Oslo Nightlife: Complete Guide to Bars, Clubs & Entertainment
Oslo's nightlife scene is sophisticated, diverse, and expensive but high-quality. From craft beer havens and rooftop cocktail bars to underground techno clubs and live jazz venues, Oslo offers nightlife for all tastes. While prices are steep (beer 90-120 NOK, cocktails 150-200 NOK), the quality is consistently excellent. The city comes alive Thursday through Saturday, with Grünerløkka, Grønland, and Aker Brygge offering distinct vibes from hipster dive bars to upscale lounges.
Nightlife by Neighborhood
Grünerløkka (Hipster & Alternative)
Vibe: Trendy, alternative, young crowd (20s-30s), craft beer focus, dive bars, live music.
Best bars:
- Crowbar: Craft beer haven, 20+ taps, relaxed atmosphere
- Internasjonalen: Live music venue, indie/rock/electronic, good beer selection
- Bar Boca: Cocktails and tapas, cozy interior, date spot
- Parkteatret: Bar with cinema, cultural events, local hangout
- Smelteverket: Quirky decor, cheap(er) drinks, young crowd
Atmosphere: Laid-back, no dress code, authentic Oslo vibe. Most popular night: Thursday-Saturday.
Aker Brygge / Tjuvholmen (Upscale & Waterfront)
Vibe: Upscale, mature crowd (30s-50s), waterfront views, cocktail lounges, dress-to-impress.
Best venues:
- The Thief Rooftop Bar: Stunning views, high-end cocktails, see-and-be-seen
- Stratos Bar: Top floor Radisson Blu, panoramic city views
- Ling Ling Oslo: Asian fusion restaurant/bar, rooftop, DJ nights
- Tjuvholmen Sjømagasin: Seafood restaurant with bar, waterfront terrace
Dress code: Smart casual minimum. Expensive drinks (150-250 NOK). Best for: special occasions.
Grønland / Tøyen (Multicultural & Budget-Friendly)
Vibe: Diverse, affordable by Oslo standards, ethnic restaurants with bars, local spots.
Highlights:
- Dattera til Hagen: Popular beer garden, hipster crowd, affordable
- Mir: Lebanese restaurant/bar, outdoor seating, hookah
- Pokalen: Dive bar, cheap beers (80-90 NOK), no frills
- Grådi Kro: Neighborhood bar, beer selection, unpretentious
Best for: Budget-conscious, authentic local experience, avoiding tourist spots.
Sentrum / Karl Johans gate (Tourist & Central)
Vibe: Mixed crowd, tourists and locals, chain bars, convenient location.
Popular spots:
- Fridtjof Pub: Irish pub, central location, sports screenings
- Theatercaféen: Historic café/bar, Vienna-style, elegant
- Territoriet: Craft beer specialist, 30+ taps, knowledgeable staff
- Champagneria: Wine and champagne bar, classy atmosphere
Top Nightclubs
The Villa (Upscale Club)
Music: House, techno, international DJs
Cover: 150-250 NOK, varies by night
Dress code: Smart casual, strictly enforced
Crowd: 25-40 age range, well-dressed, mature clubbers. Saturday nights most popular.
One of Oslo's most exclusive clubs. Book table for guaranteed entry. Open until 3 AM.
Jaeger (Underground Techno)
Music: Techno, minimal, underground electronic
Cover: 100-200 NOK
Dress code: Black preferred, no formal requirement
Crowd: Serious clubbers, techno enthusiasts, 20s-30s. Dark atmosphere, world-class sound system.
Oslo's premier techno club. Open Friday-Saturday until 3 AM. International guest DJs regularly.
Rockefeller Music Hall (Live Music/Club)
Music: Live concerts + club nights, various genres
Cover: Varies (50-300 NOK) depending on event
Capacity: 1,350 people. Oslo's largest concert venue/nightclub combo. Balcony seating available.
Check schedule for concert + club nights. Popular venue for both Norwegian and international acts.
Blå (Live Music & Club)
Music: Jazz, electronic, indie, hip-hop
Cover: 100-200 NOK for club nights, varies for concerts
Location: Under bridge on riverside, unique industrial setting. Multiple rooms, outdoor terrace summer.
Oslo's premier live music venue with club nights. Diverse programming, from jazz to techno. Very popular with locals.
Skaugum (Gay Club)
Music: Pop, dance, house
Cover: Free-150 NOK
Crowd: LGBTQ+ friendly, mixed crowd, welcoming atmosphere. Oslo's oldest gay club.
Part of larger complex with multiple bars/clubs. Open Thursday-Saturday. Very inclusive, everyone welcome.
Craft Beer Scene
Crow bar (Grünerløkka)
Taps: 20+ rotating craft beers
Relaxed pub atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, board games. Beer 90-120 NOK.
