guide for this portion.The self-guided set tour does include a replica of the Central Perk Cafe building from Friends that we all know & love, including the orange couch, counter, tables, Phoebe's guitar, & more! It feels like New York, but not really. You can look at the inside of Central Perk coffee shop along with all the other people on the mini set tour from the side of the set. You cannot walk around the Friends cafe set replica. Now if only Joey and Chandler were there too.
Buy your tickets to the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood!
The Friends set replica on Lot 48 of Warner Bros Tour in Burbank, California looks lonely without our favorite characters. |
Tip: If you have time, stand in line to get your photo taken on the Central Perk Cafe set replica. You can pose on the orange couch with a Friends coffee mug. Don't miss this iconic photo opportunity!
Where to Stay/Hotels in Burbank, CA
There are a couple Marriott Burbank hotel options: Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport & the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown. Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport is less than a mile away from the Burbank Airport. The Marriott Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown is a 15-minute drive from Universal Studios Hollywood & Warner Bros. Studios. Burbank Inn and Suites is 5 miles away from Universal Studios.Do a quick search for hotels in Burbank, CA. Just add your travel dates to see what's available & what the cost is:
I Cried When Friends Ended on TV
Gotta loves those opening credits. I grew up watching the show over the years & even watched the finale when it aired. I used to think it was really filmed in New York as a kid. I thought Central Park & Greenwich Village & New York City were a subway ride away. I used to want to visit Monica's apartment. Was ugly naked guy there?It was a very popular series. I always laughed at Joey. I watched Ross, Rachel, Joey, Monica, Phoebe, & Chandler for years. I wrote about it in my diary later that night. I mourned for the end of the show & cried at its last moments. I tore up the diary entry & threw it away years later because I was so ashamed at how lame I sounded. I must've been a moody teenager at this point. But it's a fond memory now that I can laugh & reminisce about. I can watch a DVD, the Friends box set, or Netflix when I want my Friends fix; it always reminds me of growing up, much like the characters in the show. There's nothing new like it.
Buy your tickets to the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood!
The side of the Friends Central Perk Cafe set with a line of people waiting to take their photo. |
Do you have a question about Warner Bros Tour, Central Perk Cafe, or the Friends set tour building? If you have time, please comment below & I'll answer the best I can.
Looking for Friends-related gifts?
- Buy your Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood tickets.- Buy the Friends box set to watch every episode whenever you want.
- Buy a Friends coffee mug to drink all the coffee in the world.
- Buy tickets to the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood - skip the line.
Looking for places to stay in Burbank, CA?
Los Angeles Marriott Burbank AirportSpringHill Suites by Marriott Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown
Burbank Inn and Suites
Holiday Inn Burbank
All Friends fans should add the Warner Bros Studio Tour their list of Friends-related things to do. Is Central Perk real? Where was Friends filmed? It's located in Burbank, California. You can visit a replica of the set & even take your photo with a giant Friends coffee mug. I had a blast exploring the WB gift shop building & finding out all the juicy behind-the-scenes details from our tour guide.
What's your favorite television show? Do you like the show? Do you have any new shows to recommend? Do you know any other Friends filming locations? What other shows are set in New York City? :] Leave a comment!
Things to Do in Lompoc, California
Are you curious about things to do/what to do in Lompoc? Wondering where is Lompoc, CA? A few people asked me about this! Or perhaps you're trying to find cheap hotels in the Lompoc area? Scroll through this guide to answer your biggest questions, & probably answer some questions you never had at all.
About Carmen
Hi, I'm Carmen. I'm a travel influencer & blogging coach who shares my experiences with my readers & anyone browsing for trip ideas (hey, that's you!). I visited the city of Lompoc, California on a press trip with a handful of journalists, magazine editors, & writers to experience a piece of what Explore Lompoc has to offer. "What is a press trip/familiarization tour?" you ask. I explain it in this post.How Do You Pronounce Lompoc?
Make sure you pronounce Lompoc properly or you might get corrected by a long-time resident. Say it with me now: LOM-poke. "Poke" as in "Did you just poke me?" Lom-poke. Lom-poke. Lom-poke. Say it 10 times without looking at the word & it helps.
Things to do in California if you're a beach lover: Encinitas, CA
Woodfired pizza from Valle Eatery + Bar |
Where is Lompoc, CA?
Several people sent me messages & comments asking where is Lompoc, California? I pondered that too until I drove my butt there. The city of Lompoc is located in Santa Barbara County. It's 60 miles south of San Luis Obispo, 55 miles north of Santa Barbara, & 155 miles north of Los Angeles. Lompoc is fresh & fun but not ridiculously out of the way. There are local events in town as well.Where to Stay in Lompoc, CA?
I stayed at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Lompoc - Central Coast, which has a marvelous breakfast. I nibbled on the made-to-order omelette with fresh vegetables in the morning before heading out for all the things to do in Lompoc, CA. Some of the other journalists on the press trip stayed at Hilton Garden Inn. Don't fret, there are several options for cheap hotels in Lompoc, California. Don't like hotels? Sign up for Airbnb with my link & get $40 off your booking. There are plenty of places to stay in town.
