Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway, situated at the head of the Oslofjord. A dynamic Scandinavian capital blending Viking heritage with state-of-the-art architecture, Oslo offers world-class museums, a vibrant waterfront, lush forests, and some of Europe's finest dining.
At a glance
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Grünerløkka
Oslo's hippest neighbourhood for craft beer bars, vinyl bars, and laid-back late-night venues. Thorvald Meyers gate and surrounding streets are lined with bars.
Best for: Craft beer, indie music, relaxed atmosphere
Youngstorget & Torggata
The heart of Oslo's mainstream nightlife. A dense cluster of clubs, cocktail bars, and live music venues around Youngstorget square.
Best for: Clubs, live music, mixed crowds
Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen
Upscale waterfront bars and rooftop terraces. More expensive but stylish setting with fjord views.
Best for: Cocktail bars, sophisticated crowd, views
Grønland
Oslo's most multicultural nightlife area with diverse bars, late-night venues, and the iconic Olympen beer hall.
Best for: Diverse crowds, late nights, affordable drinks
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
The Nighthawk Diner
A stylish 1950s American diner-themed bar with excellent burgers, milkshakes, and cocktails. A Grünerløkka institution.
Known for: American diner cocktails and burgers
Thorvald Meyers gate 5, 0555 Oslo
Fuglen
By day Oslo's finest specialty coffee shop; by night one of its most celebrated cocktail bars. The vintage Scandinavian furniture and curated music make it unique.
Known for: Nordic cocktails with aquavit base spirits
Universitetsgata 2, 0164 Oslo
Himkok
Oslo's most acclaimed cocktail bar and micro-distillery, producing its own aquavit and spirits. Consistently listed among the world's 50 best bars. Reservations essential.
Known for: World-class Nordic cocktails, in-house distilled aquavit
Storgata 27, 0184 Oslo
Kulturhuset
An Oslo institution offering cheap drinks, live music, literary events, DJ nights, and gallery exhibitions across several floors. No dress code, all welcome.
Known for: Cheap drinks, eclectic events programme
Youngs gate 6, 0181 Oslo
Torggata Botaniske
A beautiful plant-filled bar on Torggata specialising in Norwegian and Scandinavian craft beers and natural wines. A favourite among local food and drink enthusiasts.
Known for: Norwegian craft beer and natural wine
Torggata 16, 0183 Oslo
Olympen (Lompa)
Oslo's most iconic pub, a grand Victorian beer hall in Grønland open since 1892. Serving Ringnes beer on tap to a mixed crowd of locals and visitors.
Known for: Historic Oslo beer hall atmosphere
Grønlandsleiret 15, 0190 Oslo
Internasjonalen
A vibrant bar and venue at Youngstorget operated by LO (Norwegian trade union federation). Cheap drinks, eclectic music, and a welcoming working-class atmosphere.
Known for: Affordable drinks, great music, diverse crowd
Youngstorget 2A, 0181 Oslo
The Valkyrien
A Grünerløkka neighbourhood bar known for its extensive Norwegian and international craft beer taps, relaxed atmosphere, and unpretentious local crowd.
Known for: Extensive craft beer taps
Waldemar Thranes gate 5, 0171 Oslo
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Jaeger
Oslo's premier electronic music club, known for hosting top international DJs. The dark, industrial basement space has a state-of-the-art sound system. Late-night venue.
BLÅ
An iconic Oslo venue on the Akerselva river in Grünerløkka. The outdoor riverside terrace is legendary in summer. Features live jazz, electronic music, and world music.
Revolver
A gritty, authentic rock and indie music venue in Sentrum with live concerts most nights and DJ sets. Oslo's best small rock venue.
Rockefeller Music Hall
One of Oslo's largest and most versatile live music venues in a converted bath house. Hosts everything from major international acts to local bands.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.