Music: two weekly concerts are presented by the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra at the Konserthuset. The Norwegian Opera performs operas and ballets daily from the beginning of September through May. The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra and the Radio Orchestra present a series of performances at various city venues, as dœes the Oslo Sinfonietta.

The Aula, at the University of Oslo, is one of the most sought-after venues for musical performances due to its excellent acoustics. Another popular venue is Gamle Logen, composer Edvard Grieg’s concert hall, which was recently restored to its original state.

Theatre: the century-old National Theater plays host to a number of Norwegian plays and it is also the venue for the International Ibsen Stage Festival. The National Theater Company also stages performances of more contemporary and experimental work at the Torshovteatret, found in the eastern part of the city.

Oslo’s other major theatre company is the Norwegian Theater, with other well-known companies including the Oslo Nye Teater, Centralteatret, Cafescenen, Dukketeatret (the puppet theater) and Hovedscenen.

Several days each week in July and August, a traditional ‘Norwegian Evening’ is staged at the Norsk Folkemuseum while the Norwegian National Ballet company offers a varied repertoire of traditional and contemporary works.

Film: a number of cinemas are located throughout central Oslo and include the Colosseum, the Eldorado, and Vika Kino. Films are very popular here and are shown in the original language with subtitles; alternative offerings and classic films are shown at the Norsk Filminstitutt.

Holmenkollen: is great for cross-country skiing in the winter and equally suited for summer hiking. You can also visit the ski museum while you’re there. Cheap sledges can be bought in winter or you can rent a proper one for an exciting ride down from Frognerseteren to the Midtstuen station. The sleighing competitions of the 1952 Winter Olympics were held here.