Oslo Nightlife
Norway's stunning capital city really comes to life at night and visitors will find they are spoilt for choice with a huge range of bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants.
While it may not have a reputation as one of Europe's wildest cities, Oslo has a truly spectacular nightlife and many places remain open until 3am or 4am. An unquestionably friendly city during the day, Oslo is similarly welcoming at night and the atmosphere around the bars and clubs is one of its most endearing features.
If it is nightclubs you're looking for, Oslo will not disappoint, if only because of the sheer range of venues on offer. Vice is one nightclub that is amassing something of a legendary reputation in the city, although you may wish to stay clear if 80s music turns you off. Vice is also fairly exclusive, but is certainly worth a visit if you can wangle your way in.
Skansen may be more your thing, however, with international DJs offering house music in a fashionable and dynamic environment. It is a fairly small club, but its reputation is growing all the time and it really has become the choice of real music lovers. Drinks in Skansen are also reasonably priced, which contrasts to two or three other establishments in the city.
If you fancy taking in the sights as you polish off drinks and hit the dancefloor, head over to Stratos in Youngstorget, which is based on the 11th floor of Folketeaterbygningen. Not only is this a fantastic place for a night out, but it also offers some spectacular views.
The bar scene in Oslo is also impressive and English-speaking visitors will often find they can put their phrase books away. Pubs such as the Kilkenny Inn and the Scotsman have something of a Celtic flavour, while Down Under is understandably popular with Australians and those who like the odd Australian beer.
But if you're using your time in the pubs to build up for a night on the tiles, try Stravinsky in Rosenkrantzgate, which is another extremely trendy bar with a dancefloor for those who are in the mood.
In addition to the top DJs attracted to Oslo, it really is a city bursting with musical enthusiasm, with the jazz scene particularly vibrant.
If you happen to be in town in August, you may stumble into the Oslo Jazz Festival, which presents some of the best jazz musicians around and adds further to the city's energy and verve.
But jazz is actually in evidence throughout the year and it provides a fitting soundtrack to a city that embraces a community spirit and is consistently full of life. Blå, by the river Akerselva, is one of Oslo's premier jazz clubs and any fan of jazz music would be foolish to miss out on a night here. But Blues is also popular in Oslo and Muddy Waters is the place to go if this is your idea of a good night out.
With a thriving folk scene, the world-famous Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and a range of plays by Ibsen at the National Theatre, you can also take in a bit of traditional culture while out in Oslo and all of these experiences are worth at least a night of your time.
So whether dancing in a skyscraper, enjoying the virtuosity of a top musician or simply sipping a beer around Solli Plass, Oslo is definitely a great place for a night out.
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Nightlife
