Sentrum, literally Centre, is the core of Oslo inside the first ring road, plus the area around the Royal Palace and Tjuvholmen island. This is the area around Oslo's main street, Karl Johan street, and the Akershus fortress overlooking the harbour and the great Oslo fjord. The Sentrum area is home to many key sights, national institutions, and an array of hotels and restaurants. Sentrum is the starting point for most visitors. Inner East and inner North also have some downtown functions within a short walk from Karl Johan street or from the Central station.

Understand

The Sentrum area in Oslo (in the front), the landmark City Hall in red brick.

The Sentrum area is home to key national institutions such as the Parliament, the Royal Palace, the City Hall, the Supreme court and most government ministries. The original buildings of University of Oslo occupy a prominent position. The main theater, opera and national museums of art are in the centre. Shopping, eating and drinking dominate main streets. Only about 1000 people live in the centre, including the royal family.

Karl Johans gate, or just "Karl Johan", is the main street and the central axis around which Sentrum is organized. Karl Johan is mostly pedestrian or closed to regular traffic for security. The upper (west) part of Karl Johan is dominated by the Parliament building (Stortinget) and the Royal Palace facing each other across a long wide, partly green space on the south/west side of Karl Johan. The lower (east) end Karl Johan begins at the Central station and passes Oslo cathedral, and is mostly frequented by out-of-town tourists.

Torggata (street) including Youngstorget square is a friendly pedestrian area with small shops and cafes. Torggata connects to the bridge across the river to Grünerløkka area. Akersgata and some other streets around ministry buildings are also pedestrian.

Get in

Sentrum, or downtown, is easy to get to.

• 1 The central railway station (Oslo S, Oslo sentalstasjon), Jernbanetorget. It is the largest station in Norway. Trains from here have destinations all over Norway and Scandinavia. Local trains round Oslo (Oslo Commuter Rail) meet here and it is a hub for trains from Gardermoen. Nearby the station are stops for T-bane (Metro), several trams and local buses.  
• 2 Nationaltheatret Station, Ruseløkkveien 1 (entrance from the square by Nationaltheatret, from Ruseløkkveien and Henrik Ibsens gate (along the Palace Park); the train station is under ground, below the metro (T-bane) station). Nationaltheatret Station is the second hub with stops for local trains, the Airport Express Train (Gardermoen), all metro (subway) lines and some buses and trams over ground.  
• 3 Oslo Bus Terminal (Bussterminalen), Schweigaards gate 10 (Close to Oslo S railway station). The intercity bus station, and also buses from airports takes you here. Nearby the bus terminal are the Oslo central railway station and stops for T-bane (Metro), several trams and local buses.  
• 4 The ferry terminal (for DFDS Seaways and Stena Line) (bus 60 to Vippetangen, by car: follow the signs from central Oslo or from E18.). Car ferries: DFDS runs daily services to Copenhagen and Stena Line provides service to Frederikshavn (Both in Denmark).  
  • See also the Color Line ferry to Kiel, Germany
• The cruise ports in Oslo are on four different Sentrum piers, from west to east: Filipstad (330 m (LOA), 8,5 m draft), west of Aker Bryyge; Søndre Akershuskai (345 m (LOA), 10,3 m draft), the main pier by Akershus Fortress; Vippetangkaia (249 m (LOA), 7,3 m draft), south of Akershus Fortress; Revierkaia (294 m (LOA), 8,3 m draft), south of the Opera House. Annually, about 200,000 cruise passengers visit Oslo from these piers.
• You can get in by car too, but there are tolls on all main roads to the city. Parking is limited and costly. The fine network of public transport in the centre means that a car is of limited use for most visitors.
• The district is directly connected by public transport from all other parts of the city, for instance all subway lines pass through downtown. All local trains between east and west of the city pass also through (mostly underneath) downtown.

Get around

Oslo's main street Karl Johan leads from the Royal Palace to the main railwaystation, Oslo Central Station (Oslo S)

On foot or by bicycle

The easiest way to move around Downtown Oslo is on foot. There are rental bicycles and micromobility options, a quick way to get around. Strolling the city centre allows you to experience the expected as well as the unexpected. Places to stroll are the main street Karl Johan upwards towards the Royal Palace by the park Studenterlunden and Kvadraturen, the part of the city that was founded by King Christian IV. In Kvadraturen and the Akeshus Fortress you find some of the oldest preserved buildings in Oslo.

The harbor side of the fortress and the Oslo City Hall is a car-free area. Here you can stroll, watch the boats – some even take passengers – or buy fresh shrimps directly from the fishing boats.

Aker Brygge is a pedestrian area where there are numerous restaurants and stores along the quayside.

There are also guided city strolls available if necessary.

Sight seeing by bus or railless train

If you want a quick summary of the main sights in the city center, there are also double-decker buses for longer trips and railless trains in Sentrum. However, this offer is not cheap, you may save money by using this Wikivoyage guide. Hop On - Hop Off. Guiding in English and several other languages. Starts at Karl Johans gate by Nationaltheateret.

