Oslo, Norway’s capital, is as much a stopover before or after discovering the southwestern fjords, as it is a city trip destination. Whether you want to soak it up for a day or two, or discover it in greater depth, it’s important to choose the right place to stay in Oslo.
In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to decide where to stay in Oslo. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about them and their particular features (atmosphere, location, must-sees and must-visits, how to get around, type of accommodation). You’ll also find a selection of hotels to suit every budget.
Key information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in Oslo, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Oslo:
- $ this one, offers charming period rooms. It is a 10-minute walk from Karl Johans Gate.
- $$ this modern hotel, ideally located in Grunerlokka. It offers fully-equipped family rooms. A buffet breakfast is served daily.
- $$$ this charming, luxurious hotel, is located in the heart of Karl Johans Gate Avenue.
Map of different areas to stay in Oslo
We’re sharing the map on which you can find our recommended hotels or apartments to stay in Oslo. This map will also enable you to locate the different geographical areas we’ll be covering in this guide.
We’ve used the following color code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Oslo accommodation essentials
Places to stay in and around Oslo
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Oslo.
Staying in the historic heart of Sentrum
As its name suggests, the Sentrum represents the city center. The historic part of Oslo, it's the ideal place to stay, as you'll be close to many of Oslo's must-see attractions, such as the Akershus Citadel, the Royal Palace and the National Museum. Quite cultural, it's a great place for entertainment. Lively and friendly, it's made up of beautiful buildings and lively streets like Karl Johan Avenue, where you'll find fashion boutiques and good restaurants.
The advantage of staying in this area is that public transport, particularly the metro, is close at hand. All five lines are in one place in the heart of Oslo. Convenient if you want to get around the capital, especially to out-of-the-way places. Apart from the must-sees, some well-known museums are a little far away.
As far as accommodation is concerned, there'sa wide range on offer in the Sentrum. Rates can be affordable, but only if you plan ahead. There are apartments to rent as well as hotel rooms. If you're on a budget, however, it's best not to stay in this area.
Our recommended accommodations
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With its central location, this accommodation is ideal for those on a budget. It's close to both the center and the main train station.
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A friendly, elegantly decorated establishment. The location is ideal, just a stone's throw from Avenue Karl Johans. Private parking is available at an additional cost, and breakfast is included.
Tjuvholmen and Aker Brygge, chic places to stay
Located to the south of the historic center, the Tjuvholmen and Aker Brygge districts are quite chic and very touristy. They are about ten minutes' walk from the latter. Recently renovated, they have the advantage of being very dynamic. Please note, however, that they are not served by public transport.
Formerly a dock area, Aker Brygge has reinvented itself to become a popular district for locals and tourists alike. In recent years, bars and restaurants have sprung up on the quayside around the marina. As you stroll along, you'll find a shopping mall and a tower called The Sneak Peak, where you can enjoy a view of the city. From here, you can also take the ferry to the Bygdøy peninsula. Here you'll find the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum and the Norwegian Folklore Museum.
As for Tjuvholmen, you'll find modern architecture. In summer, you can go for a swim. It's also right on the capital's fjord.
If you're looking for a place to stay, be aware that thesupply is limited and that these two areas are quite expensive, as they are very popular. Only the most prestigious hotels can be found here.
Our recommended accommodations
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Located in the north of the Aker Brygge district, this accommodation is friendly. There's a bar, fitness center and family rooms. Please note that breakfast is included.
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With a spa, swimming pool, rooftop, gym, parking, airport shuttle and two restaurants offering a contemporary Norwegian menu, this establishment has a lot going for it. The location is excellent, and the decor is modern and elegant.
Staying in Majorstuen, in the west and with good transport links
Next, you'll find the Majorstuen district, quite a distance from the historic heart, located precisely to the northwest. An interesting place to stay, it's home to Frogner (or Vigeland) Park, famous for its sculptures. It's one of the must-sees when visiting Oslo.
