Where to Stay in Oslo – 6 Best Areas for Tourists

Find top accommodation options in Oslo, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly stays, and discover vibrant nightlife, cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities.
Where to Stay in Oslo

Oslo has many great areas to stay in. Just set your budget and travel goals.

You’ve probably heard that Oslo is expensive. While this can be true compared to other European destinations, don’t let it discourage you. There are options for every budget.

Norwegian tourism officials understand that high hotel prices can deter visitors, which isn’t good for business. So, you’ll find fair accommodations in good areas.

Shopping, dining, and transportation might give you a bit of sticker shock in some spots, but that hasn’t stopped travelers from making Oslo a global destination, even for backpackers.

With that in mind, here are my suggestions to help you decide where to stay in Oslo:

1. Sentrum, best area to stay in Oslo for first time

Royal Palace of Oslo
Royal Palace of Oslo

Sentrum, Oslo city center, along the main fjord, is a lively area from Filipstadkaia to the impressive Operahuset, which looks like a mix of an old steamship and an iceberg peak.

The main harbor and ferry terminals are to the south, and the Royal Palace, home to King Harald V, marks the northern edge.

Sentrum is where you’ll find the historic Stortinget, the Norwegian Parliament, surrounded by luxury hotels ideal for diplomats and business travelers. With over 100 hotels in this compact area, there’s plenty to choose from.

For the best of Oslo, stay in Sentrum, especially near Stortinget. The area boasts chic Scandinavian design in hotels ranging from historic to ultra-modern, including boutique stays and luxury apartment rentals.

Though mostly flat, Oslo has tall hotel towers with stunning fjord views. Hoteliers here aim to offer luxurious experiences for visitors.

Luxury hotels in central Oslo provide amenities like free spa access, gourmet breakfasts with krumkake, fast Wi-Fi, and complimentary cocktails.

Long-term rentals in Sentrum are expensive but modern inside historic exteriors. Hostels here are stylish, more like IKEA showrooms, but charge extra for linens.

Sentrum is ideal for amenities and attractions, just a few blocks from Karl Johans gate. This trendy area is filled with cafes, bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs, and art galleries.

If you love architecture, outdoor sculptures, and street art, you’ll enjoy walking around Oslo’s city center.

Best Hotels in Sentrum

2. Aker Brygge, best area to stay in Oslo for shopping and food

Aker Brygge, Oslo
Aker Brygge, Oslo

Aker Brygge is a bustling waterfront area in Sentrum that offers a more budget-friendly option for travelers seeking traditional accommodations.

You’ll find charming boutique hotels and apartments near the quay.

There are also long-term rental apartments in modern high-rise buildings with stunning fjord views, though they might be a bit pricier than those in nearby Sentrum.

A big draw of staying in Aker Brygge is the abundance of seafood restaurants. Norway is a major seafood exporter, so you’re guaranteed fresh fish when dining here.

This part of Oslo feels more cosmopolitan, with excellent ethnic cafes, shops, bars, and top-quality restaurants.

Don’t miss the Astrup Fearnley Museum and the enchanting Tjuvholmen sculpture park if you stay here.

Best Hotels in Aker Brygge

3. Gamle, a modern area to stay in Oslo

Opera Oslo
Opera Oslo

The eastern side of Oslo is a favorite among locals and budget-conscious travelers, as it’s much more affordable than Sentrum and Aker Brygge.

Gamle, located east of Sentrum, is a sprawling neighborhood that includes the remnants of the old medieval city.

This area is rich in tourist attractions and large parks, like the Oslo Opera, Botanical Gardens, the Edvard Munch Museum, the Intercultural Museum, and a medieval park.

Staying here means you’re within walking distance of the University Botanical Gardens, showcasing how much character landscape architects can add to a city.

Summer is the perfect time to stay in Gamle, with numerous festivals and cultural activities happening in the gardens.

Another perk of staying in this area is the affordability of local bars and restaurants compared to other parts of Oslo.

If you appreciate modern, sleek architecture and clean, organized neighborhoods, you’ll love Gamle.

Edvard Munch Museum
Edvard Munch Museum

Best Hotels in Gamle

4. Grunerlokka, best area to stay in Oslo for families and kids

Grunerlokka
Grunerlokka, Oslo

Located northeast of center, Grunerlokka is a residential district perfect for families seeking affordable accommodations. If you’re keen to explore Oslo’s traditional neighborhoods, this is a great place to start.

Once an industrial area, Grunerlokka has recently opened up to tourists. Here, you’ll find quality lodging and amenities at prices you’ll appreciate compared to other parts of Oslo.

Many homes in the area have been meticulously renovated into long-term rental apartments, hotels, and guesthouses.

Today, Grunerlokka is known as a trendy and cool neighborhood with shopping streets, vintage stores, record shops, cozy cafes, exciting cuisine, and some nightlife spots.

The attractions in Grunerlokka are more spread out than in central Oslo, but they’re worth visiting.

The city parks on the east side of the Akerselva River are stunning, with many right next to Grunerlokka. Visiting these parks offers moments of play and relaxation for kids.

Several hiking trails await travelers, some leading to Sentrum. Even without sea views, Grunerlokka is one of the best areas to stay in Oslo.

Best Hotels in Grunerlokka

5. Frogner, best area to stay in Oslo for business travelers

Oslo City Museum
Oslo City Museum / photo: wikipedia

Frogner, situated northwest of Sentrum, is a favorite among business travelers and those considering a move to Norway.

Oslo is known for its numerous parks, and Frogner Park is one of the most enchanting urban parks in Europe. It may not rival New York’s Central Park in size, but it boasts stunning aesthetics and pristine cleanliness.

A stroll through Frogner Park is rewarding, offering plenty to see and do: sculptures, ice skating, football matches, outdoor concerts, art galleries, museums, and more.

Frogner also has great shopping options, especially along Bogstadveien, the city’s main commercial street, and plenty of excellent restaurants.

Some highlights in Frogner include the Oslo City Museum, Viking Ship Museum, Vigeland Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum, and the Norwegian Maritime Museum.

Though the number of hotels in Frogner is limited, they primarily cater to professionals and offer reasonable rates. The limited availability means booking in advance is a good idea.

Three-star hotels along Bygdoy Avenue are budget-friendly and conveniently located near neighborhood restaurants and cafes. Recently, several large residences have been converted into rental apartments, providing a more traditional stay experience.

Best Hotels in Frogner

6. Majorstuen, best area to stay in Oslo for nightlife

Majorstuen, Oslo
Majorstuen, Oslo

On west side of Oslo, you’ll find Majorstuen, an elegant residential and commercial area just north of the Royal Palace. The best part of Frogner Park, as mentioned earlier, is easily accessible from Majorstuen.

If luxury defines your preferences for accommodations in Oslo, Majorstuen is highly recommended.

There aren’t many hotels here, just a few established chains and some luxurious rental apartments. Majorstuen isn’t ideal for backpackers unless you find a good deal during the winter months.

For a taste of Oslo’s nightlife, head to Hegdehaugsveien and Solli Plass, which won’t disappoint.

You’ll encounter boutiques, pubs, fine-dining restaurants, and clubs typical of a cosmopolitan capital.

For families with children, Majorstuen is one of Oslo’s quieter areas and is home to the International Museum of Children’s Art.

Best Hotels in Majorstuen

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