Gothenburg's best shopping

Cute independent shops - from carefully curated secondhand to modern interiors and Scandi fashion - dotted among old wooden houses and cobblestone streets. Haga Trätoffelfabrik & Läderaffär, Bebop Antik , Rum 21 and Charlston are just a few of the names. If you're hungry or ready for a coffee break there are plenty of inviting cafés and restaurants along Haga Nygata, including the popular Sjöbaren and Café Husaren - famed for their gigantic cinnamon buns.

A popular shopping street where you'll find several of the major chains. From fashion for children and adults to sports stores, opticians and shoe shops, but also smaller stores such as gift and interiors store Tinna and renowned jewellers Jarl Sandin. In the middle of Kungsgatan is Gothenburg cathedral, surrounded by a lovely park perfect for a pitstop on a park bench or picnic on the grass. If you're hungry Ma Cuisine and Sorellina - Friends, food & wine serve great lunches for anyone needing a pause from their shopping.

Magasinsgatan has become one of Gothenburg's absolute hottest destinations for both shopping and restaurants. You'll find barista-award-winning Da Matteo, which houses both a coffee bar and coffee roastery/sourdough bakery, flagship stores for hip Swedish fashion brands such as Acne Studio and Dr. Denim Gallery, as well as uber-cool interiors stores Artilleriet and Norrgavel. The street's lively restaurant scene includes some popular restaurants and you can enjoy some of the best burgers in the city at The Barn just one street away. Or hang out in the square and grab something to eat from one of the food trucks.

Avenyn has long been regarded as something of a tourist trap by locals but recently the street has undergone a makeover thanks to facade renovations and new additions in the form of fashion stores, restaurants, hotels and lunch spots. Götaplatsen with its iconic sculpture of Poseidon at the top end of the street is one of the city's most famous landmarks. The street is also home to the Gothenburg Museum of Art and Gothenburg City Theatre with its Foajébaren. Restaurant-wise, options include the newly-renovated Brasserie Lipp, Ristorante Bellora with hotel and rooftop bar and Le Pain Français Bistro, to name just a few. Don't miss Avenyn's trendy parallel street Teatergatan, home to cool, intimate spots such as Poh-Keh and Jimmy & Joan's New York.

Majorna is more than a part of town, for many it's an entire lifestyle; cultural life is alive and well here alongside lots of delightful shops and great restaurants. The area is large and stretches from Stigbergstorget, where the landmark Seafarer's Wife sculpture looks out over the entrance to the city harbour, to charming Mariaplan and Röda sten. The secondhand store Majornas Saker från Förr and deli Gudagott are just a stone's throw from the Italian neighbourhood restaurant Enoteca Maglia and it's adjacent sister bar, Vini e Liquori.

This department store, sister store to the original Stockholm store, opened in Gothenburg in 1971. Be inspired by timeless design classics, Swedish and international premium quality brands and a large department for beauty and perfumes. The department's 50 departments include NK Designers, Nk Herrtrend and Nk Damunderkläder. The department store's lower ground floor has services such as toilets and NK's customer service department, where you can buy gift certificates and join the mailing list for special offers.

Arkaden has been an important part of Gothenburg's retail scene since the 1800s. Naturally a lot has happened to the department since then, but the emphasis on an enjoyable shopping experience remains. There are around 25 stores spread over three floors, mainly focusing on fashion, design, beauty and interiors. Some of the stores housed in the light, airy department store are Zara, Bolia, Nilson Shoes and Tesla. When hunger sets in, Löfqvist å vi serves a great shopping lunch, with a glass of fizz if you fancy.

Sweden's leading department store for fashion, lifestyle and beauty shopping can be found at four different locations in Gothenburg. The largest is Åhléns City in Nordstan, followed by Åhléns Kungsgatan, Åhléns Frölunda Torg and Åhléns Partille. Since their opening in 1889 they've offered a complete concept for the whole family and their own fashion brands Wera and Å provide fashion-conscious clothes at great value prices. Muji in the interiors department sells Asian-influenced details for the home and wardrobe. The department store also includes haberdashery, shoes, beauty, music and entertainment departments.

With several thousand square metres of retail space and some 200 different stores, Nordstan is one of Sweden's largest shopping centres. Whatever the weather, you can shop here comfortably and find everything you need for all the family. The shopping centre has numerous entrances and you can easily get here by public transport. There's also a gigantic indoor car park next door, with direct access to the shopping centre. If you need to recharge your batteries there are plenty of restaurant, fast food and café options. 

Torget, "the square", as Gothenburgers call it, has undergone a major makeover in recent years, in terms of size, appearance and selection. The shopping centre was opened in 1966 by politician Olof Palme and since then its gone from some forty stores to 150. Browse among everything from fashion stores, sport and interiors to delis, bakeries and toy stores. There are also several restaurants and cafés. Frölunda Kulturhus next to the shopping centre includes an indoor swimming pool and library. If you're coming by car, there are two large car parks, along with a newly-built bus and tram hub.

Gothenburg has masses to offer fashion-conscious women, but if you really want to find the hidden gems you'll need to look beyond the obvious shopping streets. Swedish fashion is well represented with Acne Studio, Gudrun Sjödén and the Gothenburg brand Dr. Denim Gallery. You can also find stores whose fingers are firmly on the pulse of international fashion, with both large and small collections direct from the catwalk. Mouche, Grandpa and Bitte Kai Rand are well worth a visit.

Gothenburg is a treasure trove for style-conscious men. Whether you like well-tailored Italian suits or a more of a denim guy there are plenty of stores specialising in your look. Just like in all cities, it helps to know where to go and you'll often need to stray from the main shopping streets to find more specialised stores. Lidholm's Clothier offers premium quality clothes with a timeless feel, as well as a large range of accessories from famous brands. Many of the popular Swedish fashion brands have their own studios and flagship stores, including Nudie Jeans Co and Acne Studio. Denim specialists Göteborg Manufaktur draw in jeans nerds from far and wide. If you're looking for high-end suits, classic Holmens Herrekipering Avenyn and Italian Spiga 3 are well worth a visit.

As we all know, shoes can make or break an outfit. Luckily, Gothenburg has a huge range of shoes to suit all possible occasions and looks. Looking for some elegant pumps to wear to work, a pair of comfy city shoes to tramp the streets in or some edgy trainers? You'll find what you're looking for in one of the city's shoe stores. We've selected the stores that stand out for their range and style, to make it easier for you to find the right shoes for your needs.

Are you looking for a present for a party, or does the dressing-up box need an update? There are several stores in Gothenburg catering to discerning kids and their parents. You'll find everything from non-toxic toys, robust outdoor gear and cuddly toys to educational games and special occasion clothes.

Whether you're looking to give your home a complete makeover or just freshen it up with some new details, help and inspiration is always welcome. Fabriken, Artilleriet and Alvhem Mäkleri & Interiör are a few of design-conscious Gothenburger's favourite stores. Many of the city's interiors shops aren't just great for stylish details and comfy cushions, they also offer complete solutions including planning, styling and design advice - BoConcept and Casa in Corso are two such stores.