Where to Stay in Oslo, Norway: The 21 Best Hotels
Are you wondering where to stay in Oslo? If you’re planning on spending some time in the Norwegian Capital, here are the best hotels.
Oslo is one of the most vibrant cities in Norway. It’s compact, modern, has a wonderful blend of history and stunning natural surroundings, and is one of the best places in Norway to learn about the country’s past.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days to explore its museums and historic sites, or you’re using it as a base to explore Norway’s fjords and surrounding countryside, choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference to your trip.
There’s a huge range of choice when it comes to hotels in Oslo, from luxury suites overlooking the waterfront to cosy boutique stays tucked in charming neighbourhoods.
So, we’ve explored the best areas to stay in Norway and rounded up our favourite hotel picks, so you can find the perfect base for exploring Oslo.
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In a hurry?
These are our favourite hotels in Oslo, Norway!
- HIGH END: Sommerro
- MID-RANGE: Karl Johan Hotel
- AFFORDABLE LUXURY: Bjørvika Apartments
- BUDGET: Hotel Filip
1. Sentrum
Perfect for: First-time visitors
Sentrum is arguably the best neighbourhood to stay in Oslo, especially if it’s your first time visiting the city.
Nestled in the heart of Norway’s capital, this vibrant neighbourhood combines modern architecture and amenities with Oslo’s rich history and iconic landmarks.
If you stay in Sentrum, you’ll be in the centre of the action, just a short walk from famous attractions like the National Gallery, the National Theatre, the Royal Palace, and Akershus Fortress.
At Karl Johans Gate, Oslo’s main street, you’ll find many shops, cafes, restaurants, and street performers.
It’s also worth noting that Central Station sits in the centre of the Sentrum Neighbourhood, offering quick and easy access to the rest of the city. Meanwhile, the ferries that leave Aker Brygge for the Oslo Fjord are only a short walk away.
Karl Johan Hotel
Karl Johan Hotel offers sleek and stylish double, twin, and family bedrooms and suites in a gorgeous 19th-century building on Oslo’s main street, Karl Johans Gate.
Every room features an ensuite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a seating area, a desk, free Wi-Fi, and a double bed.
This 4-star hotel has a fitness centre and offers multiple breakfast options. However, its biggest draw is its location.
Aside from being ideally situated on Karl Johans Gate, Karl Johan Hotel is only 700 metres from the Royal Palace, 800 metres from Akershus Fortress, and 182 metres from Stortinget Metro Station.
Other options in Sentrum:
- Best budget option: Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station – This minimalist hotel offers basic but beautiful rooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and desks at an affordable price in the heart of Oslo. It’s only 100 metres from Central Station and a 5-minute walk from Oslo Opera House and Karl Johans Gate.
- Best luxury option: Hotel Bristol – This luxurious 5-star hotel is a 2-minute walk from Karl Johans Gate and a 3-minute walk from the National Theatre and National Gallery. It offers grand bedrooms with luxury fixtures and fittings, and three on-site restaurants serving European and international cuisine.
2. Aker Brygge
Perfect for: Chic vibes and easy access to the Oslo Fjord
Aker Brygge was once an industrial part of Oslo, best known for its shipyard. However, the neighbourhood has since been redeveloped and turned into one of the chicest places to stay in the city.
Today, you’ll find swanky hotels, fine-dining restaurants, art galleries, beautiful boutique hotels, and high-end shops lining the old dockyards.
Its location next to Rådhusbrygge 4 (City Hall Pier 4) also makes it one of the best places to stay in Oslo for exploring the Oslo Fjord.
When you’re not enjoying a leisurely walk along the promenade or catching a ferry to the Oslo Fjord, visit the neighbourhood’s best attractions, such as the Museum of Modern Art, Tjuvholmen City Beach, and Aker Brygge Clock Tower.
There are also many seafood restaurants in Aker Brygge, so indulging in some freshly caught seafood is a must.
The Thief
The Thief is a breathtaking 5-star hotel just a 5-minute walk from Aker Brygge’s lively promenade. Offering you celebrity treatment, this hotel has beautiful bedrooms and suites, a spa, a fitness centre, a Turkish hamam bath, a sauna, and a swimming pool.
