If Stockholm is the George Clooney of Sweden, think of Gothenburg as its Timothée Chalamet — the hip, younger brother. On Sweden’s west coast, the country’s second-largest city masterfully blends old and new, fueling its surge in popularity.
Hop on an iconic blue-and-white tram to find cobblestone streets lined with trendy boutiques, buzzy eateries, and chic stays like Hotel Pigalle. Don’t miss the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the Botanical Garden, or a Scandi sauna session at world-famous Jubileumsparken — all in one of the world’s most sustainable cities. So, yes, you can feel smug while exploring.
👟 The best way to get a feel for Gothenburg is by wandering. Start in old town, which is surrounded by a zigzagging moat and home to 17th-century brick buildings, jazz bars tucked into alleyways, and the historic Stora Saluhallen food hall. After you’ve had a bite to eat, make your way to Haga, a picturesque neighborhood where you’ll find old-timey wooden houses, cinnamon buns the size of your head, a hilltop fortress (the sweeping views and terrace drinking are worth the climb), and standout shops. Stop at: Lakritsroten for classic licorice; Haga of Sweden for handcrafted souvenirs by local artists; and Tell Me More for earth-toned linens, sleek kitchenware, and rustic-modern home decor.
🛥️ With more than 20 major islands in the Gothenburg archipelago, a day trip to one — or more — is a must. The area is divided into two: The northern islands (like Hönö and Hälsö) are more populated, while the southern islands are car-free and generally quicker to reach — meaning, if you’re short on time, head south. Catch a ferry to Donsö, a quaint fishing community with homemade ice cream (don’t leave without a cone from Popsicle café). From there, stroll across the bridge to Styrsö for sandy beaches, windy trails, and a short hike up to Stora Rös (the island’s highest point). Or, visit the southernmost island, Vrångö, to traverse its extensive nature reserve and kayak around rocky shores.
🍴 There’s perhaps nothing more Swedish than fika (the national coffee-and-pastry break that’s basically a lifestyle), so swing by Da Matteo to snack on buttery cardamom buns and fresh sourdough bread. Of course, being on the coast means you’re also in prime seafood territory — and nowhere does prawns, langoustines, and mussels better than Sjömagasinet. Craving something more inventive? Book at table at VRÅ, where the Nordic-meets-Japanese menu features scallop skewers, koji-marinated fish, and a rotating selection of sashimi (pro tip: save room for the sorbet).