Oslo is a stunningly green city and is the capital of Norway. More than 658,390 people lived in Oslo as of 2016 and it’s Norway’s governmental and economic center. It’s also a famously beautiful city that dates back to 1049 and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural scenery you’ll ever see.
Oslo is a little off the beaten track for tourists, which makes it a great destination when you’re looking for a slightly unusual travel experience. Tourists go there for the amazing scenery, outdoor sports and activities, and to experience its unique culture and feel.
This is a city where you can go to the beach one day, the mountains the next, and enjoy great shopping the day after that. It’s is popular with tourists from all walks of life, so you won’t have any problems finding the best places to stay in Oslo at every price point.
It can be difficult to find Oslo accommodation options that suit your budget and your preferences. This city isn’t as heavily touristed as other cities in Europe, so you might not know where to look.
That’s why we’ve created this Oslo neighborhood guide, so that you can streamline your planning and get started on your adventure!
If you’re traveling in Norway, you may well pass through Oslo. Here are our top picks of where you should stay.
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Best Hotel in Oslo: CityBox Oslo
This hotel in Oslo offers everything from convenience to clean comfortable rooms for every trip length. It’s located right in the center of the city and is close to all the best attractions as well as a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
The hotel has free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and a shared TV room and library for entertainment on quiet nights.
Best Airbnb in Oslo: Cozy Flat
If you want your own space in the best area in Oslo to stay in, then this comfortable apartment will suit your visit. It offers comfortable accommodations for up to 4 guests including a private bathroom.
The apartment is newly renovated and includes everything you’ll need for a short or long stay. It’s also within walking distance of the train station, for optimum convenience to the rest of the city, which makes it one of the best Airbnbs in Oslo!
Cozy Flat is one of our favourites in Oslo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel in Oslo: Saga Poshtel Oslo Central
This hostel in Oslo is brand new, state of the art, and offers amazing accommodation for every travel group. Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Oslo for families or on your own, it’s the best choice.
It’s within walking distance of bars, shops, restaurants, and Oslo’s landmark attractions. And the rooms are comfortable, clean, and welcoming to all travelers.
Head over to our comprehensive guide to the best hostels in Oslo before starting your backpacking adventure!
Saga Poshtel Oslo Central is one of our favourites in Oslo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Sentrum
The Sentrum is the center of Oslo and it’s the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Oslo for your first time. This area contains everything you’ll need or want to see and experience for a short or longer trip.
Grønland
If the Sentrum is too expensive for your budget, then Grønland is a good alternative. This is the cultural center of the city and the best neighborhood to stay in for an international feel and flavors.
Aker Brygge
Aker Brygge was once a rundown dockyard that had a bad reputation. Recent renovations have changed all of that and it’s now one of the best choices when you’re deciding where to stay in Oslo for the nightlife.
Grünerløkka
As one of the coolest places to stay in Oslo, Grünerløkka will bring out the artist in you. This is the district that’s become known as a haven for students and artists away from the tourists and the business areas of the city.
Majorstuen
This bourgeois neighborhood is located right on the outskirts of the city center, which means it’s incredibly convenient. This makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Oslo for one night or for a longer stay.
Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, and budget accommodation can be difficult to find. The city is divided into 15 areas, called bydeler in Norwegian, and each of them have their own character and advantages.
The city center is the most convenient area to stay in, but it’s not the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Oslo on a budget.
When you’re deciding where to stay in Oslo for your first time, Sentrum is the obvious choice. It’s close to everything and offers amazing vibrant day and night activities. This is also the most expensive part of the city, so if you’re on a budget then this area might be out of your reach.
If you’re on a tighter budget, then try looking for somewhere to stay in Grønland. This area is only a short walk from the city center and it’s Oslo’s multicultural hub. In this neighborhood, you’ll get to stay amongst the locals and enjoy some great international food at the same time.
