Why go?
It’s been said that when a man is tired of Oslo he’s probably been there for three days. While it’s true the Norwegian capital lacks some of the carefree charm of its Scandinavian neighbours, there are pockets of cool if you know where to look. In the east of the city, once-gritty Grünerløkka has undergone a transformation from rundown industrial district to a vibrant, arty neighbourhood which could give cool Copenhagen or style-savvy Stockholm a run for their money.
What to do
Spend a day or two exploring the area’s vintage and designer shops and galleries, or rummaging through the stalls at the Birkelunden Sunday fleamarket. Skaperverket, a design collective selling covetable clothing, jewellery, toys and gifts (skaperverket.com) and Dapper – a men’s fashion, bicycle and barber shop (dapper.no) – are typical of the new breed of enterprise popping up. Cycle along the banks of the Akerselva river or through the leafy parks of Torshov. If you need a pitstop, you’re never more than 10 paces from an artisan coffee shop – try Tim Wendelboe’s espresso bar and roastery (timwendelboe.no) – or a micro-brewery. The cosy brick cellar at the Schouskjelleren Bryghus (schouskjelleren.no) is a great place to meet the locals.
Where to stay
An affordable option in an expensive city, Overnattingoslo has 64 small, smart rooms with kitchenettes on a quiet street near the tram stop for the city centre (from £112 for a three-night stay in summer, overnattingoslo.no).
Where to eat
Kolonihagen Grünerløkka is a recent arrival in the neighbourhood, specialising in “new Nordic” cuisine served up in tapas-sized portions (kolonihagen.no).
Insider tip
“For summer months I recommend an Aperol spritz in the Berlin-inspired beer garden, St Pauli (nb-no.facebook.com/stpaulibiergarten),” says food and travel writer Lene Haugerud. “It’s in a lush green setting and is hosted by Kafé Liebling – another Grünerløkka favourite.”
Give me a break
Home: Boutique beach huts This cluster of brand new beach hut- style retreats near Ilfracombe in Devon makes for a romantic seaside escape, and you can still snap one up for July or August. The snug studios for two are kitted out in coastal shades of blue and white, and some come with their own hot tub. A seven-night stay at Beach Cove from 26 July now costs £549, down from £695 (hoseasons.co.uk).
Away: Cut-price villas with pools Vintage Travel is offering savings of up to £600 this July and August on a selection of its European villas with pools. A week at Lluc d’Alt – a restored 300-year-old farmhouse sleeping six, with pool, games area and rural views across the San Miguel valley in Ibiza – has been reduced to £2,395 (saving £600), based on a 26 July departure. Flights and car hire are extra (vintagetravel.co.uk).
