Where to Stay in Oslo: All the Info You Need From a Frequent Visitor

As someone who’s visited Oslo well over five times and still aims to visit each year, I know all too well that choosing the right place to stay can be difficult. Norway’s capital city has a broad range of accommodation for different types of travelers; your needs will differ depending on whether you’re going elsewhere in the country or just visiting Oslo itself. 

Besides choosing the right accommodation type, knowing which neighborhood to stay in is also challenging if you’ve never visited before. Luckily for you, I’ve done plenty of first-hand research to help you make the right decision. 

During my eight trips to Oslo (and counting), I have stayed all over the city and in different forms of accommodation—including hostels and hotels. While I have my favorites, I try to stay somewhere new each time I’m in the Norwegian capital (as a side note, Oslo has some *excellent* hotels). 

In addition to staying in multiple parts of the city, I have also visited for numerous purposes. On some occasions, I’ve visited Oslo just for the weekend. On other occasions, I’ve traveled to other parts of Norway after starting my adventure in the capital. I have done overnight stays and, on other occasions, been here for a week. I’ve been here as a solo traveler, as a couple, and with friends and family. So yeah… You could say that I know a thing or two.

This guide will help you book the right place in three ways. Firstly, I will give you my top recommendations for places to stay in the city. Alongside that, you’ll learn which neighborhood is best for you. And since Oslo welcomes a diverse range of travelers, I will also tell you where I recommend staying based on your specific reason for visiting. 

My Overall Top Recommendations for Accommodation in Oslo

If you want to skip the time doing extra research and choose from my trusted recommendations, I’ve added a list of my top suggestions below. Besides giving you an idea of what to expect when you stay, I have added a list of pros and cons. On top of that, I’ll break down who I think should stay in each place. 

Revier: My Favorite Overall Choice

I stayed at Revier on a June 2025 trip to Norway, when it was known as Att | Kvadraturen. Ironically, I found this place entirely by accident; we had booked an Airbnb to stay in Oslo, which was canceled at the literal last minute. By that, I mean we were on the train from the airport to the city when we received the message. Luckily, in a frantic search online, we found this place. 

The staff at the hotel were very friendly when I stayed and had a lot of empathy for our situation. Alongside that, the check-in process was very straightforward. Our room was nice and spacious, with a comfortable bed and blackout curtains. Since we were visiting close to the summer, this was hugely important for blocking out the early morning light. 

Revier is very centrally located, and it was easy to get everywhere. We faced the inner courtyard, which—at the time—had seagulls nesting on the roof. It was admittedly loud, though I found it quite entertaining watching them fight with the others every morning. If you’re visiting between April and August, which is the nesting season, keep this in mind (and maybe request a room that’s not facing the courtyard). 

In my opinion, Revier is one of the nicest hotels in terms of attention to detail. I really liked the designs of the bathrooms, and it still felt personal. When staying there, you also get an app for extra useful stuff. 

The hotel has a handful of experiences, too, such as morning stretches and run clubs. 

Clarion Hotel Oslo: Also a Solid Option With an Amazing Breakfast

If you’ve read my guides to other Nordic cities, you might have noticed that I’m a huge fan of Clarion in general. I always love their breakfasts and find their rooms the perfect size for both traveling alone and as a couple. Clarion Hotel is no different. 

I stayed at the main Clarion hotel in Oslo on an overnight trip back in December 2021. The breakfast was great, and I liked how fresh the salmon tasted, in particular. One thing I really appreciated was that they had fish oil available; I stayed here at a time of the year when Norway’s capital sees just six hours of daylight. 

My room had a view of the Oslo Opera House and was in a super central position. You can walk to the main train station in just a few minutes, and it’s also close to one of the city’s main tram lines. Beyond that, it’s easy to walk around most of Oslo’s central areas from this hotel. 

While it is on the pricey side, I still think it’s a great choice if you want to be right in the middle of town. One good thing was that despite being in the center, I heard no noise from outside. 

