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| City Guide - Oslo - Nightlife | ||
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Nightlife Nightlife is a relatively new phenomenon in Oslo. The long, light summer nights had a tendency to keep people out of doors but more important was a prohibition on alcohol, which was not repealed until 1920, Even then, draconian licensing laws and the fact that the State controlled the sale of all alcohol through Spartan Vinmonoplets (alcohol shops) meant that most people would head home after a meal or a concert. Since the late 1980s, with the relaxation of the drinking laws, it became possible to drink until 0300. Although, many pubs and clubs opened to take advantage of the change in legislation, it was not until 1997 that the State Monopoly on alcohol sales was relaxed. They now maintain control of retail sales, but commercial establishments can buy from independent importers. Nevertheless, it is a very fluid scene with places coming and going with an almost clockwork regularity. A publication called What's On in Oslo has the most comprehensive listing of what is currently available and is obtainable free in hotel foyers and from tourist offices. One of the main entertainment areas is centered on Rosenkrantz gate a street teeming with bars, music pubs and great nightspots. This is a good first port of call on an evening out. Mnay nightclubs are on and around Karl Johans gate and will cost around NOK80 to get in. Oslo nightlife is relaxed and friendly with neat smart-casual clothing good for everywhere but the most expensive restaurants. Drinking alcohol in Oslo is still, however, a prohibitively expensive business and not to be undertaken lightly. The minimum drinking age is 18 years for beer and wine and 20 years for spirits. Many Norwegians maintain stocks of drink in their homes and there is a thriving home brewing movement. Distilling spirits is illegal but that doesn't deter the average citizen and there is a thriving black economy in smuggled drink and any number of moonshiners producing their version of Norway's national drink, Akevitt (aquavit, water of life), a homemade hootch made from basic ingredients like potatoes and sugar. Bars: Decked out in bookshelves and chesterfield chairs, 3 Brødre, Øvre Slottsgate 14, has more of the ambience of a gentleman's club or library than a pub but that is what it is. There's also a piano bar on the second floor. There is also a piano bar on the 2nd floor. The Dubliner, Rådhusgata 28, is a typical Irish bar in a foreign city but a mortgage is needed for just one pint of Guinness. Jens Jap Pub, Sonja Henies plass 3, is one of several pubs in the Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel, but is not as superior as the Panorama Bar in the Radisson as this is high up and has one of the best views of Oslo, particularly at night. Fridtjof's Pub, Fridtjof Nansens plass 7, has lots of pictures from Norwegian Polar Expeditions and is a cosy place to spend an evening drinking with friends. For pictures of Jack Nicholson, head to the tiny bar called Nichol & Son, Olav V's gate 1, which also has, Zipper, an American-style bar with pool table in the basement. Headline, Rosenkrantz gate 16, is where to go if you are over 25 and want to hang out with Norwegian TV stars. Casinos: There are no Casinos in Oslo as gambling is illegal in Norway. Clubs: Rebekka West, Kristian IV's gate 7, is a big popular nightclub, which hosts different nights as well as live acts. Smuget, Rosenkrantz gate 22, is an enormous and very popular nightclub, with different bars and dancefloors, a restaurant and some live shows. Baronen & Baronessen, Stortings plass 10, is a disco that also serves food and has a separate piano bar. Enka, Karl Johans gate 10, is the biggest gay nightclub in Oslo, while Head On, Rosenkrantz gate 11B, is more studenty and plays funk and rap. Live music: Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri, Grensen 1, is a lively traditional jazz joint featuring ragtime and New Orleans-style bands. Galleria, Kristian IV's Gate 12, features a disco and a live jazz club, while Oslo Spektrum, Sonia Henies Plass 2, is where all the visiting international big names play. Herr Nilsen Jazz Cafe, C J Hambros plass 5, is a jazz-orientated bar all week, with live jazz on Wednesdays and Saturdays, attracting international and top Norwegian names in jazz. Smuget, Rosenkrantz gate 22, is a nightclub favouring live funk and blues performances. |
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