Where to stay in Oslo? Here are the best hotels and areas!

Oslo, Norway’s pretty capital city with Scandinavian charm, offers a variety of neighbourhoods where everyone can find something to suit them. Between the lively historic centre of Sentrum, the hipster neighbourhood of Grünerløkka, elegant Frogner and dynamic Majorstuen, each area has its own personality.

The big advantage of this city is that it’s not very big, so it’s very easy to find accommodation either in the centre or just outside, within easy reach of the main tourist attractions and beautiful places to see.

Personally, as I always visit for two days, I prefer to be as efficient as possible and stay in the city centre. But that’s because I usually come out of season when it’s cheaper. From May to early September, prices rise and can be quite high in nice hotels. But out of season, prices are really reasonable. You can easily find a budget hotel for less than £100 without being too far away, or treat yourself to a very nice hotel for £150.

In short, there’s something for absolutely every taste and budget!

The best areas to stay in Oslo

As I said, it’s a small town, so you’ll inevitably find yourself in or near the centre, or at worst a few tram stops away if you want something bigger because you’re with your family. But unlike some big cities, there’s no need to stay on the outskirts!

Right then, let me show you around!

The 8 best hotels in Oslo

Okay, it’s difficult to narrow it down to eight. But these are really interesting, so I wanted to make an initial selection for all budgets, covering all neighbourhoods and all price ranges. This is an initial selection, before presenting you with more specific options neighbourhood by neighbourhood.

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Sentrum – Oslo’s historical centre

Sentrum is Oslo’s central district, ideal for a first visit or a short weekend break. In fact, I always stay in the centre because it’s really beautiful, with stunning architecture.

You’ll be just a stone’s throw from the main attractions: the Royal Palace, Oslo Cathedral, Akershus Fortress and the City Hall. Karl Johans gate, the main shopping street, runs through the district. It’s the transport hub with Oslo Central Station (Oslo S).

Strengths:

• Location: within walking distance of all major attractions.
• Excellent transport links (underground, bus, trams, trains).
• Wide choice of restaurants, bars and cafés.

Weaknesses:

• Most expensive neighbourhood in Oslo.
• Can be noisy in the evening, especially at weekends.

Grünerløkka – An hipster and arty district

Nicknamed ‘Løkka’ by locals, Grünerløkka is Oslo’s coolest neighbourhood. A former working-class district transformed into a creative hub, it is brimming with independent cafés, vintage shops, trendy bars and street art. The Akerselva river that runs through it offers beautiful green walks. The atmosphere is relaxed and authentic, far from the tourist crowds.

Atmosphere: Bohemian, artistic, young and lively. Urban village atmosphere with a strong local identity.

Strengths:

• Oslo’s most authentic and local neighbourhood
• Excellent cafés, fusion restaurants and alternative bars
• Weekend flea markets, food halls
• Green spaces along the Akerselva river
• Slightly more affordable prices than Sentrum

Weaknesses:

• 20-30 minutes’ walk from the centre (or 10 minutes by tram)
• Few traditional hotels (mostly Airbnbs)
• No major tourist attractions in the neighbourhood

Frogner – The norwegian elegance

Frogner is Oslo’s chic neighbourhood, home to some of Norway’s most prestigious buildings. It is here that you will find the famous Frogner Park with Vigeland’s sculptures, the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist. Wide, tree-lined streets, elegant 19th-century architecture and high-end boutiques give the neighbourhood a unique character.

Atmosphere: Quiet, residential, middle class. Relaxing atmosphere with a touch of Scandinavian elegance.

Highlights:

• Frogner Park and Vigeland sculptures (free)
• Magnificent architecture and peaceful streets
• Excellent restaurants and refined cafés
• Safe, family-friendly neighbourhood
• Close to the city centre (15 min walk)

Weaknesses:

• Most expensive neighbourhood for accommodation and dining
• Limited nightlife (but is this really a weakness?)

Majorstuen – The practical and lively hub

Majorstuen is an upmarket residential neighbourhood that also serves as a major transport hub (all metro lines intersect here). The shopping street Bogstadveien offers a mix of Scandinavian designer boutiques and international brands. The neighbourhood is ideally located between the city centre and Frogner, offering the best of both worlds.

