Hristina Lozanovska 
Sweden’s second-largest city, Gothenburg, is a beautiful destination featuring charming canals, Dutch-style bridges and quays, and great views from its picturesque hills! If this sounds like a great choice for your next holiday, the first thing to do is decide where to stay in Gothenburg.
To help you out, I compared all the different areas of the city and compiled a list of the 5 best neighborhoods in Gothenburg!
The best place to stay in Gothenburg is Centrum, Gothenburg’s city center, where you’ll find all the top attractions, museums, and best hotels, shops, and restaurants in the city.
Besides talking about the best areas for your stay, I also handpicked the top hotels in each recommended area and for every type of traveler, from luxury to budget. Once you pick a hotel, hurry up and make a reservation in advance – Gothenburg is a popular destination, and all the good accommodations sell out fast!
Let’s start exploring!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Eager to book quickly? Here are the best Gothenburg hotels, all situated in Centrum:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Centrum – where to stay in Gothenburg for the first time
- 2. Majorna – best area to stay in Gothenburg on a budget
- 3. Linné & Haga – the coolest areas to stay in Gothenburg
- 4. Avenyn – where to stay in Gothenburg for nightlife
- 5. Lorensberg – best area to stay in Gothenburg with family
- FAQs about where to stay in Gothenburg, Sweden
- Final words on the best areas to stay in Gothenburg
Check out this Gothenburg neighborhood map of the 5 areas I’ll be talking about in this post:
- CENTRUM: for first-timers
- MAJORNA: for budget
- Linné & Haga: the coolest areas
- Avenyn: for nightlife
- Lorensberg: for families
1. Centrum – where to stay in Gothenburg for the first time
In the heart of Gothenburg, you will find Centrum, the lively city center with all the major attractions, sights, and museums, and Gothenburg central station! Hosting the majority of hotels in Gothenburg, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, the city center is the best choice for first-time travelers!
There are plenty of ways to spend your time in Centrum! If you’re a museum buff, you should pay a visit to the Gothenburg City Museum, a local history museum, and Maritiman, a maritime museum where you can see many different naval vessels.
If you’re looking to attend some cultural events, definitely check the schedule at the Göteborgsoperan, which hosts a variety of cool events, from opera performances to activities for kids.
TIP: If you’re planning on visiting more attractions, it’s best to get the Gothenburg City Pass. This gives you access to numerous museums, unlimited rides on hop-on-hop-off buses, and a tour of the Gothenburg archipelago, plus more!
Other landmarks to check out in Gothenburg are the Kronhusbodarna (map), one of the city’s oldest buildings, the Gothenburg Cathedral (map), and Gustav Adolfs Torg (map), the city’s main square.
Foodies also won’t be disappointed by what Centrum has to offer! The Market Hall (map) and Feskekörka (map) are both amazing markets where you’ll find local vendors selling a variety of both fresh and prepared foods. Be sure to try some seafood!
And if you like to shop while traveling, you have to spend at least a day exploring all the shops and stores in the Inom Vallgraven (map) district. Whether you like to shop for clothes, jewelry, or books, there’s something for you. Also, you have to check out Nordstan (map), the city’s largest shopping center!
Gothenburg is located right in the middle of the 3 capital cities of Scandinavia: Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Stockholm! You can reach them easily through the extensive public transportation network. However, Gothenburg is also an important port city, so it presents the perfect opportunity to see more of the Gothenburg archipelago.
Finally, I want to tell you that Centrum is an extremely walkable neighborhood! If you’re staying here, you don’t need to think about renting a car or using public transportation – unless you want to visit something outside the city center!
NOTE: The areas of Avenyn and Lorensberg are actually part of Centrum, but they have such a distinct character and so much to offer that I decided to feature them in separate sections – you can read more about them below.
A top-rated hotel housed in a building dating back to 1749, boasting individually decorated rooms with marble bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a drink or a snack in the elegant local bar or have a meal at the top-floor restaurant situated in a converted attic. A complimentary breakfast is also served daily.
Other accommodation options in Centrum
This elegant 3-star hotel offers charming private rooms, an elegant lobby, and free breakfast with gluten-free options
Feel immediately at home in this bed and breakfast with a peaceful feel, and relax by the open fireplace
A beautiful old apartment in the heart of the city, one of the best homey places to stay in Gothenburg
Since Centrum is the most popular area in Gothenburg, most accommodations are concentrated here, with everything from luxury hotels to budget alternatives. Here, I added some extra hotels to give you more options in case the ones above are booked out or if you simply want more choices:
- Gothia Towers & Upper House ($$$) – during your stay at the Gothia Towers & Upper House, you can enjoy luxurious facilities, such as 4 restaurants, a sky bar, gym, and an exclusive spa.
