The best things to do in Stavanger

Stavanger kommune is a city founded on January 21, 1125. Characterized by having eight main districts, which are further divided into a total of 22 neighborhoods, with a population of 143,905 inhabitants.

This metropolis of tall buildings has the Stavanger-Sola Airport (Stavanger lufthavn, Sola), located about 14 kilometers southwest of the city center if you wish to travel by plane, and two bus terminals located to the south and north if you prefer to arrive by bus in Stavanger.

There are also various transportation systems such as buses, trams, trains, a bike rental system, and taxis. Lastly, there are 100 km of cycle paths for biking around the city.

Stavanger is a great city to live in Norway because, in addition to offering essential places to visit, it is recognized for its natural and cultural beauty, with charming Norwegian architecture, impressive fjords, colorful wooden houses, and a rich Viking history.

It is also known for its traditions, such as the Stavanger International Film Festival in August, the MaiJazz Jazz Festival in May, and the Gladmat Gastronomic Festival in July. But, above all, for its welcoming climate, as the weather in Stavanger kommun during most of the year is oceanic, with mild winters and cool summers, and an average annual temperature of around 9 degrees Celsius.

Now, as for the beautiful places in Stavanger, they are diverse, offering different types of tourism. For example, one attractive aspect of historical tourism is exploring the picturesque spots in Stavanger where you can easily take photos. Some main ones include Stavanger Cathedral, Gamle Stavanger (the old town), Øvre Holmegate street, Stavanger Harbor, Fisketorget fish market, Valbergtårnet viewpoint, Kongeparken amusement park, Stavanger Aquarium, Kvitsøy lighthouse, and Mosvatnet lake.

Another good plan in Stavanger for a day is to walk through landscapes or parks such as Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock), Kjeragbolten, Lysefjord, Solastranden beach, Håtangen, and the beaches of Jæren. Most of these tourist sites in Stavanger require little money to visit.

Other attractions in Stavanger that you must visit for a day out are the museums. Some of the most important ones include the Petroleum Museum, Maritime Museum, and Stavanger Art Museum.

If you prefer night activities and enjoy traveling alone or going out as a couple, you should know some emblematic places in Stavanger for nighttime outings. Some recommended ones are the Kvitsøy lighthouse, located on a small island off the coast of Stavanger, offering stunning views of the sea and surroundings.

But if you are more inclined to travel with family, among the beautiful places in Stavanger for children, there is the Petroleum Museum, Kongeparken Adventure Park, and Stavanger Maritime Museum.

Before traveling to this wonderful city and experiencing some of Stavanger's tourist spots, we recommend getting to know the richness of the Stavanger residents' customs and some curious facts about the metropolis. Some important ones are:

• Stavanger is known as the "Oil Capital" of Norway due to its significant oil industry.
• The city is home to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, where visitors can learn about the history and importance of this industry in Norway.
• Stavanger is famous for its white wooden houses, which are a distinctive symbol of traditional Norwegian architecture.
• Stavanger Cathedral, built in the 12th century, is one of the best-preserved medieval churches in Norway.
• The annual Stavanger Music Festival, called the "Stavanger International Music Festival," attracts internationally renowned artists and musicians.
• Stavanger is also known for its vibrant art and cultural scene, with numerous art galleries and museums.
• The city has several parks and natural areas, such as the Ryfylke National Park, offering beautiful landscapes and opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
• Stavanger was named the European Capital of Culture in 2008, further boosting its reputation as a cultural destination.

Being one of the important cities in Norway, Stavanger is a gastronomic hub, so one of the must-do things is to dine in areas like Øvre Holmegate, Fisketorget (fish market), Valbergtårnet (Valberg Tower), Skagenkaien, and Pedersgata, which are favorites among foodies.

You will find the best restaurants and bars for all tastes and budgets, perfect for trying some of the local specialties such as Bacalao Stavanger style, Fish Soup (Fiskesuppe), Smalahove (smoked lamb's head), Raspeballer (potato dumplings filled with meat), Klippfisk (dried cod), Rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge), Fårikål (lamb and cabbage stew), Lutefisk (lye-soaked cod), Krumkake (Norwegian waffle-like cookie), and Sandnespølse (local sausage). Some recommended restaurants are Renaa restaurant, Tango Bar & Kjøkken, Fisketorget restaurant, Sabi Omakase restaurant, and Re-Naa Matbaren restaurant.

Regarding accommodation, if you want to stay in one of the most exclusive and safe areas of Stavanger, we recommend Stavanger Sentrum, Gamle Stavanger, Øvre Holmegate, Våland, Madla, and Hillevåg. There, you will find the most recommended famous hotels in Stavanger such as Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Clarion Hotel Stavanger, Scandic Royal Stavanger, and Thon Hotel Stavanger.