Not stopping there, it also has a chic rooftop terrace and food bar serving delicious Norwegian delicacies. You can easily walk from the Thief to Rådhusbrygge 4, Akershus Fortress, Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, and the Fram Museum.
To top things off, most bookings include a complimentary continental, vegetarian, and buffet breakfast.
Other options in Aker Brygge:
- Best budget option: Hotel Filip – This stylish 4-star hotel sits on the outskirts of Aker Brygge, providing you with easy access to the neighbourhood’s best attractions, restaurants, and cafes. Every room and apartment here features a double bed, an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a comfortable seating area.
- Best luxury option: Hotel Oslo Guldsmeden – Hotel Oslo Guldsmeden is an 8-minute walk from the heart of Aker Brygge, 12 minutes from Karl Johans Gate, and 5 minutes from the Royal Palace. Its trendy rooms feature luxury amenities, including royal-esque four-post beds, walk-in showers, and full-length mirrors.
3. Grønland
Perfect for: A multicultural experience
Situated in Eastern Oslo, near Central Station, Grønland is one of the more popular places to stay in the city thanks to its wider range of affordable accommodation options and multicultural food and drinks scene.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Oslo for nightlife, we recommend this area. Plus, its excellent bus and tram links also make it super easy to explore the city.
This lively neighbourhood might not feature Oslo’s most famous attractions, but it makes up for that with the promise of a vibrant atmosphere and diverse cultures.
Wandering the neighbourhood’s busy streets, you’ll come across a decadent selection of shops and food establishments, including Middle Eastern food shops, bakeries, and pubs. The area also has an electric nightlife.
In the evening, you can listen to live music, dance the night away in the nightclubs, and watch big names at Oslo Spektrum. Meanwhile, shopaholics can shop until they drop at Grønland Basar.
Bjørvika Apartments
Bjørvika Apartments provides luxurious apartments with modern decor in the heart of Grønland. Most apartments feature a small kitchen, TV, free Wi-Fi, and balconies with excellent neighbourhood views.
Other noteworthy features of the Bjørvika Apartments include living room areas, dining tables, washing machines, and en-suite bathrooms. This accommodation is perfect for couples, groups of friends, and families.
Regarding location, this accommodation option is only 500 metres from Central Station, a 5-minute walk from Grønlands Park, and 640 metres from Middelalderparken. Akershus Fortress is also only one mile away.
Other options in Grønland:
- Best budget option: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel – This budget-friendly 4-star hotel is close to Oslo Central Station, Grønlands Park, and Oslo Bus Terminal. The modern bedrooms feature fjord views, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has a sauna, fitness centre, and swimming pool.
- Best luxury option: Hotel Continental – This luxury 5* hotel is perfect for those after a little pampering in Oslo. It’s located close to Oslo’s main street, has a fine dining restaurant, a 24-hour gym, and beautifully decorated rooms, and some even have free-standing baths!
4. Frogner
Perfect for: A more relaxed and quieter stay
If you want to leave the hustle and bustle of Oslo’s busy tourist streets and stay somewhere more peaceful at the end of the day, look no further than Frogner.
Located on the west side of Oslo, Frogner is renowned for having the highest real estate prices in the city, and with good reason.
This charming neighbourhood is delightful. Home to the beautiful Frogner Park, which houses the world-famous Vigelandsparken and its sculptures, you’ll never tire of walking around the upmarket neighbourhood.
Aside from its upscale property, lush open green space, and impressive sculptures, Frogner draws you in with high-end restaurants, antique stores, and a serene atmosphere.
Once you’ve admired the sculptures in Vigeland Sculpture Park, make sure you also visit the Oslo City Museum, the Fram Museum, and the Viking Ship Museum.
Clarion Collection Hotel Gabelshus
This grand 4-star hotel in the centre of Frogner perfectly sums up the neighbourhood. Its ivy-covered exterior, beautifully decorated bedrooms, pristine ensuite bathrooms, and romantic restaurant ooze elegance, class, and sophistication.
You can expect world-class customer service, delicious cuisine, a luxurious night’s rest, and more.
Every room in the Clarion has a comfortable double bed, walk-in shower, desk, seating area, and access to the hotel’s facilities, including a fitness centre and garden terrace.
Regarding location, this hotel is ideal. It’s only 200 metres from Skillebekk Tram Stop, a 20-minute walk from Frogner Park, and a 15-minute walk from Aker Brygge.
