Destination Guide: Gothenburg
Laid-back and coastal, Gothenburg is Sweden’s heart for food, art, and the sea. The canals and leafy boulevards are dotted with cafes, Michelin-starred spots, and cozy design boutiques. Just offshore, the West Sweden archipelago offers salty-air escapes in under an hour.
Image courtesy of Elite Plaza Hotel Göteborg
Where to stay
Avalon Hotel: Playful design meets effortless Scandinavian cool in this city-center landmark. Contemporary art, bold colors, and a rooftop pool give it a modern, cosmopolitan edge. Steps from shopping streets and buzzing cafés, it’s an ideal urban base.
Elite Plaza Hotel Göteborg: Housed in a grand neo-Renaissance building, this address exudes old-world elegance. Marble staircases, crystal chandeliers, and richly detailed interiors nod to its 19th-century heritage. A refined stay for travelers who value history with their luxury.
Where to eat
Fiskekrogen: Iconic West Coast seafood restaurant in Feskekôrka’s neighborhood in an elegant, maritime-inspired setting.
SK Mat & Människor: Michelin-starred modern Swedish cuisine in Vasastan. Tasting menus emphasize hyper-local, seasonal ingredients with inventive, artful presentation.
Sjömagasinet: Waterfront fine-dining with Nordic seafood specialties.
Bhoga: Award-winning, contemporary Nordic restaurant in Linné. Menus evolve with the seasons with sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.
Gurras: Trendy, playful street-food-inspired eatery in Majorna serving globally influenced dishes with a creative twist.
Thörnströms Kök: Sleek, elegant restaurant in the city center combining inventive Swedish flavors with expert wine pairings and refined plating.
Koka: Minimalist modern Nordic tasting menus with an emphasis on sustainability.
Smörgåsbaren: Casual yet refined spot inside the legendary Feskekôrka “Fish Church.”
Heaven 23: Located atop Gothia Towers with panoramic views over the city skyline.
Råda Rum: Boutique neighborhood gem offering hyper-local, contemporary Nordic dishes with playful plating.
What to do
Haga: Stroll through Gothenburg’s historic quarter. Cobblestones, wooden houses, and hidden courtyards set the scene for cafés, small galleries, and artisan shops.
Majorna: Explore this creative hub’s street art, indie boutiques, and lively cafés.
Göteborgs Konstmuseum: Home to one of Scandinavia’s strongest Nordic collections alongside rotating contemporary shows.
Feskekôrka: Visit the iconic “Fish Church,” where locals gather for oysters, smoked fish, and casual seafood lunches.
The World of Volvo: This new design and culture hub for car enthusiasts is also home to Volvo’s delivery program. Buy your car, visit Sweden, drive around, then ship it home.
Gothenburg’s archipelago: Cruise the islands on a private boat, stopping for swims, picnics, or champagne on hidden beaches.
Liseberg Amusement Park: Embrace a touch of nostalgia with a mix of thrill rides, landscaped gardens, and stylish seasonal festivals.
Röda Sten Konsthall: Experience this contemporary art center in a converted industrial space by the harbor. Bold exhibitions and a café overlooks the water.
