If you are looking for a great Hostel in Oslo, you’ve come to the right place! This guide provides all the best tips for finding the most affordable and comfortable places to stay in Oslo, recommended by locals. Finding a good hostel in Oslo can be a bit tricky. The city offers only a limited number of budget-friendly options, mostly consisting of cheap apartments and budget hotels. As a result, hostels are few and mostly situated a little outside the heart of the city, away from the main attractions.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through an assortment of top-notch hostels in Oslo, highlighting their unique features, amenities, and proximity to key attractions. But as you may know, Oslo is notorious for its high cost of living, which also applies to hostel prices. If you are traveling as a couple, it is often more cost-effective to opt for a double room in a budget hotel located in the city center. So, we aims to cover all your options, not only the best hostels in Oslo but also the top-rated budget hotels and affordable apartments in the city.
What you will find in this guide to the best hostels in Oslo:
Hostels in Oslo: Best and Cheapest Places to Stay
Anker Hostel
The famous Anker Hostel is undoubtedly one of the best hostels in Oslo, offering comfortable, clean and affordable accommodation located in the heart of the town. This hostel is part of Anker Apartments, which boast some of the best accommodations in town, so you can choose the type of accommodation that’s right for you, from dorm beds (for 4, 6 or 8 people) to private rooms and studios with private bathroom and kitchen.
The accommodations are equipped with everything you need and bed linen is included in the price. The reception is open 24 hours a day, and the hostel is close to supermarkets and restaurants and also has a shared kitchen where you can cook your own meals.
You can choose between the two different locations: Anker Apartment Sentrum which is located a stone’s throw from the central station and Anker Apartment Grünerløkka which is located about 1 km further north, but from which in a few minutes by bus or a half hour walk you can easy access to all attractions of downtown Oslo. It is advisable to book well in advance, as this is one of the most popular hostels in Oslo.
HI Oslo Haraldsheim (a.k.a. Oslo Vandrerhjem Haraldsheim)
The HI Oslo Haraldsheim, also known as Oslo Vandrerhjem Haraldsheim Hostel is a good choice for travelers on a tight budget and for those traveling by car. This hostel is surrounded by greenery, in a quiet neighborhood located about 4 km from the city center, which can be easily reached in about 30 minutes by tram.
One of the highlights of this hostel is that it offers free parking (which is quite a rarity in Oslo), and in the morning you can enjoy a delicious and hearty free breakfast.
This hostel in Oslo offers dorm beds and single, double, triple and quadruple rooms, also perfect for families and groups of friends. Some rooms also have a private bathroom. The rooms are clean and, despite this being a popular youth hostel, they are comfortable and quiet. The reception is open 24h, and the staff speak excellent English. Nearby there are supermarkets and restaurants and the hostel offers you a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your meals.
k7 hotel oslo (former Saga Poshtel Oslo Central)
The K7 Hotel Oslo, which was previously known as Saga Poshtel Oslo Central, is undoubtedly one of the most famous, highly rated and award-winning hostels in Oslo.
It is located right in the heart of the town, a stone’s throw from the Central Railway Station. It is a trendy and vibrant hostel, perfect for backpackers, families and solo travelers. It offers excellent accommodation in dorm beds and private rooms, a fully equipped common kitchen and several common areas where you can relax, have a drink and eat your meals.
The reception is open 24 hours a day, and the staff speaks several languages. In the morning they serve a great breakfast! The main attractions are all within walking distance, as well as supermarkets, restaurants and nightlife.
Oslo Hostel Ronningen
Oslo Hostel Ronningen is located over 7 km from Oslo City Center, but is a good choice for travelers with a car. It offers free parking and is located on a nice hill overlooking a lake.
Also chosen by many digital nomads, as it offers a nice gym, laundry, football and volleyball fields and a fully equipped kitchen, this Oslo hostel can be a good choice for exploring the surrounding area as well.
It offers shared accommodation in dorm beds and single, double and family rooms in a quiet and pleasant atmosphere, plus a good breakfast included in the price.
