Oslo/Inner East

This part of Oslo consists of many neighborhoods. The neighborhoods' settlements vary greatly from one another. Along the fjord there is the high-rise buildings of Barcode and ruins from the first settlement in Oslo in the Old Town, Gamlebyen. From the Old Town, the green hill leads up to the Ekeberg plains. To the north, you find the neighborhoods of Grønland, Tøyen, Kampen, Grünerløkka and Torshov with remains of urban brick buildings, dating back to the 19th century. These were originally typical working class neighborhoods. Low wooden houses in white and other colors can be found in the neighbourhoods of Vålerenga and Rodeløkka. It is recommended to go for a walk on the park walkways along the east bank of the Akerselva river. There are many remains of Oslo's early industrial history.
The neighborhood of Grünerløkka is well known for its vibrant nightlife. Otherwise, there are mostly residential areas. The area is characterized by its many different cultures and religious diversity with origins from all over the world. There are many mosques and Lutheran churches as well as two Buddhist temples, a Roman Catholic and an Eastern Orthodox church.

• Like with Sentrum, it's easy to get in from outside Oslo. The central railway station just across Aker river from the Grønland district and the central bus station actually is in Grønland. Arriving by plane to either of Oslo's airports, you can take bus or train to get here.
• Many parts of the Inner East interesting to visitors are accessible by foot from Sentrum or the Inner North.
• All eastbound subway lines stop at the stations of Grønland and Tøyen, the lines 1, 2, 3, 4 at Ensjø and line 5 at Carl Berners plass and Sinsen stations.
• To get further northeast, take subway line 4 or 5 or a northbound local train.
• Tram lines 11, 12 and 13 go to Grünerløkka and destinations on the east bank of Aker. Take tram 17 to go to further east to places like Carl Berner.
• Southeastern Inner Oslo (e.g. Gamlebyen) can be reached by trams 18 and 19. The tram lines continue to Oslo/South.

• KampenThe Kampen neighbourhood is an area with many traditional wooden houses.

• BarcodeBarcode defines a new waterfront in the Bjørvika area. The plan for the new structures was adopted in 2003, and as of 2015 nine buildings are finished, and two are under construction. Three more are planned. While the buildings contribute to a spectacular waterfront, viewed from the seaside, they also block much of the sea-view from the other side, and therefore their contribution to the concept of "Fjordbyen", the initiative of the Oslo City Council to make the entire waterfront from Frognerstranda (west), to Bekkelaget (south-east) available for public recreation, is disputed. The buildings are mostly inhabited by actors in the financial and consulting business (PWC, KLP, Deloitte, etc.), while the MAD building holds private apartments. The neighborhood is famous from 2019 TV series Beforeigners.

• Munch Museum

  phone: +47 23 49 35 00
  address: Tøyengata 53
  Features paintings by the Norwegian painter Edward Munch. Some of Edvard Munchs more famous pictures may be shown in the National Gallery, so don't complain that "The Scream" is not on display! Included in the Oslo Pass. Munch also produced huge paintings (more than 200 square metres in total) for the grandiose walls of the University of Oslo Aula. Munch's paintings for the Aula are key works within monumental painting and includes iconic paintings The Sun, History and Alma Mater. The Aula is not generally open to the public.

• Popsenteret

  phone: +47 22 46 80 20
  address: Trondheimsveien 2, bygg T
  Popsenteret (Center of Popular Music) is a museum and location for various events and rolling exhibitions, interactions, etc., within the cultural realm of pop music.

• Rodeløkka wooden houses

  address: Langegata
  Traditional Norwegian wood architecture, not found downtown anymore.

• Akrobaten pedestrian bridge

  address: Dronning Eufemias Gate
  Contemporary 200m-long pedestrian bridge across the tracks of Oslo central station, connecting Grønland, where the Barcode high rises are, and Bjørvika, where the Opera House is. Awarded 1st price (Certificate of Excellence) in ECCS, European Award for Steel Bridges, in 2012. Popular spot for photo shoots, day and night.

• Sunday Market at Birkelunden

  phone: +47 93 85 17 81
  address: Birkelunden
  Antiques and second hand market every Sunday noon until 7PM at Birkelunden park at Grünerløkka.