- Hotel Vanilla ($$) – this charming hotel features individually decorated rooms, each with a private bathroom and cable TV. A very good breakfast is included in the price, and Wi-Fi is also free of charge.
- Gothenburg Hostel ($) – in an ideal location for exploring the city’s top attractions, this hostel offers accommodation in shared dormitories and provides access to common areas, including bathrooms, a kitchen, and a TV room.
Things to do in Centrum
- Learn more about the city’s history at Gothenburg City Museum and Maritman
- Attend an event at the Gothenburg Opera, Göteborgsoperan
- Visit the Kronhusbodarna and the Gothenburg Cathedral
- Spend a relaxing day at The Garden Society (map)
- Roam around Gustav Adolfs Torg
- Sample delicious food at The Market Hall and Feskekörka
- Do some shopping in Nordstan and the Inom Vallgraven district
- Go on a guided boat tour of the Gothenburg archipelago
2. Majorna – best area to stay in Gothenburg on a budget
The Majorna neighborhood, a former working-class area of Gothenburg, is a relaxed residential area situated a 25-min walk West of Centrum. As far as tourist attractions go, Majorna doesn’t have too much to offer, but it makes up for it with the selection of affordable accommodations, making it ideal for budget travelers.
Some of the things worth checking out in and around Majorna include The Karl Johan Square (map), which is actually a laid-back city park, and the Maritime Museum & Aquarium, situated on the outskirts of the neighborhood.
If you’re looking for a fun time, Escape House Gothenburg is an excellent destination for you! You can choose from several themed rooms (available in both Swedish and English) and try to solve the puzzle and escape in less than 60 mins.
Another plus of staying in Majorna is the abundance of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a delicious meal or spend a fun night out. I’d single out Crippas Café (map), which is actually a bar serving drinks and food, and also Govindas (map), a very good vegetarian restaurant.
As I mentioned, hotels in Majorna are more budget-friendly than in other parts of the city – check out my top picks below:
One of the best Gothenburg hotels if you’re looking for luxury! Located a short walk from the beach, the hotel offers free WiFi, spacious rooms, and easy access to the city center. Try delicious dishes at the waterfront restaurant and enjoy magnificent views of the river and the Älvsborgs Bridge, or sample some drinks at the rooftop bar.
Other accommodation options in Majorna
This hotel offers great facilities like free gym access, a sauna, and a children’s playroom, plus a free breakfast buffet
Enjoy your stay in this affordable Gothenburg accommodation, offering family rooms and shared dorms, a communal kitchen, and a garden
A bedroom in a shared apartment, where you also have access to a bathroom, a kitchen, and a dining area
Things to do in Majorna
- Spend a couple of hours relaxing at The Karl Johan Square
- Visit the Maritime Museum & Aquarium
- Check out the traditional houses of the Gahtenhielmska Cultural Reserve (map)
- Have a fun time at Escape House Gothenburg
- Enjoy a delicious meal at Crippas Café or Govindas
- Try the excellent Scandinavian beers of Beerbliotek Tap Room (map)
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3. Linné & Haga – the coolest areas to stay in Gothenburg
The neighborhoods of Linné and Haga are 2 cool and hip neighborhoods located Southwest of Centrum (15 to 25-min walk). I decided to group these 2 neighborhoods together because of their proximity to one another, but also for the similar laid-back atmosphere.
The Haga neighborhood is situated directly Southwest of Centrum – in fact, this is Gothenburg’s Old Town. Here, historic buildings have turned into hip cafes and quaint shops where you can buy the best souvenirs in the city!
As you roam the streets of Haga, you’ll see plenty of cafes, bistros, and pubs that give the area a very bohemian feel. There are plenty of places to spend a fun evening out; one such example is Pustervik (map), a live music venue that welcomes both local and international artists and also features a fantastic restaurant on-site.
While here, you also have to check out Skansen Kronan (map), the area’s most popular landmark. This small fortress provides great views of the city – although the climb is a bit steep, the payout is worth it! Another landmark you should see is The Haga Church (map), a Lutheran church with a very impressive interior.
