Nestled on Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg is a city that often flies under the radar but never fails to captivate those who visit. Gothenburg offers a unique blend of Scandinavian charm, cultural richness, and coastal beauty that’s hard to match. From its vibrant city center to its tranquil archipelago, Gothenburg is a city of contrasts that caters to all types of travelers.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best areas to stay, what to see, and how to make the most of your visit to this gem of a city. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover why Gothenburg is becoming an increasingly popular destination.
Our pick of the best hotels in Gothenburg: 🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Elite Park Avenue Hotel
- ✨ 5-Star: Clarion Hotel Draken
- 🏨 4-Star: Scandic Rubinen
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Hotel Poseidon
- 💸 Cheap: Le Mat B&B Göteborg City
- 🏢 Apartment: Live & Stay VR40
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Öckerö Maritime Centers Kurshotell
- 🏩 For Couples: Hotel & Ristorante Bellora
Quick Gothenburg Neighborhoods Guide: ☀️
- 🏙️ For First-Time Visitors and Sightseeing: Centrum
- 🛍️ For Charming Cafes and Boutiques: Linné & Haga
- 💰 For Budget-Friendly Stays: Majorna
- 🍸 For Nightlife and Entertainment: Avenyn
- 🎭 For Culture and Museums: Lorensberg
- 🏝️ For Tranquil Island Getaway: Gothenburg Archipelago
1. Centrum – Best Place to Stay in Gothenburg for First-Time Visitors and Sightseeing 🏙️
🏛️ City charm: Stepping out onto the cobblestone streets, you’re immediately greeted by the blend of historic architecture and modern design. The central location means you’re never far from the action, with most of Gothenburg’s main attractions just a short stroll or tram ride away.
🚋 Easy transport: Speaking of trams, it is easy to get around Centrum. The efficient public transport system is a godsend for tourists. Grab a Göteborg City Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
🎨 Must-see spots: Centrum is packed with must-visit spots:
- Gothenburg Museum of Art: A treasure trove of Nordic and international art
- Liseberg: Scandinavia’s largest amusement park (just a quick tram ride away)
- Feskekôrka: The “Fish Church” market for seafood lovers
- Gothenburg Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture
- Saluhallen: A food lover’s paradise with local and international delicacies
🍽️ Foodie heaven: Centrum doesn’t disappoint when it comes to dining options. From comfortable cafes perfect for a traditional fika break to Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s something for every palate and budget.
🛍️ Shopping paradise: You’ll find everything from high-end boutiques to quirky vintage stores. Nordstan, Scandinavia’s largest shopping center, is right here in the heart of the city.
🌙 Night vibes: The area around Avenyn comes alive with bars and clubs, offering a taste of Gothenburg’s famous nightlife. But if you prefer a quieter evening, I suggest a peaceful walk along the Göta älv river – the sunset views are spectacular.
Best accommodation to stay in Centrum: 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel – This unique hotel offers themed rooms inspired by the adjacent Liseberg amusement park, with quirky decor and modern amenities. On-site dining options provide convenient sustenance after a day of thrilling rides.
- Hotel Eggers – One of Sweden’s oldest hotels, Hotel Eggers combines historic charm with modern comforts in its elegantly furnished rooms. The popular restaurant and bar offer a taste of traditional Swedish cuisine.
- Hotel Jimmy'z – This boutique hotel boasts stylish rooms with unique designs and contemporary amenities. The rooftop terrace and bar provide panoramic views of Gothenburg.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Gothia Towers Hotel – This impressive complex features modern rooms with city views, multiple restaurants, and a sky-high spa. An indoor pool and fitness center complement its convenient connection to the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre.
- StayAt Gothenburg Mektagonen – This aparthotel offers spacious, fully-equipped apartments ideal for longer stays or families. In-room kitchens provide convenience, while a fitness center and sauna offer relaxation.
- Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel – This upscale establishment offers comfortable rooms with city or river views and modern amenities. A pool, fitness center, and multiple dining options enhance the stay.
🛏️ Best hostels
- Hotell Onyxen – This hotel provides comfortable rooms with a homely atmosphere and modern amenities. Complimentary breakfast and a convenient location make exploring the city effortless.
- Hotel Lorensberg – This centrally located hotel features comfortable rooms with a classic Scandinavian design. Its proximity to cultural attractions and shopping areas is a major draw for visitors.
- Hotel Vasa – This charming establishment offers rooms with a mix of modern and traditional decor. Its location in the trendy Vasastan area is perfect for those seeking local flavor.
2. Linné & Haga – Best Area with Charming Cafes and Boutiques 🛍️
🕰️ Time travel: Let’s start with Haga, shall we? The well-preserved 19th-century wooden houses are now home to some of the most Instagram-worthy cafes and boutiques in the city. It’s car-free, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and people-watching.