Best Budget Hotels in Oslo: Comfort at Affordable Prices
A great alternative to hostels in Oslo are some of the best budget hotels located in the city center, offering rather similar rates and unbeatable value for money. My advice, especially for couples, is to opt for one of these hotels, which offer beautiful private rooms with bathroom, so you’ll get a comfortable and quiet place to stay, of the best nordic quality, for a very small difference.
Citybox Oslo
Citybox Oslo is probably the most famous budget hotel in Oslo, located just a stone’s throw from the Central Railway Station and all the city’s attractions.
It offers basic, clean and comfortable rooms at very affordable prices. It is undoubtedly the best budget hotel near Oslo Central Station and offers 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi and a small area where you can have your own meals (not a real kitchen, just tables and a microwave oven).
Anker Hotel
The Anker Hotel is one of my favorites in Oslo, as it is a great budget hotel located within walking distance from the Central Station and all major attractions.
In spite of the budget prices, it offers high-end rooms and common areas, with comfortable beds, large rooms and equipped with every amenity, including private bathroom with shower. In the morning you’ll enjoy a great and hearty breakfast included in the rate, while in the evening you’ll have a nice drink in the hotel’s bar.
Smarthotel Oslo
Conveniently located within walking distance of all major attractions, Smarthotel Oslo is a modern budget hotel, offering comfortable single, double and family rooms, with shared bathroom, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
It offers 24-hour reception and a bar that serves an excellent breakfast in the morning (for a fee).
Best Budget Apartments in Oslo
Apartments are also a valid alternative to hostels in Oslo, which sometimes have affordable prices and give you maximum flexibility, especially if you are traveling as a couple or with kids.
Anker Apartment Sentrum
We have already mentioned Anker Apartment Sentrum, which in addition to being an excellent hostel in Oslo, offers great private apartments, capable of accommodating from 1 to 6 people, at unbeatable prices.
The apartments are located within walking distance of all of Oslo’s major attractions, are spacious, comfortable and clean, with private bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens. You also have the maximum flexibility of a 24-hour reception.
Forenom Serviced Apartments Oslo Rosenborg
Forenom Serviced Apartments Oslo Rosenborg offers beautiful apartments with fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom with shower and complimentary toiletries.
They are located in a quiet neighborhood of Oslo, easily accessible by public transport from Oslo Central Station or Airport. There are several supermarkets nearby, so this might be a good choice for couples and families.
Baltazar Apartments Tjuvholmen (a.k.a. hotel filip)
Baltazar Apartments Tjuvholmen (formerly known as Hotel Filip) offers excellent apartments at affordable prices and is conveniently situated in a peaceful area, in close proximity to all the major attractions of the city.
The apartments are beautifully designed, spacious, and provide utmost comfort. Each unit features a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries. Additionally, guests have access to the aparthotel’s well-equipped gym and relaxing sauna.
Best Hostels in Oslo for Couples
Hostel rates in Oslo are quite high, and the choice is very limited compared to other European cities.
For couples and families seeking affordable options, the best solution is to book one of the budget hotels or apartments that boast a convenient location, just a stone’s throw away from Oslo Central Station and all the main attractions. These accommodations offer a 24-hour reception and excellent value for money. Undoubtedly, the Citybox Oslo and the Anker Hotel stand out as the best budget hotels in the city. They provide unbeatable value for money and remain among the most popular choices for visitors. Due to their popularity, it is advisable to make reservations well in advance to secure a room.
Among the budget apartments our choice are the Anker Apartment Sentrum and the Anker Apartment Grünerløkka. These options offer excellent apartments, which are spacious, bright, and comfortable, all while being conveniently located a short distance from the heart of the city.
Other Helpful Tips for Your Trip to Oslo
Are you planning a trip to Oslo? Then you should take a look at our comprehensive guide to the best Things to Do in Oslo, including must-see museums and a variety of other enjoyable experiences.