Inner Oslofjord by boat

One of the boats in traffic between the pier by the City Hall and the museums on the Bygdøy peninsula

• 1 Boating the inner Oslofjord (from the port next to the Oslo City Hall and Aker Brygge). Mostly from May to September. A relaxing break from the busy city: There are many boats and ferries that can take you to the idyllic, small islands of the archipelago in the inner Oslofjord. Activities such as fishing, swimming, sunbathing, strolling and exploring ashore the islands. To the museums at the Bygdøy peninsula is a separate all year ferry . Throughout the year the Oslofjord can be crossed by ferry B10 to Nesodden. There is also a boat liner to the historic Oscarsborg Fortress off Drøbak at a slightly higher fare during the summer season. Bring food and drink for picnics on the islands before starting the boat trip. A valid ticket for the public transport in Oslo, the price is the same to most islands. For those who want it, there is also fjord sightseeing and a Jump On - Jump Off sight seeing boat with trips in the harbor area.. 

By car

The Oslo city center may seem unavailable by car and parking in the few outdoor parking areas or in a parking garage is expensive. Public transport is recommended, instead of getting around by car.

By public transport

See get around throughout the city by public transport

See

The Royal Palace

• 1 Royal Palace (Slottet) (T-Nationaltheateret, tram 13-19 to Slottsparken, at the end of Karl Johans gate, the city's main avenue). The Palace is the residence and offices of the king, Norway's head of state. Council of State meetings are held there every Friday. When new members of cabinet have been appointed by the king they appear in the front of the palace for photo sessions and interivews. Building of the Palace began in 1824 and completed in 1849. The Palace sits on a small mount at the end of Oslo main street, Karl Johans gate, named after the king at the time. It was built outside the city in neoclassical style. Tours inside the palace are arranged in summertime, starting in June 21. The tickets for the tour must be bought in advance from a post office. If there are vacant spots in a tour, they sell the remaining tickets at the Palace to people waiting in line who don't already have tickets. Don't count on getting tickets on the spot unless you are quite ahead in the line since a lot of people buy them at the post offices. There are about 2 tours in English on weekdays.  

Oslo Opera House

• 2 Opera House (all trams and buses to Jernbanetorget or Oslo S then take the footbridge from the seaside exit of Oslo central station, next to the Airport Express train terminal). Norway's first entry into the top league of modern architecture. Awarded the 2008 prize for best cultural building at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona, and the prestigious Mies van der Rohe award for best European contemporary architecture in 2009, its appearance is stunning. Shaped as a glacier or a ship, the amazing building seems to float by the inlet Bjørvika, giving a stunning impression. Climb the building on the marble slopes (summer only) for a unique Oslo view. The main highway, which used to pass just between the Opera and Oslo Central Station, is now moved to a sub-sea tunnel under Bjørvika.  
• 3 Oslo Cathedral (Domkirke), Karl Johans gate/Stortorvet (tram 11-17-18 or bus 37 to Stortorvet, between T-Jernbanetorget and Stortinget). Oslo's cathedral is none too impressive, but has been refurbished. It was erected in 1697, and expanded in the 19th century using different coloured brick (still visible). After the terrorist attacks on Oslo in July 2011, the square Stortorget, in front of Oslo Cathedral, became the centre for afterthought and compassion. The square was fully covered by roses, greetings and mourning messages for weeks. Affiliated with the Church of Norway, the national Lutheran church.  

Basarene, in the courtyard

• 4 Kirkeristen (Basarene (the Bazaar)), By Oslo Cathedral. The small, old bazaar surrounding the church is now used by artisans and craftsmen, and holds a couple of small cafes and restaurants. This building was constructed around 1850 in neo-romantic style on the site of an older butchers' bazaar.  
• 5 City Hall (Rådhuset) (T-Nationaltheateret, tram 12 to Rådhusplassen, bus 70-74 to Vika, located by the waterfront, with Fritdjof Nansens plass on the inland side. Enter City Hall on the Karl Johan side). 1 Jul - 31 Aug: daily 09:00-18:00; Sep-Jun: 09:00-16:00. A monumental functionalist building in red brick. Opinions are divided if this is a pretty building, but it is certainly imposing. The austere facade has a surprising number of fine details. Open to the public, with a spectacular main hall featuring huge murals with typical Nordic social democratic themes. Other rooms are also decorated with a variety of art. There are also some displays of historical artefacts in the side rooms upstairs. This is where the Nobel Peace Prize is presented every year. Although there is no public lift, disadvantaged visitors only have to ask and they can use the staff lift. On one of the towers, there is a glockenspiel playing melodies at every hour, the huge instrument is about 20,000 kg and stands 66 m above ground. The building was opened in 1950 after 32 years of planning and construction. Free. (updated Jul 2017)

Akershus fortress

• 6 Akershus Castle and Fortress (Akershus Festning) (Tram 12 to Rådhusplassen, bus 60 to Bankplassen). A medieval castle and fortress built in 1299, located close to the city centre. There are several excellent viewpoints to the Oslofjord and surrounding areas. The stone walls create an exciting atmosphere, and you are free to roam around in tight passages and staircases. There are two museums here, both related to Norwegian military history (see museums below).  

