10 Most Popular Districts in Oslo

If you look past the office buildings, shopping malls and Oslo S, you will find small, cozy streets with character and a good selection of charming and trendy cafés and shops that have something to suit all tastes.

You don't get more central than this part of town, and if you live in a hotel in the center of Oslo, you literally have the whole city at your feet. Take advantage of the excellent public transportation networks to see other districts, but don't forget to take a walk in Pløens gate, Tollbugata and - of course - along Karl Johan.

Until the 1990s, Grünerløkka was a fairly busy and tired area, mostly characterized by workers' housing and pensioners. Then a small miracle happened, and the district, which had once been so drab and gray, became a colorful and vibrant place to live.

Over the years, "Løkka" has become one of Oslo's most popular districts and a fun place to visit for its bustling life, trendy eateries and comfortable, public outdoor neighborhoods. A must-see for anyone who wants to support the small, independent stores, where you can get to know the employees and find completely unique things.

The old town of Oslo is a historic part of the capital that is really on the rise, and which attracts many different people. Here you'll find everything from medieval ruins and traditional pubs to finer eateries.

Ekebergskrenten is the area for anyone looking for a quiet green space, and the park in front of the old Botsfengselet is a popular place to have a picnic in the open air or go sleighing in the winter. And did you know the penitentiary entrance was featured in all the Olsenbanden movies? If you walk toward the top of the park, you will also find an exciting sculpture park, which few people know about.

With Ullevålsveien as its central lifeline, it is easy to get to most places in Hanshaugen Park by public transportation. Those who live here still prefer to walk.

The proximity to the city centre makes Hanshaugen Park a sought-after and popular place, and people of all ages live here. You will find restaurants in all price ranges, one of the city's very best parks and one of the city's best and most historically interesting sports arenas. It is well worth a visit, if simply just to stroll around and look at the nice, old buildings.

Uranienborg is a really great district, but it also bears the mark of having been a functionary district in its previous life.

The large farms that lie along streets such as Oscars gate, Camilla Colletts gate and Holtegata, stand side by side with detached city dwellings, and reveal that this was once a fairly rural place. The location between the castle and Frogner means that it is close to more or less the entire center. That means shopping, the city's best restaurants and of course top-notch culture and entertainment.

Bjørvika and Sørenga are the districts that face the fjord - with Barcode and Oslo S on one side and the Old Town on the other.

The more efficient the port in Oslo becomes, the more parts of the water's edge can be delegated to people rather than machines. Sørenga is a pleasant residential area with bathing spots, cafés and a park, while Bjørvika is home to both the opera house, museums and the city's perhaps most important traffic hub. Oslo S has it all: shopping, nightlife and a wealth of great restaurants, while the entertainment on the waterfront is almost unsurpassed.

When you are on Bygdøy, it's easy to think you have moved far away from Oslo's hustle and bustle, but that's actually not the case. Because it's actually not that far from the city centre and you can get here by bus or boat in a relatively short time.

But why go to the city, when there's so much you can do on Bygdøy? Here you can experience our common history at the Folk Museum, Vikingskiphuset and Sjøfartsmuseet. Go for a swim at Huk or one of the more secluded beaches, and stroll through the manicured gardens to the area's many cafés.