Tromsø

Bastard Bar

In a cellar next to the Nerstranda shopping centre and offering one or two live concerts each week, a jam session every other Tuesday and showing English, Norwegian and European football. Bastard has a collection of international beers as well as Tromsø's own Mack.

Mon–Thu 18:00–02:00, Fri 18:00–03:30, Sat 13:00–03:30, Sun 13:00–02:00·From 129 kr

Compagniet

Vastly popular with the 25–40 crowd, with lots of 1980s music. This is the place to get back in circulation after the divorce or break-up.

Fri Sat 22:00-03:30

Gründer By Night

In the Scandic Grand Hotel. Caters for the more mature audience, and combines style and informality. Their heated smoking terrace with a view might tempt you to pick up the habit.

Mon–Thu 18:00–02:00, Fri Sat 18:00–03:30

NO. 24

For the 20- or 30-somethings, usually well-dressed. Their sheltered outdoor terrace with winter heating circumvents the smoking ban. Have some pasta with the after-office crowd, or taste some wine in the evening.

Mon-Thu 11:00–02:00, Fri Sat 11-03:30, Sun 13:00–02:00

Tromso Jernbanestasjon

Tromsø Railway Station

This bar established itself early as the cool place because of its complete railway thematic décor - especially since there is no train that comes to Tromsø. There are waiters in conductor uniforms and departures to places like Murmansk and Kautokeino are announced regularly through the speaker system.

Victoria Fun Pub

A football place, and can be a fun pub for the not overdressed during week-ends; has a billiards table.

Mon-Thu 15:00–02:00, Fri 15:00–03:30, Sat 14:00–03:30, Sun 19:00–02:00

Blå Rock

The place for burgers, lots of international beer, rock'n'roll and concerts. A piercing in your ear (or somewhere else) will make you fit in.

Sun-Thu 11:30–02:00, Fri 11:30-03:30, Sat 15:00–02:00

Driv

The Student House. An ambitious concert programme, quiz nights, karaoke nights. Excellent place for the 18–30 years old. The number of visitors varies drastically depending on the occasion. The bartenders are all student volunteers, and the kitchen serves burgers, sweet potato fries, and pizza.

Mon 18:00–23:]0, Tue–Thu 15:00–23:00, Fri Sat 15:00–03:00·80–130 kr for drinks

Kaffebønna

It serves no alcohol, but serves up smart coffee, Italian ice cream, pain au chocolat and plenty of sandwiches. Minimalist décor and cool staff (occasionally too cool).

Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00, Sat 09:00–18:00, Sun 11:00–18:00

Kafé Verdensteatret

A friendly, sophisticated, ultra-modern place in the 1916 cinema "Verdensteatret", the oldest functioning cinema in Northern Europe. The sandwiches are good, but the main reason to come here is to hang about for a glass of wine and endless conversation. Thursday night has cheap drinks, with a Mack Pilsner for 55 kr. Friday and Saturday night, the place turns into a cool, crowded hangout. Mixed crowd, mixed ages.

Mon–Thu 11:00–02:00, Fri Sat 11:00–03:30, Sun 13:00–02:00

Perez

At the northern end of the city centre, is tiny, but manages to offer lunch specials, coffees and a sophisticated wine selection. Loud and full in the evening, so keep your stomach in!

Skansen Kafé

Housed in the annex of the oldest house in town. In summer, they serve fantastic shells and other lunch specials, along with good wine and coffee. In winter, they close, though.

Mon–Wed 11:00–18:00, Thu 11:00–22:00, Fri 11:00–02:00, Sat 12:00–02:00, Sun 12:00–18:00

Skarven

Another long-timer. Serves good food, including loads of fish (an welcome respite from the feta cheese and olive fare of the other cafés), and loads of beer way into the night in a 1920s margarine factory. The crowd is grown-up and well-heeled, but just as loud as the rest.

Daily from 11:00

Sånn

at the upper end of the Main Square is another example of the Tromsø receipt: A good lunch menu (with realatively good prices), coffee specialities and a cool bar in the evening.

Mon–Thu 11:00–24:00, Fri 11:00–01:00, Sat 12:00–01:00

Åpenbar

serves tapas made of seal and other arctic foodstuffs. Nice way to try it out. Rather stylish hang-out in the week-end

Tue–Thu 16:00–01:30, Fri 15:00–03:00, Sat 14:00–03:00

Ølhallen

The Beer Hall

Both well-known and much cherished by the population, undoubtedly linked to the Mack beer.

Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00, Sat 09:00–15:00

Heidi's Bier Bar

Storgata 4

Fri Sat 20:00–03:30