04 November 2025
Share
Nestled on the southwest coast of Norway, Stavanger is a city that effortlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary creativity. In just two days, you can journey through centuries of history, taste some of the country’s most exciting cuisine and immerse yourself in landscapes so pristine they feel almost imagined.
Join us as we make the most of 48 hours in this extraordinary city...
Day 1: A City of Contrasts – From Storybook Streets to Edgy Street Art
Morning
The day begins at Ostehuset, a light-filled café in Stavanger Øst, where locals gather over steaming coffee and freshly baked bread. It’s the kind of spot that sets a warm, relaxed tone – the perfect prologue to a day of exploration.From there, a short walk brings you to Valbergtårnet, a 19th-century watchtower with panoramic views over Stavanger’s harbour and the vast North Sea beyond. It’s a reminder of the city’s maritime roots – and an ideal spot to take it all in before diving deeper.
The City Park then offers a quiet moment of calm before visiting Stavanger Cathedral, where Gothic architecture is beautifully reflected in the still waters of Lake Breiavatnet.
Lunch
Descending into the heart of Gamle Stavanger (the Old Town), you’ll find yourself stepping back in time. With 173 white wooden houses and cobblestoned lanes, this district feels like a perfectly preserved fairytale. But just a few blocks away, the mood shifts dramatically in Fargegaten – ‘The Street of Colours’ – where buildings burst into bright hues of violet, turquoise and orange, a testament to Stavanger’s creative soul.That creative spirit continues across the city in bold murals and immersive street art installations, turning Stavanger into a world-renowned open-air gallery.
Follow your senses to Pedersgata, a culinary hotspot where global influences meet Nordic innovation. For lunch, stop at BELLIES, a vibrant, plant-forward restaurant where seasonal vegetables take centre stage. Every dish surprises, pushing the boundaries of sustainable gastronomy with flair and heart.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon in Svankevigå, a vibrant waterside quarter where you can spot floating saunas bobbing gently by the quay. Stavanger’s architecture here becomes more modern and expressive, echoing the city’s embrace of change.Just across the water from here sit the natural wonders that are the Rennesøy Islands, including Brimse, whose biodynamic vegetables are prized by some of the country’s top chefs.
Evening
Back in Stavanger, you have a choice. Your evening could begin at Sabi Omakase Stavanger (so named as it also has a sister restaurant in Oslo), a sleek, MICHELIN-Starred sushi bar. Here, Norwegian seafood is transformed with traditional Japanese precision, creating delicate dishes that awaken the senses.The alternative option is to make for One-MICHELIN-Starred K2, a real gem known for its minimalist interior and imaginative use of ingredients. With seasonal tasting menus that reflect the surrounding landscape, K2 redefines dining – quietly confident, deeply rooted and utterly unforgettable.
Day 2: Nature and Culinary Excellence – Boats, Bolders and Belle Époque Beauty
Morning
Wake up at the elegant One-Key Eilert Smith Hotel, where Scandinavian modernism meets timeless architecture. Here, enjoy a private, in-room breakfast of flaky pastries, local cheeses and smoked fish, as sunlight filters through sleek windows.No trip to Stavanger is complete without witnessing the majesty of the nearby Lysefjord. Boat trips provide a calming all-round view, but you can also hike up to the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), perched 604 metres above you – or take on the more daring Kjerag, with its famous boulder wedged between the cliffs.
You can also discover the secluded Fantahola cove, the serene natural pool of Fantapytten and Flørli’s epic 4,444-step wooden staircase – the longest of its kind in the world.
Lunch
Back in Stavanger, head to One-Starred Hermetikken, near Ledaal Park. With an ever-evolving menu, the restaurant captures the purity of local ingredients with clarity and finesse. The atmosphere is refined but welcoming, the food rooted in both tradition and innovation.
Afternoon
Leaving the city behind, we travel to Røysland Gard, home to Nyyyt, a family-run farm and eatery. Here, ‘farm-to-table’ is a way of life, and every ingredient, from vegetables to meat, is cultivated with care. The rustic meal is heartfelt – a true taste of the Norwegian countryside.As you make your way back to the city, your journey takes you through Jæren, a strikingly open coastal landscape where sea, sky and farmland stretch endlessly.
Evening
Your day’s gastronomic journey finishes at RE-NAA, one of only two restaurants in the country to hold Three MICHELIN Stars. With just a few tables and an intimate setting, this is Nordic cuisine at its most refined. Each course is a thoughtful reflection of seasonality, nature and innovation – an unforgettable culmination to your culinary trip.Related Read: An Inspector's First-Hand Account of Dining at RE-NAA.
As night falls, retreat to the historic, Belle Époque Hotel Victoria, where soft lighting, elegant woodwork and views over the harbour offer a last moment of calm. As you enjoy a drink looking out across the shimmering water, the hum of the city gently fades into stillness.
A City That Lives and Breathes Creativity
In just two days, Stavanger reveals its many layers: bold and serene, rooted and visionary. From heritage streets and floating saunas to Three-Star meals and mountain-top views, this city is more than a destination – it’s a living, breathing canvas of history, nature and art.Whether you’re here for a weekend or a while longer, Stavanger will leave you inspired, surprised and deeply moved.
7 minutes
