37 Best Bars in Oslo, Norway

Background Illustration for Nightlife

Into the early hours, people are usually out on Karl Johans Gate. Aker Brygge/Tjuvholmen, the wharf area, has many bars and some nightclubs, attracting mostly tourists, couples on first dates, and other people willing to spend extra for the waterfront location. Grünerløkka and Grønland have even more bars, pubs, and cafés catering to a younger crowd. A more mature upmarket crowd ventures out to the less busy west side of Oslo, to Frogner and Bygdøy.

Drinking out can be very expensive, with prices varying greatly (from NKr 37 to NKr 127 for a pint of beer) depending on where in the city you are. Some bars in town remain quiet until 11 or midnight when the first groups of vorspiel partiers arrive. For nightlife listings, pick up a copy of the free monthly paper Natt og Dag or Friday's edition of Avis 1.

Bettola

Grünerløkka Fodor's choice
Experience the golden age of Italian cinema at this vintage cocktail bar, one of the best in Oslo. Movie posters add an authentic touch to the charmingly retro scene.

Bibliotekbaren og Vinterhaven

Sentrum Fodor's choice

If you're more partial to lounging than drinking, Hotel Bristol's Library Bar and Winter Garden is a stylish hangout with old-fashioned leather armchairs, huge marble columns, and live piano music. Politicians, musicians, and journalists have come here for nearly 100 years for informal meetings, quiet chats, or just to enjoy the tempting afternoon tea.

Gustav

Sentrum Fodor's choice
With a free-spirited vibe, this intimate jazz club is named for Gustav Henriksen, founder of the Amerikalinjen cruise ship company. The club in the basement of the Amerikalinjen Hotel boasts an excellent sound system, atmospheric lighting, and a cool crowd that hangs around until the wee hours of the morning.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Pier 42

Sentrum Fodor's choice
When early-20th-century Osloites decided to set sail for the United States, they embarked on the Amerikalinjen ships at Oslo Harbor. The cruise line's former HQ is now home to a gorgeous cocktail bar named for their first landing point in New York. This fun locale serves tipples from the boat's heyday, carefully assembled by the shipping line's former bar manager.

Torggata Botaniske

Sentrum Fodor's choice

Vines and other botanical wonders grow across the ceiling at this bar known for its creative cocktail selection. The nature-centric vibe is a welcome breath of fresh air as you step inside from one of the busiest downtown streets. The ingredients come from the bar's own greenhouse.

*ISM

Sentrum

This Sentrale glitzy cocktail joint comes from those at The Thief---and despite its neon lights and prices, also has an inviting charm---and a Hidden Bar for those less showy.

Stortingsgata 12, Oslo, Norway

Aku-Aku

Grünerløkka
Locals flock to this colorful, noisy, and reasonably authentic tiki bar—the only thing missing is a beach. The decor is eclectic, the music is loud, and the drinks come piled high with slices of fruit or tropical flowers.

Andre til Høyre

Sentrum

The name means "Second to the Right," and that's basically a roadmap to finding this bar up the stairs at Håndslag. It's a sumptuously decorated space, a self-confessed "mad house," designed like an elegant living room fit for entertaining glamorous guests at all hours. Lavish seating and heavy curtains make for a wonderful setting to explore Burgundy and sparkling wines.

Youngs gt. 19, Oslo, 0181, Norway
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Angst

Sentrum

Surprisingly cozy yet lively, this bar has brightly colored walls, neon lights, and repurposed wood furniture, as well as a spacious backyard area for weekend parties. The quirky ambience and reliably good music mean there's a queue on weekends, so get here early if you're in the mood to party.

Torggata 11, Oslo, 0181, Norway

BA3

Frogner
The unusual name refers to the address of this stylish spot with four different bars that cater to your every mood. The Terrassebaren has a light, breezy feel, while the scarlet stools of Inkognito make it feel a bit clandestine.
Bygdøy Allé 3, Oslo, 0257, Norway
22–55–11–86

Bar Boca

With a line of stools pulled up to the curvaceous bar, this tiny, mysterious space has been open for decades and serves up great stories, interesting regulars, and delicious cocktails.
Thorvald Meyers gt. 30, Oslo, 0553, Norway
22–04–13–77

Bar Robinet

Sentrum
On the edge of Sentrum, this bar is the place for late-night cocktails. (Martinis are a specialty, but if you're feeling brave ask the bartender to mix you something special.) The decor is a mishmash of checkered wallpaper, black-lacquer tables, and moody red lighting. It's around the corner from one of the hippest music venues, and the bands often head here after a set.
Mariboes gt. 7, Oslo, 0183, Norway

Blå

Grünerløkka

This is one of the most happening clubs for jazz, electronica, hip-hop, and related sounds. The patio, along the Akerselva River, is popular in summer.