• EkebergmarkedetFlea market and one of Northern Europe's largest swapmeet/markets for vintage car and bike parts. Takes place early May and mid. September at the north-west part of Ekeberg Park. Arranged by Norsk Veteranvogn Klubb (http://veteranvogn.no)

Sports facilities

• Intility Arena

  phone: +47 23 24 78 00
  address: Innspurten 16 A
  Don't miss a home game there, Norway's most elusive football fans.

• Sørenga

  address: Sørengkaia 69
  Fjord pool with seawater from the Oslofjord. Swimming pool, childrens pool, beach and a large recreational area. Crowdy on sunny summer days. If it's not tempting to swim, take a stroll anyway along the scenic waterfront where there are outdoor areas and new cafes and restaurants.

• Tøyenbadet

  phone: +47 23 48 20 30
  address: Helgesens gate 90
  Norway's most popular public pool. All-year: two indoor swimming pools, diving board, waterslide, in the summer: two outdoor pools.

Parks

• Botanical Garden

  phone: +47 228 55050
  The University botanical gardens is located just south of Tøyen park next door to Munch Museum. A wonderful and relaxing area. Free entrance, opening hours 1 Apr-30 Sep: Sa-Su 10AM-8PM, M-F 7AM-8PM, 1 Oct-31 Mar: Sa-Su 10AM-5PM, M-F 7AM-5PM.

• MiddelalderparkenRuins of medieval old town of Oslo, such as church ruins and ruins of the former Royal Estate. Location of the annual rock music festival Øyafestivalen.

• BirkelundenA cool park in eastern Oslo, the uppermost park in Grünerløkka neighborhood, a so-called Greenwich village look-alike area. On Sundays, there is a second-hand market. The name refers to the birch threes there. The park covers one block.

• Olaf Ryes plassA small square park in eastern Oslo, Grünerløkka neighborhood, a so-called Greenwich village look-alike area. The park covers exactly one block in Grünerløkka's grid.

• Sofienbergparken(The largest of the parks in Grünerløkka) A lot of activities all day long and especially on weekends; ball-playing, picnics, public barbecues, especially nice area for children.

• EkebergparkenAt the steep, green hill east of city centre (tram 18 or 19 to Ekebergparken, bus 34 or 74 to Brannfjellveien) is even a sculpture park, with works by Norwegian and international artists such as Salvador Dalí, Lynn Chadwick, Richard Hudson and Per Ung among others. This point is assumed to be the background for 'Scream', Edvard Munch's famous picture. Alongside the idyllic forest paths you can see sculptures, but also find remnants of cultural history from different eras of Norwegian history or enjoy the incredible views over the capital. Small climbing park for children.

Shopping malls

• GrünerløkkaIn this area you will find lower prices and more intense nightlife and items for sale than otherwise in Oslo.

• Sandaker senter

  phone: +47 468 00 437
  address: Sandakerveien 59
  Shopping center indoors

• Storo storsenter

  phone: +47 22 89 00 20
  address: Vitaminveien 7-9
  One of the largest and busiest indoor shopping centers in the city of Oslo.

• Grønlands Torg

  address: Smalgangen
  Many cultures and nationalities are represented, both by customers and by those who work there. The mall is especially known for the great selection of fruits and vegetables from Norway and distant countries. There are also shoe, clothing and fabric stores there and several eateries.

• Grønland Basar

  phone: +47 22 17 40 10
  address: Tøyengata 2-4-6
  What you can't find at Grønland Torg, you might find here.

Speciality stores

• Neseblod Records

  address: Schweigaards gt 56
  Black Metal Shop and museum situated in Schweigaards gate in the same building in which Helvete was located in the early 1990s.

Budget

• Punjab Tandoori

  phone: +47 22 17 20 86
  address: Grønlandsleiret
  The friendliest Sikh in the world dishes out cheap, tasty Indian food from the microwave or stove. No real tandoor.

• Sushi Deluxe

  address: Schweigaards gate 50
  Great tasting sushi meals from as little as 79kr. Also have small daily specials for 59kr (fried rice, fried noodles, etc.)

• Tandoori Curry Corner

  address: Grønlandsleiret 22
  The neighbouring restaurant of the Punjab Tandoori is even cheaper, but the helpings are smaller and packs less of a punch.