🏨 Check prices and book a room at Clarion Collection Hotel Gabelshus
Other options in Frogner:
- Best budget option: Frogner House – These self-catering apartments are set in a stunning Victorian-era property 15-minute walk from Frogner Park and 500 metres away from the Royal Palace. They feature large windows, high ceilings, balconies, ensuite bathrooms, dining areas, and cooking facilities.
- Best luxury option: Sommerro – This luxury property is one of the most beautiful hotels in Oslo. You’ll find a fitness centre, terrace, bar and restaurant serving British, Japanese, Spanish, and local cuisines. The rooms are incredible, and some even have a private hot tub!
5. Gamle Oslo
Perfect for: Historic charm
Gamle Oslo, otherwise known as Old Oslo or Oslo Old Town, is the city’s historic neighbourhood, making it a big hit with history enthusiasts.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Oslo for a more authentic and laid-back experience, we recommend Gamle Oslo. It’s a far cry from the city’s modern infrastructure and busy business districts.
In Gamle Oslo, you’ll likely have fun getting lost down the winding cobblestone streets, admiring vibrant traditional houses, learning more about Oslo’s rich history, and relaxing in lush botanical gardens.
Start your journey at Damstredet, an adorable 19th-century cobblestone street with colourful wooden houses. Then, go to Telthusbakken, another picturesque street with traditional wooden houses.
Other significant points of interest in Gamle Oslo include Gamle Aker Kirke, the Botanical Garden, the Natural History Museum, and Medieval Park.
Grand Center Oslo
Grand Center Oslo is one of the best hotels near the centre of the Gamle Oslo district. Its twin rooms, suites, and apartments have ensuite bathrooms, storage space, coffee machines, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi.
These budget-friendly rooms in Gamle Oslo offer convenient access to many of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Munch Museum, Botanical Garden, and Natural History Museum.
This hotel’s proximity to Oslo Central Station and Oslo Bus Terminal also makes it easier to get around the city.
Other options in Gamle Oslo:
- Best budget option: Scandic Helfsyr – Located close to the metro station, this 4* hotel is a great budget option in Gamle Oslo. The rooms are comfy, you get a delicious buffet breakfast, a fitness centre, and the centre of Oslo is just a 7-minute ride on the metro.
- Best luxury option: Clarion Hotel, Oslo – This 4-star hotel near Barcode Street Food Market offers more luxury near Gamle Oslo’s best attractions. The Old Town’s main attractions, such as Damstredet, are within walking distance. The rooms here feature ensuite bathrooms, double beds, and TVs.
6. Grünerløkka
Perfect for: Trendy vibes and boutique shopping
To many people, the Grünerløkka neighbourhood is Oslo’s answer to Brooklyn. This hipster paradise in Northern Oslo is famed for its lively atmosphere, stylish bars, vibrant dance clubs, and impressive street art.
It’s an excellent place to stay if you want to stay somewhere with a constant buzz and lots happening. Start your day in Grünerløkka with a fresh cup of coffee from one of the many cosy cafes.
Afterwards, go shopping in the numerous boutique shops, vintage stores, and flea markets. Once you’ve finished shopping, why don’t you hunt down the area’s best street art or picnic in one of the neighbourhood’s scenic parks?
Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed stroll along the Akerselva River. Then, dance the night away in one of the happening nightclubs.
Must-visit attractions in Grünerløkka include Birkelunden Public Park, Blå, Mathallen Oslo, and Sofienbergparken.
Thon Hotel Spectrum
Thon Hotel Spectrum is an affordable 3-star hotel in a prime location for exploring Grünerløkka and other popular parts of Oslo. It’s just an 8-minute walk from Oslo Central Station and Karl Johans Gate.
It’s also in close proximity to Sofienbergparken, Blå, Birkelunden Public Park, and Mathallen Oslo. As far as the rooms are concerned, you can choose from single rooms, double rooms, suites, and business rooms.
Every room in Thon Hotel Spectrum features a TV, an ensuite bathroom, a seating area, a kettle, and free Wi-Fi. Better yet, the hotel also has a fitness centre and spa.
