Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a modern and vibrant city set in a unique context: that of the Oslofjord. Rich in attractions and things to do, it is also a very expensive destination, like the rest of Northern Europe. One of the first things to organise is precisely the search for accommodation.
Here are all our tips on where to stay in Oslo!
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
If this is your first time visiting Oslo or if you only have a few days available, the best option is to stay in the Sentrum, one of the most expensive areas. This is also the movida district, one of the liveliest and most chaotic in the evenings, especially recommended for young people! Other young and trendy districts are Grünerløkka and the multicultural Gamle Oslo.
To save money, you can opt for Nordstrand. This is a district further away from the centre and without any particular tourist attractions, but the prices here 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 several options. The best neighbourhood is Frogner, but this is a very exclusive area and one of the most expensive in Norway! Alternatively, you can opt for Holmenkollen, which is completely surrounded by greenery.
Suggested areas tosave money: Nordstrand
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: Sentrum, Frogner, Holmenkollen
Suggested areas foryoung people: Sentrum, Gamle Oslo, Grünerløkka
Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Oslo. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Oslo on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best options and selected hotels on booking.com
Oslo city zone guide
Oslo, located in southern Norway, is home to 12% of the Norwegian population. More than 673,000 inhabitants live in the city, and if the entire metropolitan area is taken into account, the population reaches approximately 1,546,700. Finally, it covers an area of 474 square kilometres.
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 in which to stay. Near the latter is also the Gamle Oslo district. From here, the remaining districts branch off: among those of tourist interest are Frogner, Grünerløkka, Holmenkollen and Nordstrand.
Areas to avoid: Oslo is a very safe city, there are no districts or areas to avoid. From a tourist point of view, it is best to stay in the more central districts, close to the main attractions.
Sentrum
Sentrum is the best neighbourhood to stay in in Oslo, especially if this is your first time visiting the city or if you only have a few days to spare. The main attractions of the Norwegian capital are located here, including the Royal Palace, the Oslo Domkirke cathedral, the Akershus Fortress or Oslo City Hall.
Because of its variety and the many things to do, it is a district that is a bit for everyone, especially for young people, who 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 harbour.
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around mainly on foot. Here, attractions are very close to each other. To reach more distant points, however, you can rely on the excellent public transport system. The district is also home to Oslo Sentralstasjon central railway station.
Average prices in the district range from around €60.00 for low-cost accommodation to €450.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel 100 m from Karl Johans Gate, main shopping street. Gym, parking and restaurant. Ideal for couples and families | |
Budget hotel 250 m from the central station. Express check-in and check-out, 24-hour reception and luggage storage. Ideal for young people | |
Conveniently located residence with fully equipped accommodation. A la carte breakfast. Ideal for couples | |
4-star hotel with gym, parking and bar. Located within walking distance of major attractions. Ideal for couples |
Gamle Oslo
Photo by Andreas Haldorsen. Gamle Oslo represents the historical heart of the city. This district is home to attractions such as the Operahuset Oslo, the Oslo Opera House, the Middelalderparken and the famous Munch Museum. Furthermore, the area borders Sentrum, so you will be within walking distance of the main attractions of the Norwegian capital!
This is a district mainly for young people, due to its multicultural character. Here you can find restaurants and cafés with cuisines from various parts of the world, as well as numerous places to spend the evening. In addition, you can reach the public swimming pool of Sørenga Sjøbad.
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around easily on foot. You can also easily reach Oslo Sentralstasjon station and the entire neighbourhood is served by tram.
Average prices in the district range from around €60.00 for low-cost accommodation to €450.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Aparthotel with mini flats and hotel facilities. Small kitchenette, private bathroom. Ideal for couples, small groups or families | |
Flat with 2 rooms and a bathroom. Very convenient location close to many points of interest. Ideal for couples | |
Apartment complex within walking distance of the swimming pool in Sørenga Sjøbad. Fully equipped kitchen, full bathroom, parking and view of the fjord. For 4 to 8 people, ideal for groups | |
4-star hotel with 24-hour reception, room service, bar and restaurant and gym. Pets allowed. Ideal for couples |
Frogner
Frogner, located in the south-west of Oslo and bordering the Sentrum district, is one of the most exclusive areas not only in Oslo, but in the whole of Norway! In fact, prices are very high here as it is a district where the quality of life is really at the highest level. As for attractions, the famous Vigeland Park and the Bygdoy Peninsula, where the Viking Ship Museum is located, are a stone's throw away.
