To enjoy your trip to the max, you have to choose the best place where to stay in Oslo, Norway’s capital. The city is big and packs so many attractions that you’ll be moving around it all day long. Oslo has quite different neighborhoods, which cater to different tastes and needs.
The city sprawls over a big area. That’s why it’s so much fun to discover every corner. Fortunately, the transportation system is brilliant. You can walk, take the tram, metro, bus, or bike everywhere. As if that was not enough, people are friendly, polite, and helpful. They will make you feel at home!
Oslo has some of the best hotels in Europe. No matter your budget or taste, you will find the hotel that suits you. We’ve been several times to the city to visit friends. Since we love hotels, we’ve tried several. As you know, location, comfort, and service are key. The following are our favorite.
The Best Hotels to Stay
The best hotels in Oslo are some of the greatest historic buildings in Norway. To stay in a palace in the heart of the city, book a room at the Grand Hotel. The Noble peace prize ceremony is at the hotel. The white granite building has everything you ever dreamed of. Its clock tower is an icon in Oslo.
The Hotel Continental opened in 1900, just a couple of blocks from Oslo’s main street. The 5-star property has an incredible art collection. As soon as you enter the lobby, you will notice the prints by Munch. The city’s most famous cafe restaurant is in the hotel, the Theatercafeen.
You can stay just 30 minutes from the center and in the middle of lush green nature. The Lysebu Hotel from 1936 has an illustrious past linked to Denmark. The hotel is a splendid traditional building with an indoor pool, lots of art, and impeccable service. We fell in love with the garden!
Best Areas to Stay
Sentrum – City Center
The center is the nicest part of the city. Incredible architecture lines its streets. Everything happens at the park where the National Theatre, Parliament, and the University of Oslo are. Karl Johan is the main street. Locals flock to the park and coffee houses to socialize and chill.
The Royal Palace is to the west. The gorgeous 19th Century building is in the middle of a fantastic garden. Since the University is near, students relax at the park. Visit the National Gallery and the History Museum, the best in the country. Walk east until you reach the Cathedral.
A block from the Parliament towards the coast is the City Hall. Its collection of tapestries, sculptures, and art is amongst the best in the country. The Noble Museum is to the west. Walk along the coast to the Akershus Fortress. The views from the 13th Century Fort are stunning.
We Recommend These Hotels in Sentrum:
Scandic Grensen
The Scandic Grensen is our go-to hotel when in Oslo. You can’t beat the location, a block from the parliament. It’s got the best price-quality ratio in the center. The rooms are big and comfortable. Book a superior one for gorgeous views. The complimentary breakfast is delicious.
Karl Johan Hotel
The Scandinavian chain Scandic manages one of the best luxury hotels in the city, the Karl Johan Hotel. The hotel opened in 1899 and was fully refurbished in 2019. It’s on the city’s main street, overlooking the parliament’s park. The coffee house on the street is one of the best in the city. Enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast each morning.
Bjørvika
Bjørvika is a green oasis in the center of Oslo. Though you can walk to most attractions, the neighborhood is at the foot of Ekerbeg Park. The massive park offers the best views of downtown Oslo and the fjord. It’s got sculptures and ancient petroglyphs!
The Middle Park and Sorenga are in the center of the neighborhood. The public swimming pool on the coast is the place to be in summer. It’s a great place to mingle with the locals even in winter. Don’t forget to check the ruins of St. Mary’s church to the north.
Our favorite contemporary building in the city is here too. The Oslo Opera House will blow your mind away. You can climb the roof of the building and enjoy breathtaking views. You can buy tickets online for its incredible productions. Don’t forget to check the Munch Museum nearby. We love it!
Some of the Best Hotels in Bjørvika:
Clarion Hotel Oslo
You can’t get any closer to the Opera House than at the Clarion Oslo Hotel. It’s a contemporary building with state-of-the-art facilities. However, what sets it apart are the views of some of the coolest buildings in town. It’s got a gym and a great complimentary breakfast.
Thon Hotel Opera
The Thon Hotel Opera is a 3-minute walk to the Opera. Even if you don’t stay in the hotel, go to the 4th-floor terrace to enjoy splendid views. The rooms are perfectly isolated and big. They come with a big tub! The buffet breakfast is complimentary, and there’s a gym.
Grønland and Tøyen
Grønland is the area around Oslo’s Train Station, while Tøyen is next to the botanical gardens. We like Grønland because of its vibe. The hood is probably the most multicultural in the city. You will find restaurants and eateries of every kind. Regarding nightlife, some of the city’s best clubs are here.
