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- Situated on Sweden’s scenic west coast, Gothenburg exudes an open, entrepreneurial spirit with a sustainability ethos that runs through the city’s sights and attractions. Founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf, Sweden’s second city soon established itself as a commercial fishing and shipbuilding hub, and later as a leader in transport innovation.
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- Overview
- Like a local: Erik Davis’s guide to hidden local favourites
- 1. Göteborg Manufaktur
- 2. Mariaplans Korvkiosk
- 3. Le Village
- 4. Kaffestugan Lyckan
- 5. Hagabion
As the coastal city marks its 400th birthday in 2023, explore its new districts, lesser-known eateries and picturesque archipelago.
This article was adapted from National Geographic Traveller (UK)
At the most basic level, Gothenburg is Sweden’s second city, but there’s so much more to say about this rapidly transforming port centre. Perched on the country’s west coast, at the gateway of its namesake archipelago, it’s equal parts down-to-earth and chic, with towering shipping cranes and whitewashed fishing boats alongside design shops, museums and lustworthy restaurants. The city’s also planet-conscious, topping the Global Destination Sustainability Index for the past six years, and dynamic, with cool new districts growing up alongside cobbled historic pockets.
Get to grips with Gothenburg’s history, from prehistoric times to present day, at the Museum of Gothenburg, primely placed in the 18th-century former Swedish East India Company headquarters, on the banks of Stora Hamnkanalen canal. For a glimpse at the city’s future, make instead for the underrated Museum of World Culture, near the popular Liseberg amusement grounds. Free to enter, it’s a trot through global maritime, social and political landscapes, and celebrates Sweden’s burgeoning multiculturalism.
Over in the east, Gamlestaden translates to ‘old town’ but happens to be the city’s hottest new district. A clutch of industrial buildings in this once-down-at-heel neighbourhood have been reclaimed by enterprising business such as Wine Mechanics, Sweden’s first urban winery. Sip through the range at the bar of the former slaughterhouse, where winemakers crush organic Furmint from Hungary and Syrah from the Rhône Valley to make experimental tipples.
If Gothenburg has one must-see district for visitors (much-loved by locals, too), it’s historic Haga, with its cobbled streets and cute boutiques. Rather than sticking to the main Haga Nygata shopping drag, after filling up on salted liquorice at Lakritsroten and browsing the antique shops, cross Linnégatan road to the more low-key Linné neighbourhood. Saluhallen Briggen is the food market where Haga’s workers get their lunches, whether Vietnamese broths or breaded plaice with remoulade and mash potatoes. Austrian restaurant Manfred’s Brasserie is the glorious opposite of trendy; cosy and homely, it has specials scrawled on a chalk board and a fabulous Wiener schnitzel. Meanwhile Tredje Långgatan street is lined with hip eateries, cafes and bars for after-dark adventures.
Erik Davis is owner of traditional clog shop Haga Trätoffelfabrik, in the Haga district.
There’s no other place in town like this heritage denim shop, great for workwear and high-quality wardrobe staples. It has an on-site bespoke trouser maker, and every item comes with unlimited repairs. Fans of boutique stores are sure to appreciate what they do. goteborgmanufaktur.se
This retro kiosk in Mariaplans is great place to try a ‘support dog’ — a hot dog that Swedes buy on on their way somewhere as a pick-me-up for the commute. Order the ‘halv special’, with mashed potato on top and covered in shrimp salad. It’s as unusual as it is delicious. Mariagatan 6
Stepping inside this antique shop in Linné, a gorgeous old space with rough-hewn wood floors, feels like stepping back in time. From traditional Swedish painted furniture to leather club chairs and 19th-century bookcases, it’s a treasure trove of vintage finds.
Nordhemsgatan 22-24
Mainly frequented by locals, this cosy cafe is a great breakfast spot: order an open-face sandwich with bacon, egg and pickled beets from the handwritten menu and enjoy it next to red-faced dock workers. Pair a visit with a walk around the surrounding Delsjön nature reserve. Storatorpsvägen 55
This alternative cinema in the Haga neighbourhood puts on its own themed festivals, with English-language viewings, too. It’s also a popular meeting spot — a cool place to drink and order a bite from the vegetarian menu, especially in the summer, when there are tables outdoors. hagabion.se
Top tip: Seeking some only-in-Scandinavia shopping? Magasinsgatan and Haga have some cute places, but you’ll find a glut of locally made goodies next to the 17th-century Kronhuset building, in the central Nordstaden neighbourhood. It houses a soap factory, pottery shop and a chocolate maker, plus a country store bursting with a range of Swedish treats.
Published in the March 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)
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Sep 6, 2023 · Sweden's Second-Largest City Is a Big, Sustainable Playground. Going green put Gothenburg on the map, while top sights, prime eats, and icy cold plunges add to the appeal. By Danielle...
Gothenburg (/ ˈɡɒθənbɜːrɡ / ⓘ; [ 4 ] abbreviated Gbg; [ 5 ][ 6 ] Swedish: Göteborg [jœtɛˈbɔrj] ⓘ) is the capital of Västra Götaland County in Sweden. It is the second-largest city in Sweden, after the capital Stockholm, and the fifth-largest in the Nordic countries.
- Gothenburg Boasts a Network of Picturesque Canals. Gothenburg, known as the “Canal City,” captivates tourists with its enchanted system of canals, which gives its urban landscape a unique appeal.
- The City is an Archipelago Haven. The Gothenburg Archipelagois a group of beautiful islands that beckon with peace and represent the marine heritage of the city.
- This is Sweden’s Second-Largest City. Gothenburg, the second-biggest city in Sweden, is a major cultural and commercial hub that is essential to the changing face of the country.
- The City has a Rich Maritime History. Gothenburg’s museums and scenic waterfronts reflect the city’s strong nautical past, which contributes to its attraction.
Oct 4, 2023 · Here’s a user’s guide to Sweden ’s hip, happening, handsome second city. When to visit Gothenburg. Summer is the best time to visit Gothenburg as it’s never too hot and, unlike some other cities like Copenhagen, isn’t a massive tourist hotspot at the best of times.
May 2, 2023 · Gothenburg, the charming port city on the west coast of Sweden, is known for its beautiful canals that crisscross through the city. These canals offer visitors a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture, and there’s no better way to explore them than on a canal tour.