Aker Brygge is the best neighborhood to stay in Oslo for luxury and convenience. It’s located right off the marina and is filled with trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars. So, if you want to enjoy some fun nights out in the city, this is where to do it.
The area of Grünerløkka is so cool it’s almost unbearable. This area is a haven for students, artists, and creatives and you’ll probably want to paint a masterpiece just staying there! And the last entry on this list of Oslo’s best neighborhoods is Majorstuen.
This area is just on the outskirts of the Sentrum, so it offers easy access to everywhere. It’s also a little quieter than other neighborhood, which makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Oslo with kids.
Oslo’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
If you’re looking for the coolest places to stay in Oslo, start your search in the following areas.
#1 The Sentrum – Where to Stay in Oslo First Time
The Sentrum is the center of Oslo and it’s the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Oslo for your first time. This area contains many of best things to do in Oslo. It’s built around the city’s harbor and is an expensive but exciting area to visit and stay in.
This is the best neighborhood in Oslo to stay in for fun nights out and long, exciting days.
There’s no end to the bars, restaurants, shops, and landmark attractions to explore in this neighborhood, including some of the city’s best historical buildings.
Best Hotel in Sentrum: Comfort Hotel Karl Johan
This hotel in Oslo is an ideal base whether you’re deciding where to stay in Oslo for one night or for a longer stay. The Oslo Central Station is a short walk from the hotel to make it easy for you to explore the rest of the city. There’s a fitness center on site and the rooms are bright and cheerful and include free Wi-Fi and a TV.
Best Airbnb in Sentrum: Central, Modern and Cozy Studio
This Oslo accommodation option is a great choice for convenience and comfort. The apartment is sparkling clean and can accommodate two guests. It’s close to the train station and includes a private bathroom and all the amenities you’ll need for a short or long stay.
Central, Modern and Cozy Studio is one of our favourites in Oslo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel in Sentrum: Anker Apartments
This brand-new property is a great place to stay if you want to be in the center of the city but can’t afford some of the hotel prices. If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Oslo with kids, this might be the answer.
Each private room includes a kitchen and private bathroom and the dorm rooms have the use of a common kitchenette and bathrooms.
Anker Apartments is one of our favourites in Oslo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in The Sentrum
- Spend a day museum hopping from the Historical Museum, to the Ibsen museum and the Museum of Modern Art.
- Take in Oslo’s culture at the National Theater and the Oslo Opera House.
- Explore the art at the Great National Gallery.
- Take a stroll around the Slottsparken, the green lung of the neighborhood.
- Spend an afternoon or a whole day on Karl Johan Street, where you’ll find the best cafes, shops and restaurants in the city.
- Take a guided tour of Oslo’s Royal Palace.
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Learn More Now!#2 Grønland – Where to Stay in Oslo on a Budget
If the Sentrum is too expensive for your budget, then Grønland is a good alternative. This is the cultural center of the city and the best neighborhood to stay in for an international feel and flavors. You’ll love exploring this area, with its Pakistani grocery stories, Indian clothing boutiques, and Eastern pastry shops.
This is one of the best areas to stay in Oslo for a more local, authentic experience of the city. It’s close enough to the Sentrum to be convenient, but it’s populated mostly by locals. This means you’ll get a better price on accommodation and you’ll get to experience how the locals live their lives.
Best Airbnb in Grønland: Very Central Room
This apartment is in the best neighborhood in Oslo to stay in for convenient access to transport and landmarks. It’s located within a minute of the Grønland train station, this apartment offers comfort and convenience.
The owner offers one bedroom with two beds in the room as well as all the amenities you might need for your stay including linens, towels and fast Wi-Fi.
Best Hostel in Grønland: Club 27
This is an amazing hostel that focuses on fostering a social and inclusive atmosphere. That makes it a great place to stay in Oslo if you want to meet other travelers and make new friends. It’s located in the best neighborhood in Oslo to stay in for beautiful surroundings and convenience to all the best landmarks.
