The 53 places to go in 2008: 26. Oslo

In addition to being one of the world’s most expensive cities , Oslo is burnishing its reputation as a design and architecture center. Next April, the futuristic National Opera House will open at the head of the Oslofjord, sheathed in white marble. It will be joined by two new design hotels: Chain with approx 50 hotels in Norway">Thon Hotel Gyldenlove and Grims Grenka Hotel.

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