Nightlife and entertainment in Norway: clubs, bars, festivals and leisure budget (2025 guide)

Norway is a really special place to experience the nightlife. You'll find a lovely, reserved Scandinavian vibe during the day, and then when the sun goes down, the party starts! There are so many cosy bars and huge music festivals to enjoy. Don't worry about the prices – you can still have a great time in Norway without spending a fortune! In this guide, we'll be answering 10 questions about nightlife, entertainment, prices and ways to save money so that your time off in Norway is filled with fun and adventure without the worry of an empty wallet.

And how much do you think it'll cost to get into clubs and bars in Norway in 2025?

In the lovely cities of Oslo and Bergen, you can enjoy a night out in a popular club for around 150 to 250 kr. You'll be pleased to know that most of the small bars and pubs are free, but there might be a small cover charge (50–100 kr) at the weekend. Here's a little secret: if you arrive before 10 p.m., you'll often get in for free, especially on weekdays and Thursdays (lille-lørdag). Hey, just so you know, if you're a student with an ISIC card, you can get awesome discounts of up to 50% at our clubs!

What are the prices for alcohol in bars and clubs?

You know, it's pretty reasonable when you think about it. You can get a decent beer (0.5 l) in a bar for around 95–120 kr. And a glass of wine will set you back about 90 kr. And if you're feeling a bit special, you can always treat yourself to a cocktail for 120 kr. Prices are 15–20% higher in clubs and at festivals, but I totally get it, it's a lot of fun! Here's a little life hack for you: Happy hour is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., when you can buy drinks at half price (beer from 60 kr). Hey, why not download the DrikkeDeal app to find the best deals in your city?

What are the opening hours of clubs and bars in Norway?

Most clubs are open until 3 a.m., while bars and pubs close at 1 or 2 a.m. In Oslo, establishments close strictly at 3 a.m. and don't usually extend their opening hours. Hey, just a friendly reminder that you can't buy booze in shops after 8 p.m. Here's a little trick I've learned: stock up before the evening or grab a few drinks at the airport duty-free shop (you'll save 30–40%, which is a nice bonus!).

What rules should you keep in mind when visiting nightclubs?

Hey, just so you know, there are strict age restrictions for alcohol and clubs. You have to be at least 20 years old (sometimes 23) to enter. Just so you know, ID is often checked at the entrance, so it's a good idea to have your passport, driving licence or bank card with a photo on it to hand. We love our country and we want everyone to have a great time here, so we ask that you respect our traditions and be considerate of others. Aggressive behaviour or public drunkenness will not be tolerated and may result in a fine and a ban from the establishment. Here's a little life hack for you: try to drink in moderation, and you'll be helping yourself to avoid trouble and save money!

Hey, I was just wondering what your favourite clubs are in Oslo and Bergen at the moment?

In Oslo, there are some fab clubs that are well worth a visit. Blå is a popular place for electronic and jazz, and it costs 150 kr to get in. If you're into house and techno, then Ingensteds is the place for you, and it'll set you back 200 kr. If it's electronic music you're after, then The Villa is the place to be, and it'll cost you from 250 kr. In Bergen, there are some really cool places to check out. Østre is a place where you can listen to electronic music, and it costs from 150 kr. Landmark is a cultural centre and club, and it costs from 200 kr. If you're into pop music and cocktails, then Vaskeriet is the place for you. It costs 150 kr to get in. Here's a little life hack for you: loads of clubs offer online tickets that are 20–30 kr cheaper, so it's definitely worth buying in advance!

Which festivals are worth visiting in Norway in 2025?

Top festivals:

• Øyafestivalen (Oslo, August, from 1,350 kr/day) — the country’s largest music festival.
  
  
• Bergenfest (June, from 950 kr/day) — rock and pop music.
  
  
• Midnight Sun Festival (Tromsø, July, from 800 kr/day) — music under the midnight sun.
  Lifehack: Early bird tickets save up to 30%. You can also volunteer (free entry and meals).
  
  

What inexpensive or free entertainment is available in cities?

The summer months are the perfect time to enjoy some free outdoor concerts and events, and lots of cities put on these kinds of events (for example, Musikkfest Oslo is a really popular one, and it's held in June). And don't worry about the cost of entry – museum visits on open days (usually Sundays) are totally free! In the lovely cities of Oslo and Bergen, bars offer free pub quizzes and stand-up comedy nights, so there's plenty to keep you entertained! Here's a handy tip: keep an eye on event listings and venue Instagram pages for free and low-cost events.

How much should I budget for a weekend party in Oslo?

A typical weekend party in Oslo will cost around 700–900 kr per person. This includes club entry (200 kr), 2–3 drinks (300–400 kr), and a taxi home (250 kr). To save money, take the night buses (70 kr), buy drinks during happy hour, and arrive before 10 p.m. (free admission) — this will reduce your budget to 400–500 kr.

What transport options are available at night, and how much do they cost?

There are night buses (Nattbuss) in Oslo and other big cities, and tickets cost about 70 kr. Taxis are expensive: a 5–7 km trip costs around 250–300 kr. Uber is available in large cities (and is about 10–15% cheaper than regular taxis). Here's a handy tip: use the Vy app to plan your night-time trips in advance and save on tickets (a weekend night pass costs from 130 kr).

What do Norwegians usually do in the evening?

Norwegians often have a 'vorspiel' (a pre-party at home) to save money on going out to bars. They go to bars and clubs at around midnight and spend several hours there. The evening ends with a snack at street kiosks (kebab or hot dog, 60–90 kr). Here's a great tip: go to the Vorspiel with the locals. It'll save you up to 200 kr and help you make friends faster.

Holidays in Norway can be expensive, but if you know the best places to go and what to do, you can easily spend less without missing out. Make the most of special offers, get there early, plan your transport and look out for free events. Make the most of your trip or life in Norway by enjoying lively nights out without spending too much money.