Wondering where to stay in Oslo? Our guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Oslo and the best hotels in Oslo by neighborhood is here to help!
Read More: 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary
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Where to Stay in Oslo: Best Areas to Stay in Oslo for Families
There’s no dearth of beautiful neighborhoods in Oslo. Each neighborhood has its own mood and energy. Some are good for budget travelers, others for families, and so on. We have listed the desirable neighborhoods and their strengths to help you choose the best place to stay in Oslo, based on your travel style and budget.
Sentrum Oslo or City Center
Downtown or City Center is the most convenient place to explore Oslo because it’s where you’ll find the best restaurants, attractions, hotels, and shopping. You can walk to most attractions and food outlets, so no transport hassle. It’s easy to get to the nearby islands as ferry lines (Sentrum Oslo sits along Oslo Fjord) start from here, and you can take amazing day trips effortlessly, as Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) is located here. Plus, almost all guided tours start at Rådhusplassen in the City Center.
I’d strongly recommend booking accommodation in Sentrum
• If you are a first-timer
• If you’re short on time
• If you’re traveling with young kids
• If you want to save on transportation
• If you want to stay close to the action
Rådhusplassen (City Hall Square), Akershus Fortress, Oslo Opera House, National Museum, National Theater, the Historical Museum, Karl Johans Gate, and Stortinget (Parliament) are some of the best attractions in Sentrum.
Best Hotels in Oslo City Center
Citybox Oslo
Karl Johan Hotel
Grand Hotel
Anker Hotel
Scandic Oslo City
Thon Hotel Opera
Check out the deals on the best hotels in the Oslo city center
Read More: Visiting Oslo with Kids? Read This!
Aker Brygge
Part of the Sentrum, Aker Brygge, once a shipyard site, is now known for its bustling pier and waterfront promenade, sprinkled with restaurants and bars. There’s also a summer boat bar anchored along the waterfront. Aker Brygge is sure to tickle your inner foodie.
Some of Oslo’s best cultural attractions, restaurants, shops, theaters, and luxe apartments are located here.
Oslo Fjord cruises depart from here. You can’t miss the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art and the Nobel Peace Center when in Aker Brygge.
There are not many hotels in Aker Brygge, but you’ll likely find a nice Airbnb here.
Best Hotels in Aker Brygge
The Thief
Hotel Christiania Teater
Thon Hotel Vika Atrium
Check out the deals on the best hotels in Aker Brygge
Read Next: A Perfect 3-Week Nordic Itinerary
Grünerløkka
Once a working-class district, Grünerløkka has beautifully grown into one of the trendiest, liveliest, and coolest districts. You’ll find cozy cafes, hip bars, vintage stores, flea markets, chic loft-style apartments (transformed from old industrial buildings), music venues, and unique street art here. Osloians fondly call it Løkka.
Travelers who’d love to explore the city’s nightlife can book accommodation here.
The Munch Museum, Mathallen Foodhall, and The Botanical Gardens are must-visit attractions in Grünerløkka. Walking along the Akerselva River through Grünerløkka’s many parks is one of the best ways to experience the neighborhood.
Best Hotels in Grünerløkka
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Comfort Hotel Xpress Youngstorget
PS: hotel by Nordic Choice
Maya Apartments
Check out the deals on the best hotels in Grünerløkka
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Gamle Oslo or Old Oslo
Just about a 2 km walk along the promenade from Sentrum, Gamle Oslo includes the historic Old Town (Gamlebyen), the multicultural neighborhood of Grønland, and the port area of Sørenga. Each area has its own charm.
The Old Town has a traditional and authentic feel. If you want to soak up the Norwegian tradition and culture, it’s where you should stay. Do check out the Norwegian Resistance Museum and the Old Town Hall when in Gamlebyen. All in all, it’s a perfect place for family travelers who love history and culture.
