As Bergen is so small,
there is no particular nightlife area – although the most
popular places include Bryggen and Ole
Bulls plass.
Bars tend to close
at around 0200 hrs, while the nightclubs, stay open until about
0300 hrs and usually charge an entrance fee of about NOK50 or more.
It is not necessary to dress up for a night out on the town as locals
tend to dress quite 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 the bars, clubs and restaurants – a night
on the town is not a very cheap option in Norway.
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 is also of help, while the Bergen
Guide website offers some information in English.
Bars
Among the dozens of city centre bars, there are 3 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 the TV. Live music is offered at many of Bergen’s
pubs and bars at the 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. Slot machines can also be found in every shopping centre
and in snack bars.
Clubs and
Live Music
Mood, Vågsallmenning
16, used to be a bank, but it is now a café by day and a
trendy bar at night with 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
as well as 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
(with hotel guests only permitted).
Rock fans can catch international acts at Hulen,
Olaf Ryes Vei 48, on Fridays and Saturdays. |