💡 Early bird: Head to Haga Nygata, the main shopping street, early in the morning to avoid the crowds and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
🍽️ Local favorites: Now, let me share some of my favorite spots in Haga:
- Café Husaren: Home to the famous “hagabullen” – giant cinnamon rolls that are a must-try
- Haga Trätoffelfabrik: A quirky shop selling traditional Swedish clogs
- Antikhallarna: A treasure trove for antique lovers
- Bräutigams: The oldest confectionery in Gothenburg, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth
🎨 Artsy vibe: Just a short walk from Haga, you’ll find yourself in Linné (short for Linnéstaden). It’s known for its independent art galleries, vintage shops, and some of the best restaurants in Gothenburg.
🍻 Night scene: Långgatorna, a set of parallel streets in Linné, is where you’ll find the city’s trendiest bars and music scene. It’s the perfect place to experience the nightlife like a local.
🏛️ Culture fix: The area is home to several contemporary cultural attractions, including the Röhsska Museum of Design and Craft. For nature lovers, the beautiful Slottsskogen park is right on your doorstep.
🚋 Easy access: Thanks to the extensive public transportation network, you’re just a short tram ride away from other popular areas like Avenyn or Liseberg amusement park.
Best hotels to stay near Linne & Haga: 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Center Hotel – This hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a complimentary breakfast buffet. It features a 24-hour reception and free WiFi throughout the property.
- Riverton – This upscale hotel boasts stylish rooms with panoramic views of the city or river. It offers a fitness center, sauna, and a popular restaurant and bar.
- Apartment Berne – This self-catering apartment provides a home-away-from-home experience with a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable living areas. Guests can enjoy free WiFi and the convenience of nearby public transportation.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Linne Hostel – This budget-friendly hostel offers both private and dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities. It provides a communal kitchen and lounge area for guests to socialize and prepare meals.
- Holiday Apartment Goteborg – This spacious apartment features modern decor and a fully equipped kitchen. It offers free WiFi and a comfortable living area for a relaxing stay.
- Goteborgs Mini – This compact hotel offers rooms with essential amenities for a comfortable stay. It provides free WiFi and is known for its friendly staff and good value for money.
🛏️ Best hostels
- Linna C Platsens Hotell & Vandrarhem – This combination hotel and hostel offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. It features a shared kitchen and lounge area, as well as free WiFi throughout the property.
- Vandrarhem Stigbergsliden – This hostel offers simple yet comfortable rooms with shared facilities. It provides a communal kitchen and lounge area, as well as free WiFi for guests.
3. Majorna – Best Neighborhood for Budget Trips 💰
🎨 Eclectic mix: You’ll find colorful street art adorning old industrial buildings, and comfortable second-hand shops nestled between traditional Swedish wooden houses.
💸 Budget-friendly: Majorna is a budget traveler’s dream. The prices here are much more wallet-friendly than in the city center, without sacrificing any of the cool factor.
🍻 Local hotspots: Here are some of my favorite spots in Majorna that won’t break the bank:
- Café Husaren: Home to the famous “hagabullen” – giant cinnamon rolls that are a must-try
- Beerbliotek: A craft beer lover’s paradise with an excellent selection of local brews
- Gahtenhielmska Kulturreservatet: A cultural reserve where you can check out traditional Swedish houses
- Röda Sten Konsthall: A modern art museum housed in an old boiler house
🏙️ Local life: For a taste of local life, I recommend heading to Mariaplan, the heart of Majorna. This bustling square is where locals gather to shop, eat, and socialize. On weekends, you might catch a flea market or a street food festival – perfect for sampling Swedish delicacies on a budget.
🌳 Nature break: Visit Slottsskogen, a huge park right next to Majorna. It’s free to enter and has a small zoo, making it a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely afternoon stroll.
🍺 Night vibes: From dive bars with live music to trendy microbreweries, there’s something for every taste. I suggest starting your evening at Långgatorna, a set of parallel streets packed with bars and restaurants.
🚋 Easy access: Majorna is well-connected to the city center by tram. Hop on line 3 or 11, and you’ll be in the thick of things in no time.
Best Gothenburg hotels to stay in Majorna: 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Clarion Hotel Draken – This modern hotel offers stylish rooms with city views and contemporary amenities. It features a bar with panoramic views of Gothenburg and a fitness center for guests.
- Göteborg Hotel – This centrally located hotel provides comfortable rooms with modern furnishings. It offers a complimentary breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property.
