A weekend in Gothenburg: experience the city in 48 hours

Just a stone's throw from Gothenburg Central Station, the Clarion Hotel Post is a true landmark hotel. The former Post Office headquarters has some 540 bedrooms and suites, as well as VRÅ and Norda restaurants, Postbaren and a luxurious spa, making it one of the city's largest hotels.

This four-star hotel doesn't just boast beautiful bedrooms, it also has crowd-pleasers such as a relax area with jacuzzi and sauna and the View Skybar & Restaurant, with panoramic views over the entrance to the city's harbour.

A boutique hotel with a capital b, in which every room is individually decorated. After checking in, head to the hotel's Bar Amuse for an aperitif and, if you don't fancy heading out to explore the city's restaurant jungle, just take the lift up to their White Guide-listed Restaurant Atelier.

The first guest checked in to Hotel Eggers in the middle of the 19th century, and the decor hasn't changed all that much since then, with fine rugs, ornamental plasterwork and shimmering crystal chandeliers. Top tip: Check out the hotel's weekend package deals.

Comfort Hotel City is a budget-friendly hotel right in the heart of the action, which is perfect if you plan to spend your stay in Gothenburg out and about rather than in the hotel. The rooms are stylish and equipped with their own shower and toilet, and there is also a "barception" with simpler food options. Despite the great price, breakfast is included in the form of a well-stocked buffet.

You'd be hard pushed to find a restaurant with a better reputation (and scallops) than Koka. Their Michelin star was awarded in recognition of their exceptional interpretation of West Swedish gastronomy. Sit back and enjoy the restaurant's three, five or seven-course menu.

VRå restaurant opened its doors inside the Clarion Hotel Post in 2012, with a menu filled with Nordic gastronomy with Japanese influences. Think sushi, sashimi and oysters. This successful formula continues today, in recently renovated surroundings.

This warm, intimate restaurant is a great place to get a taste of rustic West Swedish gastronomy. Whether you go all-in with a three-course meal, or just pick one dish from the à la carte menu, you won't be disappointed. Top tip: Kickstart or round off your meal with one of Familjen's creative cocktails.

Grano, which is run by Chef of the Year winner Thomas Sjögren, is as relaxed as it is delicious. Order a selection of small dishes to share, a pizza or two, and a bottle of red wine to pass around the table. You don't need much more than that for a fantastic evening. 

Delights from various corners of Asia come together on one menu at Miss Miso, which is a slightly more relaxed project from the duo behind the Michelin-starred restaurant Project. Dive into a variety of small and sharing dishes, or opt for a full omakase. Whichever you choose, we recommend you don't miss the signature dish of Korean fried chicken, for which the restaurant is particularly renowned. The drinks list is also something out of the ordinary.

The Melody Club karaoke bar and restaurant is perfect for anyone who loves to belt out tunes in the shower. Sing karaoke in private rooms, drink cocktails, and enjoy Japanese fusion cuisine. You can borrow props like wigs, hats and clothes, so just turn up as you are. 

In the former engine room at Gamlestadens Fabriker, you can now find Gothenburg's first distillery and spirits bar, Ego Distillers. Combine small plates with creative drinks and attend tastings at the distillery. On weekends, DJs spin vinyl records in the bar.

A few steps from Avenyn you'll find one of the hottest nightspots in town. As well as a restaurant and coffee bar, Yaki-Da houses two dance floors where you can dance to various music styles, led by both DJs and live artists. Quite simply, perfect for a proper night out. 

You don't need to be part of the steampunk sub-culture to feel right at home at this unique bar. Enjoy the 19th century industrial aesthetic, and their huge selection of gin and beer.

Celebration and enjoyment are embedded in the walls of Pustervik – people have socialised since the 1920s. With a wide range of clubs and concerts, they attract a diverse audience, from indie pop fans to rock enthusiasts. If you want to party like the people of Gothenburg, you've come to the right place.

