Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about Oslo for first-timers (I will put the link to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Oslo for families with kids.
I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Oslo for families, along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Oslo and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels in Oslo for various budgets.
Oslo is the capital city of Norway, known for its stunning fjords, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s situated on the southern coast of the country and is surrounded by forests and hills.
The city is home to numerous famous museums, including the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum (dedicated to the works of Edvard Munch), and the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. It also boasts beautiful parks such as Vigeland Park, which features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.
Additionally, Oslo is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and is often cited as one of the world’s greenest cities, with extensive public transportation options and a focus on renewable energy.
Is Oslo a good place to visit with family?
Yes, Oslo is a fantastic destination for a family trip! Your family can explore famous museums and cultural attractions; enjoy outdoor adventures like picnics, leisurely walks, and bike rides at many parks and outdoor spaces like Vigeland Park. In winter, there are opportunities for skiing and ice skating.
Oslo has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and ferries, making it easy to get around the city with kids.
Where to stay in Oslo for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Oslo for families with kids include Sentrum (Oslo City Centre), Frogner & Majorstua, and Grunerlokka & St. Hanshaugen. No matter which area you choose, Oslo is generally a very family-friendly city with lots to see and do for visitors of all ages!
In general, Sentrum is the most popular place to stay in Oslo with family. It is the heart of Oslo, offering easy access to major attractions like the Royal Palace, the Opera House, Karl Johans gate, Aker Brygge waterfront area, and Oslo Central Station.
You can consider staying in Frogner, Majorstua, Grunerlokka, and St. Hanshaugen, which offers a quieter and more residential feel while still being well-connected to the city center by public transport. In these areas, you can find more apartment style accommodations and guest houses.
During my trip to Oslo, I stayed at the Karl Johan Hotel. It was set in the heart of the city, easy access to all major sights, shopping streets, and public transportation. My room was compact but comfortable with a well appointed bathroom. Buffet breakfast was lovely with a good quality selection of dishes.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Oslo for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Oslo, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Oslo have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
3 Best areas to stay in Oslo with family:
1. Sentrum (Oslo City Centre)
Sentrum (the city center) is the best area to stay in Oslo for a family holiday. It is the central hub of Oslo, making it convenient for families to access major attractions, restaurants, shops, and transportation options.
You’ll be within walking distance or a short tram ride away from many of Oslo’s top sights, such as the Royal Palace, the Opera House, Aker Brygge waterfront, Akershus Fortress, Karl Johans Gate shopping street, and the National Gallery.
Your family can easily explore the interactive exhibits at the Nobel Peace Center, enjoy a boat tour of the Oslo Fjord departing from Aker Brygge, or spend an afternoon at the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art.
This area has easy access to Oslo Central Station, providing easy access to public transportation options, including trains, trams, buses, and the metro. This makes it convenient to explore other parts of Oslo.
You can take your family for a stroll in nearby parks like Slottsparken (the Palace Park) or The Botanical Garden, which has playgrounds and open spaces for kids to run around.
Sentrum is home to a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries serving various cuisines. From casual cafes to fine dining establishments, there’s something for everyone in Sentrum.
Best places to stay in Oslo City Centre with kids:
Mid-range ($$): Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, great 4-star kid-friendly hotel in the city center of Oslo, close to the main train station. It features many rooms with views of the city center and Oslo Fjord. The hotel welcomes children of all ages, and Children 18 and above will be charged as adults. It has a gym, a rooftop restaurant, and an indoor pool.
Mid-range ($$): Karl Johan Hotel, popular 4-star family-friendly hotel in central Oslo, on the city’s main street, Karl Johans Gate, within walking distance from many popular points of interest including the Royal Palace, Stortinget Metro Station, and Central Station. It has an indoor pool, excellent breakfast, 24-hour front desk, and comfortable rooms for families of 4.
Mid-range ($$): Clarion Hotel The Hub, 4-star children-friendly hotel in central Oslo, short distance from the Karl Johans Gate, Central Station and Cathedral. It has good size rooms with comfortable beds and a wonderful breakfast.
Luxury ($$$): Grand Hotel Oslo, 5-star family-friendly hotel centrally located on Karl Johans gate in the heart of Oslo, close to everything, including major attractions, shops, cafes and train station. The hotel welcomes children of all ages and Children 13 and above will be charged as adults. It features a fitness center, a spa, an onsite bar/restaurant, and wonderful breakfast.
