Norway's capital gets more sophisticated by the year, and many of its best hotels have atmospheric lounges that draw locals and travelers alike for signature cocktails. These hotels—some are historic properties from the 19th century—are well located in the city center and pair easily with restaurants as well as cultural attractions like the National Theater and Oslo Opera House.

Hotel Continental

A renovated lobby lounge is a popular spot for locals and travelers (photo courtesy of Hotel Continental)

The Hotel Continental is one of Oslo's longest-running hotels, dating back to 1860; today, it's run by the fourth generation of the same family. Given its location across the street from the National Theater, it's a popular place for a pre-theater drink in Bar Boman, the art-filled lobby bar named after the first-generation owners of the hotel. Here you'll find a range of signature cocktails like the El Güero with sea buckthorn-infused mezcal and grapefruit soda. The menu also offers mocktails and a small all-day menu. Young types can keep an eye out for DJs on weekends.

If you stay for dinner, consider the historic restaurant Theatercafeen—with a Viennese vibe—which features portraits of Norwegian's famous writers and artists from the years gone by (check out actual photos of the many celebrities and dignitaries who have dined here). There's also a fine dining restaurant that serves set course menus that change weekly, plus a hip pizzeria for a much more casual night. 

The hotel completed a major renovation in recent years and today features plush room interiors with upscale amenities, like Nespresso machines, Apple TV, and Molton Brown bath products. Some suites have lovely walkout terraces with table seating and fjord views. Learn more

Amerikalinjen

This cocktail bar in the lobby offers several seating areas (photo courtesy of Amerikalinjen)

You won't have to go far to enjoy a drink at Amerikalinjen, one of Oslo's newest luxury options, which capitalizes on the building's historical roots as the former headquarters for the Norwegian America Line. In the lobby is an award-winning bar called Pier 42, showcasing Amerikalinjen's Norway-meets-America culture with a rotating menu of cocktails that may be served in vintage glasses that once made the oceanic journey. Drinks are also served at the underground jazz club, where small weekend concerts and events occur, as well as the hotel's all-day brasserie, Atlas. 

The 122 stylish rooms have parquet floors, tall ceilings, and light fixtures from a Norwegian glass maker. Luxe amenities include Nespresso machines, bathrobes, heated bathroom floors, and upscale bath products. If staying overnight, you can request a visit from the Floating Bartender, essentially a bartender on wheels that rolls into your room or suite to create something special while sharing the history of the hotel. Learn more

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Grand Hotel
LUXURY 

This stylish cocktail bar is right near the main entrance (photo courtesy of Grand Hotel)

Opened in 1874, the Grand Hotel is recognizable from its classic granite exterior, proudly topped with a row of Norwegian flags. The central location helps draw travelers and natives to its entrance on a busy pedestrian street near the city's best shopping. It's a great spot to stop for a drink, and there are two cocktail bars that we recommend here.

In the bustling lobby with a prime view of the people coming and going is Othilia, with sapphire-blue chairs and neon artwork inspired by Edward Munch's "The Scream," a former regular guest at the Grand Hotel. Othilia serves cocktails, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages all day and into the evening. Another option is the year-round Eight Rooftop Bar for craft cocktails with panoramic views and an outdoor terrace during the summer. You can find signature cocktails and a wide selection of beer and wine.

Other highlights of the Grand Hotel include a swanky indoor tranquility pool, a full-service spa, and a restaurant under a glass atrium serving lunch, dinner, and traditional afternoon tea. The 280 rooms were renovated in 2016 with modern decor and luxury amenities like Nespresso machines, minibars, bathrobes and slippers, and designer bath products. Learn more

Hotel Bristol
LUXURY

Sip one of the seasonal signature cocktails prepared by uniformed staff (photo courtesy of Hotel Bristol)

Hotel Bristol is one of the oldest stays in Oslo, with Moorish-style architecture and a traditional lobby topped with chandeliers. When it comes time for a drink, the classy Library Bar has offered live piano music every day, twice a day, since the 1920s. Here you'll find a wide selection of tea, coffee, cocktails, wine, and beer. Another place for a tipple is the Bristol Bar, which has specialty cocktails, including a range of negronis and dry martinis.

While its history is intact, the hotel completed a massive renovation in 2019 in time for its 100th anniversary. Today, the 251 rooms and suites still offer original details, like crown moldings and antique-style furnishings. At the same time, modern additions include luxury linens, Nespresso machines, thick bathrobes, and L'Occitane products in eco-friendly dispensers. Learn more

Thon Hotel Opera
MID-RANGE

This colorful bar focuses on gin cocktails (photo courtesy of Thon Hotel Opera)

The expansive Thon Hotel Opera is part of a Norwegian hotel brand. This mid-range option has a great location in the center of Bjørvika, a two-minute walk to its architectural namesake: the Oslo Opera House. If attending a show here, an excellent place for a pre-or post-performance drink is the lobby bar, Eufemia Bar, serving a range of cocktails, including specialty gin-and-tonics. Dinner is also available with a small menu that features burgers, salads, and signature items like Asian spare ribs.

Like the lobby bar, renovated rooms have colorful decor (a brand staple) with hardwood-style floors and minifridges, while superior rooms add Nespresso machines, bathrobes, and Molton Brown bath products in eco-friendly dispensers. Business rooms and suites face the front of the hotel and have balconies with possible fjord views (request a high floor). Learn more