Good to Know: Clarion also has another hotel nearby called Clarion Hotel The Hub. It’s next to Jernbanetorget, which is where you can connect to the rest of Oslo by bus, tram, train, and Metro. However, while it’s convenient, the area it’s in is busier than Clarion Hotel Oslo. 

Anker Hotel: A Decent Centrally-Located and No-Fuss Option

On my first visit to Oslo in 2018, I was super broke. Norway’s capital hardly has a reputation as a budget destination, and I needed somewhere simple and affordable to stay. Anker Hotel met those needs. 

Since I also didn’t know about Oslo’s different districts at that time, I also wanted to stay somewhere relatively central. Anker Hotel is on the outskirts of the trendy Grünerløkka district and close to the city’s main nightlife spots. It’s not a fancy hotel by any means, but it does the job. 

You can walk to the main parts of Oslo in around 15 minutes, and Grünerløkka itself is well worth exploring. Spending a day wandering around this neighborhood is one of my favorite things to do in the Norwegian capital. 

Anker Hotel has a basic breakfast, which is good if you want to save some money. If not, Oslo has plenty of nice bakeries and places for brunch. There used to be a hostel here, too, but this has since closed. 

Scandic Fornebu: A Little Out of the Way, but a Lovely Hotel

I randomly stayed at Scandic Fornebu on a spontaneous trip to Oslo in the summer of 2022. Since I booked my flights relatively late, most of the centrally-located options were either sold out or not within my price range. So, I figured it would be worth trying this hotel. 

I have stayed at several Scandic hotels throughout the Nordics, and the one in Fornebu was pretty similar. The rooms were spacious, and the breakfast was a standard continental buffet. Nothing too fancy, but it was enough to fuel up before I went out to explore the city. I also had lovely views of the Oslofjord from my room. 

Scandic Fornebu is a 20-minute bus ride from the center of Oslo. This can be annoying if you’d prefer to walk everywhere, but the Norwegian capital has an efficient bus network—so it’s not too big of an issue. One thing I would point out, however, is that the bus can be busy if you travel during rush hour; several company offices are close to the hotel. 

If you’d rather stay more centrally, you’ll find a number of other Scandic hotels in Oslo. Scandic Vulkan is one option.

One Place I Wasn’t So Happy At Was…

I am usually a big fan of Radisson Blu, but I wasn’t particularly satisfied with my stay at the Radisson Blu Plaza hotel. The hotel itself was great, with beautiful views from the top—along with a sauna and more. The staff were also very friendly. The reason why I didn’t enjoy staying here, however, was because of the area outside. 

My friend and I were harassed by someone outside on one of the days that we stayed here, and it’s basically the only time I’ve ever felt unsafe in Oslo. I’m hesitant to call it outright dangerous, but it’s definitely one of the sketchier parts of the city. Obviously, your mileage may vary; I’ve been to Oslo multiple times otherwise without issues. I actually wrote a review of my stay on TripAdvisor back when it happened, if you want to read about my experience in more detail. 😄

Radisson does have other hotels in nicer parts of the city. So, I’d recommend staying at one of these instead if you’d still like to stay at a Radisson hotel in Oslo. This includes the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, which is close to the Norwegian Royal Palace.

What to Expect When You Book Accommodation in Oslo

Booking accommodation in any new city can be a bit confusing, and knowing what to expect in advance will help you be much more prepared. Based on my multiple trips to Oslo, here are my biggest tips for what you should expect. 

1. There’s No Way Around It: You Will Pay a Lot of Money

While I don’t think it’s as expensive as it used to be, Oslo’s reputation as a pricey city is justified. You will pay a decent chunk of money to stay pretty much everywhere here, regardless of the type of accommodation you choose. 

