Oslo sits at the end of the Oslofjord, with forested hills rising to the north and east and the built-up area spreading south along both sides of the water. That shape matters when you choose where to sleep: the city centre is compact, but the wider urban area reaches well beyond it into surrounding suburbs.
For a visitor, the practical question is how close you want to be to the centre, known as Sentrum, and how much you are willing to trade convenience for price. Accommodation is spread across the inner city and beyond, and the sources describe a market where rooms are usually available except during conferences, concerts and sports events. This guide covers the areas the source material names, what each suits, and how the price levels differ.
Best areas to stay in Oslo
1. Sentrum (the city centre)
Sentrum is the inner city centre, the natural base for a first visit. Staying here puts you in the middle of the city rather than in one of the corridors that sprawl outwards, and it keeps you close to the sights and to transport around the centre.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk rather than commute. Upscale hotels in the city centre can also be reasonably affordable during off-peak times of the year such as the summer, so the centre is not only for big budgets.
2. Gamlebyen (the Old Town)
Gamlebyen, literally "the Old Town", is an area within the administrative district of Gamle Oslo. It takes its name from the original settlement east of the Aker river, which remained as a suburb outside the city gates after the new city was built closer to Akershus Fortress.
It suits travellers who want a quieter base with a sense of the city's older layers, and it sits within the inner east side of Oslo rather than out in the suburbs. Expect to find it referenced in local street names such as Oslo gate and Oslo hospital.
3. Outside the inner city centre
Affordable and budget accommodation is available outside the inner city centre, in the areas beyond Sentrum. This is the practical choice if price matters more to you than walking distance.
It suits budget travellers and anyone staying longer who does not mind travelling in. The trade-off is straightforward: you save on the room and spend time getting to the centre.
4. At Oslo Airport, Gardermoen
There is accommodation at Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, well outside the city. This suits travellers with an early flight or a short layover rather than anyone planning to spend their days in Oslo.
Treat it as a separate option from the city itself: convenient for the airport, not for the sights.
5. Camping areas
Camping is available year round at Bogstad Camping and at Ekeberg Camping. This suits visitors travelling with their own equipment or vehicle who prefer an outdoor base.
Both are established camping options rather than city-centre accommodation, so plan on travelling in to see the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels and youth hostels, plus affordable accommodation outside the inner city centre (Sentrum). Staying with locals via Airbnb is also an option.
- Mid-range: the broad range of hotels in the city, where availability is normally fine except at peak times during conferences, concerts and sports events.
- Splurge: upscale hotels in the city centre, which can also be reasonably affordable during off-peak times of the year such as the summer.
Best area for a first visit
Sentrum, the inner city centre, is the best base for a first visit. It keeps you in the middle of the city and close to the sights, rather than in one of the corridors that stretch outwards. Upscale hotels here can also be reasonably affordable in off-peak periods such as the summer, so the centre works across budgets.
Frequently asked questions
When is it hard to find a room in Oslo?
Normally it is okay to find a room, but it can be difficult at peak times during conferences, concerts and sports events.
Where can I find cheaper accommodation?
Affordable and budget accommodation is available outside the inner city centre, Sentrum. Hostels and youth hostels are also options, as is staying with locals via Airbnb.
Can I stay in the city centre on a smaller budget?
Yes. Upscale hotels in the city centre can be reasonably affordable during off-peak times of the year such as the summer.
Is camping possible in Oslo?
Yes. Camping is available year round at Bogstad Camping and at Ekeberg Camping.
Compare live prices for the area you have chosen with the booking tools on this page.