Aker Brygge is located just west of downtown on the westside of Pipervika, an arm of the Oslo Fjord, on the former ship yard of Akers Mekaniske Verksted, which ceased operations in 1982. Prior to the establishment of the shipyard in 1854, the area was known as Holmen. It was then an old yard where some minor industrial activity, and a suburban establishment grew in the early 19th century.
Aker Brygge is served by the Aker Brygge tram station.