City escapes: Discover Oslo’s wonderful backyards

Prindsen Hage

Address: Storgata 36

Endless chains of little lights, colourful pennants, community tables and hammocks as far as the eye can see. Prindsen Hage is like an eternal good vibe festival with flowers, food trucks and cheerful music.

This magical world is set amongst old buildings in Brugata, and everything is wonderful. It’s almost unconceivable that a 4000 square meter backyard like this lies hidden right in the city centre.

In Prindsen Hage you can get something to drink, eat exiting street food, walk barefoot in the grass, play boule and hang out by the greenhouse. Bring your family, friends, your dog, anyone you like to experience this magical garden. This is a place you should not miss!

Angst Bar - Urban treasure

Address: Torggata 11


It’s impossible to spot from the street. You must wander through an alleyway known as Strøget to find it, quite an adventure in itself. When you finally get there, Angst Bar is a tiny but vibrant place to be.

Sitting at the small, round tables, all equipped with candles, feels both cosy and intimate. Little lights and contemporary art fill the space, and the music is urban. Green plants melt into the walls of this colourful backyard, where traffic and everyday problems feel miles away.

Angst bar radiates art, culture and creativity, much like the people who come here. It’s a popular place for backyard partying on weekends. Let time pass in this tiny, lovely treasure.

Haandslag - Vibrant Oasis

Address: Youngs gate 19

Youngstorget square hides a secret oasis behind it´s tall buildings. With carpets on the floor, pillows in the chairs and a relaxed lounge vibe, Haandslag is a wonderful place to hang out with friends. Funk, soul and disco music sets the mood, and they serve punch on weekends. The backyard is filled with tall, green plants and lovely lanterns which create a super-cosy vibe.

You can enjoy a snack, something to drink, or how about some cake under pennants and chains of lights? The atmosphere is good, it feels like home – only a bit more exotic.

“We want this to be a chill place where people can meet and enjoy each other's company”, the manager says. Haandslag turns into a bar at night, with a DJ in the backyard and room for dancing. Whenever you come here, you won’t regret it.

Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri - A classic beauty

Address: Grensen 1

Across from the flower market at Stortorvet square sits an old, enchanting building: Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri. Completely hidden from the outside, it boasts a cosy, yellow backyard with dinner tables and parasols. Enjoy a coffee, beer or a meal outside, rain or shine. Taking a breather in historical surroundings is quite special - this building dates back to the 1700s.

It's a popular spot on sunny days, especially among tourists. "A house of many things", the owners say. The weekends are crowded, as they share grounds with concert scene Gamla, the backyard turns festive at night. Make sure to discover this beautiful building and all it has to offer, from the old furniture inside to the feeling of vacation in the backyard.

Dattera til Hagen - Forever fiesta

Address: Grønland 10

Join the backyard party! Dattera til Hagen is a colourful place where everything feels easy. Follow the lights through a passage full of art and enter a world where tall palm trees, fun-coloured chairs and old mopeds give the place a playful and exotic feeling.

Bring your friends out for food and drinks where the music is happy and old brick buildings surround you. Pay attention to the details, like the tall tree with seating built around it. They have a DJ in the backyard during weekends, and life here is truly lovely.

Asylet - A quiet room in the City 

Address: Grønland 28

Ready for some time travel? One of Oslo's oldest treehouses conceal the local gem Café Asylet. Housed in a vast former merchant's house that dates back to 1730, this cafe offers a traditional menu, soda in glass bottles and beer on tap.

The backyard is lovely, untouched by time. Community tables with benches fills the space, tables decorated with flowers. A tall tree with little lights stands in the centre and looks absolutely stunning at night.

"Nice place, bad service", the owner laughs. They host free jazz concerts in the backyard during summertime. Everything is charmingly old, hidden from the city, and the only sounds you hear are birds chirping and people having a good time.

Bar Babylon - Japanese cocktail haven

Address: St. Olavs plass 2

At the tranquil St. Olavs Square you’ll find Bar Babylon – a secluded Japanese cocktail bar that also offers a delightful snack menu, that changes on a weekly basis. The courtyard is open from May to October and serves as a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. It is adorned with garlands of pink and white flowers and fairy lights strung above the seating area. Curved tables are arranged in a half-circle, making this a sociable and welcoming meeting place, while also creating a pleasant neighbourhood feel amidst the classic Oslo apartment buildings surrounding the courtyard.

Reservations are available, and the bar is fully licensed, serving until 11 pm. The menu features elegant cocktails, along with beer and flavourful mocktails. A fitting spot for larger groups, or for a romantic date for two.