Menu
Expat.com

Popular neighbourhoods in Oslo

Oslo neighbourhood
Shutterstock.com
Updated byAnne-Lise Mtyon 09 October 2019

Welcome to Oslo! Once you familiarise yourself with the neighbourhoods in Oslo, it will be much easier to navigate the city. Although Oslo is small in size when compared to international hubs like London or Amsterdam, it is a modern city blended with old-world charm and history.

City centre

Despite the buzz of daily activity in the city centre, residential properties in this area are scarce. Oslo city centre is primarily commercial with lots of restaurants, shops, and businesses. If you are lucky enough to find an apartment available here, it will cost you.

Aker Brygge

This newly renovated inner-city area boasts exclusive residential apartments with stunning fjord views along the wharf. Aker Brygge is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Oslo; if it's above your price range, it's still nice to take a stroll around the waterside and enjoy the views.

Western Oslo

Frogner

This is one of the most upmarket neighbourhoods in western Oslo with a history of high property prices. In the old days, the eastern parts of the city were reserved for industrial works; the affluent population of Oslo headed west and settled in this prestigious residential area. Today, the streets of Frogner are also lined with high-end retail stores and house many international embassies.

Majorstuen

Majorstuen borders Frogner, and with property prices even higher than its neighbour, this area is currently one of the most expensive in Norway. Trendy restaurants occupy the storefronts, overlooked by luxurious apartments.

St. Hanshaugen and Bislett

Bislett is a central area and suited for young professionals. Its location near the College of Oslo also attracts a sizeable student population, and many of the properties here are shared accommodations. St. Hanshaugen Park is a hilly green sanctuary for the surrounding apartments and offers beautiful views of the fjord and city below.

Eastern Oslo

Grünerløkka and Torshov

The eastern neighbourhoods of Oslo have an industrial history and in addition to that a fusion of immigrant cultures from the many groups that came to work in the city. Today, Grünerløkka is a hipster neighbourhood with trendy areas to hang out. Students and young adults love the area for its millennial buzz.

Torshov is an area just north between St. Hanshaugen and Grünerløkka. Families with young children will enjoy the selection of parks and restaurants. The area is connected to the city by tram.

Tøyen

Situated in one of the oldest parts of Oslo and nearby hipster Grünerløkka is the former working-class neighbourhood of Tøyen. This area also includes green areas such as the Tøyenparken and Oslo Botanical Garden. Tøyen has affordable accommodation options.

Suburbs

West

The western suburbs of Oslo have various property types. The peninsula of Bygdøy has a small (and exclusive) residential area nestled between popular museums, while Vestre Aker is a suburban area along line 1 and 2 of the T-Bane metro system. These neighbourhoods, along with Ullern, are quiet residential areas perfect for families who prefer commuting to the city centre.

Southern Oslo

Ekeberg and Nordstrand are residential areas with bigger apartments at a more reasonable rate. The commute to town doesn't take too long, and families will enjoy the quiet suburban atmosphere.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

Back to Oslo expat guide

Comments

See also

  • Developing your social circle in Oslo
    Developing your social circle in Oslo

    Norwegians are not known for their eagerness to befriend newcomers. Most locals have well-established social ...

  • Sports in Oslo
    Sports in Oslo

    Norwegians are an active bunch and weather is no obstacle. You will see youngsters playing soccer in the pouring ...

  • If you are young...
    If you are young...

    I lived in Harstad for a year with my mom trying to learn Norwegian so I could hopefully move to Oslo, get a job, ...

  • Things to do on weekdays in Oslo
    Things to do on weekdays in Oslo

    Many expats are intimidated by Oslo's colder climate. Luckily, the city offers a wide range of both indoor and ...

  • Things to do in Oslo alone, with your family or your partner
    Things to do in Oslo alone, with your family or your partner

    Aside from easily accessible weekday activities in Oslo, the city offers seasonal activities to suit every ...

  • Gastronomy in Oslo
    Gastronomy in Oslo

    Oslo is an up-and-coming foodie capital bursting with new inventions and tastes often referred to as New Nordic ...

  • The work culture in Oslo
    The work culture in Oslo

    Companies in Norway offer attractive work environments that provide a good work-life balance; it is precisely for ...

  • Finding a job in Oslo
    Finding a job in Oslo

    Norway has strict immigration and work permit rules that make it difficult to find a job. In many cases, expats ...

All of Oslo's guide articles