Stortinget

• 7 Stortinget (Parliament) (on the main street, Karl Johans gate, in the city centre (T-Bane, any line, Stortinget station, exit Egertorget). It has free guided tours in English and Norwegian lasting about 45 minutes, which assemble outside the back door of the Parliament (on Akersgata). There is a limit of 30 people per tour, so be there at least 10 minutes prior to the start of a tour. Free tours.  
• 8 University of Oslo (between the Royal Palace and Stortinget on the Karl Johans gate). The original campus and buildings of the university, completed around 1850. The buildings houses only the Faculty of Law; the rest of the university is situated at Blindern. There are occasional concerts in the magnificent Universitetets Aula, housing 11 of Edvard Munch's pictures covering more than 200 m² of wall. The room is only occasionally open to public, but is one of the most magnificent rooms in all of Norway. Along with a number of other key buildings around Karl Johan, these old university buildings were erected in what was then the young capital of Norway. These downtown buildings are surrounded by a pleasant park - the University garden. The Faculty of Law also used to serve as the venue for the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize from 1947 to 1989.  
• 9 Government Building Complex (Regjeringskvartalet). Regjeringskvartalet is a group of buildings housing several of the offices of the executive branch (ministries) as well as the Supreme Court. The area does not display a consistent style but instead reflects 200 years of development. The prime minister's building and the Y-building are functionalist or brutalist architecture. The Y-building has a particular layout and the facade is decorated by Picasso's drawings carved directly into the concrete. Pablo Picasso also decorated the stairwell in the prime minister's building. The Royal Ministry of Finance occupies an imposing art nouveau (jugendstil) building in red granite. The bomb on 22 July 2011 caused considerable damage to several buildings (leaving 2000 offices unusable) and 8 civil servants lost their lives in the explosion. Some buildings have been repaired, others are demolished and some are still in the process of reconstruction. The area is open to pedestrians. A partly shattered newspaper panel with the original pages dated July 22 still stands. The July 22 Centre is the middle of the area. (updated Oct 2017)
• 10 Nordic Bible Museum (Nordisk bibelmuseum), Nedre Slottsgate 4C, 0157, ☏ +47 40 10 57 77. T-W: noon-5pm, Th: 11am-6pm, F-Su: 11am-4pm, M: closed. This is a little museum dedicated to the Bible's history, cultural influence, and main translations. The friendly tour guides will take you through their impressive collection, which spans centuries and includes a reproduction of a Dead Sea scroll page. You also get an opportunity to try writing on papyrus and vellum. 110 kr. (updated Nov 2024)

Art galleries

• 11 The Mini Bottle Gallery, Kirkegata 10 (Within 5-10 minutes walking distance from any other downtown attraction). Open Saturday and Sundays. A unique collection of mini bottles. While the bottles are small, the museum exhibits 12,500 of them from a collection of 53,000, over an area of 1,500 m². 
• 12 The Queen Sonja Art Stable, Royal Palace, entrance from Parkveien. A museum, art gallery and concert hall located in the former stables of the Royal Palace in Oslo. Varying exhibitions where most of the items are from the Norwegian Royal Collections. 100 NOK, children under 12 years free.  
• Munch Museum is across the bridge just east of the Opera House, see Inner East. It relocated there in Oct 2021.
• The collections of the National Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary Art which used to be in this district are now on display in the new National Museum right by the City Hall

Parks

Studenterlunden

Royal Palace park is open to the public. There is no fence.

• 13 Slottsparken (Palace Park). 24 hours. Surrounds the Royal Palace (see above) at the top of Karl Johan street. Oslo's most central park is a pleasant grass-covered area with majestic old trees. When you are in the park, don't miss Princess Ingrid Alexandra's Sculpture Park area, which contains sculptures made by children from all over Norway. Wide walkways crisscross the park. The Royal Guards have a small barrack in the park. Free.  
• 14 University garden (Universitetshagen), Karl Johans gate. Pleasant park surrounding university buildings on Karl Johan street, completed around 1850. (updated Jul 2015)
• 15 Studenterlunden (Spikersuppa) (along the main street Karl Johans gate and Stortingsgata). the park in the heart of Oslo, between the parliament and the National Theatre. Fountains in the summer, an ice rink in the winter, outdoor seating and a variety of statues of famous Norwegians including Henrik Ibsen, Ludvig Holberg and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson.  

At Akershus Castle

Museums

• 16 The Armed Forces Museum (Forsvarsmuseet, The Defence Museum), The Akershus Fortress (as above). 11:00-16:00. Describes Norwegian military history and provides an insight into the development from the Middle Ages to the first years after World War II. Adults 100 kr, children 40 kr. (updated Nov 2023)
• 17 Hjemmefrontmuseet (The resistance museum), The Akershus Fortress (as above). 10:00-16:00. Describes the resistance against the Nazi German occupation of Norway during World War II. Adults 100 kr, children 40 kr. (updated Nov 2023)

Do

For more to do in a larger area of Oslo, see also the do sections of the Oslo/Inner East, Oslo/Inner North, Oslo/North or the Oslo/West article.

Oslo Spektrum Arena

• 2 Oslo Concert Hall (Konserthuset), Munkedamsveien 14 (Ruseløkkeveien). One of the main venues for classical and contemporary music in Oslo. The concert hall is home of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, a world-class symphony orchestra. The building is modern with a modest exterior.  
• 3 Oslo Spektrum Arena (indoor multipurpose arena), Sonja Henies Plass 2 (Next to Oslo S train station), ☏ +47 815 11 211. The place for great concerts, rallies and indoor sports events.  

Theatres

The National Theatre

• 4 National Theatre (Nationaltheatret) (Surrounded by the Studenterlunden Fountain Park). One of Norway's main theaters for performance of dramatic arts. The building is monumental and there are statues of several well-known Norwegian playwriters by the main entrance.  
• 5 Det Norske Teatret, Kristian IVs gate 8. The largest theater in Norway where the standard language is Norwegian Nynorsk.  
• 6 Oslo Nye Teater (Main stage), Rosenkrantz gate 10. This is Norway's most visited theater institution with four theater stages, with different locations in the city. The main stage is the largest. The standard language is Norwegian Bokmål. Rarely performances in English.  
• 7 Chat Noir, Klingenberggata 5. Norway's oldest and most famous scene for revues and entertainment, established in 1912. Rarely performances in English.  

