World City Guide

Nightlife

As Bergen is so small, there is no particular nightlife district – although the most popular areas include Bryggen and Ole Bulls plass. Bars tend to close at around 0200, while the nightclubs (which usually charge an entrance fee of about NOK50 or more), stay open until about 0300. It is not necessary to dress up for a night out on the town as locals tend to dress casually. Consumption of beer and wine is legal from 18 years but spirits may not be consumed by the under-20s. Prices are high in bars, clubs and restaurants – a night on the town is not a cheap option in Norway (a beer can cost NOK60 or more).

The best sources on the web for information on nightlife are both Norwegian-language sites (www.ba.no, then click on the ‘Puls’ link or www.bergenpuls.no). The Tourist Information Office can provide information in English and its website (www.visitbergen.com) is also of help, while the Bergen Guide website (www.bergen-guide.com) offers some information in English.

Bars: Among the dozens of city centre bars, there are three of the now ubiquitous ‘Irish’ pubs; Scruffy Murphy’s, on Torget, The Harp Irish Bar, Bryggen, and Finnegan’s, Veiten 3, while The Scotsman, Valkendorfsgate, offer yet another type of theming. Fotballpuben, Vestre Torggate, and Champions Sportsbar, Strandgaten 6, are the gathering places for those wishing to watch football on TV. Live music is offered at many of Bergen’s pubs and bars at weekends.

Casinos: There are no casinos, as gaming is illegal in Norway. The only gambling officially permitted is through the state-run Norsk Tipping service, which covers horseracing, the National Lottery and football (website: www.norsk-tipping.no). Slot machines can also be found in every shopping centre and snack bar.

Clubs and Live Music: Mood, Vågsallmenning 16, used to be a bank, but it is now a café by day and a trendy bar by night. There is live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday. Rick’s Café og Salonger, Veiten 3, is a bar, disco and live music venue rolled into one. Miles Ahead, Torggaten, and C49, Christian Michelsensgate, feature dance DJs. The Logen in Ole Bulls plass stages revues and cabaret throughout the year. Nightclub Det Akademiske Kvarter (Academic Quarter), Olav Kyrresgate 49-53, is popular with students and promotes pop and rock concerts. It also stages jazz and classical performances. Madam Felle, Bryggen, offers jazz, blues, roots and gospel. Trendy Metro, at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Ole Bulls plass offers nightly entertainments, as does Night Flight at the Bergen Airport Hotel (hotel guests only). Rock fans can catch international acts at Hulen, Olaf Ryes Vei 48, on Fridays and Saturdays.