For such a comparatively small city, Oslo is remarkably well supplied with museums and galleries. The compact city centre retains much of its medieval layout, amid acres of greenery and parks. Within walking range of the centre, there are pleasant districts through which to browse, enjoying the street life and the shops. The area immediately to the west of the Oslo S station (Oslo Sentralstasjon), however, is best avoided after dark.

Aker Brygge is the recently developed dock area in the very centre of Oslo. With a lively retail section and many dockside bars and restaurants there is a happening quayside bustle. To the west, on the edges of the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Frogner is a chic district dotted with cafes and interesting boutiques. On the eastern edge of town, in Tøyenbadet Park, lies the Munch Museum, which houses the vast collection left to the city by Edvard Munch, as well as the Botanical Gardens and the Tøyenbadet swimming pool complex.

The peninsula of Bygdøy, with its fascinating collection of nautical-inspired museums and desirable residential areas, is a short ferry ride away from the City Hall.

The Rådhus (City Hall), which lies midway between the Royal Palace and Akershus Slott, is a short walk from Oslo Cathedral, the Domkirke, and the nearby market of Stortorvet. It is surrounded by museums and theatres and is a perfect starting point for an exploration of the town centre or for undertaking a cruise on the fjord from nearby Pier 3.

Walking is one of the best ways to explore Oslo as the city centre can be easily covered in around a day. Head out on foot to explore the beautiful panoramas of the fjords from the quays or head into one of the city's beautiful parks in Oslo. In fact, at the edge of the city the great outdoors encroaches, with skiing and walking trails a mere 15 minutes' train ride from the centre.

Rådhuset (City Hall)
Fridtjof Nansens plass 5
Tel: 8153 0555.
Website: www.visitoslo.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1600 (Oct-Mar); Mon-Sat 0900-1700 (Apr-May and Sep); Daily 0900-1900 (Jun-Aug).

Another tourist information office, with summer late opening (Mon-Fri 0700-2000; Sat-Sun 0800-1800 (May-Sep 0800-2000) is located at Trafikanten, Jernbanetorget 1, just outside Oslo Sentralstasjon.

The Oslo Pass probably represents the best value for tourists. As well as free admission to all the museums, the pass offers unlimited local travel on all forms of transport, free entrance to Tøyenbadet and Frognerbadet swimming pools and free parking in the municipal car parks. It also gives price reductions on sightseeing trips and many other discounts, such as for cinemas, restaurants, car hire and souvenir shops. Cards can be purchased for one, two or three days (concessions are available) and are available at the Tourist Information office, hotels, Narvesen newsagents and various other outlets.