Choosing your neighbourhood in Oslo
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.
