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 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.

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.

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.

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.

This weekend may be all about experiencing Gothenburg, but it can't hurt to take a little detour to Vietnam - at least sensorially. You'll find this floating Vietnamese restaurant on a modern houseboat close to Kungsportsplatsen. The chargrill's always hot in the kitchen and the restaurant serves food with fragrances and flavours that appeal to all the senses. Enjoy classic Saigonese flavours and dishes such as baguettes, noodles, spring rolls and salads with views over the water, parks and the magnificent Stora Teatern. Crispy, tasty and colourful.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

Don't miss Gothenburg's oldest (and many would say best) pepparkakor gingerbread thins when you visit the city. Göteborgs Pepparkaksbageri has been baking ginger thins in the same artisanal way and according to the same secret recipe since 1924, making them an important part of the city's history. As well as the cookies, you can buy other goodies such as bread, pastries, coffee and more in the shop . 

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'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.

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.

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.

Gothenburg's oldest neighbourhood boasts charming wooden houses surrounded by cobbled streets. You'll also find a wide range of independent shops here, including Rum 21 furniture store, Bebop Antik and Haga Trätoffelfabrik, selling handmade clogs and other shoes.

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.

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.

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.  

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.