Other options in Grünerløkka:
- Best budget option: Anker Hotel – This stylish hotel sits in the heart of Grünerløkka, surrounded by popular attractions, including Sofienberg Park, the Botanical Garden, and Blå. The single, twin, double, and family rooms offer city views and chic vibes, while the on-site restaurant serves a delicious continental breakfast.
- Best luxury option: Thon Hotel Terminus – This beautiful 4-star hotel is near Karl Johans Gate, Central Station, Blå, and Mathallen Oslo. It offers a selection of bedrooms and suites with en-suite bathrooms, mini-fridges, and seating areas. The hotel also has a fitness centre and restaurant.
7. Majorstuen
Perfect for: Green space and Shopping
Majorstuen is a bourgeois neighbourhood located on the outskirts of the city centre in West Oslo. As such, it’s one of the city’s most convenient places to stay. In other words, you’ll never be too far away from the action.
Having said that, this neighbourhood is best known for its cool vibes, open green spaces, and shopping areas. Shopping enthusiasts searching for the best shopping streets should head to Hedhehaugsveien.
After crossing Josefine’s Gate, this street changes to Bogstadveien, one of Oslo’s most famous shopping streets. Other noteworthy shopping destinations in Majorstuen include Valkyrien Mall and Vestkanttorget Flea Market.
If you’d prefer to relax, visit Josefines Park, Uranienborgparken, and the nearby Frogner Park. Meanwhile, those who want to explore the city must visit attractions like the Oslo Transport Museum, Kunstnernes Hus, and Uranienborg Church.
The Apartments Company – The Sweet
The Apartments Company – The Sweet offers you stylish apartments in a central location just a short walk from popular attractions like the Royal Palace, Frogner Park, Aarslands Park, and the Vigeland Museum.
It’s also close to Uranienborgparken, the Oslo Transport Museum, and Bogstadveien.
Besides its lovely apartments, which feature private bathrooms, seating areas, and small kitchenettes, and a prime location, this 4-star 19th-century property offers cleaning services, business facilities, and 24-hour security and customer service.
It’s also worth noting that the Apartments Company – the Sweet is only a 30-minute walk from the ferry terminal that takes you to the Oslo Fjord.
🏨 Check prices and book a room at The Apartments Company – The Sweet
Other options in Majorstuen:
- Best budget option: Cochs Pensjonat – Situated in a 1900s building, this charming hotel is only a 10-minute walk from Karl Johans Gate and less than a mile from Frogner Park. Its bedrooms feature beautiful wooden floors, private bathrooms, and TVs.
- Best luxury option: Saga Hotel Oslo – This elegant 4-star hotel is close to Frogner Park and the Royal Palace. Its bedrooms and suites feature a Scandinavian design. Some rooms also have a balcony with city views. A continental breakfast is served daily.
What is the best area to stay in Oslo for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, we recommend staying in either Sentrum or Aker Brygge. You’ll be within walking distance of the most popular attractions, museums, shops, restaurants, public transport links, and the waterfront.
Are there budget-friendly hotels in Oslo?
Yes! Areas like Sentrum and Majorstuen have hostels, guesthouses, and affordable hotels that are centrally located and easy to access via public transport.
Are there hotels in Oslo with easy access to public transport?
Yep! Most central hotels are within walking distance of tram, metro, and bus stops, making it easy to get around the city or reach the airport.
Final Thoughts
Oslo is one of the best places to visit in Norway, and deciding where to stay in Oslo can make a huge difference to your trip.
If you’re hiring a car, you’ll want somewhere with free parking, if you’re getting public transport, you’ll want somewhere with close-by bus or train links, and if you want a little luxury, you’re going to want somewhere with an on-site spa and room service.
But, from central luxury hotels to boutique stays in trendy neighbourhoods, there are so many fantastic options in Oslo for every type of traveller and budget.
For first-time visitors, we recommend this hotel; luxury travellers will love this place and we recommend and if you’re on a budget, we recommend this hotel.
We loved our hotel in Oslo, and it made exploring the city so much more convenient.
So, even if you’re only spending 1 day in Oslo, I hope this has given you a great idea of where to stay in Oslo, which neighbourhood to choose, and which hotel to pick!
If you have any questions, let us know in the Facebook group!
👉 Planning on exploring more of Norway? Check out our guide to Bergen and our guide to Stavanger!
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