Stavanger is Norway's fourth largest city and is known as the country's 'Oil City'. The oil industry brings wealth and development to the city, but the old town is still intact; with white-painted wooden buildings dating from the 18th century, the old town center is one of the best preserved in Europe.
Stavanger comes alive at night, with lots of bars and nightclubs. Head to Vagen (the bay area) for the best atmosphere.
Preikstolen, or Pulpit Rock, is one of the most famous sights in Norway. This 600m rock towers above the Lysefjord, giving stunning views.
Stavanger is a paradise for foodies. It has a couple of Michelin starred restaurants, great seafood and a host of ethnic eateries.
The city center, with its winding streets and well-kept white wooden houses, takes you back in time to 18th century Norway.
Solastranden, or Sola Beach, is a great place to relax with the locals in summer and perhaps enjoy some surfing.
Stavanger has a cool maritime climate with cold wet winters and warm summers. Summer is the best time to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Stavanger Airport Sola has frequent services to other Norwegian cities and daily connections across Europe. The airport shuttle bus departs for downtown Stavanger every 20 minutes and costs kr120. A taxi will cost around kr400.
Stavanger has a good train service, connecting with Oslo and Kristiansand. A single ticket from Oslo costs around kr534.
Stavanger lies on the main E39 route from Bergen to Kristiansand.
There are regular bus services from Bergen, Oslo and Kristiansand. A single ticket from Oslo will cost around kr160.
Centrum Romutleie on Baldersgata has double rooms from kr500 about 1 mile from the city center. Hotel Maritim on Kongsgata offers more luxury and a central location with rooms from kr1,625.
Gamle Stavanger - is the historic center of the city and remains unspoiled by development. Its pretty streets and wooden buildings are recognized as one of the best examples of 18th century Norwegian architecture.
Vagen - is the bustling bay area of the city and is the place to head to for bars, clubs and restaurants.
Bekkefaret - lies on the outskirts of the city center and is famous for its nature reserves, including Mosvatnet, Ullandhaugskogen and Vaalandsskogen.
Stavanger has a good local bus service, with single tickets costing from kr33 and day tickets from kr85. It is more expensive to buy tickets from the driver, so use the ticket machines at the bus stops instead.
Taxis are plentiful in Stavanger, if a little pricey. The initial fare is kr130 and then around kr25 per mile.
Stavanger has excellent roads and driving is relatively straightforward. Car rental will cost around kr960 per day.
Gamle Stavanger is good for arts and crafts stores, while the biggest mall is Stavanger Storsenter on Klubbgaten, where you can find everything from furniture to fashion.
A quart of milk in Stavanger will cost kr16.00 and a dozen eggs kr35.00.
Renaa Matbaren on Breitorget has excellent steak and seafood from kr165 for mains. Renaa Restauranten is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern Norwegian food from a kr995 tasting menu.