Gothenburg might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a weekend away, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Tucked away on Sweden’s west coast, this underrated city is full of cosy coffee spots, vintage boutiques, a seriously good food scene, and ferries which give you easy access to a gorgeous neighbouring archipelago. It’s the kind of place that feels local, authentic and relaxed – the perfect spot for a long weekend escape.
There are regular flights into Gothenburg Airport, which is a short taxi ride or each bus journey away from the city.
Gothenburg is full of gorgeous and pretty affordable Airbnbs, but we opted to stay at the Waterfront Cabins Aparthotel. It is just across the river from the city centre, easily accessible by a quick bus ride, and provides a nice escape from the hustle and bustle.
I would recommend visiting Gothenburg for a summer weekend away – due to its northern location it gets long days which are perfect for exploring!
A long weekend is the perfect amount of time in the city, but you could honestly squeeze the highlights into one or two days at a push.
Don’t make the same mistake as us and try to use Google Maps for public transport! Instead, download the local To Go app, which is super easy to use and will help you navigate the great public transport system in the city. A “Zone A” pass will cover your trip and even allows you to use the ferries to the archipelago.
Haga is a charming little neighbourhood, and despite it being one of the most highly recommended areas to check out, it didn’t feel too touristy. Think cobbled streets, cute wooden houses, unique antique shops and plenty of cosy cafes. It’s the perfect place for a chilled morning walk, and there’s even a café – Café Husaren – which serves famous gigantic cinnamon buns.
If you’re up for a bit of a leg workout, head up the hill above the Haga district to Skansen Kronan – an old fortress with some seriously great views over the city. The walk up is short but steep, and once you’re at the top you’re rewarded with a panoramic look at Gothenburg’s rooftops and parks. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or just sitting and enjoying the scenery.
If there’s one thing you have to do while in Sweden, it’s go to a sauna. It’s a big part of the culture here and also a great way to meet the locals. You’ll find saunas dotted all over Gothenburg, from sleek spas to tiny neighbourhood cabins. But if you want something a bit more unique, head to the public sauna at Jubileumsparken. It’s got a pretty cool industrial design and it’s perched right on the waterfront, complete with cold plunge pools for a contrast therapy experience. It’s free to use, but you’ll definitely need to book ahead – especially on weekends.
When you need a little break from city streets, Gothenburg’s green spaces deliver the goods. Start with a wander through Kungsparken, the narrow leafy park that follows a canal through the city centre. Then pop into Trädgårdsföreningen (aka the Garden Society park). It’s a beautifully kept 19th-century park that feels like a bit of a hidden gem right in the middle of town. Inside, you’ll find the Palmhuset, a gorgeous glass greenhouse packed with exotic plants. It’s free to enter and well worth stopping by if you need a little dose of nature.
One of the best things about Gothenburg is that it is so easy to escape to the neighbouring archipelago. Just hop on a bus to Saltholmen, and in under an hour you can be island-hopping on a ferry. The islands don’t have cars and are super easy to explore on foot, with plenty of walking trails and delicious fresh seafood. The three main ones to visit are Brännö, Styrsö and Vrångö – all of which are great spots for gentle hikes and sea swims. We personally went to Vrångö and absolutely loved it.
Gothenburg has some seriously good second-hand shopping if you’re in the mood for a rummage. The best bit is that most of them are heavily curated, which makes browsing a much more enjoyable experience. Our personal favourite vintage shops were:
The food scene in Gothenburg is pretty impressive, with a big focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Being a coastal city, the seafood is incredible, but there are also loads of great veggie options. And don’t even get me started on the delicious buns!!! Here are my top recommendations:
Da Matteo and Sol Bageri for buns and fika
Saluhallen, Feskekôrka and Fiskbar 17 for seafood
Viktors Café and Coco Orangerie for brunch
Safe travels!
Zanna xx
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