Club 27 is one of our favourites in Oslo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hotel in Grønland: Apartment P1 Oslo City Center
These apartments are one of the best places in Oslo to stay for convenience and a comfortable base. They’re close to the city center, so you can explore, as well as to landmark buildings and attractions like the Oslo Opera House. The apartments are comfortable and are equipped with everything you’ll need for a long- or short-term stay.
Apartment P1 Oslo City Center is one of our favourites in Oslo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in Grønland
- Buy organic fruit and vegetables at the local markets and cook your own meals.
- Buy some unusual souvenirs at the multicultural shops and boutiques.
- Visit the Munch Museum or the Intercultural Museum for some art and culture.
- Stroll through the botanical gardens on the south side of the neighborhood.
- Check out the Geology and Paleontology Museum.
#3 Aker Brygge – Best Area to Stay in Oslo for Nightlife
Aker Brygge was once a rundown dockyard that had a bad reputation. Recent renovations have changed all of that and it’s now one of the best choices when you’re deciding where to stay in Oslo for the nightlife. It’s been turned into a pretty, and pretty expensive, area for shopping, bars, and high-end restaurants.
This isn’t one of the best places in Oslo to stay if you’re on a budget. The shops, bars, and restaurants are all brand new and high end, and you’ll find yourself spending a lot of money very easily in this area. But if you have the spare change, it’s an exciting and convenient area to spend some time in.
Best Hotel in Aker Brygge: Thon Hotel Vika Atrium
This hotel in Oslo offers the best of both worlds. It’s close to the center of the city but enjoys the quieter atmosphere of Aker Brygge. When you stay at this hotel, you’ll enjoy the convenience and luxury of an in-house fitness center, sauna, and restaurant as well as free Wi-Fi.
The rooms are bright and large and offer private bathrooms too.
Best Airbnb in Aker Brygge: Best Location Oslo City Center
If you want accommodation in the best area in Oslo to stay in, this private room is a good choice. It offers 1 bedroom that will suit two guests as well as a shared bathroom.
The apartment is located close to the harbor and to all the museums, shops, and restaurants in this vibrant area. It’s also lovely and clean and has a rooftop terrace where you can have a drink and take in the views of the city.
Best Location Oslo City Center is one of our favourites in Oslo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel in Aker Brygge: Saga Poshtel Oslo Central
This hostel is located within walking distance of Aker Brygge and all the attractions that can be found in this area. It’s a brand new, impossibly chic hostel that offers great accessibility to the most interesting parts of the city.
The rooms range from comfortable doubles to dorm rooms and you’ll have access to a communal kitchen and living area for socialising.
Saga Poshtel Oslo Central is one of our favourites in Oslo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in Aker Brygge
- Take a stroll along the marina and enjoy the ocean air.
- Take a ferry to visit the Bygdøy peninsula or the Oslofjord for a fun day trip.
- Grab your friends and head out to explore the local bars and restaurants.
- Forget about your bank balance and do some shopping.
- Check out the luxury yachts at anchor at the marina.
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Buy an eSIM!#4 Grünerløkka – Coolest Place to Stay in Oslo
As one of the coolest places to stay in Oslo, Grünerløkka will bring out the artist in you. This is the district that’s become known as a haven for students and artists away from the tourists and the business areas of the city.
The shops and restaurant reflect that and exploring them can make for a delicious and fascinating insight into a very different side of the city.
Grünerløkka is slightly north of the Sentrum, so it’s still close to all the city’s best attractions. It is one of the most expensive areas to stay in, but the trendy, lively vibe is worth the extra money.
The shopping too is incredible and geared towards the artistic, so if you’re looking for a truly unique souvenir, this is one of Oslo’s best neighborhoods to find it.
