Where to stay in Oslo: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexOslo, the capital of Norway, is a modern and lively city, in a truly unique location: that of the Oslofjord. Full of attractions and things to do, it is also a very expensive destination, like the rest of Northern Europe. One of the first things to do is to choose your accommodation.
Here are all our tips on where to sleep in Oslo.
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in Oslo
If this is your first time visiting Oslo or if you only have a few days to spare, your best bet is to stay in Sentrum, even if it's one of the most expensive areas. This is also the nightlife district, and one of the most lively and chaotic in the evening, recommended especially for young people. Other young and trendy neighbourhoods are Grünerløkka and the multicultural Gamle Oslo.
If you want to stay on a budget, you can opt for Nordstrand. It is a district further away from the centre and without any particular tourist attractions, but here the prices are slightly lower than in the rest of the city. Public transport is very efficient, so you won't have any problems getting around.
Finally, if you are travelling with your family and are looking for tranquillity, there are various options. The best neighbourhood is Frogner, but it is a truly exclusive area, one of the most expensive in all of Norway! Alternatively, you can opt for Holmenkollen, completely surrounded by greenery.
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: Nordstrand
- Recommended areas for families with children: Sentrum, Frogner, Holmenkollen
- Recommended areas for young people: Sentrum, Gamle Oslo, Grünerløkka
- Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Oslo. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
If you are in Oslo for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com
Guide to the areas of Oslo
Oslo, located in southern Norway, is home to 12% of the Norwegian population. Over 673,000 inhabitants live in the city, which covers an area of 474 sq. km. Including the entire metropolitan area, the population reaches about 1,546,700 people.
The city is divided into 15 districts, called bydeler in Norwegian. The most central district is Sentrum, as the name suggests, and it is also the best area to stay. The Gamle Oslo neighbourhood is also nearby. From here the remaining districts branch off: among those of tourist interest we point out Frogner, Grünerløkka, Holmenkollen and Nordstrand.
Not recommended areas: Oslo is a very safe city, there are no neighbourhoods or areas to avoid. From a tourist point of view, it is better to stay in the most central neighbourhoods, close to the main attractions.
Sentrum
Sentrum is the best neighbourhood to stay in Oslo, especially if it's your first time visiting the city or if you only have a few days to visit. The main attractions of the Norwegian capital are here, including the Royal Palace, Oslo Domkirke Cathedral, Akershus Fortress and Oslo City Hall.
Given its variety and the many things to do, it is a neighbourhood suitable for any type of traveller, young people will find nightlife and numerous clubs here. For families, on the other hand, we recommend the Aker Brygge area, located in the southern part of Sentrum, in the area where it borders the Frogner district, and overlooks the fjord and the harbour.
Finally, staying here will make it easy to get around on foot. Here, the attractions are very close to each other. To reach more distant points, you can rely on the excellent public transport system. The district is also home to the Oslo Sentralstasjon Railway Station.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €80,00 for low-cost accommodation to €450,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotell Bondeheimen | 3-star hotel 100 metres from Karl Johans Gate, the main shopping street. Gym, parking and restaurant. Ideal for couples and families |
| Citybox Oslo | Budget hotel 250 m from central station. Express check-in and check-out, 24-hour reception and luggage storage. Ideal for young people |
| Nordic Host - Dronningens Gate 12 | 58 sqm apartment with garden and city views, free WiFi. Two bedrooms, equipped kitchen and bathroom. Ideal for families and groups of up to 5 adults |
| Scandic Victoria | 4-star hotel with gym, parking and bar. Located within walking distance of major attractions. Ideal for couples |
Gamle Oslo
Gamle Oslo represents the historic heart of the city. This area is home to attractions such as the Operahuset Oslo, the Oslo Opera House, Middelalderparken park and the famous Munch Museum. Plus, the area borders Sentrum, so you'll be within walking distance of the Norwegian capital's main attractions.
It is a neighbourhood recommended mainly for young people, due to its multicultural character. Here, it is possible to find restaurants and clubs serving cuisines from all around the world, as well as numerous other places to spend the evening. Furthermore, you can reach Sørenga Sjøbad public swimming pool from here.
Finally, staying here will make it easy to move around on foot. You can also easily reach Sentralstasjon (Oslo Central Station) and the whole district is served by tram.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €80,00 for low-cost accommodation to €450,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Forenom Aparthotel Oslo | Aparthotel with mini apartments and hotel services. Small kitchenette, private bathroom. Ideal for couples, small groups and families |
| BJORVIKA APARTMENTS Opera Area Oslo | Apartment residence 14 min walk from central station. With kitchen, full bathroom and terrace. For 3 to 5 people. Ideal for small groups |
| Wright Apartments - Sorenga | Apartment complex within walking distance of the Sørenga Sjøbad swimming pool. Equipped kitchen, full bathroom, parking and fjord views. For 4 to 8 people, ideal for groups |
| Clarion Hotel Oslo | 4-star hotel with 24-hour reception, room service, bar, restaurant and gym. Pets Allowed. Ideal for couples |
Frogner
Frogner, located in the southwestern part of Oslo and bordering the Sentrum district, is one of the most exclusive areas not only in Oslo, but in the whole of Norway. The prices here are very high as it is considered a neighbourhood with the highest quality of life. As for attractions, the famous Vigeland Park and the Bygdoy peninsula, where the Viking Ship Museum is located, are a stone's throw away.