An upscale district, this area boasts gourmet restaurants with a local menu, as well as designer boutiques along the Bogstadveien street. Very wide, it's more of a residential area.
Getting around Majorstuen is relatively straightforward, with streetcar lines connecting you to the sentrum in less than 20 minutes.
As for accommodation, it's affordable. Both small and large budgets are catered for. On the other hand, the offer is more limited. The key is to plan ahead if you want to stay here.
Our recommended accommodations
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Located just above the Palais Royal, this charming establishment is well situated between the center and the park. It's a great place to stay on a budget.
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This BW Premier Collection boutique hotel offers spacious rooms, chic, modern decor, a bar and free private parking. It is 400m from a streetcar stop.
Frogner, a quiet place to stay
Another interesting district to stay in is the Frogner district. Located between Majorstuen and the heart of the city, it's well worth adding to your list. Quiet and residential, it boasts beautiful, colorful architecture. Good value for money, the Frogner area is ideal for a short stay in the Norwegian capital. Like Majorstuen, it adjoins the majestic Frogner Park.
However, you'll need to take public transport to reach the Sentrum. To reach the historic part, you'll need to take the streetcar for about ten minutes. Line 12 from the park to the Sentrum is particularly useful.
In terms of places to stay, you'll find more apartments to rent than hotels in this area, with good value for money. Quieter than the other districts, it's accessible to those on a budget. Please note, however, that supply is limited, so book well in advance.
Our recommended accommodations
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Several well-equipped, modern apartments are available. Ideal for families. Breakfast included in some packages.
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This chic establishment is conveniently located just a stone's throw from the royal palace. We appreciate the two on-site restaurants and bar, as well as the gym and private parking (extra charge). Breakfast included.
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A charming establishment with elegant decor. It features a sauna, gym, restaurant and bar. The garden terrace is a plus. Good public transport links.
Is staying in other neighborhoods a good idea?
Two final neighborhoods represent a final alternative for staying in Oslo. These are the area north of Sentrum, and the area near the train station. Cheaper and closer to public transport, they offer a number of advantages that should be taken into account when considering accommodation in Oslo.
Firstly, travelers appreciate the northern part of Sentrum, generally beyond Route 162. It's an ideal district for those on a budget, as accommodation prices are lower. Mostly small hotels or youth hostels. It's quite convenient to stay here, since it's only a ten-minute walk to the center.
Further away from the cathedral, you'll find another interesting area to stay: the one near the main railway station. Here you'll find the Gronland district to the north. The city's famous opera house and the Munch Museum are both nearby, on the waterfront to the south. There's a wide range of affordable accommodation on offer. The advantage of staying here is proximity to the sentrum and good value for money.
Our recommended accommodations
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An affordable, low-cost youth hostel. For greater privacy, family rooms are available. Located north of the Sentrum, it has a gym and restaurant. It's one of the most affordable places to stay in Oslo.
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This charming hotel is just a stone's throw from the Opera House and Central Station. Spacious and tastefully decorated, it boasts a beautiful view of the city from its terrace. Good breakfast (included).
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A beautiful luxury boutique hotel just a stone's throw from the station. Elegantly decorated, the rooms are magnificent, some with balconies. Enjoy the cocktail bar, modern gym, Finnish sauna and local à la carte restaurant. A great place to stay.
Summary
Oslo can be visited in many different ways. Some travelers devote a day or two to the city as part of a longer stay in Norway. They don’t want to spend too much time there. Others devote a city trip over a long weekend to soak up its history and discover its museums.
For a short stay, it’s best to stay as close to the city center as possible to optimize your travels. The Sentrum, Tjuvholmen and Aker Brygge areas are ideal for staying in Oslo and making the most of your stay. With more time on your hands, if you want to keep your accommodation budget down, you can opt for Frogner and the surrounding area, or the railway station area to the east.
In any case, like most Nordic cities, the cost of living in Oslo is higher than elsewhere in Europe. This is reflected in the price of accommodation. So don’t wait until you book to see prices drop – it won’t happen!