In Oslo, shops are usually open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are extended hours in most malls from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday to Friday) and on Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm.
Extended shopping hours are not that popular in Norway. Most shops are closed on Sundays, but some souvenir shops remain open. Thursday offers nightly shopping – shopping malls and souvenir shops generally offer extended hours until 7 pm or 8 pm on that day.
Oh, and you may need some cash, so keep in mind that most banks are open until 5pm. But they have a 24-hour automated teller machine (ATM) outside the bank.
Byporten Shopping
Byporten Shopping is a relatively new shopping center in Oslo and is right next to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S). It includes around 70 shops, including a Scandic hotel, Norway’s largest Egon restaurant (among 11 other food places), as well as underground parking. And the good thing is that it is right next to Oslo central station. If you’re changing trains and have a couple of hours between transfers, head up to Byporten and eat or look around. You will find all kinds of price ranges here.
This mall is open from 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday and from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays.
Oslo City Mall
Built by Selmer Skanska in 1988, the Oslo City Shopping Center is the largest and most popular shopping center in Oslo. Around 16 million people come here every year, and many people can’t be wrong. The selection is amazing. The mall currently has approximately 93 stores and restaurants. It was voted the best Nordic Mall 2010 even. This shopping center is located a short distance from the central station. During the warmer months, fresh food can be found at the entrance.
Bad news? It can get very crowded here, and not just in the month before Christmas, and the restrooms aren’t free, either.
Karl Johans Gate shopping area
Karl Johans Gate is the most famous pedestrian street in Oslo and is right in the center of Oslo. This street runs east to west from Oslo Central Station to the Royal Palace. Here you will find several street performers, restaurants, and many shops, including fashion chains such as Benetton and H&M. The prices are reasonable considering the location, and the easy access to the outdoors is nice too. It also doesn’t get too crowded. This street (and its back streets), is particularly famous for handicrafts, clothing, jewelry and look for home accessories in department stores.
It’s a must-have for shopping fans!
The Paleet Mall
The Paleet is located right next to Karl Johans Gate, complementing the pedestrianized shopping street we noticed earlier. Paleet alone offers about 45 stores and 13 restaurants. It’s a bit more upscale here, not exactly suitable for bargain basement shoppers. Expect to find womenswear, menswear, china, flowers, glassware, jewelry, and sportswear, etc. at higher prices. Open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 8 pm and from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays.
