The best outdoor dining areas in Gothenburg

Suntrap close to the harbour entrance

When the sun's shining, Esperantoplatsen is one of the best suntraps in the city. There are great views over the canal and entrance to the harbour and guests are welcome to drop by and enjoy the sun, food and drinks whenever they feel like it. All-day dining is the concept and when the sun goes down you can just inside for a few games of ping pong, pinball or to play arcade games in the games room.

Kungstorget's riviera

Avalon's large outdoor dining area stretches right around the corner of the building. Sit in relaxing lounge furntiture, or poufy plastic armchairs, and watch the world go by. Outdoor heaters keep the chill off when the sun disappears. A popular stop for summer visitors and off-duty business people alike, all in stylish Continental surroundings.

Views over the city's major hub

The huge former post office building towers over this buzzy square, right next to the central train station. The Clarion Hotel Post boasts a fully equipped outdoor kitchen which produces summery and classic barbeque dishes. The steps of the large terrace get the sun's last rays and DJs play to celebratory summer guests.

Three outdoor dining areas - and a park!

Skanshof has become something of an alfresco mecca in Gothenburg - not surprisingly when it's home to no less than four outdoor areas! Hang out along the side of the building, on the balcony, up on the roof terrace - or climb up to Skanshof park, right at the top of the building, with a pool (!), plenty of seats and a wonderful holiday vibe.

Behind Poseidon's behind

The Gothenburg Museum of Art is right at the top of Götaplatsen, with views over Avenyn. The city's largest outdoor bar holds court on the sun-drenched museum steps during the summer months. Come by for something to eat or a glass of wine as the sun goes down.

French vibes

This French-inspired wine bar has brought a little piece of Paris to Gothenburg. Eat, have a coffee or just sip a glass of wine when you're in the mood. They also have a Continental alfresco area which enjoys sunshine all day and evening.

Leafy with Mediterranean food

With its cliffs and sea swimming, Saltholmen is a great place to hang out on a sunny day, particularly if you visit Paradiset, right by the last stop on the tram line. Hang out in the garden and the glassed-in veranda, eat pasta or sample a few small dishes drink natural wine or have a cold beer.

A taste of France - with an iconic view

You can combine three favourites on Boulebar's outdoor dining area: boules, French food and classic Gothenburg views. The palm-strewn alfresco area stretches all the way down to the steps along the canal, making it the perfect spot to show new visitors to the city the iconic cranes, entrance to the harbour and the famous Feskekörka fish market.

French arbor in Vasastan

Colourful lanterns, hammocks and boules - Levantine's lilac-scented courtyard hits all the right spots. The sun shines on this French garden in Vasastan and it's a popular spot on summer days. The summer bar serves drinks and simple food, all French-influenced. The restaurant is also open as usual for anyone who wants to eat something more substantial.

Artisan pizza and craft beer

During the summer months the whole of Tredje Långgatan becomes a pedestrian-only zone and the whole street buzzes with life from the numerous outdoor dining areas that take over. Brewers Beer Bar is one of the most popular spots on the street and it's always packed with guests enjoying posh sourdough pizzas and craft beers in the evening sunshine.

Continental hangout

This wine bar and neighbourhood restaurant on Viktoriagatan serves masses of different kinds of wines and selected bistro dishes. You'll feel at home whether you're a die-hard oenophile, hungry or just in the mood to shoot the breeze with the staff. Don't miss their outdoor area when the weather allows.

Country feeling and live music in leafy surroundings

Charming Grindstugan opens up by the entrance to the beautiful Trädgårdsföreningen horticultural gardens during the summer months. Despite its central location just a stone's throw from Kungsportsplatsen, Grindstugan feels as though it's a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The outdoor area is inspired by Sweden's traditional bandstands, with gravel paths, coloured lanterns and leafy surroundings. There's live music almost every evening during the summer.

Canal-side garden

This huge park-like alfresco area stretches alongside Stora Teatern's sunniest side, with the canal glittering below. There's plenty of space to sit and enjoy the view and watch the iconic Paddan boats glide by. Sit in the shade under the large trees or in full sun in the heart of the action.

Park life in the heart of town

If you're a dyed-in-the-wool city slicker who prefers to stay in the city during the summer months, a little touch of park greenery may be all you need to satisfy your chlorophyll cravings. This outdoor dining area offers boules, a barbeque and a central leafy hangout.

