The 10 Best Live Music Spots In Oslo, Norway
Bustling with Nordic shopping venues, exquisite food and a lively art scene, Norway’s capital city offers many attractions for any traveler. Among these are the sounds and thrills of live music. Check out the following venues that showcase the best musicians and genres found in Oslo.
Rockefeller Music Hall
Established as a spot for live music in 1986, this downtown concert hall is housed in what used to be a public bath. The building is a multi-complex, so visitors will not only encounter the music hall but can also discover the thrill of a nightclub. There are several stages on offer at the Rockefeller Music Hall, which allows for different crowd sizes and performances. Music here tends to showcase the hottest in rock and pop, while still managing to offer a multitude of other bands and artists. With a lounge tucked away inside the building as well, Rockefeller ensures a great concert experience at every turn.
Rockefeller Music Hall, Torggata 16, Oslo, Norway, +47 22 20 32 32
Underwater Pub
Get a taste of opera at this two-story 1880s bar. Underwater Pub features an aquarium interior and a great atmosphere for games and chess. Every Tuesday and Thursday night, professional opera singers perform live to accompany the wide selection of delicious beer on tap and high quality wines. Underwater Pub also serves food and non-alcoholic drinks, so everyone is sure to have an enjoyable time taking in the melodies of classic music at this sleek joint.
Bla Concerts by the River
Bla is one of the coolest spots to hit up the live music scene in Oslo. The bar is located right next to a river, and is covered in colorful street art. Visitors here will encounter the sounds of many up-and-coming musicians, as well as more established local bands. Although the inside can house only 400 occupants, it is a cool place to hang out with friends and also hear some of the best local bands in an intimate setting.
Oslo Spektrum
For those looking to listen to their favorite international stars, this multi-purpose venue found in the eastern part of the city will satisfy every desire. Spektrum has hosted numerous famous performers including Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Lady GaGa, Muse, and Red Hot Chili Peppers to name just a few. This facility is conveniently located right by the Central Station downtown, and is able to house thousands of spectators.
Cafe Mono
Combining the relaxed atmosphere of a bar and concert hall, Cafe Mono is a favorite spot for many locals to come and hear favorite bands from around the world. Many of the bands are new to the scene, offering guests the opportunity to explore new musical sounds in a low-key environment. Enjoy a beer or two while chilling in the backyard or while listening to varieties of pop, rock, folk, country, electronica and jazz. Cafe Mono is a great place to make new musical discoveries.
Revolver
Bar
Oslo Concert Hall
Open since 1977, this facility is a hotspot for Norwegian culture and music. Oslo Concert Hall is a prime place to hear the symphonic sounds of Oslo’s Philharmonic Orchestra. Guests here come to see a diverse range of acts, from classical music to rock and electro-pop concerts. The main concert hall has a capacity of 1,400, so it is important to purchase tickets for future performances in advance.
Herr Nilsen
Get ready for the cocktail of a lifetime at Herr Nilsen, where the professional bartenders ensure the best quality drinks accompany visitors coming to enjoy the live music. This club is intent on providing the best in Dixieland jazz, featuring a variety of international musicians and bands. In the small setting, guests will enjoy the pleasant sounds of good blues tunes and will feel like they have stepped into a night club from the 50s or 60s. The atmosphere is relaxed, which is a nice contrast to Oslo’s more vibrant, modern venues.
Parkteatret
Housed in what used to be a cinema, discover the lively environment of Parkteatret. As many as 500 visitors can attend the concerts held within the historic walls of this spot, to hear anything from pop and rock to indie, bluegrass, country and rockabilly. Check out the bar located in the foyer, where quality alcoholic drinks are served alongside coffee and other beverages.
Gamle Logan
Housed in the old Freemasons Lodge, Gamle Logan is right in the center of Oslo’s Kvadraturen district. The building dates from the 1800s and is thus a center for numerous historical and cultural activities. Notably, this was the concert hall where Edvard Grieg’s work was often performed, along with many other Norwegian masterpieces. Nowadays, visitors can choose between various genres of concerts – primarily classical concerts performed by chamber orchestras.