- Spar Hotel Majorna – This budget-friendly hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with essential amenities. It provides a daily breakfast buffet and free parking for guests.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Föreningsgatan 9 – This apartment offers a home-like atmosphere with a fully equipped kitchen and separate living area. It provides free WiFi and is suitable for both short and long-term stays.
- Studio Apartment in Göteborg – This comfortable studio apartment features modern decor and a kitchenette for self-catering. It offers a comfortable base for exploring Gothenburg with free WiFi included.
4. Avenyn – Where to Stay for Nightlife and Entertainment 🍸
🎢 Daytime attractions: For those who want to visit the main attractions during the day, Avenyn is ideally located. You’re just a short walk from Liseberg amusement park and Nordstan shopping center. The area is well-connected by public transport too, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.
🍽️ Dining hotspot: Stretching from Götaplatsen square to the canal, Avenyn is lined with some of the best local restaurants and bars. Popular spots include:
- Le Comptoir: Highly-rated French bistro
- Olivia Avenyn: Known for its Italian cuisine
- Sjöbaren Lorensberg: Local seafood specialties
- cheri-lee: Trendy cocktail bar
- Cielo Roof Top Bar: Panoramic views and drinks
- The Bishops Arms: Cozy pub atmosphere
- Grace: Sports bar and restaurant
🍹 Rooftop views: One of my favorite spots is the bar at Scandic Rubinen. It offers stunning views across the city and is the perfect place to start your evening with a cocktail or two.
💡 Money-saving tip: Many hotels in this area offer package deals that include tickets to nearby attractions.
🏙️ Vibrant atmosphere: While Avenyn can get busy, especially on weekends, it’s this bustle that makes it so exciting. However, if you prefer something a bit quieter, consider staying in one of the areas west of the city center like Linné or Majorna. These working-class areas are becoming increasingly popular with tourists looking for a more local experience.
Best hotels to stay in Avenyn: 🏨
- Elite Park Avenue Hotel – This 4-star hotel is located on the main boulevard, Kungsportsavenyn. It offers stylish rooms and suites with modern amenities and access to a fitness center.
- Scandic Rubinen – This centrally located hotel provides comfortable rooms and a highly-rated breakfast buffet. It features a fitness center, sauna, and a bar with city views.
- Hotel & Ristorante Bellora – This boutique hotel combines Italian-inspired decor with modern Scandinavian design. It offers a fitness center, nightclub/DJ, and a popular restaurant serving Italian cuisine.
5. Lorensberg – Perfect Placet to Visit Gothenburg for Museums and Theaters 🎭
🏛️ Cultural hub: This neighborhood, right in the heart of the city, is a treasure trove of museums, theaters, and art galleries.
🎨 Artistic center: Let’s start with the crown jewel of Lorensberg: Götaplatsen. This grand square is home to some of the most iconic cultural institutions. The Gothenburg Museum of Art is a must-visit, housing an impressive collection of Nordic and international art. If you’re short on time, don’t miss the Scandinavian collection – it’s a real eye-opener to the region’s artistic heritage.
🎵 Architectural contrast: Right next door, you’ll find the Gothenburg Concert Hall. Even if you can’t catch a performance, the building itself is worth admiring. Its neoclassical architecture is a stark contrast to the modern art inside the museum, creating a fascinating juxtaposition that I find captivating.
🎭 Cultural hotspots: Here are some other cultural hotspots in Lorensberg that I recommend:
- Gothenburg City Theatre: A hub for contemporary Swedish drama
- Röhsska Museum: Dedicated to design and craft, it’s a design lover’s paradise
- Hasselblad Center: A must for photography enthusiasts
- Lorensbergsteatern: One of Sweden’s oldest private theaters
Lorensberg
☕ Foodie scene: The area is dotted with cozy cafes perfect for a traditional Swedish fika (coffee break), as well as high-end restaurants for a special night out.
🍰 Coffee break: I particularly love grabbing a coffee at da Matteo, just a stone’s throw from Götaplatsen. Their freshly roasted beans and homemade pastries are the perfect pick-me-up after a long day of cultural exploration.
🦞 Dinner with view: For dinner, I recommend trying Sjömagasinet. It’s a bit of a splurge, but their seafood dishes are out of this world. Plus, the restaurant is housed in an 18th-century building right on the waterfront – talk about dinner with a view!
Best hotels in Lorensberg: 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Le Mat B&B Göteborg City – This centrally located B&B offers rooms with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi just 492 ft from Avenyn, the main street. It provides a breakfast buffet with locally sourced ingredients and 24-hour front desk service.
