Friendly, relaxed Gothenburg may be Sweden's second largest city after the capital, but for many this is by far the better city to visit, or to live in. The neo-classical architecture lining the streets, busy with students and trams, has plenty of charm, but there's also plenty of fresh art and architecture brewing here, in the buzzing hipster cafes or live music venues. The best places to stay in Gothenburg come in all shapes and sizes and to suit all budgets - this is, after all, the home of Scandinavia's largest university, and there's plenty of very affordable fun to be had here.
Gothenburg's waterfront is working, but also historic - this was once Sweden's only western port and the centre of Swedish ship building - so you'll find some ships bringing in the freshest fish, while some bob by the quay as museum pieces.
Behind that you'll find a few scenic,17th Century canals, the dressy Avenyn boulevard with its high end boutiques and graceful buildings, then the creative and fashion districts.
Gothenburg's highlights include a number of really wonderful museums. The themes range from your standard modern art museum to the 'Universeum' - Sweden's great kid's museum, to the random vintage treasures of the Mölndals Warehouse Museum and the Maritiman, the world's largest floating ship museum.
You'll also want to visit the 17th Century hilltop fort of Skansen Kronan and the local Haga district, which has pretty 19th Century wooden houses.
And possibly Liseberg, Scandinavia's largest amusement park.
Foodies, or those in search of a tasty bargain, won't want to miss the fish market.
Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Gothenburg are nearly all centrally located, so the city's major highlights are easily accessible, whichever you choose.
The luxury Hotel Pigalle in the heart of Göteborg is inspired by the sinful Paris of the early 1900’s. A decadent bar, restaurant with charming terrace and sultry bedrooms - a hotel to fall in love with.
The Elite Plaza Hotel is a large four-star hotel with a gym, saunas, two restaurants and an English style pub. It's great for comfort, and value, and it's by the river and close to many sights.
Add a star and you've got the Avalon Hotel a feng shui wonder just a few blocks away. As well as a sense of calm you'll get a roof terrace, pool, bar, restaurant and free wi-fi.
The Upper House is a luxury hotel situated at the tiop of Gothia Towers. Penthouse suites have modern interiors, plus there's a glass bottomed swwimming pool, great restaurant and amazing views over the city.
The vibrant Dorsia Hotel is an exciting gem just minutes form Gothenburg Central Station. Bold guest rooms are opulent in design and come with modern luxuries.
The Hotel Flora offers guests a trendy lobby, cosy terrace and unique spaces for meetings and showcases. Rooms are full of character and perfect for exploring the eclectic city.
A ten minute ferry ride from central Gothenburg will bring you to Hotel Villan, a refurbished traditional building with smart modern interiors overlooking the harbour.
Fly to the international Göteborg Landvetter Airport located 15 miles from the city centre.
The Gothenburg Central Station is well connected to many destinations across Sweden.
The best time to visit is the summer months from June to August with temperatures averaging around 21° Celcius
If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Gothenburg
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Gothenburg
Situated in the centre of Gothenburg, a boutique hotel with interesting design and fantastic work spaces. Flora offers guests a trendy lobby, cosy terrace offering food and drink and unique spaces for meetings and showcases. Rooms are full of character and perfect for exploring this eclectic city.
Gothenburg (Box 11065)
Perfectly located five star property in central Gothenburg. The hotel offers a charming restaurant, an English style pub and sultry Plaza bar. Bedrooms are well-equipped with comfortable beds, satellite televisions, toiletries and free WiFi. Cultural sites nearby.
Gothenburg
Located in the Eriksberg district - a 10 minute ferry ride from Central Gothenburg. Hotel Villan is a refurbished traditional wooden building overlooking the harbour. Each of the bedrooms has underfloor heating, comfortable beds, all are elegantly decorated. Try local fish in the hotel restaurant.
Gothenburg
A family-owned, waterfront design hotel in Gothenburg that offers award-winning sky-high cocktails, delectable dining with a view, plus an in-house DJ to set the night's rhythm. A few minutes away from the area's main attractions, it's green-conscious and affordable - a unique slice of the city.
Gothenburg
Five-star Gothenburg hotel which is centrally located and well-equipped. The hotel has been designed in accordance with the principles of feng shui, providing an ambience of calm. Also available is a roof terrace, swimming pool, restaurant, bar and free WiFi. Perfect location for business or leisure
Gothenburg (Centrum)
This stylish boutique hotel is located in central Gothenburg. Rooms are vintage and cosy with feature wallpaper and sink-in carpets inspired by Fellini's Dolce Vita; guests love the suites' unique design pieces. Dine at Ristorante Bellora before drinks on the trendy roof terrace; a chic city hotel.
Gothenburg
This modern, boutique hotel is a vibrant and exciting gem just minutes form Gothenburg Central Station. Bold guest rooms are opulent in design and come with modern luxuries. The hotel restaurant serves international cuisine throughout the day as well as a welcoming afternoon tea.
Gothenburg
Located at the top of Gothia Towers, this luxury hotel offers extensive penthouse suites, modern elegant bedrooms and a glass bottom swimming pool. Upper house boasts a large spa and gym complex as well as a modern cuisine restaurant with stunning views just 10 minutes from the city center.
Gothenburg
The design of this luxury hotel in the heart of Göteborg is inspired by the sinful Paris of the early 1900’s. A decadent bar, restaurant with charming terrace and sultry bedrooms - this is a hotel to fall in love with. Try delicious local seafood dishes and original drinks in Bar Amuse.
