Take a tram northeast to the bustling Gamlestaden (or “Old Town”) district, home to traditional wooden houses and an international atmosphere. What was once an industrial center is now rapidly transforming into something else, as new restaurants, microbreweries and vintage shops move into the old brick-red factory buildings. There are four areas to keep an eye on: the area around the Slakthuset, the Gamlestan fabriker, Bellevue and the central parts of Gamlestan.
Slakthuset: Drink and eat local
Gothenburg has become a city to be reckoned with when it comes to craft beer, and one of the breweries is located in the Slakthus area next to Gamlestadstorget. Spike Brewery likes to experiment with new flavours and every weekend they invite you to bar parties and various events in the brewhouse pub. For those who prefer to drink wine, there is the city winery Wine Mechanics, with a wine bar, a restaurant with locally produced oysters and a tasting loft. If you want to taste really strong drinks, a visit to Ego Distillers and their bar & restaurant Ego Spritbar at Väverigatan 7 is recommended. Coffee after dinner? Then a visit to the small craft roastery Kafferäven is a good fit, where different types of specialty coffee are served.
In the same neighborhood is also the BBQ joint Mugwort, where they cook from scratch and smoke all their own meat. Should the craving for artisanal pizza arise, a visit to Dubbelhakan is the way to go, where the pizza is cooked the Neapolitan way, in an authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza oven.
Göteborgs Konsthall flyttar till Slakthuset
Göteborgs Konsthall will move into the Slakthuset building in Gamlestaden in 2026. The move will allow for larger spaces for exhibitions, pedagogy and programs, as well as extended opening hours, which will create better conditions for both the art and the audience. In the meantime, artistic projects, program activities and pedagogy are underway and can be followed digitally.
Slakthuset Saturdays
On the last Saturday of each month the old rustic slaughterhouse area in Gothenburg turns into a marketplace with artisan food, design, arts, craft and quality vintage and second hand goods. Enjoy the laidback atmosphere for a unique opportunity to meet with, and shop directly from, the creator behind the product.
Gamlestans fabriker: Vintage design shops, smash burgers and pasta
At the Gamlestan fabriker you’ll find the large interior design mecca Forum Göteborg – the largest department store in the Nordic region for vintage, antiques, design, fashion and art. Around 30 different players gather here and Forum Göteborg is also sometimes visited by various pop-ups. Just around the corner, you will find Rollin’ Bistros Backyard, which focuses on street food, smash burgers, well-crafted cocktails, local beer and Japanese bar food. Just a short walk away, there is Pastor, a food truck that serves pasta dishes in various forms.
Bellevue: Markets, second-hand and skiing
Move on to Bellevue, two tram stops further out, to explore Stadsmissionen’s and Holmens marknad’s second hand shops. When you’re done shopping grab a falafel from one of the food trucks outside. Kvibergs marknad, at Kviberg tram stop, is an even larger market which offers second hand goods, clothes, groceries and flowers. While you are in the area, why not try out some cross-country skiing in Skidome at Prioritet Serneke Arena? The track is open all year round, and equipment can be rented on site.
The central parts of Gamlestan: International flavours and Swedish fika
In Brahegatan, Al Habesha brings the best of Ethiopian cuisine and atmosphere to Gothenburg and in Artillerigatan the Iraqi Nergiz Kebab offers crispy falafel and grilled meats in a freshly baked thin bread. If the weather permits, have your food to go and climb nearby Bunkeberget for a splendid view. Up for a Swedish fika? Cederleüfs & Svenheimers in Brahegatan offer a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of traditional pastries, including the classic cinnamon bun.