One of Gothenburg's most popular meeting places is Skanshof, which houses a bistro, bar, art, and culture all under one roof, as well as several outdoor seating areas. The atmosphere gets a little extra lively towards the weekend, so dropping by for a drink at the bar is a sure way to spark the party vibe. Stay late or head on out into the city.

Gothenburg is famously known as 'Little London', but you can also find a little piece of 1950s Italy here, in the form of Hotel Bellora. Every morning, a well-stocked breakfast buffet is laid out with both hot and cold dishes, strong coffee, juice, and plenty of Nutella. Both drop-ins and external guests with reservations are welcome.

In cosy Majorna, you can start your day with a well-prepared breakfast at Me & the Goat. On weekends, it's served buffet style with treats such as freshly baked bread, granola, compotes, fresh fruit, spreads, and much more. Everything is homemade and mainly based on seasonal ingredients. 

From early morning, the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted coffee beans wafts from this bakery on Magasinsgatan. Everything here is made with meticulous craftsmanship, whether it's a breakfast sandwich, a coffee break treat, or a lunch salad. Coffee, of course, is of the highest quality, so if you're someone who needs a steaming cup to become human in the morning, you've come to the right place.

At Södra Larm, Hotel Flora's charming bistro, you can enjoy breakfast with a view over Grönsakstorget. Choose from a variety of cheeses, cold meats, fresh fruit, bread, and sweets, and complement it with coffee and juice for a fully-fledged start to the day. Centrally located, Södra Larm is an excellent starting point for a day in the city.

This personal and homely women's clothes shop is in one of Gothenburg's trendiest and most charming neighbourhoods. Browse the rails of hand-picked clothes and accessories from favourite brands including Rabens Saloner, Mother, Frame, Maria Black, A pair, Autry and Laura Bellariva..

The first customers came through Arkaden's doors in the 1800s. These days, the shopping centre houses some 25 stores, primarily fashion, design, beauty and interiors. Browse among brands including Nilson Shoes, Zara and Bolia.

You've probably seen Elin PK's naïve posters popping up on Instagram, and in the shop in Gothenburg, you can admire them up close. The motifs often feature culinary classics such as cinnamon buns, prawn sandwiches, filter coffee, and every conceivable cocktail. Find your favourite and take it home with you.

You'll find furniture and interiors for the entire house at Tibergs Möbler. They're passionate about beautiful design and it's extremely important to them to be able to give all their customers personal service and help them find what works for them and their home. The 3000 square metre space includes both famous and less well-known brands.

If you want to shop for lots of things in one place, head to Forum Göteborg, which brings together second hand, antiques, art, design, and fashion all in one location. The department store houses over 2000 square metres with more than 30 different operators, so claiming that there's something for almost everyone is no exaggeration.

Magasingatans torg has been Gothenburg's style mecca for a few years. Fashion boutiques, food trucks, a coffee roastery and - in the heart of the square - this hip interiors store. Browse their ecectic selection of furniture, lighting and interiors details.

Bar Bulot is perfectly suited for a lively and slightly luxurious lunch in authentic Gothenburg surroundings. Here, in the heart of Stora Saluhallen, you can sip a glass of wine and people-watch. The menu is innovative and updated almost daily based on seasonal ingredients and the chefs' moods.

It's practically unforgivable not to visit historic Feskekörka during a trip to Gothenburg, at least according to many local gourmets. Enjoy fresh delicacies from the sea while feeling the echoes of the past. The food hall accommodates several different restaurants and vendors offering everything from oysters to seafood street food and traditional dishes on their menus.

For a luxurious lunch, Sjömagasinet is a surefire choice – the fact that both the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen have dined at the restaurant speaks volumes. In true West Coast spirit, the menu offers a plethora of fish and seafood, primarily with classic Swedish and French influences. A glass of champagne and the experience is complete.

Sunny Elio serves Mediterranean flavours in its own way, often with Scandinavian ingredients and a bit of a creative twist. Lunchtime often brings influences from other parts of the world as well. With a central location and a pleasant atmosphere, the restaurant is a perfect choice when you need a break from all the sightseeing and shopping.

