When the cold wind blows through Oslo and the Christmas lights glow soft in the streets, finding warm places with a cheap pint or a festive drink feels like a little holiday treasure hunt. Even though Oslo is known for being pricey, there are still hidden corners and early-evening deals that can make your winter evenings merry — without emptying your wallet.
Why Winter Is a Great Time to Hunt for Deals
Taxes and rent make bar prices steep in Oslo, but many places lean into happy hour culture—or what feels like it—by offering discounts during off-peak hours. Plus, with fewer tourists in the colder months, local bars often feel more intimate and cozy — perfect for lingering over your drink with friends.
Top Budget-Friendly Bars & Pubs to Check Out
Here are some of the best (and cheapest) spots to drink in Oslo this winter, especially around November and December:
* London Pub A classic, laid-back bar with a surprisingly good happy hour: you can grab a 0.5 L beer for 48 NOK during their 15:00–20:00 deal. A very central pub
* Café Stolen Another warm spot with cheap beer: 0.5 L for 59 NOK, and their happy hour extends late (14:00–01:00).Perfect if you are checking out Grünerløkka.
* Rett Inn Bar Known for its budget beers — they offer 0.5 L for 60 NOK up until 21:00.
* Old Irish (Majorstuen) A bit more of a pub feel, with 0.4 L beers for around 61 NOK during their evening deals.
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Cozy, Festive Feel — Without the Price Tag
Picture this: you’ve just come in from the cold, your cheeks are rosy, and you find a snug table in a dimly lit pub. The playlist is low-key, maybe some acoustic or mellow jazz, and the bartenders are chatting with regulars. A beer costs less than 70 NOK. Outside, snow might be falling softly, or the Christmas market lights are casting a warm glow. That’s the vibe you can find at some of these spots.
Look for brown pubs (“brun pub”) or older, local bars in neighborhoods like Grünerløkka or Grønland — they often have a more relaxed, hometown feel and lean less into the “tourist” price bracket.
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Final Word
This Christmas season, you don’t have to splurge to enjoy Oslo’s cozy bar scene. Whether you’re doing a relaxed evening bar crawl with friends or winding down after a day of holiday shopping and city lights, there are great spots to warm up with a cheap beer and soak in the winter magic. Just time it right, follow the local happy-hour rhythms, and you’ll find festive, wallet-friendly drinks — without compromising on atmosphere.