Bygdøy Allé 3

This colorful establishment has a bar on each floor, a comfortable lounge area, and a stage for live performances downstairs. It attracts an older, more sophisticated crowd.
Bygdøy Allé 3, Oslo, 0257, Norway
22–55–11–86
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.

Cafe Sor

Sentrum
Rough-hewn tables and exposed brick walls add character to this daytime café with plenty of vegetarian options. At night people turn out for berry-filled cocktails, DJs playing sets, and live music.

Champagneria

Frogner
Spread over two floors, this classy spot has sidewalk seating and a terrace. Stop by for sparkling wine and some tapas in the heart of Frognerveien's shopping circus.
Frognerveien 2, Oslo, 0257, Norway
21–08–09–09

Cosmopolite

Sentrum

Diana Krall has played at this club, as have Angelique Kidjo, Cheb Khaled, Chick Corea, Bo Diddley, Mulatu Astatke, and many other beloved musicians. The calendar usually includes an eclectic mix of world music, jazz, and soul.

Couch

Grünerløkka

In the hip Grünerløkka neighborhood, this sophisticated spot serves creative cocktails and food to match. It's very stylish, with mellow music, picture windows, a wood-topped bar, and a trendy crowd to match.

Crowbar and Bryggeri

Sentrum
Spread across two floors, Oslo's largest microbrewery offers tasty beers and hearty pub fare like whole suckling pig. The menu changes weekly, and there's always a friendly bearded face to talk you through all the options.

Dubliner Folk Pub

Sentrum

A fine selection of whiskies and a warm atmosphere give this Irish pub an authentically cheery vibe. There are sports on the television throughout the week.

Einbar

Sentrum

Where Sentrum meets Kvadvraturen, this former potato cellar is the perfect winter hideaway. There's an impressively long list of wines (which complement a small but very good dinner menu) and a Moroccan vibe complete with arched ceilings, squishy seats, and lavish rugs.

Gamla

Sentrum

With a sophisticated look and a relaxed atmosphere, this intimate nightspot features regular concerts with rock and jazz musicians.

Grensen 1, Oslo, 0159, Norway
23–35–63–60
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Gunnars Generasjonsbar

Though renowned for its hangover cure breakfast, this laid-back spot definitely feels more suited for after hours than the morning after. The tasty pub grub just seems to be more befitting to the purple neon lights that come out at night.

Håndslag

Sentrum
A café by day and bar by night, Håndslag has an ever-changing selection of beers and an impressive smorgasbord of bar snacks. It gets pretty crowded, especially when a DJ takes control.

Herr Nilsen

Sentrum

At Herr Nilsen, some of Norway's most celebrated jazz artists perform. There's live music most nights, jam sessions on Tuesday, and jazz on Saturday afternoon. Other than jazz, the focus is New Orleans--style music and bluegrass.

Himkok

Sentrum
Draped in stark white lab coats, the city's most mysterious and skilled mixologists whip up their concoctions in a bar so well hidden that you might miss it if you don't search carefully for the tiny door. The name translates as "Moonshine," and this secretive locale doubles as a distillery. In the summer there's an herb-filled garden with a cider bar.

Josefine Inn

Majorstuen
A 19th-century villa hides one of the neighborhood's most pleasant places for aperitifs or digestifs.

Kafe Tamara

Grünerløkka
Immediately recognizable from its orange awnings, this shabby-chic bar has great cocktails and a buzzing crowd. A couple of tables spill out onto the sidewalk.
Toftes Gate 50A, Oslo, 0167, Norway

Khartoum Bar

Grünerløkka
A mix of Middle Eastern, African, and European cultures, this colorful, cluttered bar is a fascinating journey across continents. It has an inclusive feel and hosts live music many nights.
Bernt Ankers gt. 17, Oslo, 0183, Norway
922–32–273
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Wed.

Lardo

Sentrum

If natural wines are your thing, slip into this small and low-key bar with a robust selection from around the world. It's a great place to talk grapes with the knowledgeable staff over some salty charcuterie, creamy cheeses, and an ever-changing selection of bar snacks. They also do strong cocktails, and at night the mood is decidedly more divey than your average wine joint.