Oslo is still worth visiting, but the price tag is part of what you’ll need to endure. I’d budget at least $120 per night for your accommodation, and you can expect to pay more during the peak season. It’s possible to save money by picking hostels and the like, though the Norwegian capital does not have as many hostels as in other cities I’ve visited. Most of them are quite far out of the city center, too. 

2. Most Hotels in Oslo (and Norway) Have Great Breakfasts

While accommodation in Oslo is expensive, you do get some nice perks. One of those is that most of the time, breakfast in these places is very good. 

Maybe it’s part of being in Norway, but I love the smoked salmon you get at hotels in Oslo (and also in other cities like Bergen). The selection is also, from my own experiences, pretty decent. 

At the very least, you’ll pay for one less meal than you otherwise would have. You’ll usually have warm and cold food available, along with sweet and savory, and some options that will be suitable for vegetarians and vegans. 

3. The Quality Is Generally Very High

Even the worst places to stay in Oslo tend to be of a relatively high quality when compared to other places in the world. This is very different from a lot of other cities; for example, the quality can vary significantly in places like London and New York City. 

Most of the time, you’ll get comfortable bedding and basic facilities at the very least. Room sizes can vary, but they’ll usually be enough for a couple. Options exist if you’re visiting as part of a family and need more space, too. 

4. Availability Varies Throughout the Year, but You’ll Normally Find a Place to Stay

Oslo is much more popular during the summer, which is largely because it’s the starting point for most people’s Norway trip. This makes total sense, since Gardermoen is the busiest airport in the country, and you can get basically everywhere else in Norway via Oslo. 

This does, however, also mean that accommodation is more expensive and also more scarce during the summer months. On the flipside, winter is a lovely time to visit the Norwegian capital (and you’ll get significantly cheaper hotel rates, too). 

Even during the peak seasons, you should still find *something* last-minute if needed. However, I recommend booking in advance to ensure that you get what you actually want. 

When Should I Book My Accommodation for Oslo?

If you’re visiting during the summer, I suggest booking your accommodation in Oslo around 3-6 months in advance. During the off-season, you should be fine to book a stay a month or two beforehand. 

If you’re visiting on the 17th of May, which is Norway’s national holiday, hotels can fill up quickly. You can also expect to pay more if you’re here around this time, too. For these, I suggest booking as far in advance as you can. 

5. Many Hotels in Oslo Feature a Minimalist Design

When I book a trip, I always enjoy looking at the style of hotels in the place I’m visiting. In Italy, for example, many have more of an elegant style. In Oslo, you can expect the majority of places you stay in to feature minimalist designs. 

This is pretty much what you’ll see throughout Scandinavia. Many buildings in Oslo are pretty modern, and that minimalism is taken to a new level with hotels located in these. There are some exceptions to the rule, but you’ll normally get the clean lines and whatnot that have become synonymous with the region. 

6. You’ll Find a Mixture of Hotels, “Apartment Hotels”, and Some Hostels

Hostels aren’t very widespread in Oslo, but they do exist. If you want to check your options, you can do so here.

The Norwegian capital has a good number of hotels for the number of people that visit the city, and you’ll find them spread throughout multiple districts. On top of that, “apartment hotels” have become more popular in recent years. If you’re self-catering, these are a good option.

Regardless of what you’re looking for, you should find something to meet your needs in Oslo. 

7. You’ll Have Good Transport Links, More Often Than Not

Oslo’s city center is incredibly walkable, but if you need public transport, fear not. The Norwegian capital has one of Europe’s best public transport networks, with trams, buses, trains, ferries, and the Metro getting you everywhere you need to be. 

Even if you’re staying far-ish outside the city center, you’ll almost certainly have good links to wherever you need to go. So, even if you’re only here for a few days, you can be more flexible. 

Where to Stay in Oslo: A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Breakdown

While I’ve given a selection of places to stay in Oslo, you may also want to choose a particular neighborhood based on your interests and needs. So, to help you make the most informed decision possible, I’ll discuss each of the main districts in Oslo in this section. 

