Where to Stay in Oslo: Areas & Hotels

Where to Stay in Oslo: Best Areas and Affordable Hotels

In our Norwegian fjords itinerary, we shared an amazing route from Bergen to Oslo. It’s full of breathtaking scenery, huge tunnels and epic train rides, plus our car rental and budget tips. The most natural end (or start) of a fjord trip is Oslo. It’s one of the most enjoyable cities in Northern Europe, but also one of the toughest on your accommodation budget. So we’ve put together options for every budget. Here’s where to stay in Oslo, with our hotel picks!

Colourful houses in Oslo — Which area should you stay in? Oslo accommodation guide

Which Area Is Best?

Sentrum (City Centre): Walking distance to the central station, Karl Johans gate and the main sights. The most convenient base for first-timers and anyone short on time.
Grünerløkka: Oslo’s bohemian neighbourhood, full of design cafés, parks and restaurants. It’s a short tram ride from the centre.
Frogner / Majorstuen: A stylish, quiet, upscale residential area near Vigeland Park. It’s especially peaceful for families with kids, and a great place to stay in Oslo.

Scandic Holberg, a great place to stay in Oslo — Scandic Holberg (Sentrum)

Our Affordable Hotel Picks in Oslo

Scandic Holberg (Sentrum): Scandic is our favourite hotel chain in the Nordics (not an ad, promise!). Their hotels are always central, beautifully designed, spotless and fairly priced. So if a Nordic city has a Scandic, we stay there 90% of the time. We stayed at Scandic Holberg on our first Oslo trip and can wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s in a great central spot, within walking distance of the Royal Palace and the metro. Rooms fill up fast, so book early. We paid €110 a night.
Citybox Oslo (Sentrum): Just a few minutes’ walk from Oslo Central Station (Oslo S). It’s a minimalist, spotless, self check-in hotel and one of the cheapest in the city. Ideal for solo travellers or anyone who just needs a bed.
K7 Hotel Oslo (Sentrum): Another modern, renovated hotel very close to the centre. It’s stylish and a cheap way to stay in Oslo. There’s also a hostel section.

Radisson RED Oslo Økern family hotel — Radisson RED Oslo Økern

Places with a Kitchen for Families

As we mentioned, food and drink in Norway are very expensive. So if you’re staying more than 1–2 days, book a place with a kitchen. It’s also a big help for families with kids. It’s the smartest way to stay in Oslo on a budget.

Maya Apartments: An apartment with a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living areas and a washing machine. Ideal for families who want to eat out less and enjoy home comforts.
Radisson RED Oslo Økern: A colourful, modern hotel in a quieter area near the metro, with spacious family rooms. We’d have booked it if Motel One hadn’t been fully booked.
Frogner House Apartments (Frogner): Self-catering apartments in the city’s greenest area, close to parks. With its walking paths and calm, it’s ideal for families with babies and kids. It’s also great value for money.

Clarion Hotel The Hub, best-value place to stay in Oslo — Clarion Hotel The Hub (Sentrum)

Best-Value Hotels in Oslo

Clarion Hotel The Hub (Sentrum): Right next to the central station, known for its modern, sustainable concept. The buffet breakfast is so generous that you won’t need to eat breakfast out. Given Oslo’s prices, that can save you around €60–70! 😉
Scandic Vulkan (Grünerløkka): Right next to Oslo’s famous Mathallen food hall. A great pick if you want a lively neighbourhood feel and a fun place to stay in Oslo. Prices are around €120–130 a night.

On our second trip, Oslo was the last stop of our fjord route. We were exhausted after the train ride and had already seen the city. So we went straight to the airport and stayed at the Radisson Hotel Oslo Airport, which connects directly to the terminal. We paid €130 for the night. It’s a great choice if you need to stay in Oslo near the airport.

Money-Saving Tips for Oslo

Go for breakfast included: Eating breakfast out in Norway is very expensive. So it makes sense to book rooms with breakfast. And we mean expensive: two croissants and two coffees cost us about €20!
Choose a room with a kitchen: Travelling with kids? Pick an aparthotel with a kitchen and shop at supermarkets like Rema 1000 or Kiwi. That’s what we did.

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