Christmas Shopping & Winter Cosiness in Gothenburg
There is something really special about winter in Gothenburg.
We absolutely love this city and return again and again — especially in winter, when the streets glow with Christmas lights, cafés invite you in from the cold and the trams run through the city, adding to the festive atmosphere
This time, we travelled with our usual group of friends on our annual adults-only winter getaway (no kids, just good food and great company). We sailed with Stena Line from Frederikshavn — and we can only recommend booking ferry tickets in advance, as prices tend to rise closer to departure.
Gothenburg really has it all: shopping, restaurants, cosy cafés, Christmas markets and that unmistakable Scandinavian winter atmosphere. If you’re planning a winter city break, this city definitely deserves a place on your list.
Where We Stayed – Clarion Hotel Post
We stayed at Clarion Hotel Post, and we can’t recommend it highly enough.
In fact, this was our second time staying here — which says a lot.
The location is absolutely perfect for exploring the city on foot. Shopping streets, restaurants, bars and transport connections are all right outside the door.
You can check out the hotel and our room here.
Getting There
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First visit: we walked from the ferry terminal (about 30 minutes)
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Second visit: we took the tram
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There is a brilliant public transport app where one person can buy tickets for several people — just let one of you download it and you’re sorted. It is called Västtrafik To Go.
The Hotel Itself
Clarion Hotel Post is stylish, warm and full of personality. Although it’s a large hotel, it never feels overwhelming — and most importantly, you don’t hear any noise from the bar in the rooms, which is a massive plus.
We returned to this hotel and wouldn’t hesitate to stay again.
Restaurants at the Hotel
There are two restaurants in the hotel:
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Norda
This is where we had dinner our first night — and it was wonderful. Think Nordic flavours, elegant atmosphere and superb service. A perfect evening spot without even having to leave the hotel. -
Vrå
A Japanese-inspired restaurant with sushi and Scandinavian influences — modern, refined and popular with locals and visitors alike.
In the evenings, there was a DJ close to the reception area, and every night we found ourselves sitting there with a drink before heading upstairs. It became our little ritual.
And let’s not forget the breakfast — a huge, delicious buffet with everything you could want. Fresh bread, fruit, warm dishes and great coffee. Breakfast alone is a reason to stay here.
You can see prices and availability for Clarion Hotel Post here.
Our Favourite Restaurants in Gothenburg
We ate extremely well on this trip — here are the highlights:
Floating Saigon
A fantastic Vietnamese restaurant with loads of flavour and great atmosphere. Perfect if you love fresh herbs, spice and comfort food. This was where we booked lunch on Saturday. We were a party of eight, and it can be tricky to get a table just walking in from the street. Here, we were able to reserve in advance, and the food was absolutely fantastic.
BONGO
A very cosy and welcoming spot, serving delicious comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere — perfect for a casual and enjoyable meal.
Restaurant at Hotel Pigalle
We also had dinner at restaurant Atelier at Hotel Pigalle, just a short walk from Clarion Hotel Post. The hotel itself has a slightly funky, vintage boudoir style, and the restaurant offers fantastic views over the city at night. It’s a perfect setting for an evening out — intimate, stylish, and truly memorable.
What to See & Do in Winter
Haga
We spent Sunday wandering around this area — and it is pure charm. Small shops, cafés and cobblestone streets.
Do not leave without trying a cinnamon bun from Café Husaren — their famous giant cinnamon buns are legendary.
Gothenburg Botanical Garden
Even in winter, it’s peaceful and beautiful — perfect for a calm walk after busy shopping streets.
Skansen Kronan
Climb (or walk) up for one of the best views in the city. Especially magical at sunset on a frosty day.
Shopping in Gothenburg
Gothenburg is a fantastic city for shopping, whether you’re looking for big brands or unique local finds. For a one-stop experience, Nordstan is the largest shopping centre in the city, housing dozens of shops under one roof — perfect if you want to escape the cold or need everything in one place.
Beyond Nordstan, the city is full of charming pedestrian streets and smaller boutiques, especially around Magasinsgatan, Haga, and Kungsgatan. Here you’ll find independent shops, Scandinavian design stores, cosy cafés, and plenty of Christmas spirit in the winter months. Strolling through these streets is a real pleasure, combining shopping with the city’s cosy atmosphere.
Other Hotels We Would Recommend
If Clarion Hotel Post is fully booked, here are three other great options.
Hotel Pigalle – Boutique-style, dramatic interiors and great atmosphere
Check availability and book your stay at Hotel Pigalle.
Avalon Hotel – Stylish and central with rooftop pool.
See rates and make a reservation at Avalon Hotel.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Göteborg – Reliable comfort in a perfect location.
Find prices and book a room at Radisson Blu Scandinavia Göteborg.
Christmas markets in Gothenburg
Christmas at Liseberg — the city’s biggest and most atmospheric market, held in the amusement park. Think millions of lights, cosy stalls selling crafts and seasonal treats, ice skating and a fairytale winter world.
Christmas in Haga — a charming, traditional street market along cobbled Haga Nygata, with handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, cosy cafés and holiday spirit. Great for strolling, shopping and fika.
Nordstan Christmas Market — an indoor option inside the large shopping centre, perfect if the weather is cold. Expect crafts, winter treats and cosy market atmosphere under one roof.
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