Budget ($): Hotell Bondeheimen, 3-star kid-friendly accommodation in central location, close to the National Gallery and Oslo’s main shopping street, Karl Johans Gate. It features rooms and suites which are comfortable for families of 4 and 5.
Budget ($): Citybox Oslo, extremely popular 3-star hotel in the heart of Oslo, featuring family rooms, an elevator, and 24-hour front desk. Easy access to major attractions like Karl Johans gate shopping street, Opera House, Royal Palace and the Aker Brygge nightlife area.
Budget ($): Bob W Sentralen, good value for money 3-star family-friendly hotel in Sentrum, 10 mins walk from Akershus Fortress. You can find many restaurant, shopping options nearby.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN SENTRUM2. Frogner & Majorstua
Frogner and Majorstua, located between Sentrum and The Vigeland Park, is a charming and convenient base for families visiting Oslo. It offers a peaceful residential atmosphere and proximity to major attractions.
Your family can explore the renowned Vigeland Sculpture Park. The park features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland in various themes, providing a unique and interactive experience for visitors of all ages.
Best places to stay in Oslo in Frogner & Majorstua with family:
Luxury ($$$): Sommerro, 5-star beautiful family-friendly accommodation in Frogner, featuring 7 restaurants, 2 swimming pools, a fitness center, and wonderful breakfast. It is 10 mins walk to the city center, there are also plenty of buses and trams nearby.
Mid-range ($$): The Apartments Company – The Sweet, 4-star good value for money family-friendly hotel in the Majorstua area, close to the Royal Palace park. It is a bit of a walk to the city center, but also easily accessible by the 19 tram stop. There are many coffee shops, restaurants, and bars nearby.
Budget ($): Frogner House – Skovveien, 3-star family-friendly self-catering apartments in Frogner, 15 mins walk from Frognerparken Sculpture Park. Accommodations come with kitchenettes, common laundry rooms with washing and drying. Rooms are spacious and clean. Easy get to the city center on foot, bike, and tram.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN FROGNER3. Grunerlokka & St. Hanshaugen
Grünerløkka and St. Hanshaugen, just north of Oslo city center, is a great base for families who want a local quiet atmosphere with easy access to important attractions by public transportation.
Grünerløkka is known for its bohemian atmosphere, lined with trendy cafes, eclectic shops, and colorful street art. Your family can explore the vibrant Grünerløkka market or take leisurely walks along the Akerselva River, which runs through the neighborhood.
St. Hanshaugen, on the other hand, offers a more tranquil setting with its namesake park providing green space for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Grünerløkka is home to parks, playgrounds, and cultural venues like the Botanical Garden, Naturhistorisk museum, Mathallen Oslo food hall. St. Hanshaugen Park provides ample space for picnics, games, and outdoor recreation.
Best places to stay in Grunerlokka & St. Hanshaugen with children:
Mid-range ($$): Frogner House – Grünerløkka, 4-star family-friendly apartment complex in Grunerlokka, close to Oslo Bus Terminal, Munch Museum, and Botanical Garden. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen. It features one, two, three-bedroom apartments which are great bases for families of 4, 5, 6.
Budget ($): The Apartments Company – Majorstuen, 3-star children-friendly accommodation in St. Hanshaugen, close to Bogstadveien, King’s Palace, and Vigelandsparken. It has a children’s playground, onsite parking, and comfortable rooms with a fully equipped kitchen. The Three-Bedroom Apartment is great for families of 6. Short walk to nearby supermarket and cafes, 20 mins to Sentry,
Budget ($): Maya Apartments – Thorvald Meyers gt. 38, 3-star kid-friendly aparthotel in Grunerlokka, couples of tram stops away from the city center; close to many nice local bars, restaurants, cafes and vintage clothes shops. They have a big lift which is good for families with strollers.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN GRUNERLOKKAIn conclusion, Sentrum (Oslo City Centre), Frogner & Majorstua, and Grunerlokka & St. Hanshaugen are the best places to stay in Oslo for families with kids. These areas have a variety of family-friendly accommodation and offer convenient access to major attractions.
You can continue reading about Oslo in this article:
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Oslo. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.