Cinemas

Klingenberg Kino, a cinema center

Foreign language movies are not dubbed, except movies for children. They are performed in the original language (such as English) with Norwegian subtitles. Tickets may be purchased at the cinema or pre-booked online. To pre-book, remember to choose the date and the cinema from "alle kinoer" on the website in Norwegian only.

• 8 Klingenberg kino Olav V's gate 4 cinema center
• 9 Saga kino Stortingsgata 28 cinema center
• 10 Vika kino Ruseløkkveien 14 cinema center (Age limit 18 years at Vika kino only)

Buy

Shopping malls

Please note that most stores and department stores are closed on Sundays.

• 1 Akersgata (just above Stortinget T-bane, at the rear of the Norwegian parliament.). A few exclusive shops like Louis Vuitton, gold smith David-Andersen, Follestad, Corso Como, Ting. The most exclusive shopping-centre in Oslo.  
• 2 Byporten (T-bane, bus or tram to Jernbanetorget). M-F 10:00-21:00, Sa 10:00-2o:00, closed on Sundays. A shopping centre appended to the Sentralstasjon, with a selection of Norwegian chain stores. Handy for last-minute shopping or filling up supplies on arrival, but mind the opening times, much shorter than the station's. 
• 3 Eger, Karl Johans gate 23 B (T-bane to Stortinget). High-end fashion shopping in the middle of Karl Johans gate. 

Glasmagasinet

• 4 Glasmagasinet (tram 10-11-17-18 or bus 37-46 to Stortorvet). Dates back to the 18th century. Here you can find souvenirs, crystal, china, fashion, kitchenware and interior design. The department store is famous for their large cosmetics section. 
• 5 Oslo City (T-bane, bus or tram to Jernbanetorget). A big shopping centre just across the street from the Central station. The shopping centre focuses on young people. In the basement is Meny, one of the few full-size supermarkets in central Oslo.  
• 6 Paleet (T-bane to Nationaltheateret, close to the National Theatre (Nationalteateret) and Royal Palace). An upmarket, central shopping centre. 
• 7 Steen & Strøm (situated on a side street of KarlJohansgate.). One of Oslo's oldest department stores and is newly renovated and very stylish with a number of clothing shops with famous brands, a cosmetique, and an interior design floor. On top you will find an outdoor cafe with view over the city centre and the surroundings.  

Speciality stores

• 8 DesignTorget, Byporten shopping centre, House of Oslo shopping centre and Grensen 8. Swedish chain that showcases high quality quirky design. Worth checking out for quality gifts to bring back home. 
• 9 Oslo Gift Shop, Østbanehallen, Jerbanetorget 1 (By the Oslo S railway station). Souvenirs. 
• Living Large (Dressmann) (by Oslo S railway station, next to Oslo Gift Shop). A store for tall and large men, sizes range from 3X to 9X with decent formal and informal clothes. 
• 10 Norway Shop, Fridtjof Nansens Plass 9. Greatest selection in the city of original Norwegian knitted wool sweaters.  
• 11 Fisketorget: The Oslo Fish Market (Pipervika), Rådhusbrygge 4 (City Hall Pier), ☏ +47 940 80 932. Fish market of fresh fish and shellfish that has an aquarium, seafood restaurant and sushi and oyster bar. 
• 12 Oslo Wool Shop (Oslo Sweater Shop), Tullins gate 5 0166 Oslo, post@woolchain.com. Traditional Norwegian sweaters. (updated Jul 2018)
• 13 Stormberg, Storgata 7 + Lofsrudveien 6 (Central Oslo + Senter Syd (Mortensrud)). Stores for Norway's largest brand of outdoor wear. Reasonable prices. 
• 14 Tursenteret, Den Norske Turistforening (Norwegian Trekking Association, DNT), Storgata 3. Equipment shop and good advices for hikers and cross country skiers, tour maps, booking of tourist cabins.  
• 15 Gulating Ølutsalg (Oslo sentrum), Storgata 32 (in the basement of the Gunerius trading center), ☏ +47 958 42 611. Largest selection of beer in the city, Norwegian craft beer from all over Norway in particular. 
• 16 Tiger, Hammersborggata 18 (any tram or bus stopping at Brugata), ☏ +47 22 20 73 50. An old-school record store with vinyl, CDs and some band merchandise for those into alternative music like punk, noise and all kinds of genres with names ending with "core". Also a record label and a distributor. 

Eat

Budget

• 1 Prince Lunch Bar, Kirkegate 20 (close to the department store Steen & Strøm). The best baguettes downtown. Delivers lashings of filling on their almighty subs. Also chicken breast, fish and beef burgers. From 89 kr. 
• 2 Rådhuset Canteen, In the cellar of the city hall. 11:00-13:00. The canteen is open to the public, and offers good, sumptuous meals at even lower prices than the student canteens. Not many tourists know about the place, so it can be a very quiet place to have a meal. They sell salads, sandwiches, boiled potatoes, cereal bars and other snacks. A filling box of salad (sold by weight) can cost less than 40 kr. 