A melting pot of cultures, Grønland is famous for its ethnic food outlets selling Middle Eastern food. It won’t disappoint food and culture, connoisseurs.
Once an old container dock, Sørenga is an emerging residential neighborhood by the Oslo fjord. Sørenga Seawater Pool attracts locals and visitors alike. Here, you can dine and wine by the waterfront, with stunning views of Oslo’s most famous attractions: the Oslo Opera House and Akershus Fortress.
Best Hotels in Gamle Oslo
Forenom Aparthotel Oslo
Clarion Hotel Oslo
Scandic Helsfyr
Oslo Centrum Apartments
Bjørvika Apartments
Check out the deals on the best hotels in Gamle Oslo
Related Read: A Scenic Road Trip from Bergen to Oslo
Frogner
An affluent neighborhood west of Oslo Sentrum, Frogner is well known for the iconic Frogner Park, also known as Vigeland Park. The largest park in Oslo not only serves as a green lung for the city but also features unique installations by Gustav Vigeland, making it the world’s largest sculpture park.
With its high-end shopping outlets, the district is also a major shopping hub.
Best Hotels in Frogner
Frogner House Apartments – Oscars Gate 86
Frogner House Apartments – Huitfeldts Gate 19
Frogner House Apartments – Gabels Gate 3
Frogner House Apartments – Odins Gate 10
Clarion Collection Hotel Gabelshus
Scandic Solli
Check out the deals on the best hotels in Frogner
Read More: Undredal – A Fairytale Village in Norway
Majorstuen
Part of Frogner, Majorstuen, like Oslo City Center, is a major public transport hub with most metro, tram, and bus lines running through it, providing easy, fast access to places across Oslo.
If you want to stay away from the hullabaloo of the city center but still want to be close to the action, Majorstuen is the best bet. With some amazing restaurants and the exclusive shopping street of Bogstadveien, the area is also famous for its lively dining and shopping scene.
Best Hotels in Majorstuen
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel
Saga Hotel Oslo
Thon Hotel Slottsparken
Camillas Hus
Check out the deals on the best hotels in Majorstuen
Related Read: 7 Days in Norway Itinerary
St. Hanshaugen
Famous for the stunning views across Oslo and the fjord, St. Hanshaugen is a beautiful residential neighborhood located on a hill. It has a quiet vibe.
St. Hanshaugen Park and Oslo Reptile Park are the main attractions here. If you’re traveling in summer, don’t miss the free outdoor cinema at St. Hanshaugen Park. The area is sprinkled with charming restaurants, quaint cafes, and bakeries.
Best Hotels in St. Hanshaugen
Scandic St. Olavs Plass
Thon Hotel Munch
The Apartments Company – Bislett
The Apartments Company – Majorstuen
Check out the deals on the best hotels in St. Hanshaugen
Gardermoen
Located in the borough of Ullensaker in Akershus, Gardermoen is perfect for travelers who want to stay close to the airport.
Best Hotels in Gardermoen
Gardermoen Hotel Bed & Breakfast
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel
Comfort Hotel RunWay
Park Inn by Radisson Oslo Airport
Quality Airport Hotel Gardermoen
Thon Hotel Gardermoen
Check out the deals on the best hotels in Gardermoen
Holmenkollen
A part of Vestre Aker borough of Oslo, about 35 minutes away from the city center, Holmenkollen is a neighborhood that’s particularly famous for the Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower.
If you are traveling in winter and love to ski, this is the place!
Best Hotels in Holmenkollen
Scandic Holmenkollen Park
Lysebu Hotel
Check out the deals on the best hotels in Holmenkollen
More Travel Resources to Plan Your Norway Trip
- Nordics Itinerary
- Best Places to Visit in Norway with Kids
- 7 Days in Norway Itinerary
- 2-week itinerary for Norway
- Oslo with Kids
- Undredal in Norway
- The Train from Oslo to Bergen
- Driving from Bergen to Oslo
- Best things to do in Bergen
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