Oslo is the starting point of my train journey to Bergen. The route is called Norway in a Nutshell, one of the most scenic train rides in the world and is the perfect way to visit a lot of highlights in Norway in a short amount of time. First stop: Oslo, where I spend the night in a beautiful hotel! The route ends in Bergen.

These are my tips on where to stay in Oslo: the best neighbourhoods, my favourite boutique hotels, and everything worth doing, eating and drinking once you have dropped your bags.

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Where to stay in Oslo | ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route

Where to stay in Oslo: the best neighbourhoods

I all comes down to 5 areas. Sentrum for your first visit and everything on foot. Grünerløkka for coffee, street art and vintage shopping. Bjørvika for the Opera House and the waterfront. Aker Brygge for the fjord on your doorstep. Frogner for quiet streets and Vigelandsparken. I stayed in Sentrum, right next to Oslo Central Station, and it is the area I would pick again for a first trip. First I will tell you a bit about the areas and after that you will find all my favorite hotels in the city!

Sentrum: the city centre

Sentrum is the answer for a first visit to Oslo. Karl Johan’s Gate runs straight through it, the boulevard created by king Karel Johan, with lots of high end restaurants, shops and hotels. Oslo Central Station sits at one end and the Royal Palace at the other, so the train to Bergen leaves from your doorstep.

Everything is walkable from here. The Opera House is 10 minutes down to the water, Akershus Festning is around the corner, and Himkok is close enough to walk back from. Café Cathedral and Kulturhuset are both in this area.

Best for: a first trip, short stays and anyone taking the train onwards.

My pick here: Hotel Amerikalinjen, right next to Central Station.

Grünerløkka: coffee, vintage and street art

Grünerløkka is an area in Oslo that is famous for authentic shops. Tim Wendelboe and Fransk Bazar are located here, which is reason enough. It sits north of the centre along the Akerselva river, about 20 to 30 minutes on foot from Sentrum.

We walked along the river and discovered the creative Ingens Gate, full of street art, where a lot of art schools and cafés are located. On sunday there is an art market from 12:00 till 17:00. Bortenfor is here too, with a large terrace right next to the river in the summer months. Mathallen food halls are a short walk away.

Best for: slow mornings, coffee, independent shops and a younger crowd.

My pick here: Hobo Oslo, on the edge of Grünerløkka.

Bjørvika: the waterfront and the Opera House

Bjørvika is the newest part of Oslo, built along the fjord next to the Opera House. This impressive building made from glass and marble looks like a giant iceberg, and you can walk up the roof for the view over the water. The MUNCH Museum is right there, with art by Edvard Munch, known for ‘The Scream’.

The Barcode buildings give this area a skyline that did not exist 15 years ago. It is a 10 minute walk from Central Station, so you are still close to everything.

Best for: architecture, museums and waking up next to the water.

Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen

Aker Brygge is the old shipyard turned into a boardwalk along the fjord, with Tjuvholmen and the Astrup Fearnley Museum at the far end. Ferries to the Oslofjord islands leave from here. In summer the whole waterfront fills up with people having a drink outside.

It is the most expensive corner of the city and quieter in winter, when the terraces close.

Best for: summer trips, fjord views and anyone who wants the water outside the window.

Frogner: quiet streets and Vigelandsparken

Frogner is the calm option west of the centre, with wide residential streets and Vigelandsparken on your doorstep: a sculpture park with art work by the most famous Norwegian artist, Gustav Vigeland, and over 200 sculptures. Free to walk through at any hour.

Bygdøy, the museum peninsula with the Fram Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum, is a bus or ferry ride away and works better as a day out than a base.

Best for: a quieter stay, more space per room and a park as your front garden.

My pick here: Savoy 1918, a few minutes from the National Museum.

Grünerløkka | Where to stay in Oslo

Best hotels in Oslo

– Click on the names for rates and availability –

Where to stay in Oslo: Sentrum

Hotel Amerikalinjen is located in the heart of Oslo and is one of the best hotels I ever stayed at. This is comfortable luxury. The reception is spontaneous and friendly and my room looks like the perfect Pinterest interior photo. My bed is huge and there is a Chromecast connected to the TV. Hotel Amerikalinjen is right next to Oslo Central Station. The perfect place to start the ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route!

