1. The best coffee in town
Autumn is perfect for coffee, regardless of whether it’s raining or not. Try a craft coffee at some of the city’s best coffee shops, such as Alkemisten Kaffebar in the neighbourhood Kvillebäcken, Viktors Kaffe in Vasastaden or Kafé Gapet in Majorna. Don’t miss Borgskogs in Linné, where star pastry chef Fredrik Borgskog and his wife Gabriella serve world-class bread-based dishes and buns, or Sol Bageri och Kaffe on the street Eklandagatan, a bright craft bakery with freshly baked bread, croissants and really good coffee. There are of course many other cosy cafes in Gothenburg, check out our guide to “Swedish Fika in Gothenburg” for more tips.
Coffee bar
Café with organic specialty coffee on Hisingen and Lindholmen.
Coffee bar
Coffee bar with craft coffee, delicious pastries and light lunches.
Vegetarian café in Majorna
Vegetarian café with artistic furnishing in Majorna.
Café and Bakery
Borgskogs is once again opening a café and bakery in central Gothenburg, with a menu focusing on bread-based dishes and desserts.
Bakery & cafe
Artisan bakery and café in Johanneberg, Gothenburg.
The Swedish tradition ”fika” (meaning to take a break, sit down with a friend for a cup of coffee and some baked goods) has become a world-wide sensation. And for good reason. Visit the cafés in Gothenburg and see for yourself why the concept of “fika” is so cherished in Sweden.
2. See a performance at the Göteborg Opera
Rough autumn weather? Then you can take the opportunity to see a performance in lavish surroundings at the Göteborg Opera. Here you can enjoy performances of all kinds, such as musicals, concerts, dance and, of course, opera. There is also an appreciated restaurant, an opera bar and café. See current performances here.
Opera house
The Göteborg Opera offers grand experiences in a beautiful setting. Opera, musicals and dance in an architectural landmark by the water.
3. Autumn stroll in the Gothenburg Botanical Garden
The Gothenburg Botanical Garden is one of Gothenburg’s real gems. Wander around and discover all the amazing plants (over 16,000 species) or sit on a bench with a friend and just enjoy the tranquility.
Environmentally certified park
The Gothenburg Botanical Garden is one of Europe’s largest and most important botanical gardens, with 20,000 unique plants and world-class garden areas. With its exhibitions, programs, café and shop, the garden is one of West Sweden’s most popular visitor attractions.
4. Be inspired by world-class art
Museums and galleries are wonderful places to visit. Oases in the middle of the city that evoke peace, contemplation and inspiration. Head to the Gothenburg Museum of Art at the area Götaplatsen and enjoy one of northern Europe’s premier art collections, or visit Röhsska and experience historic and contemporary design and crafts in both temporary and permanent exhibitions.
Art museum
Art collections from the 15th century up until today.
Design and crafts museum
From Swedish design history to bold and innovative creations The Röhsska Museum is a place where design, crafts, architecture and fashion come together.
5. Enjoy delicious seafood
Fish and shellfish from the Swedish West Coast has incredibly high quality and are a must for all foodies, especially now when the lobster season is in full swing. Read our guide to “Fish and shellfish in Gothenburg” for more tips.
6. Restaurants and nightlife
Whether you are looking for a gastronomic experience, or a place to celebrate something special, there is something to suit you. Bar La Lune is a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant and wine bar on the street Vasa Kyrkogata in the neighbourhood Vasastaden with a wine list as long as it is impressive. If you are craving pizza, you’ll find perhaps the best in town at Oizo in Kålltorp or at Robb in Majorna. If you are looking for something exclusive, you will find Hoze at Stigbergstorget in Majorna, a sushi and omakase restaurant that has a star in the Michelin Guide. If you are craving Italian, you should try Umarell, a modern Italian restaurant with a dining room and bar in the historic Dicksonska Palatset. Please read our guide “New restaurants in Gothenburg” for more and new restaurant tips.
Pizza restaurant
Pizza, natural wines and locally brewed beer in Kålltorp.
Pizzeria and wine bar in Majorna
Pizzeria and wine bar with a focus on Neapolitan pizzas and natural wine.
Wine bar & restaurant
Wine bar and restaurant on Vasa Kyrkogata street in Gothenburg with an extensive wine list and French-inspired snacks and meals in an intimate and lively atmosphere.
Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant
Food enthusiasts and top chefs alike flock to this exclusive sushi and omakase restaurant. At Hoze, head chef José Cerdá serves a small-scale yet luxurious daily menu, crafted with local ingredients and exceptional culinary expertise.
Italian restaurant in Dicksonska palatset
Modern Italian restaurant in the classic Dicksonska palatset.
Eco-certified Japanese restaurant
A strong focus on sustainability with inspiration from Japan and the delicacies of the west coast.
Street food
A cosy spot in the heart of Gamlestaden, serving world fusion street food, bang-on cocktails, and ridiculously local, tasty beer.
The Gothenburg restaurant scene is certainly alive and well, and new eateries are added frequently. Here are some restaurants and bars that recently opened or are just about to open.
7. Take the train to the walking trail
The walking trail Gotaleden runs between the cities Gothenburg and Alingsås and offers fantastic nature and exciting sights along the way. You can easily reach the various stages of the trail by commuting with train from Gothenburg Central Station, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafés along the way.
Hiking trail
Stunning landscapes and interesting sights.
8. Relax at Hagabadet
In the middle of the neighbourhood Haga in Gothenburg, in a historic building built in 1876, you will find the spa Hagabadet. Here you can exchange gray autumn skies for soft lighting, spa treatments and a soothing atmosphere. If you are not nearby, Hagabadet also offers a facility at the square Drottningtorget right next to the Central Station and one in Sannegården on the island of Hisingen.
Spa & gym
An iconic oasis in the heart of Haga, with a focus on quality of life. Enjoy warm baths, yoga, saunas and training in a historic setting from 1876.
9. Inspiring shopping in central Gothenburg
Are you in need of a new autumn sweater, or perhaps a completely new wardrobe? In central Gothenburg you will find Swedish fashion from Acne Studios, Filippa K, Arket and others, and at Aplace you will find both new and secondhand fashion. If you’re interested in interior design, Artilleriet has everything you’ve ever dreamed of.
Magasinsgatan is a given destination for shopping and coffee as well as eating out or grabbing a drink when the evening comes. Trendy shops, restaurants and bars all offer something special, no matter if it comes to barista skills, local clothing brands or restaurant decor.
It’s easy to explore central Gothenburg on foot and there are plenty of fun to see and do. From the large market hall and shopping streets Kungsgatan, Vallgatan and Södra Larmgatan to cafés and sights. Many hotels are located here too, which makes it easy to stay right in the centre of things.