I have a deep love for Scandinavia — its culture, its art, and the richness of its countries. I’ve been fortunate to live in Copenhagen and explore various parts of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. If I had to choose, Copenhagen would be my favourite city in the region, but Sweden, without a doubt, is my favourite country overall.
As my love for Scandinavia continues to grow, it was only a matter of time before I found myself in Gothenburg — the city often hailed as the original "cool" city of Scandinavia, and to some, still the coolest. And when I say "cool," I’m not just referring to aesthetics or trends. I mean a place where incredible cafés, bakeries, restaurants, shops, and bars exist without pretension or exclusivity. A city where sustainability and ethics are second nature, not just fashionable buzzwords. A place where people carry their own sense of style and identity, timeless rather than trendy.
These qualities might seem simple, but in practice, they’re rare. After visiting Gothenburg during the Midsummer celebration, I can confidently say it’s now one of my favourite cities in the world — and, in my opinion, it surpasses Copenhagen in coolness. While Copenhagen edges toward a more uniform aesthetic, Gothenburg still feels original and diverse in people and spirit.
To me, what defines a truly cool city is this: a strong sense of individual and collective identity, access to high-quality design and experiences without barriers, and a natural beauty that feels like you’re walking through a living postcard. Gothenburg ticks every box.
I fell for the city so much that I wrote my fastest-ever city guide post-trip — a love letter of sorts to spotlight its magic. I’ll absolutely be returning in 2026 (fingers crossed). Until then, I hope this guide inspires you when choosing your next destination.
Love, Tofi Caroline xx
Stay Here!
Live and Stay Ekmanska
I wholeheartedly recommend Live and Stay Ekmanska. You can book directly via their website or through Booking.com. After reading mixed reviews about hotels in the city, I opted for this apartment rental agency and didn’t want to risk my experience being let down by subpar accommodation. I stayed at their Ekmansgatan location — a leafy, quiet residential area just a 20-minute walk from Haga. The apartment was spotless, the bed was genuinely one of the most comfortable I’ve slept in, and the whole building felt incredibly secure, with code entry and cameras in shared areas like the entrance and lobby. The only downside? There’s no cleaning service, so you’ll need to tidy up after yourself during your stay — something to bear in mind if you’re staying for more than a few days.
Eat and Drink Here!
Kafe Magasinet
Run, don’t walk. This was hands-down my favourite spot in Gothenburg for breakfast, drinks, service, and vibes. The bread cheese rolls and the freshly squeezed orange juice are life.
Haldis Kök at Feskekörka Fish Market
This is where I had the best seafood experience in Gothenburg. Housed within the Feskekörka fish market — part traditional market, part restaurant — it’s the perfect place to enjoy oysters and fish straight from the source. I’m a firm believer that the best seafood comes from cities by the water, especially when enjoyed in a market like this.
da Matteo, Magasinsgatan
For fluffy omelettes and divine cardamom buns, head here. The space is minimal and thoughtfully designed, and the surrounding area is full of stylish gems (hello, Acne Studios just next door). A small note: the coffee is decent, not extraordinary. And be specific about your size — if you don’t say, they’ll default to medium.
Råda Gelato
This is, without exaggeration, the best gelato I’ve ever had. Creamy, rich, and utterly unforgettable. Get the pistachio and chocolate combo — it’s perfection. Run here. Seriously.
Café Husaren Haga
Home of the giant cinnamon bun. Taste-wise, it’s just okay, but the sheer size and the charming atmosphere make it worth the visit, especially with a friend or partner to share it with. The café itself is a visual treat, all nostalgic and beautiful.
Co’m Vietnamese
When you’re ready for something savoury and spicy to balance out all the sugar, head to Co’m for flavourful Vietnamese food and fragrant jasmine tea.
Touristy Loves!
Head to the Gothenburg Archipelago
If I’m being honest, this might have been my favourite part of Gothenburg. I initially added it to our itinerary for my partner, Miro, who’s really into this kind of thing — but to my surprise, I ended up enjoying it just as much, if not more.
We chose to visit Vrango, a car-free island and the furthest out in the southern Gothenburg archipelago—about 35 minutes by ferry from Saltholmen. Part of the reason we chose this island was its seclusion and tranquillity. While there are multiple ways to explore the archipelago, I recommend checking Goteborg.com to plan your best route. If you're heading specifically to Vrango, grab a Zone A day pass, which covers all public transport within Gothenburg, including ferries.
Once you're on the ferry, make sure to head upstairs and enjoy the scenic views during the ride — it’s beautiful from start to finish.
When you arrive on the island, you’ll find it's easy to navigate. Clear signage makes wandering around completely stress-free. There were so many highlights from this trip, but if I had to narrow it down, here are my top five reasons why Vrango was unforgettable:
Breathtaking Beauty – This is easily one of the most stunning islands I’ve ever visited. Think: postcard-perfect views, dreamy coastlines, and untouched nature.
Delicious Seafood – The food here is truly next-level. Whether you go to Fiskeboa, Ternan, or one of the local spots on the island, you’re in for a treat.
Choose Your Experience – Vrango is big enough to tailor your visit. If you’re feeling social, there’s a wonderful community of locals and tourists who are genuinely warm and friendly. Prefer solitude? There are plenty of secluded paths and quiet corners to enjoy in peace.
Budget-Friendly Options – You can easily spend the whole day here without spending a penny. Pack a picnic and make use of the free tables and benches by the docks — the views are unbeatable.
Activities and Exploration – Whether it’s picking up organic produce, wandering through nature trails, or chatting with fellow travellers, there’s something for everyone. I especially enjoyed stumbling upon hidden corners of the island and sharing food and conversation with strangers.
Vrango completely won me over. I’ll definitely be returning, and next time, I’d love to include Branno and Hono on the itinerary as well.
Other Approved Curated Options!
Food
Banh Mi Shop Gothenburg; Bamba, The Barn Burgers, Beer N Fries, Bennys Bar & Slice Shop, Dubbelhakan Pizza, Pizzabar Gothenburg, Robb Pizza
Drinks
Stranger, Bar Amuse, Vega Brewery Gothenburg, Wine Mechanics
Coffee and pastries
Bullen & Brödet, Gringo Nordic Coffee Roasters, Cum Pane, Konditori Kampanilen, Lilla Sur, Poppels Bryggeri
Touristy Loves
Gothenburg Museum of Art, Slottsskogen Park, Gothenburg Botanical Garden
