Hotels
Hotels in Oslo: where to stay in the city centre, for every budget
Oslo is a small capital, and from a hotel in the centre you can walk to most things. These are the hotels we would choose, from the station and Bjørvika to Karl Johan and Frogner, and who each one suits.
In short
Our first choice in Oslo is Amerikalinjen, in the former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line right by Oslo Central Station. The airport train and the Opera House are on the doorstep, and guests on Hotels.com rate it 9.8. For a lower price, Comfort Hotel Grand Central sits inside the station building itself.
Our first choice: See rooms at Amerikalinjen
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It is Friday evening on Jernbanetorget. The airport train has just pulled in, the trams rattle past, and out by the fjord the Barcode buildings glow in the dusk. From here the Opera House is five minutes on foot and Karl Johan two. That is why most visitors to Oslo should stay in the centre.
Which area suits you?
Close to the train and the airport: Oslo Central and Bjørvika
Theatres, shops and the Palace: Karl Johan and Kvadraturen
Art and views of the fjord: Tjuvholmen and Aker Brygge
Calm and elegant: Frogner
To compare more neighbourhoods, see our guide to where to stay in Oslo.
Oslo Central and Bjørvika: practical and by the fjord
Around the station you are as close as you can get to the airport train and the trains to Sweden. The Opera House and the Munch museum in Bjørvika are a few minutes away.
History by the station
Amerikalinjen occupies the former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line, right by Oslo Central Station.
Amerikalinjen
Amerikalinjen occupies the building where the Norwegian America Line had its headquarters, right across the street from Oslo Central Station. It is small and personal, with a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, and suits you if you want a central base with some history in the walls.
Book your stay: See rooms at Amerikalinjen
Thon Hotel Opera
Thon Hotel Opera sits between Oslo Central Station and the Opera House, and several rooms look out towards the fjord. Guests rate it 9.2. A good choice if you arrive by train and want Bjørvika right outside.
Book your stay: See rooms at Thon Hotel Opera
Comfort Hotel Grand Central
Comfort Hotel Grand Central is inside the old Østbanehallen station building, so you walk straight from the platform to reception. The rooms are simple and modern, and guests rate it 8.6. It is the most affordable of the hotels here, and our guide to cheap hotels in central Oslo has more ideas.
Book your stay: See rooms at Comfort Hotel Grand Central
Trams through the centre
The trams run through central Oslo, close to most of the hotels.
Karl Johan and Kvadraturen: the heart of the city
Between the Parliament, the National Theatre and the Royal Palace are the hotels that have been part of Oslo for more than a century. Here you stay among the shopping streets and within walking distance of most sights.
Opposite the National Theatre
Hotel Continental stands opposite the National Theatre, with the Theatercaféen on the ground floor.
Hotel Continental
The Continental has been run by the same family for more than a hundred years and stands opposite the National Theatre. The Theatercaféen on the ground floor is an Oslo institution, and guests rate the hotel 9.6. A good choice if you want classic luxury with the theatre as your nearest neighbour.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Continental
Art deco on the main street
The lobby at Karl Johan Hotel is pure art deco.
Karl Johan Hotel
Karl Johan Hotel sits on Oslo's main street, with an art deco lobby and high-ceilinged rooms. Guests rate it 9.4, and the Parliament and the Palace Park are a few minutes away. Ideal if you want to be in the middle of city life.
Book your stay: See rooms at Karl Johan Hotel
Hotel Christiania Teater
Hotel Christiania Teater is built into the old theatre on Stortingsgata, with a restaurant and bar where audiences once gathered. Guests rate it 9.2, and Karl Johan is just around the corner. A good choice if you want a central building with character.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Christiania Teater
Tjuvholmen and Aker Brygge: art and the fjord
At the tip of Tjuvholmen you have the fjord on three sides and the Astrup Fearnley Museum next door. Aker Brygge, with its restaurants and the boats to the islands, is just behind.
At the tip of Tjuvholmen
The Thief stands at the tip of Tjuvholmen, with the fjord on three sides.
The Thief
The Thief stands at the tip of Tjuvholmen, with art on the walls and a rooftop terrace over the fjord. Guests rate it 9.2. A good choice for couples who want a weekend of art and views over the water.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Thief
Frogner: elegant and calm
West of the centre lies Frogner, with wide streets, bakeries and the Vigeland Park. It is quieter in the evening, yet only a short tram ride from Karl Johan.
The old power company on Frogner
Sommerro occupies the former headquarters of the Oslo electricity company in Frogner.
Sommerro
Sommerro occupies the former headquarters of the Oslo electricity company, with a pool and sauna on the roof. We have been here many times, for the jazz in Ekspedisjonshallen, the strong restaurants and the big wine cellar. Guests rate the hotel 9.6, and we have written more in our story on Sommerro.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sommerro
Before you book
Stay near Oslo Central if you arrive by air or rail. The airport train from Gardermoen takes around twenty minutes.
Avoid the biggest event weekends. Prices rise sharply when large events are on in the city.
Check the breakfast. Norwegian hotel breakfasts are often generous and can save you a meal.
Hotels in Oslo: frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay in Oslo?
The centre suits most visitors. Around Oslo Central you are close to the trains and the airport train, around Karl Johan you are in the middle of town, and Tjuvholmen and Frogner are a little calmer. All the areas are within walking distance or a short tram ride of each other.
Which hotels are in central Oslo?
Hotel Continental, Karl Johan Hotel and Hotel Christiania Teater are all in the centre, between Karl Johan and the Parliament. Amerikalinjen, Thon Hotel Opera and Comfort Hotel Grand Central are right by Oslo Central Station.
What is the best luxury hotel in Oslo?
We have gathered the ten best in our guide to luxury hotels in Oslo. Hotel Continental, The Thief and Sommerro are among our favourites.
Are there cheap hotels in central Oslo?
Yes. Comfort Hotel Grand Central is an affordable choice right by Oslo Central Station, and our guide to cheap hotels in central Oslo has more ideas.
Which hotel should I choose near Oslo Airport?
If you have an early flight, it can pay to stay at the airport. We have a separate guide to hotels at Oslo Airport, Gardermoen.