• L'Oasis Mazze

  phone: +47 22 37 31 66
  address: Trondheimsveien 14
  Bedouin-style restaurant run by Palestinians. Falafels, tagine, etc. Good for lunch or dinner. Friendly staff and low prices.

• Tran Sushi & Wok

  address: Sannergata 28
  The restaurant offers good sushi for a nice price. Featuring about 10 seats, the place could be considered more a take-away than a restaurant.

• Noahs Ark

  phone: +47 22 37 69 54
  address: Thorvald Meyers gate 23
  has some excellent Turkish dishes. Burgers, pizza and breakfast are also available from NOK49 and upwards. A cosy place with occasional unexpected classical music played early in the day.

• Carl Berner-kjelleren

  address: Trondheimsv 113
  Beer hall with cheap and varied food, including classic Norwegian everyday dishes.

Mid-range

• Oslo Ladegård

  address: Gamlebyen
  Fighting it out with Villa Paradiso and Pizza da Mimmo to provide the city's best Italian pizza.

• Smia

  phone: +47 22 19 59 20
  address: Opplandgata 12, just by Vålerenga kirke
  Atmospheric restaurant in an old wooden house area with tons of charm.

• Kampen Bistro

  phone: +47 22 19 77 08
  address: Bøgata 21
  Lovely neighbourhood joint with brilliant food and occasional free concerts.

• Olympen / Lompa

  phone: +47 24 10 19 99
  address: Grønlandsleiret 15
  One of the best known and largest places in east Oslo. Restaurant, beer Hall, nightclub and roof terrace. With classic Norwegian food.

• Le Benjamin

  phone: +47 22 35 79 44
  address: Søndre gate 6
  French bistro at the south part of Grünerløkka with relaxed atmosphere and good food.

• Villa Paradiso

  phone: +47 22 35 40 60
  address: Olaf Ryes plass 8
  Excellent Italian pizza at Grünerløkka. Children friendly.

• Mucho Mas

  phone: +47 22 37 16 09
  address: Thorvald Meyers gate 36
  Cal-mex joint offering huge meals, but reports say quality has faded. A new branch near the crossing of Hegdehaugsveien/Sporveisgata in Homansbyen (tram 11-19 to Rosenborg) does little to redeem this.

• The Nighthawk Diner

  address: Seilduksgata 15
  American Diner, slightly more genuine than Empire Diner, Manhattan, at least the illusion is rock solid; Like any other Jan Vardøen venue, The Nighthawk delivers atmosphere and quality. Excellent burgers, steaks, sandwiches, pancakes, etc.

• Karlsborg Spiseforretning

  phone: +47 22 01 90 50
  address: Kongsveien 21
  Serving traditional Norwegian dishes, near the entrance to the sculpture park.

Splurge

• Ekebergrestauranten

  address: Ekeberg
  An architectural monument, this place offers gourmet dining and Oslo's best views. Hugely popular but the service can disappoint.

• Maaemo

  phone: +47 22 17 99 69
  address: Schweigaards gate 15B
  This New Nordic Cuisine restaurant serving organic, local food jumped straight to two stars in Michelin's Guide Rouge at the earliest opportunity after opening, the first Nordic restaurant to do so. They have now advanced to three stars. World class restaurant.

• Nodee

  phone: +47 22 93 34 50 (Barcode), +47 23 62 40 10 (Sky)
  address: Dronning Eufemias gate 28
  All-Asian gourmet offering south of downtown, at the waterfront. The best East-Asian restaurant in Northern Europe (competing it out with dinner), with prices to match. There are two restaurants: Barcode, and Sky. Sky is on the thirteenth floor, and is more of a bar/lounge; while Barcode is the main restaurant.

• Lincoln Gastro Pub

  phone: +47 22 37 71 00
  address: Vogts gate 43
  A pleasant English football pub with outdoor seating and smokehouse in the backyard. Also serves food.

• Zen Spiseri og Cafebar

  phone: +47 22 38 30 38
  address: Vogts gate
  A mysteriously stylish interior for a dive bar, dishing out some of Oslo's cheaper beer. Laid-back, relaxing atmosphere, usually draws a somewhat older crowd. Small menu with passable food.

