Gothenburg: Fine Dining and Family Fun in Sweden's Second City

Liseberg

Hands down, my family's favorite amusement park in Europe, perhaps the world. Over 45 attractions sit in this perfectly charming, impeccably clean park that even has great dining options. They even have an all-season waterpark, Oceana, opening in 2024.

Martime Museum

The maritime history of Gothenburg is also tied into the history of Swedish emigration to the US, and this museum offers insight into both, with a spectacular aquarium in the background. A perfect family destination.

Gothenburg Museum of Art

Collections here date back to the 15th century and feature significant Nordic and international artwork, including masterpieces by Carl Larsson, Bruno Liljefors, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, Picasso, Chagall and more.

Haga

Gothenburg's oldest district. Among the cobblestone lanes and wooden houses in the Haga area, you'll find small shops, second hand stores, cafés and confectionaries. A perfect spot to stroll, shop and stop for a fika.

Volvo Museum

Another of Gothenburg's claims to fame is that it is the birthplace and home of Volvo, Sweden's most renowned export. Moving into a new location at Liseberg in 2024, The Volvo Museum - or "World of Volvo" as it is to be called after the move, is a must-do for any car aficionado.

Botanical Garden

Europe's largest botanical garden, with a companion app that features three walking tours, free admission and over 16,000 species of plants.

Ocean Bus

A fun way to see the city, learn a bit about its history, and get out on the water.

Magasinsatan

A hip fashion & interiors shopping location, especially for Swedish brands (don't miss https://artilleriet.se/). There are great cafés and restaurants in the area as well.

Ride the Tram

If you don't ride the tram in Gothenburg, you didn't really experience the city! The trams are a source of pride for the locals and an incredibly efficient, comfortable way to get around for all. Fun fact: many trams are named for famous Gothenburgers - check the names above the front doors to see who your tram is named after!

Restaurant Human

Without question, one of the best meals of my life. The first solo venture for chef Martin Moses (formerly of SK), every dish here is created with restrained intention - nothing is extra, everything is necessary, and the always evolving menu takes you on a journey through New Nordic cuisine, perfectly paired with wine (should you choose), and presented with kind, accessible yet high-end service. Michelin recommended (and soon to be starred, I'd guess!).

SK Mat & Människor

Gothenburg's best-known Michelin-starred restaurant, SK focuses on locally sourced, seasonal, Swedish cuisine made modern.

Brasseri Draken

One of the newest additions to Gothenburg's food scene, Brasseri Draken boasts the best views of the city from 33 floors high above it, a menu of (mostly) French-inspired elevated classics, and a lovely caviar menu.

bhoga

Boasting a proper Michelin star and a Michelin Green star, bhoga features clean, hyper-local, seasonal Nordic fare in a refined environment.

Stora Saluhallen

Since 1888, Stora Saluhallen has served the food needs of Gothenburgers. With over 35 vendors and restaurants today, there's nothing you can't find here! A perfect stop for lunch on a busy day out in Gothenburg.

Kajutan Saluhallen

Occupying the upper floor of the Stora Saluhallen, Kajutan is a lovely spot to sit down and enjoy a traditional Swedish seafood meal while the market bustles below you.

Botaniska Paviljongen

The cafe at Gothenburg's Botanical Gardens is a perfect lunch spot on a day spent in the garden with kids, featuring homemade seasonal fare.

Da Matteo

The locals go-to for "fika" (a must in Sweden, fika is a coffee/pastry break in the day, meant to bring people together). The kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) are famous, as are the cardamom buns, and the Magasinsatan location in particular is a cool, cavernous place to take a break from shopping.