Trendy inner city

The charming area inside the Moat (Vallgraven) has Gothenburg’s largest selection of stores. Small specialty shops stand side by side with big chain stores.

The Moat was built in the 17th century to protect and mark out what was then the fortified inner city, and it still forms a natural threshold into the city centre. Walk inside and you find a city buzzing with life around a diverse range of shops, cafés and restaurants.

The Crown House buildings (Kronhusbodarna) were built in the 17th century and now form an historic oasis in the middle of the city, housing a glassworks, chocolate shop, leather workshop and a popular café.

The Market Hall (Saluhallen) was built two centuries earlier and is still bustling with activity today. You can get a reasonably priced lunch at one of the restaurants and shop for delicacies, bread and cheeses from around the world. A little further along the Moat is another well-known market, Feskekörka fish market hall, where you can find a fantastic selection of fresh fish and seafood.

Magasinsgatan, Vallgatan and Södra Larmgatan are developing into a creative quarter where young local designers have set up business among cafés and vintage shops. This is where Gothenburg brands such as Velvet and Emma & Malena have their stores alongside accessories and design shops such as Norrgavel and Krypton Form. One thing you should not miss is a visit to the charming Victoriapassagen, a nook with delights such as Flickorna Kanolds chocolate shop, Filippa K and the Da Matteo café.