The City Center

When I refer to the city center, I am speaking mainly about Sentrum and the newer neighborhoods of Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen. I am also talking about Bjørvika and Sørenga, both of which are close to the MUNCH Museum and Oslo Opera House. 

The city center is where you will find most of the main attractions in Oslo. It’s also the easiest to get around on foot, and where the bulk of the city’s accommodation is. This includes some of the city’s main luxury hotels, such as the five-star Grand Hotel Oslo on Karl Johans Gate.

Away from the more modern neighborhoods, most of Oslo’s city center is commercial rather than residential. So, you won’t really have a down-to-earth neighborhood feel here. Instead, I’d recommend staying in these parts of the city for convenience. 

You will find a number of restaurants, though the quality varies. Some are great, but others are tourist traps. One place that I do really like, though, is Lofoten Fiskerestaurant on Aker Brygge. 

As for transport links, this is by far the best place to stay if you want to easily get around Oslo. Everything is connected to Jernbanetorget, and from Aker Brygge, you can take ferries to many of the nearby islands. This is a great option if you want to go island-hopping in Oslo, which I recommend, or if you’d like to join a tour of the Oslofjord. 

Grünerløkka & Vulkan

Grünerløkka is my personal favorite neighborhood in Oslo. It’s hip, but not in a way that feels insufferable. You’ll find a number of independent shops here, along with numerous cafés and places to eat. Grünerløkka is also Oslo’s best district for nightlife, and the banks of the Askerselva River are lovely in this part of the city. 

Vulkan is a small area home to Mathallen, a large food hall that’s well worth visiting. 

If you’re looking for more of a local’s perspective of Oslo, Grünerløkka is a great place to stay. It’s primarily home to young couples and families. You can easily get to other parts of the city here by tram, too; walking to and from the city center is another option. 

In addition to hotels, you’ll find a number of apartment hotels in these parts of the city. 

Eastern Oslo

When I refer to Eastern Oslo, I’m mainly speaking about Ekeberg, Sofienberg, Grønland, and Tøyen. Grünerløkka technically counts as the eastern side of the city as well, but I felt like it was worth including as a different area altogether. 

Grønland and Tøyen don’t have the best reputation, but to be honest, I think both of them are fine. I stayed in an Airbnb in Grønland once, and I feel like it’s better than the best parts of some other cities I’ve been to. The only area I don’t particularly like is, as mentioned earlier, the part close to Oslo’s main train and bus station. 

These two districts are some of the most multicultural in the city. They’re mainly residential, and you won’t find a huge amount of accommodation in either. The bulk of these will be short-term rentals. 

Ekeberg also forms a part of Eastern Oslo and today is part of the wider Gamle Oslo area as well. It’s where you’ll find Ekebergparken, which is a nice sculpture park with great views of Oslo. You won’t find a huge amount of accommodation in Ekeberg, either. 

Grønland and Tøyen both have Metro stations. Ekeberg, meanwhile, is accessible via tram. 

Western Oslo

The western parts of Oslo are the most upscale in the city, and when I refer to “Western Oslo”, I’m specifically talking about Frogner, St. Hanshaugen, and Bygdøy. 

Frogner is a peaceful neighborhood that’s home to the iconic sculpture park known as Vigelandsparken. Even if you don’t stay in this part of the city, you definitely should go to the park. Otherwise, you’ll find some nice cafés and largely residential streets in Frogner. 

Bygdøy, meanwhile, is where you’ll find a number of Oslo’s museums. It’s home to the Viking Ship Museum, for example, which is currently being renovated and will reopen in 2027. You’ll also find the Norwegian Folk Museum on Bygdøy. 

Frogner and St. Hanshaugen are well-connected to the rest of Oslo by tram. As for Bygdøy, you can take the bus there (or, during the summer, cycle). 

In terms of accommodation, you’ll find a handful of nice hotels in the western parts of Oslo. However, your options aren’t as widespread as they would be in the city center and Grünerløkka. You’ll also find apartment hotels in Western Oslo. 

