No matter whether you go for the food, the spectacular coast and islands, the Volvo museum that delights all ages or perhaps one of the many sporting and cultural events, Gothenburg is bound to please. And the city sight from the early 17th century fortress atop a hill, is as gorgeous as ever…
Luxury start
Comfort begins before boarding if you fly Qatar Airways on Business, I am lucky as I am upgraded! Check in is a priority true blue-carpet treatment. Without much ado, I slip into my curvaceous, cushioned reclining chair which turns into a complete flat bed, at the press of a button. I am promptly offered a glass of Dom Perignon. A movie buff, I get cosy and immediately dig into the Oryx One entertainment system. The unique offering of a ‘Dine on Demand’, suits me perfectly, permitting me to nap or dine at my own will. A few movies later, I slip into the comfort covers on my down pillow for a good night’s sleep. It is time for breakfast and I opt for some eggs and an English Breakfast Tea.
Botanical garden |
Absolutely refreshed and nourished perhaps to the point of being spoilt, I reach Gothenburg…all ready to explore. I stay at the Clarion Post Hotel for its first-rate location in the city centre and delightful Swedish Meat Balls for lunch at their speciality restaurant. I start my day with a stroll along quaint Haga Nygata and buy a cinnamon bun from Café Husaren. I move on to climb up the steps to the old fortress of Skansen Kronan to enjoy my bun and the fantastic view over Gothenburg.
The art scene
I look yonder the high street and discover the city to catch plenty of small beating muscles teeming with originality and energy. The Gothenburg indie art scene is unquestionably brilliant. Unconventional galleries such as Roda Sten Art centre and Four are run by sincere enthusiasts and the artists themselves which makes them pleasingly unpretentious. Here silence has been swapped by music and black turtle neck sweaters by neon coloured T-shirts. At Galleri Magnus Winstrom you are just as likely to see an original Warhol as the work of an almost completely unfamiliar but up and coming painter or artist. I have a few questions on art in Gothenburg and owner Magnus, tells me all about what’s worth seeing at that moment.
National world culture museum |
Savour Gothenburg
Gothenburg has a vivacious restaurant scene oscillating from Michelin starred epicurean and hip eateries to typical neighbourhood institutions and street food. There are a lot of imaginative concepts and pioneering chefs using the very best of what the region has to offer. The city also has great budget eats like the urban food truck Strommingsluckan serving up enjoyable herring. I would highly recommend ‘Atelier’ at Hotel Pigalle for local grown ingredients from West Sweden served with just the impeccable amount of madness to make it both stimulating and tasty.
Then there is the super cool ‘Barabicu’ located just step away from the famed fish market hall Fesekekorka and has in short time become a preferred among the locals and tourists alike. The concept is Pan American grill with a focus on sea food, fish and meat cooked over an open fire! And yes definitely do not miss the King Size Shrimp Sandwich at ‘Heaven 23’ and some Swedish Fika at ‘Café Husare’ in Haga or ‘Da Matteo’ near Magasinsgatan.
Famous shrimp sandwich |
How about some clubbing?
If you enjoy cheerful house music and dance floor megahits you will discover your revelry centre on Avenyn. Clubs like Push and Park Lane are tremendously popular among party animals from all across the city. Techno connoisseurs, Indie kids and subversive dreamers on the other hand, incline to favour other places. If you are looking to rock and roll, head to Pustervik where most international bands perform.
I go to Nefertiti on a Friday night with friends and this sober jazz club turns into a temple for techno lovers. You would come across international DJs from all the significant tags behind the record players. To call it a night we head to Brewers Beer Bar and trust me this is the best place to sample beer and ales from Ocean, Dugges, beerbibliotek and more!
Rupali Dean is a Travel & Food writer based out of Delhi
She can be reached at rupalidean@gmail.com
