Apr 16, 2025

Shangri-la Oslo

Explore the exotic side of Oslo

"Shangri-La is the central hub and shopping haven for Oslo's alternative audience, a beloved destination for those with an affinity for the exotic."

Shangri-La is one of the oldest and most popular alternative stores in Oslo. This eclectic store offers a treasure trove of fascinating items from distant corners of the world. Here you can explore unique and exotic items from Indonesia, Nepal, India, Thailand, and Ecuador. Items they sell include clothes, carpets, jewelry, masks, divine statues, didgeridoos, crystal balls, pendulums, aromatic incense, handcrafted pipes, henna, mystic tarot cards, and nearly everything else associated with the New Age culture.

The store was established in 1974 by three young individuals with no prior knowledge about running a business. They started by selling imported affordable LPs directly from England and at significantly lower prices than their competitors. Due to their reasonable prices, the store became very successful and rapidly expanded to encompass an alternative bookshop, a café, and a section dedicated to Oriental items. Shangri-La emerged as the central hub and shopping haven for Oslo's alternative audience. Even today, it remains a beloved destination for those with an affinity for the exotic and the alternative.

The inspiration behind the store's name stems from the mystical realm described in James Hilton's 1933 novel, "Lost Horizon." Shangri-La has since become synonymous with an earthly paradise, specifically a mythical utopia nestled in the Himalayas, a timeless sanctuary of everlasting bliss wholly detached from the external world. This name harmonizes perfectly with the store, creating an ambiance that transports you to a far-off realm of wonder and discovery.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

About this spot

Karl Johans gt. 2

Incense sticks:

NOK

75

+47

95023011

Find your way with 115 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Oslo guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Oslo

Vålerenga

Walking back in time

"Vålerenga" in Oslo used to be part of the working-class part of the city. It gives you a good glimpse of what life was like back in the 19th century...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Bendik

Bryde

May 21, 2025

Nydalen Bathing

Backyard river swimming pool

Going bathing in the river in Nydalen in Oslo is one of my favorite summer activities. Come join the locals looking for a refresher in their backyards!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Bendik

Bryde

May 21, 2025

Grains Bakeri

French Crepes and Cakes

Grains Bakeri is also a pastry shop that embodies a passion for food, high-quality ingredients, and handmade delicacies crafted with care by pastry chefs.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Synne

Dalen

May 18, 2025

Kampen Bistro

A shrine to the palate

If I could recommend only one place for food lovers to visit in Oslo, it would be Kampen Bistro. I love the atmosphere, the leisurely pace, the food...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Glenn

Wells

May 15, 2025

Café Fiasco

Sit back and watch the world go by

"Café Fiasco" is next to Oslo Plaza and the perfect spot for watching all kinds of stories unfold. It's also one of my favorite burger joints around.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Glenn

Wells

May 15, 2025

Himkok

Mini-world of many pleasures

"Himkok" Oslo is a place I find something new each time I visit - a new bar, a barber shop, a live concert... Impossible not to leave full of good spirits!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Glenn

Wells

May 15, 2025

View over Oslo

Munch's "The Scream" setting

The "View Over Oslo" from the side towards the plateau of Ekeberg, is much better than where most tourists go to, namely Holmenkollen, and the locals know!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Glenn

Wells

May 15, 2025

Oslo Mikrobryggeri

Granddaddy of 'em all!

"Oslo Mikrobryggeri bar" has been serving up beer brewed on location since 1989, and has basically stayed unchanged since. Its atmosphere is its real quality.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Glenn

Wells

May 15, 2025

Cafe Nero

Labor of love

"Cafe Nero" Oslo is the perfect mix of a cafe and bar. What draws me to it is that it is clearly a labor of love and willingness to share...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Glenn

Wells

May 15, 2025

Café Laundromat

Good, clean fun

It has an open area vibe with plenty of space so that you can be left alone to do as you please. It's also a good spot for a casual meet-up with friends.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Glenn

Wells

May 15, 2025

The Botanical Garden

Oslo's urban oasis

"The Botanical Garden" in Oslo is an oasis for both young & old. It's a lush, expansive area that will appeal to all visitors but particularly to children!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Glenn

Wells

May 15, 2025

Kampen Økologiske Barnebondegård

Fun for kids

"Kampen Økologiske Barnebondegård" just outside Oslo is a quaint farm/petting zoo oasis where kids can interact with animals and learn about farms & ecology.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Glenn

Wells

May 15, 2025

Heading to Oslo?

115 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

115 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Oslo

Our team loves Oslo

Get to know our other Spotters from Oslo

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7288
Filters