Abroad on Linnégatan

This completely vegetarian restaurant is in the same building as Hagabion cinema. They serve the same selection downstairs, but with slightly greater emphasis on cocktails. During the summer months they expand with a popular outdoor area. Sip a craft beer, brewed by Stigbergets Bryggeri. Laid-back atmosphere under coloured lanterns.

Delightful summer restaurant

During the summer months, Ankarsmedjan opens up their summer restaurant Ankarparken in front of the building. Take a seat at one of the tables along the cobbled walkway or on the wooden deck. The à la carte menu tempts with delicacies such as gratinated langoustines, a seafood platter and the catch of the day.

Glassed-in outdoor dining

Enjoy an alfresco feel whatever the weather in Wagner's glassed-in "outdoor" dining area. Sit protected from the wind and weather with a fantastic vantage point from which to watch the world go by.

Outdoor hangout at British pub

This authentic British pub has a charming outdoor dining area framed by green plants. Take a seat among the wicker furniture and order well-cooked pub grub and a pint. Ideal for lunch or dinner.

Asian flavours on Avenyn

Transport your tastebuds to Asia as you look out over Avenyn. Cheri-Lee is open for lunch, brunch and dinner and the menu includes sushi and dumplings. You can also order a cocktail with Asian flavours if you're in the mood.

Hang out on Tredje Lång

The Continental atmosphere that reigns in the area around Långårdarna has become even more pronounced since Tredje Långgatan was transformed into a pedestrian street. Taverna Averna and its sister restaurant Made in China next door blend into one with one long pavement serving area. Take a front-row seat and check out the street's passersby.

Bagels, New York-style

A little slice of New York has crept into the city centre on car-free Teatergatan. Jimmy & Joan's is the only café in town that bakes their own bagels from scratch and the extensive bagel menu draws in numerous guests. The outdoor dinng area along trendy Teatergatan is a popular hangout for anyone who wants to eat bagels, drink really good coffee and check out the streetlife.

New York under Älvsborg bridge

This gigantic red brick building, which used to be the city's boiler plant, is now an art gallery, restaurant and skate park. The outdoor dining area is one of the sunnniest in the city and has fantastic views over the entrance to the harbour. Everything from concerts to exhibitions and performances take place here. Communal tables and coloured lanterns lend the place a laid-back charm.

Sun right around the corner

In early morning you can watch the outdoor furniture being set out, and after that it's not long until the sun hits the alfresco dining area. The pavement, where bistro tables spill out towards Rosenlund canal, is often packed with people. Grab a bite to eat in the sunshine and chase the last rays to the bar around the corner.

Riviera vibes in idyllic Trädgårdsföreningen

Trädgår'n, the Horticultural Society gardens, have been an entertainment mecca for Gothenburg for more than 100 years and you won't find many Gothenburgers who have never hung out here. In the summer months the beautiful outdoor dining area in the heart of the idyllic gardens is often packed. In 2017 Trädgår'n was given a real face-lift when the summer restaurant La Terrasse took over with laid-back riviera vibes. The menu oozes Asian fusion flavours and is based on a sharing concept. Gothenburgers flock here for lunch, dinner, concerts and club nights.

Champagne in the courtyard

The noble French drink takes centre stage in one of the city's most charming courtyards, right next to the cathedral. Come in good time to bag the best sunny spots!

Outdoor dining on two levels

There's an almost tropical atmosphere at this Avenyn bar. Happy house music sets the tone for summer evenings than blend into magical nights. Cool off with sunset-toned cocktails and sink into fluffy lounge furniture. From the terrace above there are fantastic views over Gothenburg's main thoroughfare.

Latin American heat

This popular, narrow alfresco dining area stretches alongside the restaurant's facade. Sit in a row on high benches and enjoy the sun all day long. With views over Göteborgs Saluhall food market and the hustle and bustle on Kungstorget, there's always something to look at. Take a seat for some South American food or just a refreshing lime-stuffed Sol lager.

Award-winning roof terrace on Avenyn

From the Bellora roof terrace, at the top of Avenyn, there are fantastic views over the city's rooftops and it's hard not to be drawn into the atmosphere on a warm summer's evening. The rooftop terrace has been named one of the five best in the world by hotel.com, and countless Gothenburgers seem to agree.

Natural wines and warm evenings

Folk is a popular hangout all year round and when the sun comes out the party moves outdoors, under coloured lanterns and with a great people-watching vantage spot on Järntorget. The bar serves cheeky natural wines and local microbrewed wines.