The neighborhood’s biggest draw is the Oslo Spektrum, one of the largest concert venues in Scandinavia. If you are into shopping, check out Oslo City. The big mall has national and international brands. If planning to travel to Bergen, Stockholm, or any other place in Scandinavia, stay in one of the hotels near the Central Station.
The Botanical Gardens are probably the nicest in Scandinavia. It has over 5500 plants from all over the world. The sculptures around the garden are impressive too. Locals picnic all around the park. Take a look at the Natural History Museum in the center of the park. It’s for both kids and adults!
In Grønland and Tøyen Stay at:
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is a tall glass tower next to the Central Station. It’s connected to Oslo Spektrum via a pedestrian bridge. The best rooms are on the top floors and offer unobstructed views of the fjord. The pool, sauna, and gym are on the highest floor. It’s got billiards!
Forenom Aparthotel Oslo
The best apartments near the train station are at the Forenom Aparthotel Oslo. It’s got a brilliant price-quality ratio. The fully equipped units come with a microwave, kitchenette, dishwasher, and fridge. The best ones have a lovely balcony. Guests can use the laundry and ironing facilities for free.
Grünerløkka
Grünerløkka is a big neighborhood to the north of the Botanical Gardens. Stay here if you like authentic neighborhoods. However, the center is just a 30-minute walk across the city. The tram is faster. The neighborhood is elegant, leafy, and very Norwegian.
Cute coffee houses, fancy restaurants, and small shops line the streets of Grünerløkka. You can spend hours walking around. Local people have barbeques and play ping pong at the lovely Sofienberg Park. A popular walk is along Kuba Park. It’s the pedestrian path next to the river that takes you to Grønland.
The Sunday market at Birkelunden Park is very popular. Though not that big, people from all over the city visit. The atmosphere is relaxed and carefree. There are concerts and shows in summer. The best coffee houses in Grünerløkka are around the park. Parkteatre nearby is a hip indoor-outdoor theatre for local bands.
The Best Accommodation in Grünerløkka:
Anker Hotel
If you are looking for clean, comfy rooms at a great price, stay at the Anker Hotel. It’s just a 20-minute walk to the center. The family rooms are great value for money. The best rooms have views and an espresso machine. You can rest in the garden.
Scandic Vulkan
The Scandinavian chain has a 4-star property next to Kuba Park. The Scandic Vulkan offers well-appointed rooms with wooden floors. The complimentary breakfast buffet is one of the best in Oslo. Guests can access a gym or a bike to explore the city. You can park for free for the first 48 hrs.
Sankt Hanshaugen
To the west of Grünerløkka and north of the Royal Palace, we find Sankt Hanshaugen. It’s a hip neighborhood with fancy residential buildings and houses. The trees that line its streets are tall and old.
The neighborhood is around the park with the same name. The park extends over a small hill that offers gorgeous views of the city and the fjord. Locals visit the park to enjoy the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Visit in the afternoon for killer sunsets. There’s a pond and a stream lined with splendid trees.
Bislett Stadium is two blocks from the park. The sports venue offers free entrance to top-quality training facilities. It’s got saunas and showers. The opening ceremony of the 1952 Olympics was here. Check out their website for summer music concerts and shows. Our Saviour Cemetery is nearby, the resting place of notable Norwegians. St. Olav’s Catholic Cathedral is in Sankt Hanshaugen close to the center.
Great Hotels in Sankt Hanshaugen:
Thon Hotel Munch
The Thon Hotel Munch is an institution in the neighborhood. It’s on a quiet side street a couple of blocks from the park. Thus, you can walk everywhere. The airport express bus stop is 150m away. The 3-star property offers top-quality beds, complimentary breakfast, and free coffee in the lobby.
Scandic St. Olavs Plass
Within walking distance to the center, the Scandic St. Olavs Plass offers great rooms. The hotel features a gym and a sauna. In summer, kids can use the playroom packed with games and toys. The breakfast is complimentary, and it has a bar popular with locals.
Majorstuen
Majorstuen is a big neighborhood northwest of the Royal Palace. Neoclassical residential buildings and mansions dot its leafy streets. It’s an up-scale neighborhood for the wealthy. However, it feels relaxed and welcoming. We like it because it’s very quaint yet close to most attractions.
Stay here if you are into fancy dining. Some of the best restaurants and coffee shops in the city are here. Wine lovers will be happy too. The neighborhood is packed with wine shops and sophisticated bars. Besides, the city’s best antique dealers are in Majorstuen.