Mid-range

• 3 Dovrehallen, Storgata 22 (near Jernbanetorvet). Old-school beer hall serving delicious meat and potato dishes, with a rotating daily dish. Tuesdays are "Eisbein" day, be there! From approx. 180 kr (mains). 
• 4 Engebret Cafè, Bankplassen 1, ☏ +47 22822525. A restaurant where Ibsen, Bjørnson, Grieg and Munch all had regular tables.  
• 5 Fiskeriet, Youngstorget 2b (At the Youngstorget (Square)), ☏ +47 22 42 45 40. If you want to eat (for local standards) affordable seafood. From 199 kr (take away)/229 kr (dine in). 
• 6 Kaffistova, Rosenkrantz' gate 8, ☏ +47 23 21 41 00. Kaffistova has served traditional Norwegian fare for more than a century. «Raspeball» every Thursday. From approx. 270 kr (mains). 
• 7 Oriental, Prof. Aschehougs plass (tram 11-17-18 to Tinghuset/Prof. Aschehougs plass or T-bane Stortinget). Brilliant all-Asian restaurant with inventive dishes. 
• 8 Restaurant Eik, Universitetsgata 11 (tram 11-17-18 to Tullinløkka). The least upmarket of the central gourmet offerings, Eik consistently get rave reviews and doles out a fine five-course gourmet menu for around 400 kr. Fantastic. Bib gourmand award in the Michelin Guide. 
• 9 Restaurant Eik Annen Etage, above the Hotel Continental in Stortingsgata (T-bane, tram 13-19 or bus 30-31-54 to Nationaltheateret). When Eik took over the sadly missed gourmet Annen Etage, the food actually got better and cheaper. 
• 10 Rice Bowl Thai Cafe, Youngs gate 4 (between Torggata and Storgata). Seems to be packed with locals at all times. Thai food is OK but a bit bland. From 180 kr (mains). 
• 11 Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri (Stortorvet (square)). Traditional dining in an older, historical building, serving Norwegian food. Rather affordable: Today's dish 189 kr lunches. Nevertheless, the dishes in the al-la-carte menu are a lot more expensive.  
• 12 Sabaki (True Japanese Restaurant), Karl Johans gate 39 (Paleet), ☏ +47 23 89 87 62. Traditional Japanese cuisine: Of course you will get sushi, sashimi and maki, and also robbatyaki and teppanyaki. 

• 13 Xich-Lo, Øvre Slottsgate 27 (T-Stortinget). A central, more classy Vietnamese eatery with great food. 

Splurge

Theatercaféen

• 14 Dinner, Stortingsgata 22. One of the finest Chinese restaurants in Europe. All the expensive dishes are worth it. Try their Peking Duck, which must be pre-ordered the day before, but is a true feast. 
• 15 Gamle Raadhus Restaurant, Nedre Slottsgate 1 (on the corner to Rådhusgata), ☏ +47 22420107. M-F 11:30-16:00, M-Sa 17:00-22:00. Gamle Raadhus Restaurant is located in historical surroundings: Oslo's original city hall from 1641. Serves unique traditional Norwegian food, which it has since 1856. The food (lunch and dinner) is made from scratch, with the use of local Norwegian products. Expensive.  
• 16 Restaurant Fjord, Kristian Augusts gate 11 (Two blocks away from Karl Johans gate). The best fish restaurant in Oslo, with a menu based on taseful Norwegian ingredients. 
• 17 Statholdergaarden, Rådhusgate 11 (on the corner of Kirkegaten), ☏ +47 22 41 88 00, fax: +47 22 41 22 24, post@statholdergaarden.no. M-Sa 18:00-23:59. Arguably one of Oslo's finest settings. Set in a beautiful 18th-century mansion, the combination of very friendly staff and extraordinary dishes makes it well worth its one star in the Michelin Guide. Not one to miss.  
• 18 Theatercaféen, Stortingsgata 24-26 (inside Hotel Continental next to Nationaltheatret). Pretending to be a classic upmarket Wiener Café with a continental menu. High prices and excruciatingly "culture-posh", food quality is disputed. However, being "the" classic café in Oslo, the experience may be worth it.  

