A comprehensive guide to Gothenburg, Sweden's most charming city

Although Stockholm, the Swedish archipelago and Lapland are among the most popular destinations for visitors who wish to enjoy what Sweden has to offer, the Nordic country boasts a host of other locations worthy of exploring. The second-largest city in Sweden, nestled on the country’s west coast, Gothenburg offers an excellent alternative for a fun city break.

Spend your day roaming the streets, browsing charming boutiques, treating your tastebuds to world-class restaurants, or soaking up the beautiful nature at one of the city’s many lush greeneries. Once it's time to unwind, drift off to sleep in those famous, silky-smooth hotel sheets...

Ahead, Vogue Scandinavia has listed the best places to eat, sleep and go whilst on your visit to the charming seaside town.

What is a city escape without indulging in a bit of shopping (or at least browsing for inspiration)? For the best in luxury fashion, beauty and design, we recommend stopping by at the renowned, premium department store, Nordiska Kompaniet (NK). Located in the heart of the city and spread across four floors, at NK, you'll find cult-favourite fashion brands like Acne Studios, Toteme and Jacquemus, as well as high-end cosmetics and perfumes courtesy of Chanel, Dior, Byredo and more.

If you feel famished after wandering through the halls decked with covetable designer pieces, nip into either of the two culinary spots housed within the building, where the menus offer everything from sushi to quintessentially Swedish dishes like meatballs and toast Skagen, as well as coffee, tea, and Champagne.

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For further shopping, check out Kungsportavenyen (often simply dubbed Avenyn), the city's main boulevard. Lined with shops and restaurants, it's also home to the city's famous Poseidon statue. What's more, Avenyn is where Gothenburg's buzziest nightclubs are situated – perfect if you're in the mood to hit the dance floor later on.

Gothenburg is also a great destination for thrifting, and the best stores for pre-loved treasures are sprinkled all over the town. Our top picks? Beyond Retro (their largest store in Sweden), Pop Boutique, Myrorna and Fabriken. For a dash on culture to your visit, the city boasts museums that hold must-see exhibitions all year round. What could be better than spending a rainy day at the Museum of Fine Art, admiring their expansive collection of conspicuous and contemporary art? Or go and delve deep into nature at the Natural History Museum?

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For those who wish to bask in nature during their city break, Botaniska Trädgården (Gothenburg Botanical Gardens) and Trädgårdsföreningen are beautiful places for a peaceful stroll or a picnic under the giant leafy trees. If you’re in town during autumn, the gardens are the best place to witness as the summer’s green turns to vivid shades of orange, yellow, red and brown when the trees put on their autumn attire.

In addition to the gardens, Gothenburg has a large park, Slottskogen, which you will find packed with people frolicking in the sun come scorching summer days. In Slottskogen, there is also Gothenburg’s Zoo (the oldest zoo in Sweden), alongside a popular restaurant Villa Belparc, perched on one of the park’s glistening ponds. Although the ponds may serve as a refreshing dip for some, heading outside the city is recommended if you’re looking for a place to go for a swim. Along the coast, you’ll find windswept beaches and small Swedish villages, perfect for a brief stopover.

It’s safe to say that Gothenburg is a foodie’s paradise. The Swedish city is a culinary hotspot for every taste, from exquisite Michelin-star restaurants to quaint bistros and tucked-away cafés. For the best breakfast in town, head to the cobbled streets of the charming district of Haga, where traditional wooden buildings dating back to the 17th century create a historic scenery and house several cute cafés, boulangeries and independent boutiques.

Grab your favourite speciality coffee from da Matteo, or enjoy a nutritious breakfast at Le Petit Café or Kafé Magasinet. If you’re looking for a sweet treat in the middle of shopping, head to Café Husaren and try their Hagabullen (a plate-sized cinnamon roll), the city’s most famous pastry. Haga also boasts a bevvy of great lunch and brunch spots, where Kafferosten, Bönor och Bagels and Le GBG are amongst the tastiest.

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As Gothenburg is located on the shore, its offerings for delicious seafood are virtually endless. For a rustic and authentic setting by the waterfront in Klippan, head to Sjömagasinet and try their hearty menu that includes traditional dishes crafted from freshly-caught crayfish, lobster, mussels, and fish, amongst other treats. For a more fine-dining experience, visit Fiskekrogen and discover their innovative take on the finest delicacies the North Sea can offer.

If you fancy an atmospheric dinner full of flavour in the heart of the city, we recommend exploring Gothenburg’s popular Asian restaurants Toso, Cheri-Lee or Yaki-Da, which also has a buzzy cocktail bar and club. For the ultimate fine-dining trip for your taste buds, visit Michelin star-winning restaurants Bhoga or SK Mat & Människor.

Great accommodation places can be found across the city, from larger hotels to intimate boutique stays. At the Gothia Towers, located next to Gothenburg’s amusement park Liseberg, you’ll find two different hotels, one of them Upper House, that offers a five-star stay with spectacular views and rooms that boast sophisticated and contemporary design. Upper House also has a luxurious spa, where you can cool down at the outside pool after sauna, looking over the bustling city.

Related: The 8 best boutique hotels in Stockholm

If you’re searching for a stay somewhere closer to the heart of Gothenburg, Elite Plaza Hotel will fit the bill perfectly. An upscale hotel located in an impressive, historic 19th-century building in the peaceful area of the city centre, Elite Plaza Hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the Central Station, Gothenburg Opera, shopping and restaurants. With carefully composed interiors that mix modern Scandinavian design with classic European influences, Elite Plaza Hotel’s rooms are the perfect place to wind down after a long day of walking around the city.

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In case you’re on the hunt for something more eccentric and intimate, the city's two leading boutique hotels are guaranteed to offer you a unique stay. Situated in central Gothenburg, Dorsia Hotel boasts one-of-a-kind rooms that are decadently decorated, bursting with vibrant, inviting colours and art. In essence, a maximalist’s dream.

At Dorsia, you’ll also be able to enjoy delicious food at their restaurant, headed by acclaimed chef Oskar Samuelsson. If you're looking to relax at a spa during your visit, fret not. A five-minute walk away, you'll find Dorsia's partner Hagabadet, where you can pamper yourself with a massage and a facial, or attend a yoga class.

Another boutique hotel that will make your stay in Gothenburg special, Hotel Pigalle is located in a beautiful building dating back to the 18th century. With Art Deco-inspired interiors that transport guests back to the Roaring 20s, you'll be surrounded by the most luxurious settings that ooze the era's emphasis on fun, expression, and excess.