Hop on a tram and head northeast towards Gothenburg’s up-and-coming area Gamlestaden, or “Gamlestan”, dominated by traditional wooden houses and an international vibe. What used to be a centre for industrial production is rapidly transforming into a cultural and culinary hotspot, with restaurants, craft breweries and vintage shops moving into the old factory brick buildings.

Drink local in Slakthusområdet

Gothenburg is one of Europe’s hottest hubs for craft beer (have a look at our guide to craft beer breweries in Gothenburg) and one of the breweries is located in Slakthusområdet, the old meat packing district next to Gamlestadstorget. Experiment-loving Spike Brewery produce small batches of craft beer, and host various weekend events in their tap room bar. If you prefer wine, try the recently opened winery Wine Mechanics, presenting a wine bar, a restaurant serving locally sourced oysters and a tasting loft. And if you’re in the mood to sample some seriously strong drinks, a visit to Ego Distillers and their bar & restaurant, Ego Spritbar, at Väverigatan 7 is highly recommended. In the same neighborhood, there is also the Mugwort BBQ shack, which recently moved into the area from outside of Gothenburg. Should the craving for artisanal pizza find its way, a visit to Dubbelhakan applies. Coffee after the meal? Then a visit to the small artisan roastery Kafferäven is a good fit, where special coffee of various kinds is served.

Well-stocked vintage shops and lively markets

At Gamlestaden’s factories you’ll find the large interior and design mecca Forum Gothenburg – the Nordic region’s largest general department store for vintage, antiques, design, fashion and art. Around 30 different actors gather here and sometimes Forum Göteborg is also visited by various pop-ups. A short walk from Gamlestadstorget you will find Easy Living, a 180 square meter vintage store filled with carefully selected furniture and decoration items. Next door, you’ll find the restaurant Rollin’ Bistros Backyard that focuses on street food, smash burgers, well-crafted cocktails, local beer and Japanese bar food.

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.

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.