Understand

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Chances are, if you are going to Norway, Oslo may not be your primary target, as Norway's nature is more exciting in other parts of the country. Nevertheless, Oslo has plenty of sights, good nightlife and is worth seeing.

Geography
Oslo, with its approximately 453 square kilometers, is one of the largest capitals in the world by area. Granted, most of this is forest, making Oslo a city in close contact with the nature surrounding it.

Oslo is situated in an amphitheater like setting, with the city centre in the bottom close to the Oslo fjord, and residential areas stretching uphill from there in all directions. Behind the residential areas, the forested area of Marka (Nordmarka, Østmarka, Lillomarka) extends, with flora and fauna that is quite extraordinary for a city of this size. Moose are commonplace (easily spotted in winter), and the area is also part of Norway's wolf reserve (even if they rarely come here).

The Oslo fjord is an inlet of the Skagerrak bay, stretching inland from the North Sea towards Øresund and the Baltic Sea. Oslo has an impressive archipelago of islands, which in summer becomes the city's favoured playground.

The city centre is bounded by Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) to the east, the Royal Castle (Slottet) to the west and the sea to the south. It's a fairly compact area and easily walkable. However, several of the neighbourhoods close to the centre hold interesting sights and entertainment offerings, so to explore these you should make use of the city's comprehensive public transport system.

Oslo proper has about 540 000 inhabitants, but the whole conurbation is home to about one million persons. This makes it the smallest capital of the Nordic countries (except Reykjavik), but it's not without big city charms and flaws.

Eat

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There is a lot of both expensive and cheap places to eat in Oslo. The cheapest restaurants are the oriental restaurants which in many cases serve good food at a low price.
Check the menus on the door.

Aker Brygge (tram 12, bus 21, 32, 33 or 54; stops Aker Brygge, Vika Atrium or Bryggetorget) is a coastal area located south of the city hall, which during summer time is pulsing with life. There are outdoor restaurants and bars almost everywhere. Be sure to get some tasty sea-food (or whatever else you like to eat) while you are there, or just enjoy your cold beer in the summer sea-breeze. Be advised that this is also the most expensive area in Oslo to dine or drink, so unless the weather is good, you can just as well stay indoors somewhere else.

If while at Aker brygge you feel that it's a little bit too expensive, don't hesitate to retreat to the blocks behind, for example to En cafe (http://www.nattguiden.no/utested/1088). You'll also find a nice pub at Otto's (http://www.carlton.no/default4.aspx)

You are also close to most of the restaurants, bars, or nightclubs located within the city center. A key reference point will be Stortingsgaten, running parallel to Karl Johans gate, both running...