Breakfast at Hotel Amerikalinjen is a food fest with homemade granola, fresh red fruits, superfoods, smoothies and baristas who make the perfect oat milk latte. One night at this lovely hotel is too short! I hope to be back some day. I stayed in October.

Want something with a story? Hotel Christiania Teater is a converted theatre where every room has its own interior. Free evening food is included, which is a nice touch after a day of walking.

Hobo Oslo sits on Grensen, right between Sentrum and Grünerløkka, with a big social lobby and a location that lets you walk everywhere. On my wishlist for the next trip.

Karl Johan Hotel is the practical pick, with beautiful rooms straight on the main boulevard.

Where to stay in Oslo: Frogner and the west side

Savoy 1918, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, sits on Universitetsgata a few minutes from the National Museum. What a stunning hotel is this! A true home away from home.

Oslo Guldsmeden is boutique, organic and certified sustainable, with the kind of breakfast worth getting up for.

Apartments and budget stays in Oslo

For an apartment with a kitchen, Numa Oslo Hallen is a design flat in the middle of town. Radisson RED Oslo Økern is modern and 15 minutes from the centre by metro, handy if you have a car. Browse all hotels in central Oslo if none of these fit your dates.

Hotel Amerikalinjen | Where to stay in Oslo | ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route

Sights near where to stay in Oslo

Vigelandsparken: sculpture park with art work by the most famous Norwegian artist, Gustav Vigeland. Free to enter and part of the larger Frognerpark.

Karl Johan’s Gate: boulevard created by king Karel Johan, with lots of high end restaurants, shops and hotels.

Munch Museet: museum with art by Edvard Munch. Known for ‘The Scream’.

The National Museum: Norway’s largest collection of art, architecture and design.

Akershus Festning: learn more about the history of 800 years of Oslo.

Opera House: this impressive building made from glass and marble looks like a giant iceberg! You can walk up the roof for the view over the fjord.

Holmenkollen ski jump: the oldest ski museum in the world and the best view over the city.

Best things to do in Oslo

Oslo is compact, and the reason to stay at least 3 nights instead of 2 is the water and the forest around it. These are my favorite tours:

Scandinavian food is not a cheese sandwich. The Ultimate Nordic food tour with a local chef and forest feast takes you out of the city to cook alongside someone who knows the ingredients, and ends with a meal in the woods. Groups are small.

Prefer to stay in town? The Norwegian food tour and hidden gems city walk takes you past addresses you would not find alone, with a local guide explaining why Norwegians eat what they eat.

Seeing the city on two or three wheels

The city highlights walking tour is the quickest way to get your bearings on day 1, especially if your hotel is in Sentrum and the route starts at your door.

Rather ride than walk? The 2 hour retro motorcycle sidecar tour is the most original way to see Oslo. The 3 hour highlights bike tour covers more ground at your own pace, guide included.

Out on the Oslofjord

The 2 hour traditional sailing cruise on a wooden boat is top of my list for next time. Oslo without the fjord is Amsterdam without the canals. Bring a jacket; it is colder out on the water than in town.

Best restaurants in Oslo

Oslo Street Food

Oslo Street Food! Amazing street food from all over the world. Love the vibe here! There is free drinking water available. The quality of the water from the tap in Norway is extremely good. They export their tapwater to foreign countries. We try the Okonomiyaki: a delicious savoury Japanese pancake, the famous Thai noodles at Tunco and a spicy bao bun with kimchi, asparagus, keffir lime mayo and togarashi. Everything is so fresh! We stopped by for lunch, but this is a great spot for dinner and drinks too. Love the fact that it is all about sustainability here. The plates are made from cardboard.

Bistronomi Fyr

This romantic restaurant opened in 2017. The beautiful cellar is lit by candlelight. All the available bottles of wine are presented in the middle of the cellar on a large table. Great idea! We loved our dinner here and the oysters with apple and elderflower sorbet were the highlight of the evening. The butter is whipped, fluffy and dangerously good. I couldn’t contain myself.

First photo: Bistronomi Fyr. Second photo: Mathallen

Coffee in Oslo

There are so many great coffee spots in Oslo, but the best coffee is served at Tim Wendelboe. Famous in Norway. The Brenneriet cafés are great too!