Atmosphere: Dynamic but not chaotic, a mix of residential and commercial. Relaxed, middle-class atmosphere.

Strengths:

• Excellent transport hub (all metro lines)
• High-quality shopping on Bogstadveien
• Vintage market on Saturdays at Vestkanttorvet
• Close to the Royal Palace gardens and Frogner Park
• Good compromise between liveliness and tranquillity

Weaknesses:

• High prices (among the most expensive real estate)
• Can be very busy during rush hour
• Less character than Grünerløkka

Gamle Oslo – A multicultural authenticity

Gamle Oslo encompasses several sub-districts, including Gamlebyen (the historic old town), Grønland (a multicultural neighbourhood) and Sørenga (a new waterfront neighbourhood). It is an authentic neighbourhood with a strong cultural identity. Grønland is particularly known for its ethnic restaurants and more affordable prices.

Atmosphere: Multicultural, authentic, popular. A mix of Norwegian tradition and international influences.

Highlights:

• More affordable prices than in the city centre
• Excellent ethnic restaurants (Middle Eastern, Asian)
• Sørenga Sjøbad public swimming pool
• Norwegian Resistance Museum
• Authentic neighbourhood away from the tourists
• Close to Sentrum (15 min walk)

Staying near Oslo Gardermoen Airport

In the following article, I’ll tell you much more about the different hotels at Oslo Airport, but honestly, if you only have one night there and are leaving the next day, it might be worth sleeping at the airport so you can leave your bags there and not have to carry them around. And frankly, there are some great options!

4 interesting apartments to stay in Oslo

For more space and independence, or for longer stays, apartments are an excellent option. Oslo offers many aparthotels and furnished rentals, from budget studios to designer lofts.

4 budget hotels and hostels in Oslo

Oslo is known for being expensive, but there are affordable options without sacrificing quality. These hotels and hostels offer excellent value for money, often with stylish Scandinavian design.

FAQ where to stay in Oslo

• What is the best neighbourhood for a first visit to Oslo?
  • Sentrum is the best choice for exploring Oslo efficiently, with all the attractions nearby.
• Which area is best for those on a budget?
  • Gamle Oslo (especially Grønland) and Grünerløkka offer the best value for money.
• Where to stay in Oslo with your family?
  • Frogner and Majorstuen are ideal: quiet, safe, with parks and good transport links.
• Which neighbourhood is best for nightlife?
  • Sentrum and Grünerløkka offer the most lively bars, clubs and restaurants.
• Is Oslo a safe city?
  • Yes, Oslo is one of the safest capitals in Europe. All the neighbourhoods mentioned are safe day and night.
• How many days should you spend visiting Oslo?
  • Two to three days in Oslo are enough to see the main sights and 1 or 2 museums, while four to five days allow you to explore more thoroughly and visit the islands in the fjord.

In conclusion

There you go! I hope you’ve found somewhere you like to stay during your trip to Oslo.

Honestly, unless you’re booking at the last minute during peak season, you’ll always find something interesting to stay in, whether it’s an apartment, an aparthotel or a nice hotel.

But as I said, it’s best to plan ahead a little, as Oslo is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, given the current trend for Nordic countries.

Other resources on Oslo and Norway

I have written other articles about Oslo that may be of interest to you for your trip to the Norwegian capital or the country:

• Things to do in Oslo – find out how to have a great stay in the Norwegian capital
• Where to stay near Oslo Airport – why stay in the city when there are excellent hotels just a stone’s throw (literally) from the airport
• How to get from Oslo Airport to the city centre – by taxi, bus or direct train, discover the most convenient modes of transport
• Discover Bergen – here’s what you can do in the country’s most beautiful city
• Visit Tromsø – here’s all the information you need for a great stay in the north
• What to see in the Lofoten Islands – these are the most beautiful landscapes in the country, and here’s what you need to see
• A road trip through Norway’s fjords – discover incredible fjords between Bergen and Alesund via Trollstigen!

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