Oslo

For a wonderful choice of different restaurants, get yourself along to Aker Brygge.

This area was once a bustling ship yard and is now one of the hippest places to find a bite to eat in Oslo. Get lovely views of the harbour and enjoy patio dining in this exciting, pedestrian-friendly zone. If you’re looking for an upmarket experience, try the hos Thea or the Statholdergaarden. For cheaper eats, check out the budget guide to Oslo restaurants.

It’s worth bearing in mind that restaurants in Scandinavia tend to close a little earlier than the do in other European countries, so be sure to make your dinner reservation an early one.

There's plenty of choice when it comes to resting your head - whether you need cheap and cheerful or the height of luxury.

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the capital, the best choice has to be the Hotel Continental or the iconic Grand Hotel but if neither of those suit your budget, you’ll be happy to know there are more than 50 hotels in the city so you’re sure to find your perfect match. Check Visit Oslo for some good suggestions.

Oslo's changing seasons mean you can discover something new every time you visit.

If you don’t mind the cold, winter is a wonderful time to discover Norway’s capital – the small city is within easy reach of some incredible landscapes, where you can enjoy everything from ice skating to sledding and cross-country skiing. The advantage of a winter visit, too, is during the off season you won’t have to contend with the crowds and can often find great deals on hotels. If you want to catch the Northern Lights, then winter is your best bet; between September and April in northern Norway you’ll have your best chance of seeing the famous colours in the sky.

If winter isn’t really your style, take advantage of the long hours of daylight and the ‘Midnight Sun’ during the summer months of July and August. It stays light until after 11 pm, giving you plenty of time to explore and take in the city and surrounds.