And if you just want to relax and unwind, Hagabadet Haga is THE place for it. At this resort, you can indulge in a variety of spa treatments, massage, yoga, and more.
Linné, short for Linnéstaden, lies just South of Haga. Although it’s not as hip as Haga, Linné is more tranquil and provides more opportunities for outdoor activities. Here, the main attraction is Slottsskogen (map), a sprawling park with many walking paths, lakes, and other cool attractions.
Within the park, you’ll find the Gothenburg Museum of Natural History, a great attraction for kids and adults alike and a must when visiting Gothenburg. Other cool things to do in the park include visiting the Älghägnet (map), a lovely zoo, and trying your hand at disc golf at the Slottsskogens Discgolfbana.
Lastly, you can’t leave the area without visiting the Gothenburg Botanical Garden (map), situated on the outskirts of Slottsskogen. This is a large and tranquil garden, and you can easily spend an entire day here exploring the different plants. Best of all – entrance is free!
Seeing as these 2 areas are a bit further from the city center, you should consider renting a car. Alternatively, you can use public transport to get to Centrum, as well as to other parts of the city. ing away), offering a very good luxury hotel to stay in!
An amazing 4-star hotel offering stunning views of the city and luxurious facilities, such as 3 restaurants, an on-site nightclub, and a fitness center. Guests can also benefit from a free buffet or continental breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour front desk.
Other accommodation options in Linné & Haga
The hotel offers a buffet or complimentary breakfast free of charge, bike rentals, and private parking
A centrally located hostel offering private rooms and shared dormitories, a communal dining room, and a lounge
A private room in an apartment providing direct access to a kitchen and a shared bathroom
Things to do in Linné & Haga
- Explore the bars and restaurants in Haga and spend an evening in Pustervik
- Go up to the Skansen Kronan to enjoy panoramic views of the city
- Stop by The Haga Church and see the stunning interior
- Have a relaxing spa day at Hagabadet Haga
- Take a relaxing stroll through Slottsskogen
- Explore the collections at the Gothenburg Museum of Natural History
- Meet the animals at the Älghägnet zoo
- Try disc golf at Slottsskogens Discgolfbana
- Admire the various plants at the Gothenburg Botanical Garden
4. Avenyn – where to stay in Gothenburg for nightlife
Avenyn, the shortened name for Kungsportsavenyn (one of Gothenburg’s main thoroughfares), is a lively neighborhood located inside Centrum. With its countless clubs and bars, casual dining options, and contemporary cultural attractions, this is the hub of Gothenburg nightlife!
During the day, you can walk along Avenyn, relax in one of the many cafes, check out some landmarks like the Statue of Poseidon (map), and even explore some museums and art galleries. I recommend checking out Röhsska, a very cool museum of design and craft.
At night, you have infinite options to dance the night away, taste some good cocktails, and listen to good music with your friends. You can grab a drink at the Hard Rock Cafe (map), get some tapas at Pinchos Heden (map), or enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at Olivia Avenyn (map).
Even though Avenyn is a small area, it’s right at the heart of Centrum, so you can easily explore all of the attractions I recommend in the first section of the article. Trust me, you won’t be bored even for a minute!
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This stylish boutique accommodation is one of the best luxury hotels in Gothenburg, Sweden! Overlooking the main street of Avenyn and also being a very short walk from Liseberg Amusement Park, it offers spacious rooms, classy dining at the on-site Italian restaurant, and a delicious breakfast free of charge.
Other accommodation options in Avenyn
This hotel features a rooftop terrace, a sauna, 2 bars, and an on-site restaurant serving international cuisine
The best hotel if you want to stay in Gothenburg on a budget, with excellent location and clean rooms
Cozy apartment in a quiet area, featuring a bedroom with a Queen bed and a comfortable living area
Things to do in Avenyn
- Start your day with a bagel from Jimmy & Joans New York (map)
- Stop by and snap a photo with the Statue of Poseidon
- Visit the museum of design and craft, Röhsska
- See a movie at Bio Roy
- Grab some drinks at Hard Rock Cafe
- Try the tapas at Pinchos Heden or have some Italian at Olivia Avenyn
5. Lorensberg – best area to stay in Gothenburg with family
My last recommendation leads us to Lorensberg Kungsparken (map), a vibrant area nestled in the heart of Centrum. The neighborhood offers easy access to parks, museums, and even an amusement park, which makes it the ideal place for a family trip to Gothenburg.