This is a very quiet residential area surrounded by greenery, so it is suitable mainly for families and those seeking peace and quiet. It is also suitable for those seeking a luxurious and exclusive experience, given the characteristics of the neighbourhood. In the summer, Norwegians also gather at the public beaches here to enjoy some sun and milder temperatures.
Finally, staying here you will necessarily have to use transport, unless you find accommodation in the southern part of the district, which borders Aker Brygge in the Sentrum. As for public transport, the area is well served by trams and buses.
Average prices in the district range from around €90.00 for low-cost accommodation to €450.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
4-star hotel 5 min walk from the Royal Palace in Oslo. Free WiFi, 24-hour shop, gym and sauna. Ideal for couples and families | |
Flat with fully equipped kitchen, bedroom and private bathroom with shower. Free WiFi. Ideal for couples | |
Large flat with a view and 4 bedrooms. Free parking and WiFi. Ideal for families or groups | |
4-star hotel 200 m from the tram stop. Stylish rooms, gym, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples |
Grünerløkka
Photo by Helge Høifødt. Grünerløkka is one of Oslo's trendiest areas. The neighbourhood is very extensive, but the best area to stay in is the southern part, around the Akerselva river and around the Olaf Ryes plass park. The city's Natural History Museum is also located here.
Due to its lively and creative atmosphere, this district is especially recommended for young people and those in search of nightlife. Here you will find numerous trendy clubs, cafés, street art and alternative dance clubs.
Finally, staying here means getting around by transport. The Sentrum, with its main attractions, is only about ten minutes away by tram!
Average prices in the district range from around €60.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with Italian restaurant, rooms with flat-screen satellite TV and free WiFi. Gym and bicycle rental. Ideal for couples and young people | |
Flat with a view in a great location. Equipped kitchen and 2 bedrooms. Ideal for 5 people | |
Apartment complex with 24h reception. Units with fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom. Ideal for couples and young people | |
Fully equipped apartment complex with fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom, 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 certainly the ski jump that bears the same name as the area, Holmenkollenbakken.
It is a very quiet area surrounded by greenery and therefore recommended especially for families and those seeking peace and quiet. Given its layout, one can also admire a beautiful view of the city and the fjord from here. There are also many top-class hotels here, which are, however, cheaper than those in the city centre.
Finally, if you stay here, you will necessarily have to use transport. We are located far from the Sentrum, but the area is well connected by the direct metro line 1. Starting from the main station Holmenkollen you will arrive near the central station in 25 min.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €80.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 900 m from the metro station. Surrounded by greenery, mountain and city views. Restaurant, swimming pool and gym. Ideal for couples | |
Hotel with swimming pool, restaurant and gym. Completely surrounded by greenery. Free parking. Ideal for couples | |
Hotel 100 m from the metro station and Lake Sognsvann. 24-hour reception and cross-country skiing tracks right outside the hotel. Ideal for couples and nature lovers | |
5-star hotel with swimming pool, gym and restaurant. Elegant rooms with views of the city or surrounding mountains. Ideal for couples and families |
Nordstrand
Photos by Kimsaka. Finally, we recommend the district of Nordstrand, one of the largest districts in Oslo. Beware of the name, however, which 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 you will be closer to the Sentrum and the main attractions.
This is a fairly quiet district, especially recommended for those who want to save money. In fact, given the distance from the centre and the more touristy areas, it is easier to find some offers here - always book in advance, of course!
Finally, staying here you will need to get around by transport. The area is served by several tram lines that will take you to the centre in about 20/30 min. This area is also recommended if you arrive in Oslo by car. You can leave your car here and reach the centre by transport.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €65.00 for low-cost accommodation to €180.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best listings on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
4-star hotel with room service, business centre, indoor pool, wellness centre and 24-hour reception. Rooms equipped with all comforts. Idelae for couples | |
Garden flat with one bedroom, one bathroom, a seating area and a fully equipped kitchen. Maximum capacity 3 persons. Ideal for couples or small families | |
Hotel with free parking, luggage storage, 24-hour reception and garden access. Free workouts in a nearby fitness centre. Breakfast included with organic food and drinks |
Countries near Oslo where to stay
Regardless of how much time you have to visit Oslo and its surroundings, the best option is to stay in the city. As we have seen, there are different neighbourhoods, suitable for all needs. The only downside is the cost, as the very cost of living in Norway is high. If you book in good time, however, you can find some offers.
Staying outside Oslo means facing even more costs. With a limited hotel offer, the costs of accommodation or guesthouses are also higher, without calculating the price of the train ticket or transport you would have to take to get to the centre. If you have a rental car, you will find the city centre with ZTL and parking spaces are very few and expensive.
