Oslo
Where to stay in Oslo: the best neighbourhoods and city-centre hotels
Karl Johan and Kvadraturen, Bjørvika on the fjord, Aker Brygge, Frogner or Grünerløkka? This is Oslo neighbourhood by neighbourhood, and the hotels that suit each one.
Oslo is a city you can walk across in an afternoon, but it takes years to know. In a few minutes you move from the grand avenue of Karl Johan to the floating saunas of Bjørvika, from the sculptures of Frogner Park to the coffee bars of Grünerløkka. Where you stay decides which part of the city becomes yours.
Here is a guide to the neighbourhoods, and the hotels we would choose in each, whether you are coming for a weekend of culture and great restaurants, a business trip or a stay with the children.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
How to choose a neighbourhood
For classic elegance and a short walk to everything: Karl Johan and Kvadraturen
For trains, the airport express and easy travel: Oslo S and Jernbanetorget
For the fjord, the Opera and MUNCH: Bjørvika
For art, seafood and sunsets: Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen
For villas, parks and peace: Frogner and Solli
For coffee bars, Mathallen and city life: Grünerløkka and Vulkan
Distances in central Oslo are short, and trams, metro and buses link the neighbourhoods quickly. So choose for mood, not just distance.
Karl Johan and Kvadraturen: classic Oslo
Karl Johans gate runs from Oslo S to the Royal Palace, past the Parliament, the National Theatre and the university. Around it stand the city’s classic grand hotels, with restaurants, shops and theatres right outside the door. This is the safest choice for a first visit.
Grand Hotel Oslo: history on Karl Johan
The city’s most iconic hotel, where Nobel Peace Prize laureates traditionally stay during the celebrations.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Hotel Oslo
Hotel Continental: elegance by the National Theatre
A classic hotel opposite the National Theatre, home to the legendary Theatercaféen.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Continental
Hotel Christiania Teater: a hotel in an old theatre
A hotel full of character, built into a historic theatre in the centre.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Christiania Teater
Hotel Bristol: classic elegance
A traditional hotel in the centre, just off Karl Johan, with salons and a library bar that recall another era.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Bristol
Comfort Hotel Karl Johan: affordable on the main street
A modern, more affordable option right on Karl Johan.
Book your stay: See rooms at Comfort Hotel Karl Johan
Oslo S and Jernbanetorget: practical and central
Stay by Oslo S and you have the Airport Express Train, the trains and the metro on your doorstep, with Karl Johan and Bjørvika within walking distance. It is busy, but ideal for a short trip or a late arrival.
Amerikalinjen: a historic boutique hotel
A boutique hotel in the former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line, right by Oslo S.
Book your stay: See rooms at Amerikalinjen
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel: views over the whole city
The hotel tower by Oslo S, with views of the city and fjord from the upper floors.
Book your stay: See rooms at Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Comfort Hotel Grand Central: inside the station
A hotel inside Oslo S, for those who want to walk straight from the train to their room.
Book your stay: See rooms at Comfort Hotel Grand Central
Citybox Oslo: smart and affordable
A simple, affordable self-service hotel within walking distance of Oslo S.
Book your stay: See rooms at Citybox Oslo
Smarthotel Oslo: budget in the centre
An affordable hotel with simple rooms in central Oslo.
Book your stay: See rooms at Smarthotel Oslo
Bjørvika and the MUNCH museum. Photo: Picolo
Bjørvika: the fjord, the Opera and MUNCH
Bjørvika is Oslo’s newest district, built on the old docklands. Here you can walk on the roof of the Opera House, visit the MUNCH museum, swim in the fjord and warm up in floating saunas. In the evening the restaurants along Sørenga and Barcode fill up.
Clarion Hotel Oslo: modern by the fjord
A large, modern hotel in Bjørvika, close to the Opera, MUNCH and the fjord.
Book your stay: See rooms at Clarion Hotel Oslo
Thon Hotel Opera: by the Opera and Oslo S
A hotel between Oslo S and the Opera House, with fjord views from many rooms.
Book your stay: See rooms at Thon Hotel Opera
Aker Brygge on the fjord. Photo: Picolo
Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen: art and sunsets
West of the City Hall lie Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, with restaurants along the quay, the Astrup Fearnley Museum and a small beach where you can swim in the middle of the city. This is where you catch the evening sun over the fjord.
The Thief: a design hotel on Tjuvholmen
A design hotel with art on the walls and the fjord outside, next to the Astrup Fearnley Museum.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Thief
Frogner and Solli: villas, parks and calm
Frogner is Oslo’s elegant residential district, with wide streets, embassies and Frogner Park with Vigeland’s sculptures. It is calmer than the centre, yet still a short trip from everything.
Sommerro: Oslo’s most talked-about hotel
A luxury hotel in the former headquarters of Oslo’s electricity board, with a rooftop terrace and pool.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sommerro
Saga Hotel Oslo: boutique in Frogner
A small, personal boutique hotel in the quiet streets of Frogner.
Book your stay: See rooms at Saga Hotel Oslo
Mathallen at Vulkan. Photo: Picolo
Grünerløkka and Vulkan: coffee bars and city life
Grünerløkka is Oslo’s creative district, with coffee bars, vintage shops, parks and a buzzing nightlife. By the Akerselva river lie Vulkan and Mathallen, Oslo’s big food hall.
Scandic Vulkan: by Mathallen
A modern hotel by Mathallen and the Akerselva river, in one of the city’s liveliest areas.
Book your stay: See rooms at Scandic Vulkan
Anker Hotel: affordable near Grünerløkka
An affordable hotel between the centre and Grünerløkka, close to both.
Book your stay: See rooms at Anker Hotel
Holmenkollen above the city. Photo: Picolo
Holmenkollen: ski trails on your doorstep
Above the city lies Holmenkollen, with its famous ski jump, ski museum and trails into the Nordmarka forest. Stay here for views over Oslo and the fjord, with the metro taking you down to the centre in about half an hour.
Scandic Holmenkollen Park: a historic hotel on the hill
The historic hotel at Holmenkollen, with views over the city and a short walk to the ski trails.
Book your stay: See rooms at Scandic Holmenkollen Park
Tips before you book
Book early for big events: Hotels fill fast during the Christmas markets, major concerts and sports events.
Weekends are often cheaper: Many Oslo hotels have lower prices at weekends, when business travellers are away.
Arriving from Gardermoen: The Airport Express Train runs directly to Oslo S and the National Theatre.
Affordable options: Citybox, Smarthotel and Anker offer a central location at a lower price.
Want to see our favourites together? Read our guide to the ten best hotels in Oslo.
Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Oslo
Where should you stay in Oslo for the first time?
Karl Johan and the area around Oslo S are the safest choice, within walking distance of most sights, restaurants and trains.
Which hotels in central Oslo are affordable?
Citybox Oslo, Smarthotel Oslo, Comfort Hotel Karl Johan and Anker Hotel offer a central location at a lower price.
Where can you stay near the fjord?
Bjørvika and Aker Brygge lie on the fjord. Clarion Hotel Oslo, Thon Hotel Opera and The Thief put the water close by.
Where should you stay in Oslo with children?
Holmenkollen and Frogner are calm with plenty of nature, while the hotels by Oslo S make it easy to travel with children and luggage.