Sweden’s deep-rooted traditions and modern innovations have intertwined throughout the ages, to create a kaleidoscopic country, that’s given us everything from ABBA hits and slick cars to oat milk lattes and chic furniture. The world has, of course, welcomed it all with open arms and now lovers of all things Nordic are seeking their own Scandi escape. And where better to get your Swedish fix than the quintessential second city of Gothenburg (Göteborg)? This decidedly laid back and understatedly hip spot is free from the pressures of being the capital but those with a tight timeframe needn’t worry, as just 24 hours in Gothenburg can provide keen explorers with countless culinary delights, vibrant city life and so much more. There’s tram lined streets, neoclassical architecture and canals perfect for sun basking dockside. So, if you’ve found yourself struggling to cram more days into a trip to this Swedish haven, read on. Our extensive guide of how best to spend 24 hours in Gothenburg will be sure to leave even the most time conscious of travellers with a city escape unlike any other...
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Breakfast
Gothenburg’s countless cafes and restaurants are clear advocates of breakfast being the most important meal of the day, serving up everything from organic produce to hearty and substantial dishes to set you up for the day. There’s Gothenburg's indoor food market, Saluhallen, where you can eat breakfast at the continental food and wine bar Salut. Or Café Zenit, boasting a blackboard menu and uber cool diners, looking for their morning coffee fix and delicious baked goods. Now, with rumbling stomachs quelled, it’s time to head onwards. For those lucky enough to be travelling during spring 2023 a trip to the new Gothenburg landmark Wisdome is a must. This large wooden sphere is one for the curious travellers, built on the roof of Universeum, Sweden’s national science centre and one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. It will showcase space travel in new and innovative ways – we’re talking dramatic film effects and the smallest building blocks of the human body on a 360° screen. Not to mention plenty of aquariums and indoor rainforests to explore back on ground level.
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Late Morning
After a morning spent quite literally out of this world, why not enjoy the simplicities found back on land? This green city has sustainability and open spaces in abundance with The Gothenburg Botanical Garden and Slottsskogen Park (complete with its own zoo that’s home to elks, ponies, sheep and other Nordic animals in the heart of the city) a must for nature lovers. There’s also the Natural History Museum, that’s creating an anniversary exhibition using photographs in collaboration with the Hasselblad Foundation. Or you could hop on the train for a short 25 minutes to Alingsas. Home to cobbled streets, quaint wooden houses and a continuous waft of freshly ground coffee and pastries (yum!), a late morning wandering its canal side is the perfect way to ease into the afternoon. So, grab a sweet treat and enjoy a Fika break before returning to Gothenburg, where the adventuring continues...
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Lunch to Late Afternoon
As the afternoon approaches thrill seekers can head to Liseberg amusement park. Found in the heart of Gothenburg, this ride packed park has been welcoming adrenaline junkies since 1923 and is certainly one for the brave! However, those after a slower pace and some good grub will find an afternoon spent at Gunnebo House and Gardens to be just the ticket. This stately home is nestled between two breath-taking lakes and is just a short 15 minutes from the centre. Surrounded by oaks in a beautiful cultural reserve, the lunches here encourage diners to use the fresh ingredients from the estate gardens to make delicious meals. The main course is created by Gunnebo’s chefs, while the ingredients basket is packed with fresh bread and cakes (from their bakery) and organic ‘kokkaffe’ to make Swedish boiled coffee. Pick herbs and berries to add extra flavour and enjoy the wild and charming al fresco dining experience, with walks around the grounds to complete a late afternoon before heading back to Gothenburg for the early evening.
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Early Evening
Sunset chasers will find the fortress of Skansen Kronan, situated on the hill Risåsberget in the Haga district, the perfect spot to watch the sun dip. Or relax on the archipelago, with both the northern and southern archipelagos of Gothenburg offering respitefrom the bustling city and peaceful Swedish culture, with views across the tranquil waters. Beer lovers shall unite and enjoy a cold one, thanks to Gothenburg's thriving craft beer scene and its plethora of breweries, tap rooms and pubs.. Plus, in the spring of 2023, Stigberget’s brewery will have a brand new tap room at Ringön, which’ll play host to concerts, delicious food options and beer directly from the tap. A pre-dinner culture fix can be found at the Gothenburg Museum of Art, where there’s an understandable focus on Sweden with works spanning from the 15th century to the more contemporary. But international names including Munch, Picasso, Monet and Rembrandt can also be appreciated here before heading off in search of dinner...
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Dinner
If there’s one thing your 24 hours in Gothenburg will have shown you, is the wealth of amazing dishes found throughout the city. From Michelin-starred chefs to humble cafes and hidden gems, there is something for all palates here. There’s the beautifully balanced dishes of the Michelin starred SK Mat & Människor, who offer flavourful combinations and innovations. You’d be forgiven for thinking, too, that the duck from Munka Ljungby served here has been borrowed from your earlier visit to the Gothenburg Museum of Art. There’s also the mouth-wateringly good dishes of Norda, where fresh ingredients and skilled chefs elevate meals in the old historic post office hall. Plus, the seafood platter or Halv local speciality dish here are a must. Wherever you chose to dine you’ll likely experience the warmth and charm that’s found throughout Sweden and its hearty meals, as you round off a perfect 24 hours in Gothenburg.