A weekend in Gothenburg: experience the city in 48 hours

Right next door to Central station

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 500 bedrooms and suites, as well as VRÅ and Norda restaurants, Postbaren and a luxurious spa, making it one of the city's largest hotels.

Check in and check out the city

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.

French luxury

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.

Hotel Opera is right in the centre of town, surrounded by shops and big-city bustle, with a wide range of facilities under one roof. Experience the contrast of a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city in the wellness centre. Enjoy the heated pool, steam and dry saunas and envigorating cold plunge pool. The hotel restaurant, Restaurang Angelini, serves Italian and American flavours, and you can sip delicious cocktails in classic New York-style surroundings in the Oak Bar.

A classic hotel

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.

Less is more

Unpolished concrete, carver chairs and no-frills cooking sets the tone at trendy Bord 27. The menu is divided up into three categories - starter size dishes such as steak tartare, larger dishes such as baked halibut and sweet finales such as sea buckthorn and orange dessert. Everything is skillfully cooked and well priced.

Michelin-starred restaurant

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.

Nordic with a Japanese touch

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.

Home from home

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.

Scandinavia's first steampunk bar

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.

Vegetarian breakfast in Insta-friendly surroundings

You'll find this popular breakfast destination between the charming Haga and Linné neighbourhoods. A more tasteful spot at which to start the day would be hard to find. They serve a range of healthy - and photogenic - alternatives to a breakfast roll, including colourful bowls and nutritious smoothies.

Bagels baked on site

Breakfast like a native New Yorker just a stone's throw from Avenyn. At Jimmy & Joan's New York bagels take centre stage - and they're baked on site. Choose from classic options such as cream cheese and smoked salmon or or a sweet bagel with Nutella.

Breakfast buffet in Majorna

Take a tram to Masthugget and enjoy a hearty breakfast before you head out to wander among the neighbourhood's charming and characteristic buildings. Elis serves a substantial, filling brekkie and the outdoor dining area boasts excellent people-watching opportunities.

Continental breakfast in Saluhallen

This food and wine bar can be found inside Gothenburg's Stora Saluhallen covered food market. They serve lunch, an à la carte menu - and an excellent Continental breakfast. Their morning selection includes croissants, coffee, freshly-squeezed juice and yoghurt with berries and granola. You can also pick up a breakfast bag to take away through their takeaway hatch.

Oodles of fashion

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.

For home-decorating fanatics

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.

Danish design

This light, airy, three-floor store is packed with wonderful modern Danish furniture design. Shop from the chain's in-house design as well as products from international designers. On the first floor they sell outgoing stock at reduced prices.

Stylish furniture and design

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.

New and nutritious

You'll find this Hawaiian-influenced poké bowl joint on Teatergatan. Tuck into organic, locally-produced dishes such as spicy salmon, jalapeño shrimp and vegan Buddah bowls. You can also create your own bespoke bowl.

Luxurious and locally produced

Do you need a break in your shopping spree? Stop by Löfqvist å vi for a luxurious lunch based on locally-produced seasonal ingredients. Take a look at their wine list if you really want to treat yourself.

Paris for the day

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.

Beer tasting

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!

Captain for the day

Spend the weekend experiencing Gothenburg from its true element and take a boat trip with Let's boat's electric boats. Enjoy being a captain for the day and steer your own soundless boat through the city's historic canals and moats. During the trip you'll experience many of Gothenburg's main attractions from the water, such as the Maritime Museum, Opera House and Trädgårdsföreningen botanical gardens. Feel free to take some drinks and snacks with you onboard.

Bowling, burgers - and a mechanical bull

Star Bowling has fully embraced the American theme; they serve burgers and steaks and have a wide range of games and activities to balance out the calories. In addition to several bowling lanes, you can also play billiards, shuffleboard and virtual golf. Braver guests can see how long they last on the mechanical bull.

Dinner cooked over open fire

Totally crazy? Perhaps a little but, most importantly, absolutely delicious. Food cooked over open fire is the order of the day here - served alongside natural wines.

Buzzy brasserie

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.

Wild and beautiful

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.

Brunch close to Central station

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.

Art and plant-based brunch

This former boiler house houses a popular art gallery and an equally popular restaurant. "Meat-free Sunday brunch" is the order of the day here, perfect if you want to round off your Gothenburg stay in a green way.