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Bergen Aquarium, Bergen

Nightlife · Bergen · Norway

Bergen nightlife

Where the evenings happen in Bergen, from early drinks to late nights.

Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team

Photo: Premeditated, CC BY-SA 4.0

Quick answer

Bergen has a lively student nightlife and a strong music scene, from jazz and indie to its own festivals, but drinks are expensive. Evenings centre on cosy bars and live-music venues near the harbour and the university. The main areas are Bryggen and Vågen, Vaskerelven and Ole Bulls plass and Nygårdshøyden.

Key facts

Nightlife areas
3
Local drink
Local beer

Where to go out

Bryggen and Vågen

Pubs and bars in old wharf buildings and harbourside terraces, popular with visitors.

Vaskerelven and Ole Bulls plass

Bars, clubs and late-night venues in the centre near the theatre and the Grieghallen.

Nygårdshøyden

Student bars and cafés around the university with lower prices and a younger crowd.

Nightlife tips

  • Drinks are expensive; many locals have a 'vorspiel' (pre-drinks) at home before going out.
  • Bars generally close around 2am or 3am at weekends.
  • Carry ID; door staff often check it.

What to drink

  • Local beer — Bergen's Hansa brewery has brewed beer in the city for more than a century, and newer craft breweries produce ales and stouts. Alcohol is expensive in Norway, and strong beer is sold only in state-run Vinmonopolet shops.

Evenings through the year

Sunset and the overnight low decide how long the outdoor part of a night lasts. July has the warmest evenings, with lows around 12°C (54°F).

Bergen evenings: sunset, overnight low and rainy days
MonthSunset (15th)Overnight lowRainy days
JanuaryAbout 16:060°C (32°F)19
AprilAbout 20:574°C (39°F)15
JulyAbout 22:5112°C (54°F)15
OctoberAbout 18:297°C (45°F)20

Getting home late

  • Walking — Bryggen, the fish market, Torgallmenningen, KODE and the Fløibanen station are within 10–15 minutes of each other; the hillside lanes are steep.
  • Tram — Bybanen light rail runs from Byparken in the centre south via Paradis and Hop to Bergen Airport Flesland, and a second line runs west to Fyllingsdalen.
  • Bus — Buy tickets in the Skyss app or by tapping a contactless card where available; tickets are not sold by drivers on many routes.
  • Ferry — Fjord cruises, express boats along the coast and Hurtigruten coastal ships leave from the harbour and the Strandkaien and Frieleneskaien quays.

Late-night bites

  • Skillingsbolle — Bakeries across the city, from small independent bakers to local chains such as Baker Brun.
  • Fish cakes — Fishmongers and bakeries in the centre, the fish market and lunch cafés.

Staying safe at night

Bergen is generally low-risk for visitors. Pickpocketing is uncommon but happens in summer crowds around Bryggen and the fish market. The main hazards are weather-related: slippery wet cobbles and steps, and fog and fast-changing conditions on the mountains, so carry layers and keep to marked trails.

Emergency number
112 police, 113 ambulance, 110 fire

Where to stay for nightlife

Questions travellers ask

+Where is the best nightlife in Bergen?

Bryggen and Vågen, Vaskerelven and Ole Bulls plass and Nygårdshøyden. Pubs and bars in old wharf buildings and harbourside terraces, popular with visitors.