Best Airbnb in Grünerløkka: Nordic Room
Perfect for two guests, this apartment is located just a few minutes from the train and subway stations for convenient access to the rest of the city. There are shops close by for meals and snacks and the room is spotlessly clean and offers comfortable, homey furnishings.
Best Hostel in Grünerløkka: Anker Hostel
This hostel offers spacious rooms in a range of sizes to suit all travel groups and ages. The atmosphere is deliberately relaxed and international, making it an ideal base for your Oslo explorations.
You’ll get your own bathroom and kitchen included with each room as well as amazing public areas for you to socialise and meet other travelers in. It’s located within walking distance of the most popular shopping street in the city.
Anker Hostel is one of our favourites in Oslo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hotel in Grünerløkka: PS Hotell
The area surrounding this hotel is popular for shopping and for easy access to the rest of Oslo. The rooms are comfortably furnished and offer a private bathroom as well as all the usual amenities.
If you have any problems during your stay, the professional staff are always on hand to help and there’s a bar on site for a quiet drink at the end of a long day.
PS Hotell is one of our favourites in Oslo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in Grünerløkka
- While away an afternoon at one of the many trendy cafes and find the artist inside of you!
- Go shopping in the many vintage, art deco, or design stores and take home a unique souvenir.
- Head down to one of the local produce stores for a cheap and tasty snack.
- See what’s on at the Rockefeller Music Hall and see a show if you can.
- Go for walks in the many green spaces in the neighborhood.
#5 Majorstuen – Best Neighborhood in Oslo for Families
This bourgeois neighborhood is located right on the outskirts of the city center, which means it’s incredibly convenient. This makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Oslo for one night or for a longer stay. It’s also a quieter, more local area of the city, so it’s great for small kids who need peace and quiet to sleep.
But that doesn’t mean that Majorstuen is boring. You’ll find a huge range of shops, bars, trendy clubs, and restaurants in this area. That makes it the perfect choice whether you want to spend your time there shopping, club hopping, or just enjoying lots of tasty food and drinks.
Best Hotel in Majorstuen: Thon Hotel Gyldenlove
If you want a hotel in one of the best areas to stay in Oslo, this is a great choice. It’s good for shopping and located close to restaurants that serve some of the best food in the city.
The train station is within easy walking distance from the hotel. You’ll enjoy your own private room and bathroom as well as private parking nearby if you’re traveling with a car.
Best Airbnb in Majorstuen: New Apartment
This apartment can take 4 guests and you’ll have the space all to yourself. It includes a private bathroom and it’s located close enough to be convenient to everything while also being far enough away from the center that you get some peace and quiet.
You can make your own food and do the laundry in this apartment and it’s close to restaurants and cafes for quick meals and snacks.
New Apartment is one of our favourites in Oslo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel in Majorstuen: Villa Frogner Bed and Breakfast
If you want a budget stay in Oslo, you’ll find it at this bed and breakfast. It’s within easy walking distance from the Majostuen train station and includes a concierge, free Wi-Fi, and a sauna. There are five, immaculately clean rooms of varying sizes, which makes it a good choice for any travel group.
Villa Frogner Bed and Breakfast is one of our favourites in Oslo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in Majorstuen
- Take the kids to the Museum of Children’s Art and watch them get inspired.
- Grab your credit card and check out the many luxury stores.
- Leave the kids at home and go bar hopping for a night.
- Check out Vigeland Park for some amazing sculptures in a lovely green area.
- Wander down Bogstadsveien Street for some amazing shopping and restaurants and end up in the beautiful Royal Castle gardens.
FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Oslo
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Oslo and where to stay.
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Final Thoughts On Where To Stay in Oslo
This Oslo neighborhood guide will help you find a place to stay that’s within your budget and convenient for the trip you want to have. So, don’t avoid this famously expensive city if you’re on a budget.
With some careful planning, you’ll be able to keep your costs down and enjoy this vibrant city and all the opportunities for great shopping and adventures in nature that you can stand!
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