🇳🇴 Oslo: A City That Exceeds Expectations

Originally planned as just a stopover en route to Iceland, Oslo surprised me in the best ways. While Norway’s nature is undeniably stunning, skipping its capital would mean missing its unique urban charm. ✨ Why Oslo Won Me Over 1️⃣ Architectural Harmony From suburbs to downtown, soft-hued buildings create a visually soothing palette. A masterclass in color theory and urban planning—something Chinese cities could learn from! 2️⃣ Walkable & Open Sentrum area packs all highlights: Opera House, Deichman Library, Parliament (no fences!), City Hall (free wedding bookings!), and the Royal Palace. No barriers, no pretension—government buildings welcome visitors, parks feel safe (unlike some Western European cities). 3️⃣ Grunerløkka: Hip But Real XHS-hyped boutiques and cafes? Holzweiler’s outlet store (50% off!) was the only worthwhile stop. Tim Wendelboe—great coffee, but don’t expect “award-winning” beans for sale. 4️⃣ Price Shock Meals/taxis cost 2x Beijing/Shanghai. Airport water bottles: A scam. 5️⃣ Safety Note Avoid Gronland/Tøyen at night (graffiti, weed smells—thanks, DeepSeek, for the heads-up!). Final Verdict Oslo is vibrant but calm, expensive but unpretentious—a city that balances color and quiet effortlessly. #NorwayTravel #OsloDiaries #UrbanDiscoveries