We list the best hotels and accommodations in Oslo as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews, and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Oslo: Citybox Oslo
Best boutique hotel in Oslo: Amerikalinjen
“Amerikalinjen’s style tips a hat to American culture, namely the great jazz age, old Hollywood glam and the comfort of a cold Coca-Cola. It offers a basement jazz club inspired by such places in New York and festive jazz brunches.”
“Overlooking the Astrup Fearnley Museum, Oslo’s best design hotel is more dark glamour than Scandinavian sparse, though is packed with playful touches from beautiful artisan objects to video art, and guests can max out on the luxe vibe at the hotel spa.”
“Sommerro, in the elegant Frogner neighborhood, is one of Oslo’s newest hotels, housed in the former Art Deco headquarters of an electrical company. All velvet upholstery and curved polished wood, the hotel has a wonderful pool.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Oslo.
“In the residential Frogner neighborhood, the Oslo Guldsmeden is a 50-room boutique hotel with eco-friendly ethos and homey décor, romantic four-poster beds with fur throws, a Turkish sauna, and complimentary organic breakfasts.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Oslo.
“Home of Oslo’s famous Theatercaféen, the opulent Continental is wonderfully old-fashioned in style and ethos; there’s a lot of repeat business thanks to the smooth service and warm welcome accorded to all.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Oslo.
“A gorgeous Norwegian-folk-style building from 1916 with easy access to the wilds of Nordmarka. Rooms are decorated in a clean, classical style that’s comfortable but far from twee, with spectacular views.”
“This functional city chain champions its trademark brand: no-frills, essentials-only rooms at bargain prices (well, at least for Norway). Don’t expect prison-block chic – it’s surprisingly smart, with plain all-white rooms, Scandi-style furniture, free wi-fi and a great downtown location.”
“Oslo’s largest hotel (810 rooms spread over 13 floors) impresses with its emphasis on contemporary art; its rooftop garden of herbs and microgreens; Norda Restaurant, where consultant chef Marcus Samuelsson delivers his version of Nordic fusion; and the Bon Bon cocktail bar.”
“Housed in a carefully restored 1890s town house, the privately owned Saga is tucked away in a rare quiet corner of Oslo, is run on eco-friendly lines, and exudes a tranquil air of calm.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Oslo.
“Dating back to 1894, this stunning and distinguished hotel has a peaceful mountaintop setting with unparalleled views of the city below. Guest rooms have relaxing color schemes and elegant wood furniture.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Oslo.
“Looking like it would be at home on any street in Paris, this grand dame with a mansard roof and Beaux-Arts entrance is the choice of visiting heads of state, rock musicians, and Nobel Peace Prize winners.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Oslo.
Recommended by:
Forbes, New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Fodors, Frommers
Recommended by:
New York Times, CN Traveler
Recommended by:
New York Times, Frommers
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers
Recommended by:
Fodors
Recommended by:
Fodors
Oslo is expensive. If you want to stay in a 3-star hotel in central Oslo, you would be looking at an average price of $150 per night. For 4-star hotels, the average price is around $200 per night. For a 5-star hotel in central Oslo, the average rate is around $330 per night.
The best areas to stay in Oslo are: Sentrum, Frogner, Grunerlokka, Ager Brygge or Majorstuen. Please read our extensive guide about where to stay in Oslo. It offers a great overview about each area, including the museums, attractions and other things, as well as the best place to stay in each area.
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel, then book Citybox Oslo. It’s an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It’s in a good location, it’s been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. You should also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Oslo.
You like some luxury but don’t like the famous chain hotels. If you’re looking for the best boutique hotel in Oslo, you should check out Amerikalinjen. It’s a very cool hotel that travelers and experts have highly recommended. For more cool hotels, check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Oslo.
If money isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Oslo, then go for Hotel Continental. The hotel offers excellent service, it’s in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. For more 5-star hotels, check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Oslo.
There are a lot of things to do in Oslo and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Oslo:
Sightseeing Cruise through Oslo's Fjords
Explore the diverse and unique islands and colorful houses of the Oslo Fjord on a boat tour, discovering charming landscapes, amazing city views, and the beautiful hills surrounding Oslo. Cruise in comfort as you snap pictures of superb scenery. Price: $40. More info.
Hop-On Hop-Off Oslo Bus Tour
Spend a day seeing the sights of Oslo, the oldest of the Scandinavian Capitals, from an open-top, double-decker tour bus. Your pass is valid for a full 24-hour period, and you can hop on and off at your leisure. Price: $28. More info.
Paradox Museum Entry Ticket
Trick your mind with 70 paradox-based exhibits with this ticket to the family-friendly Paradox Museum Oslo. Engage your senses with interactive exhibits and reality-defying optical illusions. Price: $25. More info.
More things to do in Oslo
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm in Oslo? Check out K7 Hotel Oslo. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also, check out our shortlist of the best hostels in Oslo; it’s based on thousands of reviews from backpackers.
There’s no shortage of culture, cuisine, nature, and nightlife in Oslo, the capital of Norway. Situated on the country’s southern coast, this compact city is known for its abundant green spaces, intriguing museums, and the nearby mountains and sea.
Oslo was founded in 1040 at the end of the Viking Age, under the name Anslo, when King Harald Hardrada designated this area as an official trading place. It wasn’t until 1300 that Oslo became the capital city of Norway. However, it lost this distinction in 1397 when Norway entered the Kalmar Union with Sweden and Denmark.
In 1523, after the Kalmar Union’s breakdown, Oslo regained its title as the capital city until 1536. It wasn’t until 1814 that the city regained its status as the capital again. Shortly after, several government institutions were built in Oslo that still survive, including the Royal Palace, the Bank of Norway, and the Storting. Today, Oslo is a thriving city with a metro area population of over 1 million people.
Even though Oslo is a rapidly-growing and booming metropolis, it is still one of the world’s greenest cities. In 2019, it was named the European Green Capital and still lives up to this name. Oslo has fantastic public transport, one of the lowest carbon footprints on the planet, and has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable food production. This city also has many scenic parks, and several islands and waterways are just a few minutes from the city center. Visitors also enjoy skiing on the slopes and exploring the nearby forests of Nordmarka.
While Oslo is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, it is also a mecca for culture and fine art. Visit one of the many commercial art galleries, marvel at the ornate architecture, or explore one of several museums. Oslo is home to two of Europe’s most prominent art museums – MUNCH and the National Museum. Visitors can also listen to music at the opera house, explore sculpture parks, and check out the local street art.
If you’ve worked up an appetite from all that exploring, you’re in luck. Oslo’s culinary scene has become a shining star in recent years. This city is home to the northernmost three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the world, Maaemo. Travelers can also enjoy the abundance of fusion cuisine, neighborhood coffeehouses, sushi, pizza, and traditional fare, like fresh seafood and hot dogs.
Between lively bars to packed clubs, Oslo is one of Scandinavia’s best spots for nightlife. Stroll down the Møllegata, one of the best streets for partying, sip a glass of wine from Sicily, dance the night away to the tunes of a local DJ, or enjoy a handcrafted cocktail made with local ingredients. No matter which you choose, Oslo offers a fun night out for any traveler.
Whether you love the outdoors, art, great food, history, architecture, or nightlife, Oslo is a top contender in every category. From skiing the slopes and picnicking in green spaces to exploring vibrant neighborhoods and enjoying museums, fun and culture abound in this thriving capital city.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or revisiting, we hope this guide helps you get the most out of your visit to Oslo. Get to know the city even better by reading our guide about where to stay in Oslo.
If you like our list of the best hotels and accommodations in Oslo, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Helsinki or the best hotels in Copenhagen.