Nobody says hi on the tram. Say hi here.

Pre-drinks, town and afterparty

A typical Oslo night starts with pre-drinks (vors) at someone's place, because a beer in town costs what it costs. Around eleven Grünerløkka, Torggata and Youngstorget fill up, while others prefer fjord views from Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen. The night often ends at an afterparty (nachspiel), or with a kebab on the way home.

The hard part is rarely finding a place, it is talking to someone new. Norwegians tend to keep their distance from strangers, and at weekends half the city is at the cabin. In summer things loosen up: piers, parks and outdoor terraces are full until late, and in August Øya Festival brings the city together. In winter it is dark before dinner, and then you need a good reason to get out.

That reason is YesTonite. Switch on "out tonight", see who else is out, say hi and agree where to meet. Your name is not shown until you choose to share it in the chat.

Friday and Saturday are the big nights, and many do not head out until after pre-drinks around eleven. Bars in the centre stay open late, so the night often lasts well past midnight.

Where Oslo goes out

• GrünerløkkaBars, cafés and second-hand shops along Thorvald Meyers gate and Markveien.
• Torggata and YoungstorgetThe densest cluster of bars in the centre, busy all weekend.
• Aker Brygge and TjuvholmenWaterfront by the fjord, with terraces and sunsets in summer.
• GrønlandDiverse and informal, with bars and food until late.
• BjørvikaA new district by the Opera House, nice for an evening walk along the water.