Northern Oslo

One of my favorite things about Oslo is how close you are to nature. And by that, I mean you can literally take the Metro to some amazing places (like the beautiful lake of Sognsvann). You’re also close to some nice hikes, such as the Grefsenkollen hike. 

When I refer to Northern Oslo, I’m speaking about districts like Holmenkollen, Kjelsås, and Grefsenkollen. These are largely residential, but you will find a handful of attractions—such as the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. 

The main appeal of staying in these parts of the city is to be close to nature and out of the center of town. You can often get some lovely views of Oslo and the Oslofjord, too. Despite feeling miles away, you can easily reach these districts by bus, tram, or Metro. 

You’ll find a handful of hotels in the mountains and hills near Oslo (such as Scandic Holmenkollen Park and the Voksenåsen Hotel). Apartment hotels also exist in these parts of town. It does take a bit of time to get into the city center, but you will at least have the public transport options to do so. 

So… Where Should *You* Stay in Oslo?

The answer to this question depends on why you’re traveling to Oslo and your own unique style. Below, I’ll explain where I recommend depending on what you need (and why). 

Staying Overnight in Oslo

If you’re just staying for a night in Oslo, I recommend picking accommodation somewhere in Oslo’s city center. This is especially true if you have an early bus, train, or flight. 

I suggest doing so for three main reasons. Firstly, you’ll find it easier to get around all of the city by foot or public transport if you’re in the center of town. On top of that, you’ll be close to Oslo Central Station and the main bus station. And just as importantly, you’ll find the most choices for places to stay in these parts of the city.

If you’re in Oslo on a layover and have a very early flight, I’d recommend staying close to the airport. 

Traveling to Oslo as a Couple

This will depend on your needs as a couple, but if you like to be active and do lots of things, staying in Grünerløkka, Vulkan, or the city center is a good idea. That way, you’ll be close to the main attractions and also have access to a more local side of Oslo. 

If you enjoy some peace and quiet, however, Frogner is a nice place to stay when you visit. 

For Nature-Lovers

If you’re visiting Oslo mainly for its nearby hiking trails, I’d recommend staying in Holmenkollen, Kjelsås, or another part of Northern Oslo. While you’ll be further out from the city center, you will be much closer to the hiking trails. 

Getting to these parts of the city is usually doable on a one-zone public transport ticket, so it’s pretty easy to get around. 

Solo Travelers

As a solo traveler, I’d suggest staying in Grünerløkka or Sentrum. My main reasons are that you’ll be close to everything, and you will also find a wide range of accommodation in these parts of Oslo. 

Oslo isn’t as easy to meet people as a solo traveler compared to other places, and hostels aren’t as social as in other parts of Europe. So, I’d prioritize accommodation within your budget range and that meets your needs for a place to stay above all else. 

Weekend Break Visitors

For general weekend break visitors in Oslo, you’ve got more flexibility. I’d stay somewhere close to transport links, which is effectively anywhere within Zone 1 on the Oslo public transport map. Fornebu and Bærum are also acceptable, but you will need to pay more for your tickets if you do. 

Visiting Oslo as a Family

As a family, I’d suggest choosing one of the main hotel chains and staying relatively close to the city center. Scandic is a good option, and Thon Hotels is another popular hotel chain throughout Norway—including in Oslo.

Norway in general is a very family-friendly country, and many of the city’s main hotels will be accommodating. 

Final Thoughts

Oslo isn’t a big city, but it does attract a broad range of travelers. Not everyone has the same needs, and as a result, thinking about your specific needs is important when you book a place to stay. 

The Norwegian capital has something for everyone in terms of accommodation. While generally expensive, the quality is—for the most part—high. Having read this guide, you should now have an understanding of where the best place is for you specifically to stay. 

If you want to do some more research before booking, you can always browse your different options for accommodation in Oslo. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments section, too. 

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