Experience life like a Bergenser by leaving the typical tourist track behind. Make like a local and wander the technicolor streets of Nordnes and Sandviken, each blissfully crowd-free corners of culture, history, and ample residential charm in the city center. Both boast vividly hued wooden homes, as well as cozy cafes and restaurants for relaxing—with Nordnes, a village-like neighborhood that was once home to Norwegian merchants, gazing across the harbor towards Bryggen, and Sandviken, once a countryside escape for wealthy traders, resting further north. Alternatively, to see a more modern but no less vibrant side of the city, embark on a walking tour of Bergen’s street art. Not only is Bergen home to some of the country’s most acclaimed street artists, but even the mysterious Banksy once left his mark on the city's streets. Though, sadly, none of his works remain.

Stroll Bryggen’s alleyways in search of the perfect keepsake, a bite to eat, or a cup of coffee. Along with restaurants, cafes, bars, and souvenir shops that line the harbor, there are also hidden gems to be found for those that wander off the well-worn cobblestone streets along the quay. Here, artisans of all sorts craft and peddle their wares—such as pottery, jewelry, art, leatherwork, and textiles—making for the ideal memento for a visit to this creative city.

Get a bird’s-eye view of Bergen from the Fløibanen, a funicular railway that travels from the heart of the city up Mount Fløyen, climbing to around 1,050 feet (320 meters) above sea level. The entire journey to the top takes around five to eight minutes, where travelers will find walking paths, a gift shop, a couple of dining options, and, of course, stunning scenery.

Walk in the footsteps of composer Edvard Grieg and his wife, singer Nina Grieg, and take in a performance at their former home of Troldhaugen, where he lived and worked for 22 years. Part of the Kode complex, the grounds are home to their beautiful villa, as well as the quaint garden hut where he created some of his best-known pieces. Troldsalen, the home’s onsite concert hall, puts on daily performances during the summer months to much fanfare, allowing visitors to drink in the scenery that once inspired the very music they are enjoying.