Here's a map:
Booking.com
Here's a map:
Booking.com
What to Do in Lompoc? There are a plethora of things to do in Lompoc, California, especially if you're traveling as a couple, with friends, family, children, or solo.
Things to do in California if you like movie sets: Conejo Valley, CA
T-Rex Mural in Lompoc |
Top Attractions and Things to Do in Lompoc
Spend time trying local wine, exploring the Lompoc Flower Fields, and enjoying the most popular things to do in Lompoc. Bring the kids for the weekend to explore Lompoc. There are plenty of spots to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Take the day off at Jalama Beach County Park. You can even reserve a cabin to stay in.
Walking Mural Tour in Downtown Lompoc
The Lompoc Mural Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing art to the walls of Lompoc in order to share Lompoc's history, tell the story of ethnic & cultural groups, & bring tourism to the city. They have a mural map with the exact location & details of 36 murals. Print it out or look it up on your phone as you do a walking mural tour. There are many beautiful pieces of art throughout the streets of Downtown Lompoc.
La Purisima Mission State Historic Park
Founded in 1787, the beautifully restored La Purisima Mission shares a glimpse into the past. You can choose guided tours of the buildings & grounds or venture off on your own. Walk through the tranquil mission gardens. Hike La Purisima Mission State Historic Park's 25 miles of trails. Grab a souvenir or hand-crafted item from the Gift Shop. I bought a stunning pink & green shell necklace. La Purisima Mission in the city of Lompoc, CA even has living history events such as a grape harvest, tortilla making, candle making, rope making, basket weaving, & other cool things to do with the family.
Related reading: How to Use Google Flights to Save Hundreds $$$ on Flights
My Skydiving Experience at Skydive Santa Barbara Check out the Skydiver's Handbook |
Go Skydiving at Skydive Santa Barbara
It felt frigid in the tiny airplane on the ride up. I start to shiver. The engine buzzed louder than my thoughts. The first tandem skydivers open the airplane door, scoot to the edge of the plane, lean out, & then vanish like a puff of air. Now it's our turn - my badass female tandem skydiver who has done 8,000+ jumps - we inch our butts to the edge of the airplane & into the abyss. I brace myself, tilt forward, & oh shittttt we’re outtttttttt of the planeeeeeeeee. Magical. Positively magical. As far as exciting things to do in Lompoc, California, I highly recommend skydiving at Skydive Santa Barbara!Where to Eat in Lompoc, CA
Lots of local eats in town! Sissy's Uptown Cafe, a family-owned business, is the hot-spot in town for pie. The coconut cream pie came so highly recommended but alas, it was sold out by the time we arrived. In fact, they were sold out of almost all their pies. Sissy's pie notoriety might literally leave you wanting more. Hangry & need a quick & casual food in Lompoc? Burrito, pizza, sushi, oh my. Plenty of options to order, grab, & go. If you want to sit down to eat, try one of Lompoc's full-service restaurants. I ate pad Thai at Herb Home Thai Restaurant, sampled desserts & woodfired pizza from Valle Eatery + Bar inside the Hilton Garden Inn. Search online ahead of time to find something to suit your taste buds.Blue nail polish: OPI (similar) // Hair tie ribbons: Kenz Laurenz (similar) Wine from Dierberg Vineyard |
Wine Tasting in Lompoc, California
Support local. Choose from 40 wineries and vineyards on Lompoc's wine trail, from Arcadian Winery to Zotovich Vineyards. The rolling hills & sprawling land make for some pretty scrumptious wine & stunning views. Check out the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, a cluster of local wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in Santa Rita Hills, if you want easy access to multiple wineries. Enjoy an afternoon of Lompoc wine tasting. The media crew first met at Dierberg Vineyard for a press trip wine tasting. Visit Lompoc and try a couple different tasting rooms. Browse their websites to see when they open and what their hours are.Airbnb
There are several cheap hotels in Lompoc, CA & affordable options but you can also search for Airbnbs. You can find something close to or in the center. Sign up for Airbnb with my link & get $40 off your booking. That could be a free night somewhere. I loved my Airbnb in Oslo, Norway, affordable & chic. I made coffee every morning. Ahh, I'm thankful for Airbnb memories. But I loved my Embassy Suites by Hilton Lompoc – Central Coast experience too!The City of Lompoc |
If you haven't paid a visit to the city of Lompoc, integrate it into your upcoming travel plans. This buzzing town won't stay unknown for long. Soon people won't ask "where is Lompoc?" they'll say "I had no clue there were so many things to do in Lompoc, California."
My Favorite Kombucha Brands + What Is Kombucha?!!
Kombucha has been around for 2,000 years. It originated in 220 B.C. China where it was consumed for its detoxifying & energizing properties. That makes me about 1,999 years late to the kombucha party, but I'm a fan now. How about you?
