Bergen, Norway

Christiesgate 14

If you are in the mood for beer, you need to check out Bergen’s famous rock pub and live music venue. Garage attracts a cool mixture of young and old rockers and artists. In all likelihood you will leave at the end of the night with several new acquaintances!

(CARINA, 37, PR, Nordic Media Festival) 

Småstrandgata 3

Jacob Aall is a great place for a first date. It is lively and you will have lots of nice people to look at if the small talk is getting stale.

Should you be in the amorous mood, you can also find a more private area to sit, either on the large outdoor roof terrace, or inside in the lounge.

Live DJ from Thursday to Saturday.

(HILDE, 32, Account Manager, Brewery)

Fjøsangerveien 30

A former pharmacy that has kept its original 1939 features and charm, Bien bar is situated on the outskirts of the city centre. If you want a relaxed atmosphere for a date, you can go for a drink or try their great Mediterranean / Norwegian food. There is no menu; the dishes change every day, according to the day’s catch.

(JEANETTE, 25, Assistant Director, Circus)

Neumannsgate 18

You will find a cosy, relaxed place for a romantic first date at Biskopen. The staff is very friendly and the music is varied and non-intrusive. Park yourself in comfy chairs in front of the fireplace and use the lovely pub cat as a conversation ice-breaker.

(JØRN, 32, Artistic Theatre Director)

Øvre Ole Bulls plass 3

If you want to go on a date earlier in the evening, in a calmer environment, Bocca bar is a cool cocktail bar for those between 25-45 years. 

There’s a large outdoor terrace with a fabulous view of Ole Bulls Plass.

(HILDE, 32, Account Manager, Brewery)

Nedre Ole Bulls plass 4

If you are single and between 25-35, Contra Bar is the place to start your night. All these cool people are out for a good time, so feel free to practice your best pick up lines.

DJs make this a party atmosphere Wednesday to Sunday. Saturday nights can get overcrowded.

(HILDE, 32, Account Manager, Brewery)

Christies gate 11

Legal is a cosy, small bar with loud 60-70s décor that attracts a young, happy drunken crowd.

(JØRN, 32, Artistic Theatre Director)

Skostredet 18

I highly recommend this little bar gem for a date.

Try one of Pergola’s fantastic Sancerre wines or choose between the 270 other bottles in their wine cellar, accompanied by their delicious cheeses or hams.

Skostredet is known as Bergen’s hippest area, with cosy cafes and trendy boutiques.

(CARINA, 37, PR, Nordic Media Festival) 

Engen 18

A classic nightlife establishment in Bergen, Café Opera changes from a daytime café to a legendary party club with high profile DJs during the weekend.

Many famous Norwegian musicians / DJs, such as Röyksopp and Annie, began their careers here.

Dance the night away with your date or friends to everything from house and disco to reggae. If you’re single, this is also a great place to meet new people.

(CARINA, 37, PR, Nordic Media Festival) 

Vaskerelven 1

Are you are single, over 30 and want to have a fun night reminiscing about the 1990s, Calibar is a great bar / nightclub option.

(HILDE, 32, Account Manager, Brewery)

Øvre Ole Bulls plass 3

Feliz is a sexy place for the “it” crowd who come to see and be seen.

(HILDE, 32, Account Manager, Brewery)

Olaf Ryes vei 48

Situated in the middle of the University area, this former bomb shelter was converted to a big, cavernous student club in 1968 and has been a popular live venue and club ever since. The concerts and late night rock club attracts a young, trendy, student-type crowd (20-30 years) to Hulen.

(JEANETTE, 25, Assistant Director, Circus)

Vaskerelvsmauet 7

Inside is famous for 3 things: a live rock venue with an impressive sound system, their huge selection of beers and their fantastic burgers. Impress your date by entering into their burger competition: If you can eat a 1,3 kg burger within 1 hour, without throwing up, you can have your meal for free and your name will go down in infamy on their winners list, ranked according to best time.

(JEANETTE, 25, Assistant Director, Circus)

Lodin Lepps gate 2B

If your date likes sushi, try delicious sushi and hot dish options in a buzzy atmosphere at Nama.

Their fantastic san menu is perfect to share on a date.

(JØRN, 32, Artistic Theatre Director)

Kong Oscars Gate 1A

Potetkjelleren is good for a romantic, candlelit date in a cavernous venue, with food from fantastic chefs.

(HILDE, 32, Account Manager, Brewery)

Kong Oscars gate 4

If you like sushi and noodle dishes, Red Sun is reasonably priced with a trendy interior design. For a romantic date, make sure you get a table in the intimate, dimly lit back room under the staircase.

(JØRN, 32, Artistic Theatre Director)

Vestre Torggaten 3

Stragiotti is the only genuine Italian restaurant in Bergen. The atmosphere is casually romantic and the pasta is good. If your date likes seafood, their famous mussels are out of this world.

(JEANETTE, 25, Assistant Director, Circus)

Bjorøy island (Boat pickup from Bergen harbour)

For a summertime date, Cornelius is a fantastic seafood restaurant with spectacular views of the fjord and archipelago. A boat will pick you up from Bergen harbour, and after a 20 minute ride, the waiters will welcome you to the island with oysters and drinks before seating you in one of the three restaurants areas, indoors or on the terrace.

(JØRN, 32, Artistic Theatre Director)

Join hundreds of Bergen locals on their weekend strolls up Fjellveien, a beautiful pathway leading up to Mount Fløyen.

You can walk up and take the funicular back, as your legs will no doubt be feeling tired by then.

Ladies, don’t wear your high heels on this occasion!

(HILDE, 32, Account Manager, Brewery)

Haukelandsbakken 40

I urge every visitor to Bergen to bring their date to Bergen’s roof: the top of Mount Ulriken.

If you are in good shape, you can hike the 643 meters above sea level. Another fun way to get there is in the aerial cable car.

Awaiting you at the top is the Skyscraper restaurant, where you can purchase a cold, delicious bottle of champagne complimented by sweet Norwegian strawberries and sit on the terrace enjoying the magnificent panoramic views of the word’s most beautiful city.

(CARINA, 37, PR, Nordic Media Festival)