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 former meat packing district, the Gamlestaden fabriker-area, Bellevue and the central parts of Gamlestaden.

Credit: Tina Stafrén

Slakthusområdet: 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 former meat packing district Slakthusområdet. 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.

Urban winery and restaurant

Wine Mechanics

Wine Mechanics is the Nordic region’s first urban winery, with production and a restaurant in Gamlestaden in eastern Göteborg & Co. Their high-quality wines can be enjoyed on site, alongside lunch, dinner, or one of the many events held here.

Brewery

Spike Brewery

Craft brewery in the old Meat Packing district.

Restaurant and bar

Ego Distillers

Right at the heart of the distillery, you’ll find the spirits bar – a place to dive into delicious distillates, sip on cocktails, enjoy good tunes, and tuck into tasty food.

Coffee roastery and shop in Gamlestaden

Kafferäven

Coffee roastery in Gamlestaden.Coffee roastery in Gamlestaden with a shop, coffee bar and workshop. At Kafferäven, you can buy their speciality coffee, brewing equipment, and take part in courses and events.

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.

A brick bulding with the sign Mugwort

Barbecue restaurant in Gamlestaden

Mugwort

Restaurant in the neighbourhood Gamlestaden specialising in American barbecue. Here, you’ll find smoked and grilled dishes, burgers, and local craft beer.

Pizzeria in Gamlestaden

Dubbelhakan

Restaurant and wine bar in Gamlestaden serving Neapolitan pizza, cured meats and local cheeses. The wine list features both natural wines and more traditional selections.

Vision image of Konsthallen in Gamlestan.

Göteborgs Konsthall opening in 2027

The contemporary art museum Göteborgs Konsthall will move into the area in Gamlestaden in 2027. The move from the city centre 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.

Contemporary art gallery

Göteborgs Konsthall (opens 20 March 2027)

Exhibitions of Swedish and international contemporary artists.

Slakthuset Saturdays and Block Party

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.

In July every year, the street party and music festival Slakthuset Block Party is held in the area. You can get tickets for one or three days and join in on local food, beer, wine, and concerts with established as well as up-and-coming artists.

Photo taken over a market table
Food, art and vintage market
Lilla Waterloogatan 2, Göteborg, Sverige
26Sep
Sep26
A bar with chairs

Gamlestans fabriker: Vintage design shops, smash burgers and pasta

At the Gamlestans 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.

Large windows and a premises with lots of vintage furnitures.

Marketplace for vintage and design

Forum Göteborg

The Nordic region’s largest marketplace for vintage and design lovers.

Street food in east Gothenburg.

Street food

Rollin' Bistros Backyard

A cosy spot in the heart of Gamlestaden, serving world fusion street food, bang-on cocktails, and ridiculously local, tasty beer.

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.

Multi-sport arena

Prioritet Serneke Arena

Prioritet Serneke Arena is Scandinavia’s largest multi-sport facility.

Credit: Peter Kvarnström

The central parts of Gamlestaden: 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.