- Hotel Poseidon – This 3-star hotel in central Gothenburg offers comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. It features a 24-hour front desk and allows pets on request.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Live & Stay VR40 – This apartment hotel offers self-catering accommodations with modern amenities. It provides a comfortable base for both short and long-term stays in Gothenburg.
- Live and Stay Ekmanska Göteborg – This apartment complex offers stylish, self-contained units with full kitchens and living areas. It provides a convenient option for those seeking a more independent stay in Gothenburg.
6. Gothenburg Archipelago – Tranquil Island Getaway 🏝️
🌊 Island paradise: If you’re looking for a breath of fresh sea air and a slice of Swedish island life, the Gothenburg Archipelago is your place. Just a short ferry ride from the bustling city center, this cluster of over 20 islands offers a perfect escape from urban life.
🚲 Laid-back vibes: I always recommend starting your archipelago adventure with a visit to Styrsö, one of the larger islands. The car-free streets are perfect for leisurely bike rides or walks along winding trails that hug the coastline.
💡 Exploration tip: Rent a bike on Styrsö to explore the island more efficiently. It’s the best way to discover hidden coves and secluded beaches.
🦅 Nature’s playground: For nature lovers, I suggest heading to Vrangö. This island is a haven for hikers and birdwatchers.
🍽️ Island eats: Here are some of my favorite spots to grab a bite:
- Isbolaget on Donsö: A charming restaurant serving fresh seafood with a view of the harbor
- Café Öbergska on Brännö: Perfect for a traditional Swedish fika (coffee break) with homemade pastries
- Seaside Restaurant on Hönö: Offers a fantastic seafood buffet and stunning ocean views
💃 Local traditions: For a taste of local culture, time your visit to coincide with the annual “Brännö Varv” dance on Brännö island. It’s a summer tradition that’s been going strong since the 1940s.
🚣 Water adventures: The archipelago is perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and even seal safaris.
🗺️ Guided experience: Book a kayak tour with a local guide. They’ll take you to the best spots and share fascinating stories about the archipelago’s history and ecology.
🌅 Sunset magic: As the day winds down, I recommend finding a west-facing spot to watch the sunset. My personal favorite is the rocky shore of Vrångö. The sight of the sun dipping into the sea, painting the sky in vibrant hues, is simply unforgettable.
🏝️ Island hopping: Remember, each island has its own unique character. Hönö is great for seafood lovers, Köpstadsö for those seeking tranquility, and Brännö for its lively summer atmosphere. I suggest island-hopping to get a true feel for the archipelago’s diversity.
Best hotels in Gothenburg Archipelago: 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Öckerö Maritime Centers Kurshotell – This maritime-themed hotel offers comfortable rooms with sea views and modern amenities. It features a restaurant serving local seafood and a terrace overlooking the archipelago.
- Kajkanten Vrångö – This aparthotel provides cozy accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and private terraces. It offers an open-air bath, barbecue facilities, and bicycle rentals for exploring the island.
- Skärgårdshotellet Hönö – This charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with a maritime theme and modern amenities. It features a restaurant serving local cuisine and a terrace with sea views.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Solhem Öckerö – This bed and breakfast offers cozy rooms with a homely atmosphere and shared bathroom facilities. It provides a communal kitchen and a garden with outdoor seating areas.
- Norgård – This guesthouse offers simple yet comfortable rooms with shared bathroom facilities. It features a communal kitchen and a garden with barbecue facilities for guests to enjoy.
FAQs about trips to Gothenburg ❔
Which part of Gothenburg to stay in?
The central area of Inom Vallgraven is ideal for first-time visitors, offering easy access to main attractions and a vibrant atmosphere. For a more local experience, consider staying in trendy neighborhoods like Haga or Linné, known for their charming cafes and boutiques.
Where not to stay in Gothenburg?
It’s generally best to avoid staying in the northeastern suburbs like Bergsjön or Angered, as they’re far from the city center and main attractions. While these areas are residential, they may not offer the best experience for tourists looking to explore Gothenburg’s highlights.
Is Gothenburg a walkable city?
Gothenburg is indeed a very walkable city, especially in the central areas and popular neighborhoods. The compact city center, well-maintained pedestrian zones, and efficient public transport system make it easy to explore most attractions on foot.
How many days do you need in Gothenburg?
Most visitors find that 2-3 days is sufficient to see the main attractions and get a feel for Gothenburg’s atmosphere. This allows time to explore the city center, visit a few museums, and perhaps take a short trip to the archipelago.
How many days in Gothenburg is enough?
While 2-3 days can cover the basics, 4-5 days in Gothenburg would allow for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to explore in depth. This longer stay gives you time to venture into different neighborhoods, enjoy the local food scene, and perhaps take a day trip to nearby attractions.