My Ugly Baby: I mean, with a name like this, you have to be curious right? Delicious doughnuts and coffee!

The seats outside at Café Cathedral are perfect for people watching, while enjoying your shot of caffeine.

Kulturhuset. Great spot for a Latte & Laptop session. Check the calendar for events and performances.

Liebling. Inspired by Berlin cafés. Serves a delicious brunch!

Fuglen. Coffee spot during the day, cocktail bar by night!

For a complete road trip through Skåne, Småland, and Öland in Sweden, check out my Southern Sweden road trip guide, and my Copenhagen guide pairs well with an Oslo trip.

My Ugly Baby | Where to stay in Oslo | ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route

Shops in Oslo

Fransk Bazar. Cool vintage store, with unique finds for your home, shoes and clothing.

Lush Dive: special paper shop.

Tanum Karl Johan: beautiful book store.

Grünerløkka is an area in Oslo that is famous for authentic shops. Tim Wendelboe and Fransk Bazar are located here.

Fancy and high end shops at Karl Johan’s Gate.

Cocktails and drinks in Oslo

Himkok. MUST VISIT cocktail bar! Step back in time, while you listen to soothing jazz music and sip on a delicious and creative cocktail. The best place to crash after a long day of exploring the city. Reservations are required. Try the Aronia Svartsurbaer.

Torggata Botaniske: a botanical garden in a café. Very photogenic. The cocktail menu is inspired by the seasons!

Bortenfor. Cocktail bar at the funky Ingens Gate. In the summer months you can enjoy the large terrace here, right next to the Akerselva river.

Café Sør: cosy and colorful living room in the heart of the city.

Syng Mer: pink karaoke bar! Book a studio for your squad and enjoy a private karaoke party, without having to go on stage in front of strangers.

Follow my Instagram @lieke.pijnappels for more Oslo tips and travel inspiration!

Himkok | Where to stay in Oslo | ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route

Getting around Oslo

You will not need a car in the city itself. Trams, metro and buses cover everything, and the Ruter app sells a 24 hour ticket that works on all of them. Ferries to the Oslofjord islands leave from Aker Brygge and run on the same ticket in summer. Renting a car only pays off if you continue into the fjords afterwards.

I use a Saily eSIM and set it up before leaving home, so data works the moment I land. I also travel with SafetyWing insurance for the hiking and boat trips.

From the airport to where you stay in Oslo

The Flytoget Airport Express Train runs from Oslo Airport Gardermoen to Oslo Central Station in about 20 minutes. The Vy regional train covers the same route for less and takes around 25 minutes. A private transfer makes sense if you land late or travel with luggage.

The next morning we have to leave our beloved Hotel Amerikalinjen and it is time to roll our suitcases to Oslo Central Station. The station has a lot of coffee places and shops. Spend some time here before you board your train!

Where to stay in Oslo: frequently asked questions

Where is the best area to stay in Oslo?

Sentrum is the best area to stay in Oslo for a first visit. The Opera House, the Munch Museum, Karl Johan’s Gate and Central Station are all within walking distance. Grünerløkka is the pick for coffee and vintage shopping, Bjørvika for the waterfront, and Frogner for quiet streets near Vigelandsparken.

What is the best hotel in Oslo?

Hotel Amerikalinjen is one of the best hotels I ever stayed at, for the location next to Central Station and the breakfast. Hotel Christiania Teater gives every room its own interior, and Savoy 1918 is the quieter luxury option.

How many days do you need in Oslo?

Three to four days is right for Oslo. That covers the main sights, the food scene and a fjord boat trip without rushing, and leaves room for a half day at Holmenkollen or Bygdøy.

How do you get from Oslo Airport to the city centre?

The Flytoget Airport Express Train takes about 20 minutes from Gardermoen to Oslo Central Station. The Vy regional train is cheaper and takes around 25 minutes. Both drop you in Sentrum, within walking distance of most hotels in the centre.

What is the best time to visit Oslo?

May to September gives you long days, terraces and the fjord at its best, with July the busiest month. February and March suit skiing at Holmenkollen. I went in October and had crisp air, autumn colours and quiet streets. Book tours early for summer dates.