The guide to Västerås: what not to miss

In the old steam power plant from 1917, you'll find Steam Hotel, a spa hotel with 18 floors. Västerås locals and travellers from afar alike flock here for a relaxing weekend. As well as the spa and various treatments for the whole body, the hotel has everything you could possibly need on site – a rooftop restaurant with unparalleled views over Lake Mälaren, a conservatory, several bars, and an outdoor pool on the seventh floor. If you're seeking a bit of excitement, there's also table tennis, billiards, shuffleboard, a cinema, and karaoke.

In the heart of the city, this hotel has stood strong since 1907. Elite carries on the hotel legacy in the beautiful brick building, where they've embraced its classic atmosphere and heritage. The hotel is close to everything that Västerås has to offer, such as shopping, nightlife and restaurants.

Smart rooms at wallet-friendly prices are the name of the game at the bright, clean Comfort Hotel. There are various types of hotel rooms for different group sizes and needs, from moderate to the XXL room which accommodates up to eight people. The large lobby is particularly suitable for business travellers, with free wifi and plenty of coffee.

Right on the Svartån river, Brasserie Stadsparken is a modern and relaxed neighbourhood restaurant spread over two floors. Settle down for a beer or a drink in the summer, or sit inside the glasshouse in the winter. The menu features starters, main courses, and desserts in a classic brasserie style, with flavours from around the world and meat, fish, and poultry options.

The name Kajplats 9, or K9, hints at one of Västerås' best locations in the brick building right by the harbour. Enjoy the views over the water and the changing seasons while you indulge in freshly caught fish and seafood, a meat dish, or order a glass of bubbles to enjoy on the terrace.

Chefs cook from the heart at this hidden gem, serving dishes they themselves want to eat and prepare in the moment. The menu changes constantly, so there's no point in describing it in detail; but in general, the kitchen serves up flavours from around the world as small plates.

Small dishes in Swedish-Asian style are the order of the day at Adam & Oliver. The two owners and chefs, not surprisingly named Adam and Oliver, have both enjoyed dynamic careers but have now settled here to offer the people of Västerås fusion cooking where Asian techniques are used to bring out the best of Nordic flavours.

Up on Djäknaberget, this restaurant is king of the hill. It doesn't have a complete 360-degree view, but it's close enough to make it one of Västerås' best panorama. Enjoy both lunch and dinner with seasonal ingredients – starters, main courses and desserts with both Swedish and Southern European flavours.

Marcel P. oozes with love for France, from the "Mon Amie" sign to the menu and atmosphere. Feel welcome to sit for a long time and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a quick coffee break. The menu features French delicacies, from snacks to starters and rotisserie. The interiors also evoke thoughts of French brasseries, with green tiles and brasserie chairs.

Frank describes itself as a different kind of restaurant; a delightful watering hole where Frank makes the rules and you obey. You decide whether you want fish or meat for your main course, the rest is taken care of by Frank and transformed into a luxurious dining experience that many believe to be without parallel in the area.

One of Sweden's (and definitely Västmanland's) highest bars can be found at Plaza in Västerås. Take the lift up to the 24th floor and enjoy the view while sipping on a well-shaken cocktail. At the weekends, they invite DJs who turn the vibes up a notch and get the hips swaying.

When the Circus opened its doors over ten years ago, it was to create an inviting space for everyone who enjoys cocktails to have a post-work drink or a refreshing beer and the same concept applies to this day. The circus theme recurs in the decor, with a canvas stretched across the ceiling, a chequered floor and red leather sofas, and in the summer months, the terrace, which also resembles a circus tent, opens up.

Star Wine List-recommended Bistro Vinoteket boasts a wine list featuring wines from over 50 countries, which naturally includes all the classic wine nations. Should you, against all odds, not find anything to your taste there, you can take a look at the VIB list, which stands for 'very important bottles' and includes more unusual and exclusive wines.

You've had dinner, drunk a cocktail or two, and are now starting to feel like shaking your groove thing. With venues that accommodate up to 1400 guests, two dance floors, and a large rooftop terrace, Publik Västerås is the largest nightclub in Västerås and one of the obvious choices when the urge to dance strikes. In terms of music, you can expect everything from EDM and club music to pop hits, sing-alongs, and nostalgia.

Beer enthusiasts should head straight to Bierkeller, where they're passionate about the foamy favourite. Choose from twelve taps of craft-brewed beer and bottled beer while enjoying a bite of European cuisine and listening to live performances.

For a more intimate club experience, Madame Josephine is a top tip. The former tapas restaurant, which has now been converted into a nightclub, accommodates 149 weekend revellers and focuses on a fun dance floor with established DJs.

