The greatest concentration of shops in Gothenburg lie within the city's old moat (Vallgraven). All kinds of fashion items and high street brands are available here. Sweden's leading shopping centre, Nordstan, with 150 specialist shops and stores, is also located in Vallgraven.

Along Vallgatan and Magasinsgatan nearby there are several design, furniture and arts and crafts shops as well as restaurants and cafes. At Kungstorget there is a lively market square that includes Saluhallen market hall, where all kinds of fresh foods are available. Exclusive fashion shops and art galleries line the city's main boulevard, Avenyn (full name: Kungsportsavenyn).

In the Haga old town and the Linné district just to the west of it there are loads of arts and crafts, antiques and second-hand shops as well as cafes, pubs and restaurants. Particularly the Linné district has a slightly bohemian feel to it. To the north of Haga, just north of the Rosenlunds canal, the Feskekörkan (Fish Church) fish and shellfish market hall attracts tourists and locals alike with its top-quality seafood.