![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SEI_250935953-59ab.jpg\")
\n\t\tGothenburg is known as Stockholm\u2019s rougher cousin, but it doesn\u2019t deserve the title (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tGothenburg is known as Stockholm\u2019s rougher cousin, but it doesn\u2019t deserve the title (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
There are many obvious contenders for a city break in Europe<\/a>. But with tried and tested destinations pushing back against tourists<\/a>, I took a gamble on Gothenburg.<\/p>\n With rainy winters, ties to Britain dating back 200 years and dozens of proper pubs, the port is affectionately known as Sweden<\/a>\u2019s \u2018Little London<\/a>\u2019.<\/p>\n If it sounds dull, it\u2019s not \u2014 this understated but slick city is enjoying a resurgence as an alternative place to visit. <\/p>\n Gothenburg is emerging as one of Europe\u2019s top destinations for UK travellers in 2025, clocking a 135% increase in searches according to Expedia\u2019s Summer Travel Outlook report.<\/p>\n And, with every passing hour of my four-day trip to \u2018Stockholm<\/a>\u2019s rougher cousin\u2019, it was easier to see why.<\/p>\n Sweden\u2019s hyper-sustainable city is less than a two-hour flight from London, and the favourable rate of the Kroner against the Pound means prices are 30% less than they were\u00a0two years ago. English is spoken fluently almost everywhere.<\/p>\n Here is a comprehensive itinerary for a long weekend that covers everything you should do, at surprisingly affordable prices.<\/p>\n \t\t Gothenburg\u2019s Landwetter airport is close to the city, and a 30-minute ride on one of the regular buses (\u00a39) takes you to three central locations.<\/p>\n Next to the stop in the heart of the event district is Gothia Towers, a basic but comfortable hotel with rooms from \u00a379 per night. It\u2019s a solid base for exploring the city that won\u2019t break the bank.<\/p>\n Opposite is the Liseberg,\u00a0one of Europe\u2019s leading amusement parks, known for its great rides, concerts and gardens. <\/p>\n If that\u2019s not your thing, a short walk is the Grand Boulevard Avenyn, modelled on Paris\u2019 iconic Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es. An imposing statue of Poseidon overlooks the upscale boutiques and trendy restaurants lining the street.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tLatest London news\t\t\t<\/p>\n To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro’s<\/strong> London news hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n Gothenburg is served by an efficient and well-connected network of trams and buses that run out to Magasinsatan, a stylish neighbourhood of Swedish brands, interior design stores and second-hand shops \u2014 something the country as a whole does incredibly well.c<\/p>\n A day in Sweden would not be complete with fika, the delightful custom<\/a> of enjoying coffee and cake with a friend. The most popular choice is a traditional cinnamon bun, and the best stop in Gothenburg is De Matteo.<\/p>\n Rested and refuelled, move on to Stora Saluhallen, a character-filled market with 40 shops and restaurants\u00a0where you can find a surprisingly reasonable lunch.<\/p>\n For something more refined, head back to Gothia Towers and take the lift to Heaven 23, a rooftop restaurant with a panoramic view and superb food. The \u00a345pp price for three courses (without wine) is worth every penny.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tMetro’s latest city break guides\t\t\t<\/p>\n Day 2<\/p>\n Rise early and take a tram to the central Harbour Lilla Bommen for a guided boat tour with Stromma.\u00a0<\/p>\n The two-and-a-half-hour cruise costs \u00a332 (or \u00a342, with lunch) and sails past the scenic islands of Gothenburg archipelago. The fare is simple but tasty,\u00a0although it was difficult to hear the English commentary above the noise of the ship.<\/p>\n Back on dry land, the Gothenburg Museum of Art (\u00a35.45 entry fee) has an extensive collection from the 15th century to today, with significant Nordic and international work including masterpieces\u00a0by Rembrandt, Picasso and Van Gogh.<\/p>\n On a warm day a lovely perch is the outdoor caf\u00e9, but when I visited in March the chill drew me to the bar and a conversation with 21-year-old\u00a0 barman Mat, who really loved his hometown.<\/p>\n For Mat, Gothenburg\u2019s appeal is not just that everything works, as I could see in the way everyone calmly navigated the complex mix of pedestrians, bikes, trams, buses and cars. It\u2019s also because, in his words, even the little things function so well.<\/p>\n Something I didn\u2019t have time to try but comes highly recommended is an afternoon at Pachanga Pool Club and Spa, located inside Jacy\u2019z Hotel and Resort.<\/p>\n On TikTok, the spa has caught the attention of \u2018extreme day trippers<\/a>\u2019, who fly out from the UK and come back on the same day. Some content creators claim to have got there and back for \u00a379, with spa entry adding \u00a329 extra.<\/p>\n To end the day, it\u2019s hard to look past a \u2018treat yourself\u2019 dinner at one of Gothenburg\u2019s five Michelin-starred restaurants.<\/p>\n I opted for SK Mat and Manniskor, which serves divine four-course meals of that begin with haddock and wasabi, smoked cheese, salted green tomatoes, and Red Char with roasted onions and almond oil.\u00a0<\/p>\n The main dish was\u00a0lamb with ramson, grilled tomatoes, broccoli and sherry vinegar and a dessert of toffee ice cream with raspberry foam, hazelnuts and sorrel.<\/p>\n It was an amazing experience and the price was\u2026 Michelin star.