I particularly liked Bergen. It was the first time I had visited a Hanseatic town. I spent some time walking along the quays in front of brightly coloured houses. You can feel the link the Norwegians have with the sea. Walking around the very lively fish market is also very nice, despite the smell! And the crab sandwiches are worth a try.
I found the whole town charming. As I walked down the narrow alleys I felt like I was walking back into medieval Bergen. There are lots of museums and small shops in the pedestrianised streets in the centre of town. It's a calm town and a good base for going to the fjords during a trip to Norway. Take the funicular and enjoy the view.
In spite of the bad weather, Bergen is a very charming city. If you need convincing, just take a stroll to see the lovely old buildings in all sorts of colours, and you'll see that the locals are also out and about in the streets, whatever the weather. Remember though, that you are in Norway and everything is more expensive.
Take a walk to the fish market to see the day's catch. And if you're a keen photographer like me, you'll find plenty to interest you there. You can jump aboard a cable car to get to the top of the mountain where the view is breathtaking. Once you're there, there are plenty of things to do: when I was staying in Norway, I loved the Fløysletten area where I met groups who were organising barbecues (there were nearly four hours of sunshine!). And you can take your own food because the barbies are already set up.
I had hardly arrived, and still had my pack on my back because I was looking for a hotel for a few nights, when I was staggered by the magnificent Hanseatic houses which are a real symbol of Bergen.
You don't have to keep your eyes on a map, because Bergen is a small town and it's pleasant to get lost there. Once I had thoroughly explored the town I could hear nature calling me. Good news - the Fløibanen funicular takes you up 320 m, to the top of Mount Fløyen. The view, and the walks, are superb. Once I got back down again, around 1 p.m., there was a large queue waiting, so I recommend you do the trip in the morning to be calmer and more tranquil. If you are interested in Norwegian and Scandinavian culture, there are lots of concerts and festivals in Bergen.
Eating costs a lot in Norway. So we travellers have to find the best way to do it. In Bergen it's the fish market, which you can recognise by its lively atmosphere and orange tents. The little extra is you can eat on the go there. Even though there are lots of tourists, the place is very authentic.