It is a very quiet residential area surrounded by greenery, therefore suitable mainly for families and those seeking tranquillity. It is also suitable for those looking for luxury and an exclusive experience, given the characteristics of the neighbourhood. Furthermore, in the summer, Norwegians come to the public beaches here to enjoy some sun and milder temperatures.
Finally, when staying here, you will have to use public transport unless you find accommodation in the southern part of the neighbourhood, which borders Aker Brygge in Sentrum. In this regard, the area is well served by trams and buses.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €90,00 for low-cost accommodation to €450,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Scandic Solli | 4-star hotel 5 min walk from the Royal Palace of Oslo. Free WiFi, shop open 24-hours, gym and sauna. Ideal for couples and families |
| Frogner House Apartments - Arbins gate 3 | Apartment complex with units featuring one or more bedrooms, equipped kitchen and full bathroom. Ideal for couples and families |
| The Sweet by The APARTMENTS Company | Apartment residence, studios available. Parking. Units equipped with kitchen and full bathroom. Ideal for couples |
| Clarion Collection Gabelshus | 4-star hotel 200 m from the tram stop. Elegant rooms, gym, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples |
Grünerløkka
Grünerløkka is one of the trendiest areas in Oslo. The neighbourhood is very large, but the best area to stay is the southern part, around the Akerselva river and Olaf Ryes plass park. The city's Natural History Museum is also located here.
Due to its lively and creative atmosphere, this neighbourhood is especially recommended for younger people and those in search of nightlife. Here, you will find street art and numerous trendy clubs, cafes, and alternative dance clubs.
Finally, staying here means you will have to use public transport. Sentrum, with its main attractions, is just ten minutes away by tram.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €80,00 for low-cost accommodation to €300,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Scandic Vulkan | 3-star hotel with Italian restaurant, rooms with flat-screen satellite TV and free WiFi. Gym and bike rental. Ideal for couples and young people |
| Anker Apartment Oslo | Apartment complex with 24-hour reception. Units with equipped kitchen and private bathroom. Ideal for couples and young people |
| Maya Apartments - Thorvald Meyers gt 38 | Apartment complex with all comforts. Units with fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom and one or two bedrooms. Ideal for couples and families |
Holmenkollen
Holmenkollen is a residential neighbourhood located on a hill in the northern part of Oslo. It is a quiet neighbourhood with few attractions: the most famous is the ski jump that bears the same name as the area, Holmenkollenbakken.
It is a very quiet area surrounded by greenery, therefore recommended above all for families and those seeking tranquillity. Given its layout, you can also admire a splendid view of the city and the fjord from here. Here, there are many high-level hotels, but at more affordable prices than those in the city centre.
Finally, you will have to use public transport if you stay here. We are far from Sentrum, but the area is well connected by the direct metro, line 1. Starting from the main station, Holmenkollen station, you will arrive near central station in 25 min.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €90,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Soria Moria Hotell | Hotel 900 m from the metro station. Surrounded by greenery, views of the mountains and the city. Restaurant, swimming pool and gym. Ideal for couples |
| Voksenasen Hotell BW Signature Collection | Hotel with swimming pool, restaurant and gym. Completely surrounded by greenery. Free parking. Ideal for couples |
| Olympiatoppen Sportshotel - Scandic Partner | Hotel 100 m from the metro station and Sognsvann lake. 24-hour reception and cross-country ski trails just outside the hotel. Ideal for couples and those who love nature |
| Lysebu Hotel | 5-star hotel with swimming pool, gym and restaurant. Elegant rooms with views of the city or the surrounding mountains. Ideal for couples and families |
Nordstrand
Finally, we recommend the Nordstrand district, one of the largest districts in Oslo. Beware of the name though, as it could be misleading: Nordstrand, although it includes the word "North", is located in the southern part of the city. We recommend that you look for accommodation in the northernmost part of the district, so that you are closer to Sentrum and the main attractions.
It is a fairly quiet neighbourhood, especially recommended for those on a budget. Given the distance from the centre and the more touristy areas, it is easier to find some offers, obviously always booking in advance!
Finally, staying here you will have to use public transport. The area is served by several tram lines that will take you to the centre in about 20/30 min. In addition, this area is also recommended if you arrive in Oslo by car. You can leave your car here and use public transport to get to the centre
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €85,00 for low-cost accommodation to €180,00 for more expensive options - compare the best places to stay on Booking
Places to stay near Oslo
Regardless of the amount of time you have to visit Oslo and its surroundings, the best solution is to stay in the city. As we have seen, there are several neighbourhoods suitable for any traveller. The only downside is the cost, as the cost of living in Norway is high. However, by booking early it is possible to find some good offers.
Staying outside Oslo means facing even more costs. With a limited hotel offer, the cost of accommodation is even higher, without calculating the price of the train ticket or means of transport that you would have to use to get to the centre. If you have a rental car, you will find the city centre is a Limited Traffic Zone and parking spaces are scarce and expensive.