Bergen 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 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 tourist information office can provide information on nightlife in Bergen in English and its website (www.visitbergen.com) is also of help.
Today, Bergen has a lively cultural scene. Music and the arts are very popular and the public is well catered for with a number of venues and events. There is an active annual programme of festivals that cover classical, rock and jazz music, theatre and film.
Tickets for most events are available direct from the venue or from Ticketmaster (www.billettservice.no).
Bars in Bergen
Altonas Vinbar
A wine bar with a great selection of wines is Altonas Vinbar, which is said to be Bergen's oldest known tavern, allegedly dating back to the 17th century.
Address: , Strandgaten 81, Bergen,Telephone: 5530 4072.
Baklommen Bar
Enjoy a drink within the historic surroundings of Brygeen at the Baklommen Bar offering a friendly atmosphere and personal service.
Address: , Enhjørningsgården, Bergen,Telephone: 5532 2747.
Wessel Bar
This is the spot to enjoy Bergen's widest range of aquavits - the traditional Norwegian liquor made of potatoes. Pleasant jazz, folk and popular music sets the scene for a laid-back atmosphere.
Address: , Øvre Ole Bulls plass 6, Bergen,Telephone: 5555 4954.
Clubs in Bergen
Engelen
A must for fans of 1980's music, R&B and soul.
Address: , Bryggen, Bergen,Telephone:
Pacific Nightclub
Dominated by a circular bar in the middle of the club, the Pacific is large, loud and popular.
Address: , Torget13, Bergen,Telephone: 5530 0914.
Rick's Café og Salonger
Rick's Café og Salonger is a bar, disco and live music venue rolled into one. It's a large and popular club with a lively and intimate atmosphere.
Address: , Øvre Ole Bulls plass 9, Bergen,Telephone: 5555 3131.
Live music in Bergen
Café Opera
Café Opera is a club, restaurant and bar which offers local, national and international DJs and bands most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: , Engen 18, Bergen,Telephone: 5523 0315.
Hulen
Rock fans can catch international acts at Hulen on Fridays and Saturdays. The place is a bit of an instituition and has been going for more than 30 years.
Address: , Olaf Ryes Vei 48, Bergen,Telephone: 5533 3830.
Website: http://www.hulen.no
Classical music in Bergen
Grieghallen (the Grieg Hall)
The Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester (Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra), which dates back to 1765, gives frequent concerts in Grieghallen (the Grieg Hall), one of Norway's foremost concert venues.
Address: , Edvard Grieg plass 1, Bergen,Telephone: 5521 6100.
Website: http://www.grieghallen.no
Troldhaugen
Edvard Grieg is the most famous composer to come out of Bergen, and the museum at Troldhaugen is no dead monument over him: rather, it hosts some 300 concerts a year in Troldsalen and actively promotes his music.
Address: , Troldhaugveien 65, Bergen,Telephone: 5592 2992.
Website: http://www.troldhaugen.com
Dance in Bergen
Teatergarasjen
Carte Blanche stages classical ballet and experimental dance at Teatergarasjen.
Address: , Nøstegaten 54, Bergen,Telephone: 5523 2235.
Website: http://www.bit-teatergarasjen.no
Theatres in Bergen
Den Nationale Scene
Den Nationale Scene has three theatres, staging Norwegian plays, musicals and light entertainment. The theatre's history is intimately linked with that of Ibsen who was appointed resident 'stage poet' in 1851.
Address: , Engen 1, Bergen,Telephone: 5554 9700.
Website: http://www.dns.no
