Andrea’s Oslo

Bucharest native Andrea Chirulescu came to Oslo five years ago to work in the IT industry — but it only took her a couple hours to fall in love with the Norwegian capital. For someone who grew up during the age of Communism, Oslo’s relaxed pace  was a welcome change. Andrea shares her love for her adopted city with the world as a blogger for Spotted by Locals — and with the Intelligent Travel community in the space below.

Oslo is My City

When someone comes to visit me, the first place I take them is the Oslo Opera House.

Anytime is the best time to visit my city because time is not of importance.

You can see my city best from the Holmenkollen ski jump.

The Norsk Folkemuseum (Norwegian Folk Museum) is the place to buy authentic, local souvenirs.

In the past, notable people like Edvard Munch, Henrik Ibsen, and Emanuel Vigeland have called my city home.

My city’s best museum is the Viking Ship Museum because it preserves memories from such an interesting era.

If there’s one thing you should know about getting around my city, it’s to learn to get lost on quiet streets lined with beautiful houses.

The best place to spend time outdoors in my city is the last stop on just about any of the subway lines.

My city really knows how to celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day (May 17) because national pride is in full force. See the beautiful costumes on display as the parade passes by.

You can tell if someone is from my city if they have a certain accent.

For a fancy night out, I prefer places where you don’t have to queue at the entrance.

Just outside my city, you can visit Oslo fjord and Marka, hilly natural areas the surround Oslo.

My city is known for being cold, but it’s really full of warm-hearted people.

The best outdoor market in my city is the Saturday market at Birkelunden.

Aker Brygge is my favorite place to grab breakfast, and kebab shops are the spots for late-night eats.

To find out what’s going on at night and on the weekends, check out visitoslo.com.

My city’s biggest sports event is the Norway Cup. Watch it at Ekebergsletta.

To escape the crowds, I take the subway to one of its end stations or visit the botanical garden.

If my city were a celebrity it’d be “Mona Lisa” because it’s expensive and full of subtle beauty.

The dish that represents my city best is pølse (sausage), and Solo is my city’s signature drink.

The Oslo Opera House is my favorite building in town because it has a lot of interesting angles.

Rockefeller is the best place to see live music.

The Holmenkollen Relay could only happen in my city.

In the spring you should learn to love the rain.

In the summer you should enjoy each sunny moment.

In the fall you should be amazed by nature’s colors.

In the winter you should be outdoors and on skis as much as possible.

If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), you won’t want to miss Korketrekkeren (in the winter).

When I think about my city, the song that comes to mind is “Run to the Hills” by Iron Maiden.

In 140 characters or less, the world should heart my city because it offers a great mix of cultures, easy access to nature and outdoor activities, and incredibly clean air.

Beg to differ? Share your thoughts about the best of Oslo by leaving a comment.

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