Drink

• 1 Andy's Pub, Stortingsgata 8 (T-bane Stortinget, tram 13-19 to Wessels plass/Nathionaltheateret, bus 31-32-33-54-70 stop nearby). Shows most football matches on LCD TVs. 
• 2 Bohemen (“the Bohemian”), Arbeidergata 2 (T-bane Stortinget, tram 11-17-18 or bus 33-70 to Prof. Aschehougs plass/Tinghuset), ☏ +47-22416266. The best place to watch football (soccer) and sports in general, and to have a cheapish beer. Official Vålerenga supporter pub. 
• 3 Brygg, Storgata 5-7, post@brygg.no. Night out for beer enthusiasts, offers one of the most varied beverage selections in the city. 
• 4 Cafe Fiasco, Schweigaards gate 4 (next to the train station). Classy place that is not expensive at all. Also has live music and DJs with 70 kr cover charge. Beer 50 kr. 
• 5 Dubliner, Rådhusgata 28 (Tram 12 to Christiania torv). A nice Irish pub a little off Karl Johans gate, does a good fish and chips (and a few rounds of Guinness with which to wash it down). In Norway: Good fish? Always! Good chips? Never! Except maybe here. 
• 6 Dr. Jekylls Pub, Klingenberggata 4. 15:00-03:00. Whisky bar with wide selection. over 500 whiskies and several fantastic rums and over 60 beers on bottle. 
• 7 Fyret Mat & Drikke, Youngstorget 6. Intimate and lively pub and restaurant which serves unpretentious, good food. They have an outstanding collection of akevitt (akvavit), the Scandinavian potato spirit that you should check out, though you won't necessary love it unconditionally. 
• 8 Hard Rock Cafe, Karl Johansgate 45 (T-bane, tram 13-19 or bus 30-31-54-70 to Nationaltheatret), ☏ +47-22863000. Dealing mainly with, as the name suggests, rock nostalgia from the 1950s, this should be familiar. Pricey. 
• 9 Heidi’s Bier Bar, Fridtjof Nansen Plass 8. German, Bavarian style beer bar with the party atmosphere of afterski and octoberfest. 
• 10 Hell's Kitchen, Møllergata 23, Youngstorget corner of Møllergata (Tram 11-12-13-17 or bus 30-31-34-54 to Kirkeristen/Nygata/Brugata). Pizza and music, lots of beer and cocktails. Brilliant place that once was the heyday of hipness, a reputation it has to leave to its own basement (The Villa) and Revolver, just down the street. Still a good corner to drop into. 
• 11 Public Gastropub (Basement of Paleet), Karl Johans gate 39, ☏ +47 23 89 86 86. 11:00-22:00, Sundays closed. Oslo's largest selections of specialty beers, hearty, simple cooking. 
• 12 Røør, Rosenkrantz gate 4, hei@roor.no. 3PM -1AM/3AM Fridays & Saturdays. Two floors with a large selection of beers from around the world, shuffleboards, music and a stage. 
• 13 Sir Winston's Public House, Karl Johans gate 10. English style pub and piano bar in the main street. 
• 14 The Old Irish Pub, Klingenberggata 5, ☏ +47 948 796 36. Irish pub combined with a nightclub that offers live music, big screen sports and a dance floor. 
• 15 The Scotsman, Karl Johans gate 17. Big and well known Scottish style pub in the main street. Live music. 
• 16 The Whisky Bar, Rådhusgata 28 (Trams 13 and 19 to Kongens gate (in Tollbugata)), ☏ +47 4725 8445, post@thewhiskybar.no. Pub with large selection of whisky. (updated May 2015)

Microbreweries

• 17 Amundsen Bryggeri & Spiseri, Stortingsgt. 20. Gastro pub & restaurant with its own microbrewery in the middle of the room. 

Clubs and live music

Rock music

• 18 Gamla, Grensen 1 (by Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri, entry Møllergata). Rock'n'roll bar and stage in historical surroundings.  
• 19 Last Train, Karl Johans Gate 45, entrance Universitetsgaten. Sandwiched between a theatre and Hard Rock Cafe this gem is easily overlooked. One of the best (and longest lasting) rock/punk/metal/indie pubs in Norway. 

Gay

• 20 Elsker, Kristian IVs gate 9 (Next to the Thon Hotel Bristol, one block from Karl Johan.). W-Sa from 15:00. 
• 21 Ett Glass, Karl Johans Gate 33B (Next to the main Street, Karl Johans Gate and the National Theatre.). Daily 09:00-03:00. 
• 22 London Pub, C. J. Hamros plass 5 (Central Oslo, two blocks from Karl Johan on the corner of the Grand Hotel). The largest gay and lesbian venue in Oslo. 
• 23 So, Arbeidergata 2 (Just off Karl johan). Open W-Sa. Mostly aimed at girls. Nice cosy bar which gets packed Saturday night. 

Sleep

For more accommodations in the most central Oslo, see also the sleep sections of the Oslo/Inner North or the Oslo/West article.

The categories refer to normal prices. Budget: normal prices from under 850 kr, mid range: 850-1500 kr and splurge: over 1500 kr a night.

Budget

Hostels

• 1 Perminalen Hotell, Øvre Slottsgate 2 (T-bane to Stortinget, bus 30-31-32-54 to Wessels plass, tram 10-12-13-19 to Kongens gate), ☏ +47 24 00 55 00, post.perminalen@iss.no. Perminalen offers slightly higher standards at slightly higher prices. OK cafe with good, old Norwegian homely grub at nice prices. Dorm: kr 380; Single: kr 620; Double: kr 860. 
• 2 Sentrum Pensjonat, Tollbugata 8 (300 meters from Oslo Central station, entrance from Skippergata), ☏ +47 22 33 55 80, post@sentrumpensjonat.no. Dorm: kr 290; Single: kr 500; Double: kr 750. 
• 3 Oslo Hostel Central (Oslo Vandrerhjem Central), Konges gate 7, ☏ +47 47 23 10 08 00, oslo.central@hihostels.no. Dorm: kr 375-395, 10% discount with HI membership. 

Hotels

• 4 P-Hotels, Oslo, Grensen 19, ☏ +47 22 03 11 00, oslo@p-hotels.no. Affordable hotel, centrally located with nice rooms. Simple breakfast delivered to your door. Single: 595 kr; Double: 795 kr. 
• 5 Smarthotel Oslo, St. Olavs gate 26, ☏ +47 415 36 500. Affordable, central - and smart. From 781 kr. 
• 6 Thon Hotel Astoria, Dronningensgate 21 (50 metres from the main street Karl Johan, 5 minute walk from Oslo Central Station). Single: 695kr; Double: 895kr. 
• 7 / CityBox Oslo, Prinsensgate 6 (Five-minute walk from Oslo S), ☏ +47 21 42 04 80. Sparse and staff-light (housekeeping once a week, no reception, no TV), but cheap and very close to the central station and Carl Johans gate. Family rooms available. Single: 595 kr, Double: 795 kr. 

Mid-range

Plaza hotel is the tallest building in Norway. Central station and Bjørvika area in front.