• Bar Boca

  address: Thorvald Meyers Gate 30
  The teeny-weeny Bar Boca is the place to go in Oslo if you fancy an innovative and memorable cocktail. Owner Jan Vardøen has become something of a local legend for his mixing skills and his intimate little bar has become a destination for those serious about their drink. This warm cosy bar, with its low-key 1950s décor, may be matchbox sized, with just five tables, but it's the drinks that rule here and they won't let you down.

• Aku-Aku Tiki Bar

  address: Thorvald Meyers Gate 32
  Another of Jan Vardøens successful cocktail bars, Easter Island style. Let Voo-Doo-Mary-Lou knock you out surrounded by bamboo, blowfish and Thor Heyerdahl, after a long day at the Kontiki-museum. Cool and cozy atmosphere.

• Cafe Stolen

  address: Helgesens gate 32
  Indian cuisine and cheap beer in an informal setting. No name on the door, just a chair hanging from above the door (hence the name 'the chair').

• Parktheateret

  phone: +47 22 35 63 00
  address: Olaf Ryes Plass 11
  Bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Concert hall indoors in a former cinema.

• Grünerløkka BrygghusGrünerløkka Brygghus has 10+ of their own beers on tap, with some others. They also serve food.

• Oslo Ocean Bar

  address: Trondheimsveien 20
  a neighborhood bar customers, mostly returning, at every time of the day (from 08:00). The staff is great! The service is impeccable despite the low prices and the very unpretentious surroundings (and clientele).

• Schouskjelleren

  address: Trondheimsveien 2
  Microbrewery located in the basement of the former larger Schous brewery;13 beers on tap; about half are house-made.

• Südøst

  address: Trondheimsveien 5
  A short walk from the Anker hostel, this place has become quite fashionable. Lovely outdoor seating, great (but a tad expensive) food and a marvellous dining room.

• Stargate

  phone: +47 22170215
  address: Grønland 2A
  Meeting place just east of Akerselva river.

• Andy's Pub

  phone: +47 22176703
  address: Grønlandsleiret 17
  English style pub. Football matches on big screen.

• Pigalle

  address: Grønlandsleiret 15
  Cocktail bar with history dating back to 1965. Orginal interior.

• Ruinen Bar & Café

  phone: +47 22 57 02 55
  address: St. Halvads plass 2
  Have a cooling drink or play billiard. Occasionally concerts.

• St. Halvards Pub & BistroA typical neighborhood pub with a simple menu and occasionally live music in Oslo's Old Town.

• No. 53

  address: Schweigaards gate 53
  Café, pub and cocktail bar, live music.

• Enga Pub

  phone: +47 938 94 409
  address: Vålerenggata 5
  Beautiful Vålerenga is like a village in the city. In this neighborhood, everyone supports the same football team, Vålerenga FK, the best soccer club in Oslo. The pub is the venue for the most eager supporters and the home arena is close to this neighborhood.

Budget

• Ekeberg Camping

  phone: +47 22 19 85 68
  address: Ekebergveien 65
  Open 1 Jun–1 Sep. The closest campsite to central Oslo. Beautiful view of the city. No cabins. Owned by the Norwegian Automobile Federation. Mini-golf and horse rental. Fully equipped sanitary facilities: showers with hot and cold water, toilets, kitchen, launderette.

• Oslo Hotel Apartments

  phone: +47 24 07 40 03
  address: Kjølberggata 29
  This has a range of room options, from one bed in a 6-person dorm, to hotel style rooms.

Mid-range

• Radisson Blu Hotel Nydalen

  phone: +47-2326-3000
  address: Nydalesveien 33
  Choose from funky "Chilli" or more staid "Urban" rooms

• Thon Hotel Storo

  phone: +47 23 40 02 00
  address: Vitaminveien 23
  One of the newest hotels in the city of Oslo, Conference facilities and gym. Also offers disabled-friendly rooms 10 minutes travel by metro to the Oslo S central train station, 6 minutes by tram to Grünerløkka.

• Scandic Helsfyr

  phone: +47 22 92 22 11
  address: Innspurten 7
  On the outskirts of the inner city, but still very central.

As for the whole of Oslo

• Central Oslo, including the main traffic hubs
• Oslo/Inner North, central areas just west of the Aker River
• Oslo/North, districts and suburbs in the north and northeast
• Southern Oslo, districts and suburbs in the southeast
• Western Oslo, districts and suburbs west of Central Oslo