Lorensberg is home to the University of Gothenburg (map), so you can expect to see the streets bustling with young people and find plenty of cool cafes and restaurants. However, if you want to escape the action for a bit, you can always go for a relaxing walk in Kungsparken (map).
The Gothenburg Museum of Art is one of the most notable museums in the area, but if you’re willing to venture just a little aside from the neighborhood’s borders, you’ll find some of the coolest spots in all of Gothenburg.
The first thing to add to your visit list is the Museum of World Culture, followed by the Universeum, a super cool science museum with interactive exhibitions.
But if you’re traveling with kids, there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss, and that’s Liseberg, the largest amusement park in Scandinavia! During your visit to Liseberg, you can have plenty of fun riding the rollercoaster and free fall rides, as well as playing games at the arcade.
And if you’re a fan of cars, then you should check out the World of Volvo, a museum dedicated to Volvo’s history, right here in its birthplace.
P.S. Both Liseberg and the World of Volvo are situated in the nearby neighborhood of Johanneberg, but you can easily reach them on foot from Lorensberg.
A stylish hotel boasting a restaurant, an English-style pub, a gym, and 2 saunas. The hotel rooms are modern and feature free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and private bathrooms, and guests will also enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast.
Other accommodation options in Lorensberg
A family-owned hotel decorated with over 100 unique paintings, providing complimentary breakfast and free coffee throughout the day
This lovely B&B provides a continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and parking at an added charge
This 2-bedroom apartment can accommodate up to 4 guests and features a full kitchen, dining area, and a living room
Things to do in Lorensberg
- Explore the campus of the University of Gothenburg
- Take a relaxing walk in Kungsparken
- Admire the collections in the Gothenburg Museum of Art
- Visit the Museum of World Culture and the Universeum
- Have a fun day with the kids in Liseberg
- Learn more about Volvo’s history at the World of Volvo
| 👑 Luxury price: | €150 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | €100 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €70 |
| 📍 Best area: | Centrum |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hotel Pigalle |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Hotel Royal |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Eklanda Bed & Breakfast |
FAQs about where to stay in Gothenburg, Sweden
📍 Which is the best area where to stay in Gothenburg, Sweden?
One of the best places to stay in Gothenburg, Sweden, is Centrum, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. It’s home to many of the city’s top attractions and museums, as well as great hotels, such as Hotel Pigalle and Hotel Royal.
👪 Where to stay in Gothenburg with kids?
Lorensberg is the ultimate spot to stay in Gothenburg with kids; from here, you can easily access many family-friendly attractions like the amusement park Liseberg and stay in family-friendly hotels like the Elite Park Avenue Hotel and Hotel Lorensberg.
❓ Is Gothenburg, Sweden, safe?
Yes, Gothenburg, Sweden, is safe, but some petty crimes do occur in the city, like pickpocketing or auto and bicycle theft. You should always use your common sense, don’t leave valuable items in a car, and watch your belongings in crowded places.
❌ Where not to stay in Gothenburg?
Some of the neighborhoods to avoid in Gothenburg are Angered, Hammarkullen, Kortedala, and Bergsjön. In general, try to avoid the Northern parts of the city.
📅 How many days do you need in Gothenburg?
You should spend at least 3 days in Gothenburg, during which you will explore the main attractions in Centrum, spend some time partying in Avenyn, and have some fun at Liseberg.
🚶🏽 Is Gothenburg a walkable city?
Yes, Gothenburg is a very walkable city, especially in the areas recommended in this post. You can get around all of these areas on foot, but you can also rent a car or use public transportation.
Final words on the best areas to stay in Gothenburg
We finally reached the end of this extensive guide on where to stay in Gothenburg, and by now, you should have an idea of where you want to spend your holiday.
But if you’re still undecided, check out my 2 absolute favorite hotels in Gothenburg, with a great location in Centrum:
- Hotel Pigalle – luxurious and elegant hotel with individually designed rooms and an amazing lobby bar
- Hotel Royal – a centrally located hotel in a historic building, offering family rooms and a delicious complimentary breakfast
Just make sure you book your favorite hotel as soon as you can – at least some months in advance – so you don’t miss your spot!
And if you have any questions about Gothenburg and where to stay, just leave them in the comments below… I’ll get back to you ASAP!
Enjoy your holiday,
Hristina
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