• 8 Hotell Bondeheimen, Rosenkrantzgate 8, ☏ +47 23 21 41 00, bookingoffice@bondeheimen.com. Traditional Norwegian hotel for rural people in town, established in 1913. Norwegian and homely. Tasty breakfast included. 
• 9 Best Western Karl Johan Hotel, Karl Johans gate 33 (750 m from Central Station; 300 m from Nationaltheatret station; 200 m from Stortinget metro station), ☏ +47 23 16 17 00, fax: +47 22 42 05 19, karljohan@bestwestern.no. Attractive 3-star hotel in the very centre of Oslo, fully modernised while keeping its character. Many rooms overlook the parliament building, and the waterfront and royal palace are within a short walk. Rooms are reasonably large for an old building, and efficiently designed. A good breakfast buffet is included. 
• 10 Best Western Plus City Hotel, Kirkegata 30, ☏ +47 22 42 11 50, pluscity@bestwestern.no. A relatively small but homely hotel. Both studios and rooms. The main street Karl Johans gate is just around the corner. 
• 11 Hotel Bristol, Kristian IV's gate 7 (right in the city centre, near the National Gallery and the main shopping street KarlJohansgate). As soon as you enter the lobby you will experience the unique style characterising the hotel. An air of elegance which has been maintained since the opening in 1920. Today, the hotel is owned by the chain Thon Hotels.  
• 12 Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion, Skippergata 7 (Between Oslo Central Station and Akershus Castle), ☏ +47 22 47 77 00, cc.bastion@choice.no. Unique designed boutique hotel which possibly hides some secrets. 
• 13 Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeateret, Storgaten 21-23 (tram 11,12,13,17 to Brugata or bus 30,31,31E,34,54 to Brugata), ☏ +47 22 00 57 00, fax: +47 22 00 57 01, cc.folketeateret@choice.no. Nice hotel with stylish rooms and an evening buffet that is included in the rate. Walking distance to central station. 1200 kr and up. 
• 14 Clarion Hotel The Hub (Former names: Hotel Royal Christiania, Hotel Viking), Biskop Gunnerusgt. 3 (Next to Oslo S train station and not far from the main street, Karl Johans gate), ☏ +47 23 10 80 00, cl.thehub@choice.no. This huge, extended hotel in the heart of Oslo was reopened in March 2019. The hotel was at first built to accommodate the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo. Gym, indoor pool, relaxation area, library, restaurant, bar and a large number of conference facilities. They also have rooms that are adapted for wheelchair. (updated Feb 2019)
• 15 Comfort Hotel Børsparken, Tollbugaten 4 (Four minutes walk from the Central Station), ☏ +47 22 47 17 18, co.borsparken@choice.no. Centrally located hotel in a low traffic street by a small park. 
• 16 Comfort Hotel Grand Central, Jernbanetorget 1 (Inside Oslo Ø, the old train hall of Oslo S train station), ☏ +47 22 98 28 00. It is not necessary to wear outerwear from the station building. 
• 17 Comfort Hotel Karl Johan, Karl Johans gate 12 (on the main street), ☏ +47 23 01 03 50. Almost as central to the city as it goes. 
• 18 Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station, Fred Olsens gate 11 (close to Oslo Central Station), ☏ +47 22 40 32 92, xpress.centralstation@choice.no. An efficient, new kind of hotel, close to most kinds of public transport. 
• 19 First Hotel Millenium, Tollbugata 25 (Between Oslo Central Station and Aker Brygge.), ☏ +47 21 02 28 00. Central b & b hotel Great deals out of season.. 
• 20 Park Inn, Øvre Slottsgate 2c (near Aker Brygge, Akershus Fortress, Karl Johans gate), ☏ +47 22400100. Well-equipped guest rooms in the heart of Oslo. 
• 21 Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotell, Oslo, Holbergs gate 30 (next to the Royal Palace), ☏ +47 23 293000. In the heart of the city centre. In this 22-story hotel you find the wellness area Lagoon, which includes a great swimming pool and a separate fitness room. The converted rooms have spectacular views of the big city and the Oslo Fjord.  
• 22 Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Sonja Henies Plass 3 (Next to Oslo S (Central Station), Grønland and Grünerlokka). With 37 floors and breathtaking views of Oslo and the Oslo Fjord, the Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel is Northern Europe’s highest hotel. Great conference facilities. There is a gym, swimming pool and sauna at the health and fitness center. Suited 3 min walk from the Oslo S train station. From 1300kr. (updated Feb 2019)
• 23 Saga Hotel Oslo Central, Kongens gate 7 (Between Karl Johans gate and Aker Brygge), ☏ +47 23 10 08 00, post.oslocentral@sagahotels.no. Centrally located hotel that also offers family rooms. 
• 24 Scandic Byporten, Jernbanetorget 6 (At the square outside the train station Oslo S.), ☏ +47 23 15 55 00, byporten@scandichotels.com. Just steps from the main entrance to the main train station Oslo S, this central hotel is located. 
• 25 Scandic Oslo City, Europarådets plass 1 (T-bane, tram or bus to Jernbanetorget), ☏ +47 23 10 42 00, oslocity@scandichotels.com. Very central, 1-3 minutes walk to several types of public transport, Oslo S train station and to the main street, Karl Johans gate. Price offers off season.. 
• 26 Scandic Grensen, Grensen 20 (Not far from Stortorget square and Karl Johans gate), ☏ +47 23 15 52 00. Not far from Oslo Cathedral, Stortorget square and Karl Johans gate Price offers off season.. 
• 27 Scandic Karl Johan, Arbeidergata 4 (Entrance from the Arbeidergata street. 100 meters from Stortinget (the Parliament)), ☏ +47 23 15 53 00, karljohan@scandichotels.com. This hotel is within walking distance of the main public buildings and attractions in central Oslo. 
• 28 Scandic Victoria, Rosenkrantz gate 13 (Between Karl Johans gate and Oslo City Hall), ☏ +47 24 14 70 00, victoriaoslo@scandichotels.com. Central but little noise. Some rooms have a balcony and some have views. 
• 29 Thon Hotel Cecil, Stortingsgata 8, Entrance: Rosenkrantz gate (Close to Stortinget, the Parliament), ☏ +47 23 31 48 00, cecil@olavthon.no. Just steps away from restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment options. Not far from Karl Johans gate and Aker Brygge. 
• 30 Thon Hotel Europa, St Olavs Gate 31 (T-bane to Nationalteateret, tram 11, 17 and 18 to Holbergs Plass), ☏ +47 23 25 63 00, europa@olavthon.no. Close to the Royal Palace and Karl Johans gate. 
• 31 Thon Hotel Opera, Dronning Eufemias gate 4 (Between Oslo S (the train station next door) and the Oslo Opera House), ☏ +47 24 10 30 00, opera@olavthon.no. Probably the most central hotel in Oslo.Still, it's pretty quiet there. Offers also disabled-friendly rooms. Price:See also special offers. Depends on season. 
• 32 Thon Hotel Panorama, Rådhusgaten 7B (Clamped between older buildings in the Kvadraturen district, between Karl Johans gate, Akershus Castle and Aker Brygge), ☏ +47 23 31 08 00, panorama@olavthon.no. Most rooms have a balcony, beautiful views of the city and the Oslofjord. 
• 33 Thon Hotel Terminus, Stenersgaten 10 (one block away from Oslo S train station and not far from Grønland and Grünerlokka), ☏ +47 22 05 60 00. Central hotel, close to shopping, nightlife and public transport. 
• 34 Hotel Verandi (Oslo), Tordenskiolds gate 6b (One block away from the City Hall), ☏ +47 24 14 95 00, post@hotelverdandi.no. 3,5 stars hotel with 170 rooms between Aker Brygge and the main street Karl Johan. 