Most people, like me, wonder what is kombucha? What's it made from? What's the alcohol content of kombucha? Where to buy kombucha tea? Can you buy a kombucha starter online? What are some of my favorite kombucha companies? Well, my friend. I answer all these questions & more. Why? Because I had the same questions! Keep reading to find out about kombucha.
* This post may contain affiliate links.
But what is kombucha?
At its core, kombucha is a beverage created by fermenting tea with a culture of yeast & bacteria. It looks a bit like an at-home science experiment, which it basically is. I mean, you can literally buy kombucha starter kits online. Kombucha is lightly effervescent. Think of it as a sparkling tea-based juice drink with a bit of bubbly goodness. Kombucha tends to have some alcohol content, some brands have more & some have less.What other fermented food & drinks can I try?
Kombucha, kefir, kimchi, kvass, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh, pickles, yogurt are popular fermented food & drink. Each has its own unique flavors, properties, & gut health benefits.
San Diego Kombucha Options
As a San Diego blogger & digital influencer, I'm happy to report there are many kombucha options in the area. Many of these establishments have kombucha that contains alcohol content, so it's an excellent alternative to heading to a brewery, bar, or distillery. There isn't much kombucha in North County San Diego yet, but perhaps in the foreseeable future. ~*~ just putting those vibes out there, you know? ~*~
Where to buy kombucha tea in San Diego?
My Favorite Kombucha Companies
GT's Kombucha - Love, love, love this brand. My all-time favorite is GT's Rose kombucha. It has rose hips, rose water, rose petals, as well as their organic & raw kombucha. It's what dreams are made of. It has 4% alcohol content. I usually split up drinking this over 2 days.
Health-Ade Kombucha - My coworker a few years ago used to do promotional work with Health-Ade so she gave me a few bottles to try. It was my very first dabble with kombucha. They have a variety of kombucha flavors like cherry berry, ginger lemon, & pink lady apple. Find Health-Ade Kombucha on Amazon.
JuneShine - JuneShine is a local San Diego kombucha brand. As a local San Diego blogger, I was invited to their Scripps Ranch media party grand opening. Their kombucha is made with green tea, as opposed to black tea. JuneShine kombuchas have 6% alcohol content with kombucha flavors like Honey Ginger Lemon & Midnight Painkiller (charcoal, pineapple, coconut, orange, & nutmeg).
Better Booch - Better Booch sent over a few of their 16-ounce cans to try such as Morning Glory (peach & black tea), Citrus Sunrise (grapefruit, sage, pu erh tea), & a couple others. The LA-based premium small craft kombucha brand expanded to San Diego in 2019. The kombucha flavors are approachable; you can taste the tea & tang from kombucha without an overwhelming punch. This is an excellent kombucha brand to try if you're new to kombucha. Find Better Booch on Amazon.
Brew Dr. Kombucha - You might've heard of their Clear Mind kombucha with rosemary, mint, sage, & green tea. They also have Chai Apple, Strawberry Basil, Superberry, & fun limited-release kombucha flavors like Vanilla Oak. Mmmm. Vanilla Oak. You might be able to find Brew Dr. Kombucha at your local Target, Vons, Albertsons!
Health-Ade Kombucha - My coworker a few years ago used to do promotional work with Health-Ade so she gave me a few bottles to try. It was my very first dabble with kombucha. They have a variety of kombucha flavors like cherry berry, ginger lemon, & pink lady apple. Find Health-Ade Kombucha on Amazon.
JuneShine - JuneShine is a local San Diego kombucha brand. As a local San Diego blogger, I was invited to their Scripps Ranch media party grand opening. Their kombucha is made with green tea, as opposed to black tea. JuneShine kombuchas have 6% alcohol content with kombucha flavors like Honey Ginger Lemon & Midnight Painkiller (charcoal, pineapple, coconut, orange, & nutmeg).
Better Booch - Better Booch sent over a few of their 16-ounce cans to try such as Morning Glory (peach & black tea), Citrus Sunrise (grapefruit, sage, pu erh tea), & a couple others. The LA-based premium small craft kombucha brand expanded to San Diego in 2019. The kombucha flavors are approachable; you can taste the tea & tang from kombucha without an overwhelming punch. This is an excellent kombucha brand to try if you're new to kombucha. Find Better Booch on Amazon.
Brew Dr. Kombucha - You might've heard of their Clear Mind kombucha with rosemary, mint, sage, & green tea. They also have Chai Apple, Strawberry Basil, Superberry, & fun limited-release kombucha flavors like Vanilla Oak. Mmmm. Vanilla Oak. You might be able to find Brew Dr. Kombucha at your local Target, Vons, Albertsons!
The GT's Rose kombucha is my favorite flavor of all-time |
Can you buy kombucha starter kits online?
Why yes, you can buy a kombucha starter online! Gotta love being able to shop from the comfort of your own home! Whether you want San Diego kombucha or perhaps kombucha with alcohol, there are some kombucha companies to suit your needs.
What's your favorite kombucha? Do you have any top kombucha companies? Leave a comment if you have a suggestion, a thought, or a question.
* 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 commission from that click &/or purchase. It's at no additional cost to you. Learn more about my disclosure.
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.
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