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 English Pub in vre Ole Bulls plass, Angus Bar, Olav Kyrresgate, and 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).
Clubs and live music: Banco Rotto, Vgsallmenning 16, used to be a bank, but it is now a caf by day and a trendy bar by night. There is live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday. Rick’s Caf og Salonger, Veiten 3, is a bar, disco and live music venue rolled into one. Miles Ahead, Torggaten, and Agora, Christian Michelsensgate, feature dance DJs. The Logen in Ole Bulls plass stages revues and cabaret throughout the year. Nightclubs Maxime, Ole Bulls plass 3, and Det Akademiske Kvarter (Academic Quarter), Olav Kyrresgate 49-53, both promote pop and rock concerts. The latter also stages jazz and classical performances. Den Stundeslse, Ole Bulls plass 9-11, offers jazz, blues, roots and gospel. Metro, at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Ole Bulls plass offers nightly entertainments, as does Night Flight at the Bergen Airport Hotel. Rock fans can catch international acts at Hulen, Olaf Ryes Vei 48, on Fridays and Saturdays.
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Nightlife