Splurge

• 35 Amerikalinjen (Boutique hotel), Jernbanetorget 2, ☏ +47 21 40 59 00, info@amerikalinjen.com. The former iconic headquarters of the shipping company Den Norske Amerikalinje (The Norwegian America Line) was reopened as a boutique hotel in March 2019. The hotel offers comfortable rooms very central, just off the main entrance to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S). Double: 2000 kr+. (updated Mar 2019)
• 36 Clarion Collection Hotel Savoy, Universitetsgata 11, ☏ +47 23 35 42 01, cc.savoy@choice.no. Central and comfortable business hotel. Breakfast, afternoon sweets and an evening meal are always included. 
• 37 Grand Hotel Oslo, Karl Johans Gate 31, ☏ +47 23 21 20 00. The hotel where Nobel Peace Prize winners stay when coming to Oslo for the award ceremony. Expensive and lots of services. Excellent view over main street Karl Johans gate. Grand Café, at street level, was Henrik Ibsen's daily watering hole, and is Norway's answer to Vienna's Cafe Landtmann. From 2,175 kr.  
• 38 First Hotel Grims Grenka, Kongens gate 5. Five-star hotel which has received international acclaim. Operated by First Hotels. Member of Design hotels. 
• 39 Hotel Continental Oslo, Stortingsgaten 24/26 (Located between the National Theatre and Aker Brygge), ☏ +47 22 82 40 00, reception@hotelcontinental.no. Family-run hotel has a large Vienna-style cafe (Theatercafeen) which is the place to be seen in Oslo. Outstanding service and prices to match, still considered fair value for money. Nice quiet bar with original Edvard Munch litographs.  
• 40 Hotel Christiania Teater, Stortingsgata 16, ☏ +47 21 04 38 00, stay@christianiateater.com. A boutique hotel, which was designed by the architects Henry Fearnley Coll and Hack Kampmann. From 1700 kr. (updated Jun 2017)

Stay healthy

• 1 Vitusapotek Jernbanetorget (Pharmacy) (Jernbanetorget 4 B) is open 24/7.

See "Stay healthy" for Oslo.

Connect

• As for the whole of Oslo
• 2 Unginfo, Møllergata 3. Free use of computer terminal for 30 minutes for people 26 and under, although age is rarely checked. 
• 3 Arctic Internet, Inside the train station Oslo S On the third floor (one level up in the main hall). The most complete Internet cafe - business center with full spectra of services and personnel on site. 
• 4 Oslo S Train Station. On the first and second floor, there are several automated stand alone computers setup for basic internet surfing, as well as an Internet cafe in the bus terminal next to the central station.  
• 5 Internet cafe (ACROSS from the Nationaltheatret next to a pub called Paddy's). 
• 6 Oslo City Shopping Center. Internet kiosks.  
• 7 Byråkrat. Free wifi with purchase. 

Go next

• Within central Oslo: see the Oslo/Inner East, Oslo/Inner North or the Oslo/West article
• Suburbs within Oslo: see the Oslo/North or the Oslo/South article

Further afield

• see further afield from Oslo/Sentrum
• Gardermoen, the main airport.
• Tusenfryd Amusement Park, a family attraction, a 30 minute drive southeast of downtown..
• Follo is a landscape southeast of Oslo within the wider Oslo region, where you will find more surprises.