The first thing that anyone thinking of visiting Oslo (and Norway in general for that matter) needs to know is that for most people coming from outside Scandinavia the Norwegian capital is an expensive destination, at least when it comes to accommodation, and eating and drinking; on the other hand, entrance to museums and other visitor attractions tend to be in line with – and sometimes cheaper than – those in the rest of Europe. Fortunately, the savvy traveller who puts in some research can find ways of saving money.

There are three main airports serving Oslo but two of them – Rygge to the south, and Torp to the north – are about an hour from the city. Express coaches from both airports drop you in the city centre and are timed to coincide with Ryanair flight arrivals and departures. The more expensive airlines, such as Norwegian, fly to Oslo Airport. Do take the airport coach and don’t be tempted to take a taxi; the prices are phenomenal. If you’re traveling with a budget airline you may well find that the cost of the airport to city coach is actually more than the price of your flights.

Oslo has a reputation for having a dearth of hotel rooms; this keeps prices high and stifles competition. Even hostels are expensive but many of them have family rooms and some have cooking facilities where you can at least knock up an inexpensive breakfast. Since hotel prices are high, even the most staunchly independent of travelers should consider the option of a package trip; the big tour operators buy rooms in bulk so they can negotiate the best rates while you the independent traveller get what’s left, costing you more. Before you choose your accommodation, consider what you want to see and do in the city and try to find a hotel or hostel that offers a location central to those things. Oslo is essentially a collection of distinct districts and moving further out does not necessarily reduce costs.

Oslo has a brilliant public transport system that is easy to use with frequent services and clean vehicles. Enthusiastic walkers can easily get around on foot and the city centre is pretty compact so you can get around a large number of sights without needing to resort to buses, trams or the underground Metro. A one day ticket for adults costs 80 Kroner (correct in July 2010) but a variety of ticketing options are in operation.

Oslo is a very multicultural city and with its relatively modest size you could forget that it’s a capital

city but the racial diversity of its population is a reminder. This cultural diversity is good for budget travelers who should head for areas such as Grünerløkka and Grønland to find cheaper eating places (these are within easy walking distance of the centre).

Practically everyone speaks English and most menus are in English and Norwegian; Norwegian is incredibly close to English (it looks to me like a mix of English and German) and most signs are easy to understand.

You don’t have to go far to find some fantastic countryside and set amongst it is what is reputed to be Norway’s most popular visitor attraction, the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and the adjoining ski museum. It’s a two bus journey from the centre of Oslo but it’s worth it. It’s not necessary to go into the museum, for which there is an admission charge, because, due to the current reconstruction work (currently in progress in summer 2010) for next year’s world championships, you can get a good look at the jump from the side. However, only by paying the charge, can you take the lift to the top and see what the ski jumpers see before they take off.

If you do like shopping then there are plenty of opportunities to indulge. There are lots of places selling the sorts of stylish homewares that Scandinavia is renowned for. A good area for shopping is the northern part of Grünerløkka where there are some one-off boutiques and vintage clothing stores. On Karl Johan Gate the souvenir shops sell the same Norwegian knitwear, “amusing” troll items and Viking helmets; if you want to take home something fairly cheap but still quite “Norwegian” drop into a supermarket for liquorice which comes in all kinds of varieties.

When it comes to eating you can save money by taking your main meal at lunchtime as most restaurants have what are described as “middag” specials which are usually better value. Kebab cafes are ubiquitous and many offer burgers and hot dogs as well as chicken or lamb kebabs and delicious wraps. They’re a good option for a cheaper lunch of for young backpackers who may be on a budget. For evening meals the more ethnically diverse areas are a good bet and cuisines such as Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern tend to be cheaper options.

If you are able to fill up our water bottles in your hotel and take them out for the day. Even a small bottle of water will set you back at least £2.50, usually more. If you have a fridge in your room you could consider buying a few supermarket beers and having a drink in your room before or after dinner; supermarket beer is considerably cheaper than beer in bars although, surprisingly, restaurants can often be cheaper than bars when it comes to alcoholic drinks. If you have time, take your empties back to the supermarket and get the deposits back; this comes in the form of a ticket which you then hand in as part payment on other goods.

Buying an Oslo Card is another good way of saving money. You can get discounts on some restaurants and free entry at many of the city’s museums. However, Oslo Cards are still costly and it’s wise to consider what you’ll use it for before you buy one. Oslo Cards can be bought at Tourist Information Centres and some hotels. (Museum entry varies between 50 and 80 Kroner)

There’s no getting away from the fact that Oslo is a costly city to visit but with a little work and a bit of imagination, it’s possible to minimise the blow – and Oslo really is worth it.

At the time of writing £10 is approximately 95 Kroner

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