Bageri April is run by Kim Lund, alongside experienced chef Pär Martinsson. Kim was named Baker of the Year in 2016, has been a member of the Swedish national baking team, and has also coached the junior baking team.They both bring their experiences from Sweden and abroad and bake delicious treats using organic ingredients from well-trusted producers.

Mosaic doesn't just focus on delicious buns, breads and pastries from its own bakery but also aims to be a place for art and meetings. The walls are often loaned out to artists, the stage is lent to musicians, guest authors are invited, and discussion evenings about important life issues and relationships are organised.

Wåffelbaren may be on the island of Björkö a little outside central Västerås, but it serves waffles that are worth a detour. They're not afraid to pile on savoury fillings like prawns and chicken, or sweet varieties with Daim, ice cream, fruit, berries, sprinkles and Nutella.

In 2007, Jennie Elmerfors became the first woman ever to be named pastry chef of the year in 2007 – now she continues to bake at Bread & Sweets by Jennie, much to the delight of Västerås. Pralines, buns, pastries, and other baked goods for those with a sweet tooth, and sandwiches, bread, and baguettes for those who prefer something savoury.

You have just been locked in the dungeon of an evil overlord. How will you escape? Together, you need to crack the code to be set free. Your team can either compete against yourselves or against a group that's trying to solve the same puzzle. Choose from tricky challenges such as rescuing yourselves from being stuck in a spaceship far from civilisation, from being locked up in a mental hospital, or escaping from a bunker when a reconnaissance mission goes wrong. Time is your worst enemy.

Got a spring in your step? Both big and small visitors can find a remedy for ants in their pants here, on trampolines, through climbing, SkyRider, high ropes, and Wipeout. “Seriously fun” is the motto – the visit will be both sweaty and enjoyable, and when energy levels dip, you can refuel with food and drink in the café.

The adventure pool Kokpunkten promises a swimming experience full of adrenaline. Over eight floors, This water paradise over eight floors has been built with VR dive, plunge into darkness, test the slide where the national championship in waterslides is held and try to resist spinning in the water when the turbine is started.

Aktivt Uteliv in Björnö Nature Reserve and Recreation Area has everything you need for just that – an active outdoor life. You can rent equipment for both winter and summer sports, take a course, or try the high ropes course. Kayaks, SUP boards, and mountain bikes are available in the summer, while the winter equipment for rent includes skis, boots, snowboards, and ice skates.

Under O'Leary's roof, you'll find all kinds of activities happening. Hire a karaoke room and sing your heart out with friends, play a round of pool, shuffleboard, or table tennis, go bowling or enjoy the many arcade games available here. A pint and a bite to eat, and you're all set when the nightclub kicks off on weekends.

Västerås Art Museum is responsible for the city's art collection – which includes as many as 9000 artworks. Enjoy exhibitions featuring primarily Swedish, but also Nordic, contemporary art, as well as works from the collection, alongside crafts, design, painting, video and performance.

Just outside Västerås is one of the world's oldest still active companies, Skultuna Brass Works. The factory is now a modern version of its past; they no longer manufacture products here, but you do have the opportunity to purchase Skultuna's second-hand products. You can also have lunch in the bistro and take a look in the museum to familiarise yourself with Skultuna's history.

Perhaps you've seen the magnificent castle building in the centre and wondered what's inside? The castle is one of four in Västerås, but the only one that's open all year round. Västerås Castle may be the simplest of the four, but it holds a lot of history. The castle was built in the 1200s and would be taken over by Gustav Vasa in the mid-1500s. You can learn about this and much more on a guided tour of the castle. Partake in wine, beer or champagne tasting, or enjoy a meal in the restaurant.

Lean back in your cinema seat and enjoy a couple of hours of peace while watching a film and munching some popcorn. The cinemas show both brand new films and classics, as well as art films – guaranteed to be something for all tastes.

With over 200 concerts a year, it's easy to find a concert to suit your taste here. They hold concerts on three stages featuring everything from folk and world music, dance and new circus, and symphony orchestras to pop, rock, jazz, chamber music, symphony orchestras, humour, and performances for the whole family. The grand concert hall is also home to Västerås Sinfonietta, one of Sweden's oldest orchestras, which frequently performs concerts in various styles and genres.

With over a hundred years of theatre experience, Västmanlands Teater in Västerås is accustomed to staging plays that appeal to both the most dedicated theatre-goer and those attending theatre for the first time. Experience plays that evoke all types of emotions.

A short detour southwest of Västerås is Tidö Castle, which, with its origins dating back to 1641, is one of Sweden's best-preserved castles from the country's Era of Great Power. Explore the beautiful building and castle gardens on your own, or book a guided tour. The café serves coffee, snacks, and lighter meals.