Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and the starting point of the popular “Norway in a Nutshell” tour. Set amidst a dramatic background of deep fjords and mountainous peaks, Bergen can be a jumping off point to exploring deeper into Norway, or your final destination in Norway.

Bergen city center is relatively compact, leaving most Bergen hotels within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and attractions. Using our guide to Bergen accommodation, you can easily decide where to stay in Bergen, Norway.

We will cover off all types of Bergen accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Bergen hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Bergen Norway, the best Bergen hotels, best places in Bergen to visit, the best places to stay in Bergen, hotels near Bergen attractions, Bergen neighborhood guide and many more.

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Bryggen – Where to stay in Bergen for first timers

If you’ve admired photos of colourful wooden buildings lined up along a wharf, chances are good that it’s a photo of Bryggen. The area is also known as Tyskebryggen and is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, as it’s where Bryggen was originally founded in 1070.

Bryggen has been rebuilt several times due to fires, but the original foundation remains. Aside from the colourful waterfront buildings, the narrow alleys hide cafes, restaurants, and shops offering traditional souvenirs. Bryggen is the best place to stay in Bergen if you only have a few days and want to see the highlights.  

Best places to stay in Bryggen

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Bryggen
Marken Gjestehus
Bergen YMCA Hostel

Budget Hotels in Bryggen
Bryggen Rooms & Apartment
Bergen Budget Hotel
Amunds Appartement
Citybox Bergen

Mid range Hotels in Bryggen
Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
First Hotel Marin

Family Friendly Hotels in Bryggen
Clarion Hotel Admiral
Thon Hotel Orion
Magic Hotel Korskirken
Bergen Bors Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Bryggen
Opus XVI
Hotel Norge by Scandic
2 Dotre
Hanseatic hotel Bergen

Sentrum – Where to stay in Bergen for tourist

Bergen City Center is the best area for tourists, thanks to a central location and plenty of things to see and do. This is not a typical city center, but also a very lively residential area. The Nonneseter Abbey was founded in the 12th century, and the chapel remains today, tucked amidst modern buildings.

Many of the hotels in Bergen Norway can be found in Sentrum, including some of the best luxury hotels in Bergen Norway. If you are planning any day trips from Bergen by train, Sentrum is also the location of the main train station of Bergen. Like Bryggen, much of this area has been burned down and rebuilt over the years, leaving an interesting mix of architecture.

Best places to stay in Sentrum

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Sentrum
Marken Gjestehus
Montana Family & Youth Hostel
Bergen YMCA Hostel

Budget Hotels in Sentrum
Haukeland Hotell
P-Hotels Bergen
Citybox Bergen
Bergen Budget Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Sentrum
Magic Hotel Xhibition
Hotel No 13
Scandic Byparken
Bergen Bors Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Sentrum
Grand Hotel Terminus
Scandic Ornen
Hotel Park Bergen
Zander K Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Sentrum
Opus XVI
Hotel Norge by Scandic
2 Dotre

Nordnes – Where to stay in Bergen with family

Across the harbour from Bryggen is the peninsula where Nordnes is located. This is a quieter area of Bergen, offering both family-friendly and budget-friendly accommodation options. Nordnes Park is a lovely city park with views to the south and is also home to the Aquarium and cultural house. Nordnes sjøbad is a very popular public swimming pool that is open in the summer and links up with the fjord for wild swimming. The residential nature of Nordnes means you’ll find conveniences like grocery stores and restaurants scattered about.

Best places to stay in Nordnes

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Nordnes
Bergen YMCA Hostel
Marken Gjestehus

Budget Hotels in Nordnes
Amunds Appartement
P-Hotels Bergen
Bergen Budget Hotel
Citybox Bergen

Mid range Hotels in Nordnes
Augustin Hotel Bergen
Clarion Hotel Bergen
Best Western Plus Hotell Hordaheimen
Comfort Hotel Holberg

Family Friendly Hotels in Nordnes
Klosterhagen Hotel
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen
Ole Bull Hotel & Apartment
Scandic Bergen City

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Nordnes
Opus XVI
Hotel Norge by Scandic

Nygårdshøyden – Where to stay in Bergen on a budget

Another hilly area of Bergen is the neighborhood of Nygårdshøyden. This is home to Bergen University, so there’s a distinctly young vibe in the area. This translates to lots of bars, cheap eats, and unique shops. This Bergen neighborhood is also home of the Maritime Museum, which is over 100 years old. The University also has the University Museum, which contains a Natural History Museum and a Historical Museum.

Best places to stay in Nygårdshøyden

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Nygårdshøyden
Montana Family & Youth Hostel
Marken Gjestehus

Budget Hotels in Nygårdshøyden
Haukeland Hotell
Bergen Budget Hotel
Citybox Bergen

Mid range Hotels in Nygårdshøyden
Citybox Danmarksplass
Steens Hotel
Grand Hotel Terminus
Scandic Byparken

Family Friendly Hotels in Nygårdshøyden
Magic Hotel Solheimsviken
Hotel Park Bergen
Citybox Bergen
Scandic Ornen

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Nygårdshøyden
2 Dotre
Hotel Norge by Scandic

Årstad – Where to stay in Bergen for a suburban experience

Årstad includes a large suburban area just outside Bergen City Center. Once a royal estate and farm, this area merged with Bergen a long time ago, but has a population of nearly 40,000. It’s a great place to stay near Bergen if you are looking for a suburban experience, and perhaps a long-term stay. Commuting into Bergen is easy, with a tram or bus taking just ten minutes. This is also where you’ll find Brann Stadion, the city football stadium.

Best places to stay in Årstad

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Årstad
Montana Family & Youth Hostel

Budget Hotels in Årstad
Citybox Bergen

Mid range Hotels in Årstad
Magic Hotel Solheimsviken
Scandic Ornen
Hotel Park Bergen

Family Friendly Hotels in Årstad
Grand Hotel Terminus
Zander K Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Årstad
2 Dotre

Sandviken – Where to stay near Bergen for outdoor lovers

Another Bergen neighborhood popular with students is the area called Sandviken. Just north of Bergen, nestled between the fjord and the mountains, this is the perfect area of Bergen for travelers seeking outdoor adventures such as hiking. Everything in Sandviken is in walking distance of Bergen city center, but there are many budget friendly deals to be found, as well as amazing views.

Best places to stay in Sandviken

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Sandviken
Piano Hostel
Marken Gjestehus

Budget Hotels in Sandviken
Amunds Appartement
Bergen Budget Hotel
Citybox Bergen

Mid range Hotels in Sandviken
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
First Hotel Marin
Comfort Hotel Holberg
Bergen Harbour Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Sandviken
Thon Hotel Orion
Comfort Hotel Holberg
Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Sandviken
Hotel Norge by Scandic
Opus XVI

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