Second cities often sit in the shadow of their capitals; much of the time, undeservedly. You’d think by now that the Barcelonas, Mumbais and Shanghais of the world would have shown us that sidekick cities offer just as much cultural clout as their big sisters. But alas, many are still left fighting for their fair share of tourist attention. And Sweden’s second-biggest urban hub, Gothenburg, is no exception. The recent influx of young creative entrepreneurs has coincided with a boom in all things hip and trendy - be that bustling bistros, stylish boutiques or contemporary art galleries. Couple this with its well-preserved historic sites and easily accessible nature and voilà: you have a city par excellence oozing with tourist attractions. Keep reading to discover our must-sees in Gothenburg.
Cafes, Cafes and More Cafes
Gothenburg is often touted as one of the top coffee-drinking cities in Europe, so carving out plenty of time in your itinerary for fika (a coffee and a sweet treat) is an absolute must. The charmingly bohemian neighbourhood of Haga, which is filled with well-preserved historic architecture, is known for its cinnamon buns, making it the perfect spot for those with a penchant for seeking out the finest pastries. Cafe Husaren is said to have started the fika trend in Gothenburg and is particularly well-known for its enormous cinnamon buns, which are easily big enough for an entire meal. The nearby Cafe Kringlan is about as traditional as it gets when it comes to atmosphere - you can admire locals pondering over the freshly-baked goods lined up along the counter and weathered waiters squeezing through the eager crowds with fresh cups of creamy coffee. There is also Brogyllen Hamngatan, a grander and more luxurious cafe than most; Da Matteo Magasinsgatan, a popular spot among locals, with its sunny courtyard and excellent menu; and Alkemisten Kaffebar, a trendy fika destination with plenty of bean blends for sale. And if that’s not enough, you can also rest assured that you will be armed with our destination Dossier, which is full of our tried-and-tested recommendations for eating and drinking in Gothenburg.
The Wondrous World-Class Restaurants
We’re going to stick with the foodie vibe for the second of our must-sees in Gothenburg: the many magnificent restaurants. Over the last few years, Gothenburg has garnered quite the foodie reputation, climbing its way into the top spot as the culinary capital of Sweden. The city is home to six Michelin-starred restaurants, ranging from trendy contemporary spots like Bhoga and Koka to long-standing local favourites like 28+ and Thörnströms Kök. For those in the mood for something a little more casual, laid-back joints like Puta Madre (which is, interestingly, inspired by a Mexican brothel) and the tapas bar, Basque, offer great gourmet options in a more humble setting. And finally, some of Gothenburg’s best food options can be found in good-old food trucks with a stylish twist - we’re talking fresh oysters from Luckans Fisk, authentic Bao Buns from Jinx Dynasty and hearty Mexican classics from Wakal Street Food.
The Intricate Islands of the Gothenburg Archipelago
We’re going to go out on a limb here and say that the network of islands that make up the Gothenburg Archipelago might just be more beautiful than its Stockholm counterpart. ‘Why?’ You ask. Well, the islands are a lot calmer, making it possible to visit tiny uninhabited islands in total peace and quiet. Gothenburg is also a historic hub of fishing, which even today adds to the whole seaside atmosphere in the loveliest way. We can whisk you off on a boat tour around smooth islets topped with red clap-board houses alongside a local food-blogger guide, who can tell you all about the envious lifestyles of the islands’ inhabitants and point out some of the resident wildlife. There are also plenty of great swimming spots across the archipelago - but we wouldn’t blame you if you can’t quite face an icy swim in the chillier months. If you’re still keen to be close to water when you get back on dry land, then head to the glassy canals to enjoy a waterside walk as the sun starts to set.
The Gothenburg Museum of Art… and Co
When it comes to an art museum that ticks all the boxes, the Gothenburg Museum of Art might just be Sweden’s winner and it easily tops our list of the best museums the city has to offer. Over six spacious floors you can admire paintings from the last six or so centuries, be that a profound piece of portraiture from Rembrandt or an angular Picasso piece from the Cubist period. The gallery is also reputed to house the world’s finest collection of 19th-century Nordic art, so if you’re keen to check out some iconic psychological masterpieces from Norway’s Edvard Munch or some peaceful family-centred watercolour paintings from Sweden’s own Carl Larrson, then this is the place for you. If art isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry, there are plenty of other museums to keep you - and your mind - busy. Some of our favourites include the Natural History Museum, the Volvo Museum, the interactive Universeum science museum and the Museum of World Culture.
The Majestic Feskekorka Fish Market
If we had to whittle down our list of the must-sees in Gothenburg to just one site, it would be hard, but we’d have to go with the Feskekorka Fish Market. This one spot somehow encapsulates all the best of what the city has to offer: beautiful architecture, impeccable food and an interesting history. The Neo-gothic, church-inspired market was built in the 18th century to combat the unruly and unsanitary conditions of the prospering fish trade of the time. And we have to hand it to the designers - not only is it impeccably clean and well-organised, the indoor fish market is still, 300 years on, one of the most sophisticated spots in town to browse for fresher-than-fresh fish and seafood. After spending some time admiring the various delicacies on offer, make sure to head to one of the nearby restaurants to indulge in the expertly-prepared finished product. Or, if it’s a sunny day and you want to catch some rays on the edge of the canal, you can always sample some top-quality takeaway options from one of the many vendors.