Territoriet (Sentrum)
Taps: 30+ Norwegian craft beers
Specialists in Norwegian microbreweries. Flights available. Beer 95-130 NOK.
Schouskjelleren Mikrobryggeri
Type: Microbrewery + bar
Brew own beer on-site. Tours available. Large beer garden summer. 100-120 NOK.
Lorry
Type: Traditional pub, large selection
Historic pub (since 1887), 60+ beers, outdoor seating. 90-110 NOK.
Live Music Venues
Herr Nilsen (Jazz Club)
Music: Jazz, acoustic, intimate performances
Cover: 100-200 NOK
Oslo's best jazz club. Cozy atmosphere, quality performers, good cocktails.
Rockefeller Music Hall
Music: Rock, pop, electronic, international acts
Capacity: 1,350
Major concert venue, hosts biggest touring acts. Check calendar for events.
Blå
Music: Jazz, electronic, indie, world music
Atmosphere: Industrial riverside venue
Most diverse programming in Oslo. Multiple shows weekly. Bar stays open after concerts.
Sentrum Scene
Music: Alternative, indie, rock
Capacity: 1,800
Large venue for concerts. Good sound, central location. Check schedule for events.
Practical Information
Essential Rules & Laws
- Drinking age: 18 for beer/wine, 20 for spirits
- ID required: Always bring passport/ID, strictly checked
- Club age limits: Often 20 or 23+, varies by venue
- Closing times: Bars 12:30-1:30 AM, clubs 3:00 AM
- Alcohol sales: Supermarkets stop 8 PM weekdays, 6 PM Saturday, none Sunday
- Vinmonopolet: State liquor stores, close 6 PM weekdays, 3 PM Saturday
- Public drinking: Allowed in public spaces
Typical Prices
- Beer (0.4L): 90-120 NOK bars, 100-140 NOK clubs
- Wine (glass): 100-150 NOK
- Cocktail: 150-200 NOK
- Shot: 80-120 NOK
- Club entry: Free-250 NOK, depends on venue/night
- Coat check: 30-50 NOK
- Late night food: 100-150 NOK (kebab, pizza)
Money-saving tip: Pre-drink at home (Norwegians do this). Buy alcohol at Vinmonopolet or Sweden.
Best Nights to Go Out
- Thursday: Students night, some bars offer deals, moderate crowds
- Friday: Peak night, all venues open, busiest, longest queues
- Saturday: Also very busy, more tourists than Friday
- Wednesday: Quieter, some live music venues, locals only
- Sunday-Tuesday: Many bars closed or quiet
Recommendation: Friday for full experience, Thursday for better deals and shorter queues.
Safety & Tips
- Very safe: Oslo nightlife extremely safe by international standards
- Walk or metro: Safe to walk at night, metro runs until 12:30 AM
- Taxis: Expensive (200-400 NOK), order via app
- Queue culture: Lines common for popular clubs, arrive before 11 PM
- Dress code: Smart casual minimum for clubs, check venue websites
- Cash/Card: Cards accepted everywhere, no need for cash
- Smoking: Not allowed indoors, designated outdoor areas
Typical Night Out Timeline
8:00-10:00 PM: Pre-Drinks
Norwegians typically start at home due to high bar prices. Buy drinks at Vinmonopolet (state liquor store, closes 6 PM weekdays). Social gathering at someone's apartment.
10:00-11:30 PM: First Bar
Head to neighborhood bars (Grünerløkka popular). Atmosphere still relaxed, good for conversations. Have 1-2 drinks before moving on.
11:30 PM-1:00 AM: Bar Hopping
Visit 2-3 bars, each with different vibe. Most bars get crowded around midnight. This is peak bar time before clubs open properly.
1:00-3:00 AM: Nightclub
Clubs fill up around 1 AM. Dance until 3 AM closing time. Longer queues at popular venues, arrive before midnight to skip.
3:00-4:00 AM: Late Night Food
Kebab shops, pizza places open late. Popular spots near clubs. Then taxi/walk home or catch night bus.
Alternative Nightlife
Board Game Cafés
Outland: Geek bar with 500+ board games, craft beer, relaxed vibe. Open until midnight.
Popular with locals, good for groups, quieter alternative to clubs.
Comedy Clubs
Oslo Comedy Club: Stand-up shows in English and Norwegian, international comedians regularly.
Shows typically Thursday-Saturday. Check schedule online.
Late-Night Museums
National Museum: Open until 8 PM Thursdays (free entry after 5 PM). Cultural alternative to bars.
Midnight Sun (Summer)
June: 18+ hours daylight. Popular to hike, visit beaches, outdoor gatherings until midnight. Unique Oslo summer experience.