Bogstadveien Street is the lifeline of the neighborhood. Oslo’s best boutiques, art galleries, and shops line the street. Stroll along Bogstandveien and mingle with the crowd. Locals love Valkyrien, a small mall with fancy shops and delicious food. If you are not into shopping, choose your favorite coffee house, and people watch.
We Recommend These Hotels in Majorstuen:
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel
The Radisson Blu Scandinavia is within minutes of most attractions. You get big rooms with top-quality amenities. Book a superior room for extra comfort and views. The hotel features a sauna, gym, pool, and restaurant. The views from the top floor bar are the best in Oslo.
Camillas Hus
If you are into fancy boutique hotels, book a room at Camillas Hus. The superb mansion was built in 1845. Today, it features large rooms with modern-day conveniences. The onsite restaurant is superb. You can park for free. Since it’s a small property, book in advance.
Frogner
Frogner extends from the sea to the park with the same name. It is one of the nicest and most diverse neighborhoods in Oslo. The neighborhood combines retail, office spaces, and residences. Most of the embassies in Oslo are here. You can walk for hours admiring these grand mansions.
Another fantastic walk is along the coast. Frongnestranda is between the rail tracks and the coast. Locals park their boats in the marina. You can see Bygdøy behind the boats. From there, zigzag through the neighborhood. You will reach Vigeland Museum. The former industrial plant holds an impressive collection of Vigeland sculptures.
Frogner Park is the most beautiful in the city. There are incredible trees and plants everywhere. Besides, one-of-a-kind sculptures dot the park. Cross the lakes, walk through Vigelandpark, and reach the monolith. The area is an open-air museum. Don’t forget to check the Oslo City Museum and the Frogner Manor.
Some of the Best Hotels in Frogner:
Clarion Collection Hotel Gabelshus
You will recognize the Clarion Collection Hotel Gabelshus by its façade covered in plants. The hotel features a fireplace and a well-stocked library. You can chill in the garden or the sauna after exercising in the gym. They offer a convenient breakfast and dinner included rate.
Frogner House Apartments – Skovveien 8
The same company manages several apartment blocks. Our favorite is the Frogner House Apartments Skovvein 8. The fully equipped units have high ceilings and loads of character. The best ones have a balcony with views. It’s a refurbished old traditional building with shared laundry facilities. You can check-in online.
Akker Brygge and Tjuvholmen
The newest and fanciest neighborhood in the city is a sight to behold. Akker Brygge is a tiny neighborhood on the coast surrounded by the sea. Tjuvholmen is the island next to it. Some of the best contemporary buildings in Norway are here. If you like architecture, stay here.
Ferries to the islands in front and beyond depart from Akker Brygge terminal. You have to take at least one and admire the city from the sea. Walk from there along the wooden platform. Stop by the best sauna in Scandinavia. Oslo Fjord Spa has mastered the art of sauna, with traditional rituals and views.
Cross the bridge, and you’ll be in front of the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. Designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, the building is an attraction in itself. The collection inside is the best in the country. Don’t forget to check the sculpture garden. You can dip in the sea in Tjuvholmen beach.
In Akker Brygge and Tjuvholmen Stay at:
The Thief
The Thief is one of the best 5-star hotels in Scandinavia. It’s all about design, service, views, and coolness. The rooms are huge and have everything you ever dreamed of. Guests have free access to the Fearnley Museum. The hotel’s spa and pool are the best in the city.
Thon Hotel Vika Atrium
The tall glass tower of the Thon Hotel Vika Atrium stands tall in front of Akker Brygge. All rooms come with a coffee maker. The best ones offer outstanding views. Enjoy a wide range of options every morning with a complimentary breakfast buffet. The hotel has fitness facilities and onsite parking.
How Long to Stay in Oslo
As you can tell from our post, you can stay in Oslo for months! The city offers so much that you can spend weeks discovering it. However, we all have time constraints and a big wide world to explore. Therefore, everybody wonders how many days to spend in Oslo?
You need at least 3 days to cover the basics. Just visiting the city’s top museums will take you at least a day. Remember that you’ll spend time both inside the museums and around the buildings. Another day is needed to explore the parks. Oslo has some of the nicest in Europe.
Your final day will be spent on the coast, admiring the views of the fjord. Therefore, we strongly advise you to stay 5 days. You don’t want to rush through this incredible city. Besides, Norwegians are some of the best hosts on the continent. You want to have time to mingle and share a beer or glass of wine.
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