<\/p>\n Day 3<\/p>\n A change of pace now, and on to the World of Volvo in the centre of the city. Entrance is free for the main space and for children, but there is a cost of \u00a315 \u00a0for adults to enter the exhibition area. <\/p>\n Few things inspire pride in a Gothenburger more than this iconic car company. Sweden is famed for its engineering and the car is a Swedish symbol of excellence. <\/p>\n My enthusiastic guide Paul gave me the corporate history, \u00a0beginning with the need for excellent design and engineering to combat Sweden\u2019s harsh roads and climate. Many successful car models are on show but there are also glimpses\u00a0of the failures. <\/p>\n \t\t A plastic sports car\u00a0was abandoned after only 67 had been produced, but a vehicle designed by a woman-only team produced many ideas which were then put into the mainstream. <\/p>\n Exhibits are child-friendly, and the museum is also a great place to eat. A high-standard buffet available during the week is \u00a312.00 for an adult and \u00a36.50 for children.<\/p>\n My only regret was that I had not scheduled this trip for a Monday as it is one of the few local attractions open\u00a0when most of the museums are closed.<\/p>\n Dinner that night was at Natur, a restaurant of extremely high quality without a high price, and rather romantic too. It\u2019s ideal for sober-curious travellers<\/a> or anyone not interested in booze, as the drinks made from berries\u00a0and non-alcoholic beers were exceptionally tasty.<\/p>\n Day 4<\/p>\n Full of atmosphere, one of the most famous buildings in Gothenburg is the 1874 Feskek\u00f6rka (the fish church), which has recently reopened after an extensive renovation. <\/p>\n This market hall is a must-visit for those who love seafood.\u00a0It gets its name from its architecture: pointed arched windows and no partitions or pillars, so it really looks like a church. There was a choice of two delicious \u2018catch of the day\u2019 lunches at\u00a0\u00a310,\u00a0 including coffee. <\/p>\n From there, make your way on foot to the Haga area, Gothenburg\u2019s oldest neighbourhood, dotted with charming shops and cosy caf\u00e9s.<\/p>\n @goteborgcom<\/a> <\/p>\n 10 must-dos in Gothenburg that you simply can\u2019t miss out on \ud83d\ude0d \ud83c\udfa1 Visit Europe\u2019s best amusement park @Liseberg \u2615\ufe0f Take a Swedish Fika break in Haga \ud83d\uddbc\ufe0f Visit the splendid Gothenburg Museum of Art \u2693\ufe0f Take a day trip to the Gothenburg archipelago \ud83c\udf07 Take in the city view from Skansen Kronan \ud83c\udf7a Try Gothenburg\u2019s local craft beer \ud83e\udd88 Explore the ocean, rainforest and space at @Universeum Science Centre \ud83d\udecd\ufe0fShop Swedish design and vintage fashion \ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f Eat fish and seafood straight from the ocean \ud83c\udf39 Visit world-class parks and gardens Read the full guide at goteborg.com (link in profile). #gothenburg<\/a> #g\u00f6teborg<\/a> #sweden<\/a> #thisisgbg<\/a> #traveltok<\/a> #gothenburgthingstodo<\/a>\u00a0#liseberg<\/a> <\/p>\n \u266c City Lights (Lofi) \u2013 808godz<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n For my last visit before departure, I squeezed in an hour at the Science Museum, Universeum, starting at the top floor around the four climate zones of Earth. <\/p>\n The abiding memory is of the aquaria and the reptile house, including a fun but shocking model of how a snake bites. Then brief visits to the space exhibits on the fourth floor and the chemistry lab and models of the human body one floor below. <\/p>\n All proof that the recommended three hours for a visit if anything was an underestimate. Appreciation was well expressed by the delight on the faces of the many children visiting.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tEverything to know about Gothenburg: at a glance\t\t\t<\/p>\n How to get there<\/strong><\/p>\n London Manchester and Edinburgh airports have flights direct to Gothenberg.<\/p>\n From London: Ryanair \u2013 Stansted. British Airways \u2013 Heathrow. Norwegian \u2013 Gatwick. Prices from \u00a334 return with Ryanair.<\/p>\n Best time to go<\/strong><\/p>\n Between May and September for good weather and to experience the city\u2019s lively atmosphere. June until August is the busy peak tourist season.<\/p>\n Where to stay<\/strong><\/p>\n Gothenburg is one of Europe\u2019s most sustainable hotel cities.<\/p>\n Gothia Towers:<\/strong> A set of three towers serviced by spectacular lifts providing dozens of rooms with a fabulous view of the city. Excellent breakfasts.<\/p>\n Standard rooms from \u00a379(2 pp sharing and breakfast & wifi included)\u00a0 and premium rooms from \u00a3108 (2pp sharing and breakfast & wifi included).<\/p>\n Dorsia Boutique Hotel<\/strong>: \u00a0Standard room from \u00a3174 (2pp sharing and breakfast & wifi included). Service is five-star.<\/p>\n Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel<\/strong>: \u00a0This hotel is across the river from the city, so you need to take a 10 min ferry + 5 min tram to get to the centre \u2013 that\u2019s why it\u2019s a bit cheaper. Standard room from \u00a358 (2pp sharing, breakfast not included.)<\/p>\n This article was originally published on May 17 and has been updated.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow![\"City](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SEI_250935952-d35c.jpg\")
\n\t\tGothenburg has an excellent public transport network and world-class restaurants (Picture: Getty Images)
\nDay 1<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SEI_250935816-759c.jpg\")
\n\t\tGothenburg has long been known as \u2018Little London\u2019 (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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