Family Adventure in Gothenburg: Exploring Sweden's Coastal Gem

A Day of Culture and Coastal Charm

Today in Gothenburg was a beautiful blend of artistic grandeur, maritime exploration, and culinary adventures. It’s days like these that remind me why we chose Gothenburg for our family trip – a city that effortlessly combines culture with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. With Greta and Marko by my side, I set out to explore the city's highlights, eager to soak in as much as possible.

Our day began, as most do on this trip, with a hearty breakfast at Scandic Goteborg Central. It's become a comforting routine, fueling us up for the day's adventures. Marko, of course, made a beeline for the pastries, his energy levels already soaring for the day ahead.


Discover comfort and convenience at Scandic Goteborg Central, a perfect base for exploring Gothenburg's vibrant culture and attractions.

First on our agenda was the Göteborgsoperan, Gothenburg's stunning opera house. I've always appreciated modern architecture, and this building is a true masterpiece. The sleek, contemporary design, set against the backdrop of the Göta älv river, is simply breathtaking. I remember back in Varaždin, my hometown, the theatre was the heart of the city, and I feel the same here. We weren't just there to admire the building, though; we had tickets for a performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Marko was beside himself with excitement, and Greta and I were equally thrilled. The performance was spectacular. The sets were vibrant, the costumes dazzling, and the music filled the hall with an energy that had Marko bouncing in his seat. Ola Salo as Willy Wonka was incredible! Even for someone like me, who isn't a regular opera-goer, the sheer talent and artistry on display were captivating. It was a fantastic way to start our Sunday, immersing ourselves in Gothenburg’s vibrant arts scene. I think it's important to expose Marko to different types of cultural experiences, and this was a perfect introduction to the world of opera and musical theatre. The performance was updated to reflect the present, for example, Mike Teavee was constantly glued to his mobile phone.


Discover Gothenburg Opera, a stunning architectural masterpiece offering a rich tapestry of world-class performances and breathtaking waterfront views in Sweden.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

After the opera, we strolled towards Lilla Bommen, a waterfront area known for its modern architecture and maritime history. The area is bustling with life, offering a mix of playful and organized elements. The harbor was alive with activity. We watched as ferries and boats glided along the water, the sounds of the city mixing with the gentle lapping of waves. Marko, ever curious, peppered me with questions about the boats, their destinations, and the people on board. The new bridge connects the city across the river, and syncs the quay with the city's everyday rhythm. Parks and green pathways create spaces for gatherings, recreation, and play. I pointed out Läppstiftet (The Lipstick), Gothenburg's iconic red and white striped building, which dominates the skyline. It’s amazing how Gothenburg combines modern structures with its maritime heritage. We even considered a boat tour, but Marko was more interested in the playground nearby, so we compromised and spent some time letting him burn off energy while enjoying the fresh sea air.


Experience the perfect blend of business and culinary delights at Lilla Bommen, Gothenburg's premier conference center and restaurant.

For lunch, we ventured to Restaurang Simba Göteborg, an Ethiopian restaurant that came highly recommended. I was eager to try something different, and Greta, always up for an adventure, agreed. Marko, however, was a bit hesitant, but we convinced him with promises of trying new flavors. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. We ordered a selection of dishes to share, and the food was served on a large platter with injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread. Eating with our hands was a new experience for Marko, who initially made a bit of a mess but soon got the hang of it. The flavors were rich and complex, a delightful mix of spices that left us wanting more. Even Marko, after his initial reluctance, declared the experience a success. It reminded me of Croatia, where food is often a communal affair, a way to connect and share experiences. I appreciated that Simba felt kind of fancy, so it’s a nice place to bring your family. The vegan Bejajneto is a plate filled with various vegan dishes on the typical fermented pancake-type bread, injera. The restaurant is located not too far away from Lilla Bommen in a charming old building. Inside, it's usually very dark, but if you have been to Ethiopia, it looks like a restaurant straight from there. Very atmospheric!


Experience authentic Ethiopian flavors at Restaurang Simba in Gothenburg - a culinary journey through rich traditions and vegetarian delights.

After our satisfying lunch, we decided to indulge in some retail therapy at NK Göteborg, a high-end department store known for its curated selection of Scandinavian and international brands. Greta was particularly excited, as she had been wanting to check out some of the local fashion designers. NK is a culinary meeting place in an inspiring environment that simply must be experienced, with a wide range of local and international delicacies. I'm not much of a shopper myself, but I appreciate good design, and NK certainly delivered. The store was beautifully laid out, and the displays were visually appealing. Greta found a lovely scarf from a Swedish designer, while Marko was more interested in the toy section, of course. We picked up a small Lego set for him as a treat for being so well-behaved during our shopping excursion. I did find myself admiring the architecture and interior design elements of the store. The building itself is a piece of art, blending seamlessly with the modern aesthetic of Gothenburg.


Explore NK Göteborg, a premier department store in Gothenburg offering luxury shopping and unique Swedish brands in an elegant setting.

As evening approached, we made our way to Heaven 23, a sky bar and restaurant located on the 23rd floor of Gothia Towers. I wanted to treat Greta to a special dinner with a view, and this seemed like the perfect spot. The restaurant offered panoramic views of the city, and as the sun began to set, the skyline was bathed in a warm, golden light. The dinner in Heaven 23 with sunset view was the highlight. We started with some cocktails, and then ordered a selection of seafood dishes, which were fresh and delicious. Marko, surprisingly, enjoyed the shrimp, a testament to the quality of the ingredients. The atmosphere was sophisticated yet relaxed, and the service was impeccable. It was the perfect way to end our day, savoring good food, good company, and the stunning views of Gothenburg. The restaurant is probably the most popular part of Gothia Towers, which you'll find 23 floors up with impressive 360-degree views. Heaven 23 describe themselves as a timeless classic in constant change. The menu consists of fresh European dishes made with seasonal and locally produced ingredients, accompanied by craft cocktails or carefully selected wines - all with Gothenburg's skyline as a backdrop.


Experience exquisite fine dining at Heaven 23 in Gothenburg—where stunning views meet culinary artistry.

As we headed back to our hotel, Marko fell asleep in my arms, exhausted from a day of adventure. Greta and I walked hand in hand, reflecting on the day's experiences. Gothenburg had once again charmed us with its blend of culture, history, and culinary delights. I’m already looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to visit the Röhsska Museum and Gothenburg Cathedral. It’s comforting to know that even with a planned itinerary, there’s always room for spontaneous discoveries and unexpected joys.

It’s moments like these that make travel so rewarding – the shared experiences, the new discoveries, and the strengthening of family bonds. Gothenburg, you’ve been wonderful once again!

Tomorrow, we're planning a visit to the Röhsska museet and the Gothenburg Cathedral. I’m particularly excited about the Röhsska museet, as I've heard it has an impressive collection of design and crafts. I'm hoping to find some inspiration for our home in Heidelberg, perhaps a unique piece of Scandinavian design. Greta is looking forward to seeing the Gothenburg Cathedral, as she appreciates historical architecture. And Marko, well, he's just happy to be exploring a new place, always eager for the next adventure.