With over 20 years at the same address and regulars returning for just as long, Ma Cuisine is a restaurant you can really trust. In classic bistro surroundings, you can enjoy equally classic dishes from French cuisine. On Saturdays, a slightly extravagant lunch menu is offered with starters, mains, and desserts, best washed down with something delicious from the wine list.

The colourful Museum of World Culture aims to make the world a little larger, more humane and more inclusive by showcasing a treasure trove of information from all four corners of the world. Meet crocodiles, golden artefacts and shark-teeth swords, join a guided tour or check out one of interesting events on the programme.  

Did you know that you can actually go on a safari in Gothenburg? Without savannah and wild animals, but with much wilder wines instead. Folk's wine safari includes three small glasses of natural wine at a particularly gentle price. Choose the wine yourself or let the staff provide you with their favourites, and combine it with a couple of oysters if you wish. 

Boulebar Rosenlund feels as though it's in Le Marais, rather than right next door to Feskekörka fish market. 14 well-kept boules lanes and a menu packed with French classics await. Their hearty weekend brunch is a popular destination for Gothenburgers and visitors alike.

How does sampling a range of exciting beers in rustic surroundings sound? If that rings your bell, head to Fjärde Långgatan. Hang out with friends as you taste various beers which pair perfectly with their bistro menu - cheers!

The coastal city of Gothenburg is best explored from the water, so for a bit of sightseeing, you can jump on one of Strömma's boat tours. Take a guided tour along the canals, head out to the archipelago, or take a hop on-hop off to one of the city's attractions. 

It's not for nothing that we've cooked over an open fire since time immemorial – because honestly, is there anything more delicious? At Totale, they've got the concept down and prepare all their food over fire or in a wood-fired oven, serving it with matching wine in the glasses. Uncomplicated and simply heavenly.

Party like it's 1886! The historic Valand building has been hosting parties for more than 130 years. These days, after a major facelift, you can order grilled meat dishes and oysters in the dining room or kickstart your evening with a cocktail.

Set your sights on Gurras and let dinner become the highlight of the evening! Super chef Gustav Trägårdh takes the lead here, creating dishes with influences from around the world. The common theme is street food, even if it takes on a slightly more luxurious form here. Expect a festive atmosphere and a pleasantly lively volume.

Pivo restaurant in Lorensberg only serves food based on ingredients that swim and wander freely in the sea and forest. Order a game platter and take in the cosy "hunting lodge" atmosphere.

28+ delivers seasonal dishes at a high level – so high that they maintain their star in the Michelin Guide year after year. For a real wow-experience, the tasting menu with a wine package is recommended, but ordering from the à la carte (and the extensive wine list!) is also a good choice. Larger groups can book the restaurant's chambre séparée for a more intimate dinner.

What could be better before you jump on the train than a substantial brunch, just a stone's throw from Gothenburg's Central station? You'll find the Norda restaurant in the Clarion Hotel Post serving hearty brunch dishes - a skilfully blended Virgin Mary or a glass of bubbles is a perfect accompaniment.

At Atrium, inside the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Sunday brunch is given an elegant backdrop. The buffet is laden with international dishes such as waffles, mini burgers, salads and sweets. You don't need much more for a grand finale to the weekend.

On weekends, Suggan Vinbar transforms into a brunch bar with innovative versions of classic brunch dishes. English muffins, ricotta hotcakes, and scrambled eggs are examples of dishes that can be paired with champagne, mimosas, or a cold glass of O'boy chocolate milk.

Absorb the lively atmosphere at Brasserie Lavette, which feels like an upbeat Saturday night no matter the day of the week. In an environment reminiscent of the bistros of Paris and New York, they serve ambitious brunch dishes, including eggs Benedict, toast, oysters, and indulgent milkshakes. Quite simply, everything you need for a fitting conclusion to your stay in Gothenburg.