Best-of list · City Guide
The best bars in Oslo right now — from Himkok's distillery counter to the craft beer taprooms of Grunerlokka. Our editors have the definitive guide.
The short answer
10 ranked rooms follow. How we picked is at the end of this guide.
Oslo is the most expensive city in this guide and also one of the most rewarding to drink in once you know where to go. The best bars in Oslo have risen to the challenge of high costs by making every kroner count — the quality of ingredients, technique, and hospitality here is as high as anywhere in Europe. We covered 19 venues across Grunerlokka, Aker Brygge, and the city centre. These 10 stood apart.
How we picked
Oslo demands a higher upfront investment than most European cities but rewards it consistently. The cocktail bars here compete with the best in Scandinavia, the craft beer scene is world-class, and the late-night options are better than the city's conservative reputation suggests. For the full picture on Oslo's tap room culture, our dedicated Oslo craft beer guide covers Grünerløkka's best breweries and bars in detail. Budget for one exceptional dinner and two proper bar evenings — that is the correct Oslo itinerary.
Sofia has covered Scandinavian bar scenes for 11 years. Oslo is one of her favourite cities to drink in — expensive, yes, but the quality-to-pretension ratio is among the best in Europe.
Last reviewed 2026-05-13 · The editors recheck hours and closures against current local coverage.