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Gothenburg Nightlife

There’s no shortage of things to do once darkness falls, whether you’re after cabaret, theatre or an all-night party. Most of the mainstream bars, clubs and pubs are centred around Kungsportsavenyn but for something a little more atmospheric, the Old Town and bohemian Linné can’t be beaten.

Bars in Gothenburg

3 Små Rum

Atmospheric, cosy and a hipster's dream, 3 Små Rum specialises in artisan beer and works closely with local breweries, Dugges and Electric Nurse. When it's not doing that, there's also a decent wine selection to be had as well as a small repertoire of bar snacks focused on traditional pub grub and, incongruously, Persian classics.

Address: , 4 Kristinelundsgatan, Gothenburg,
Telephone: (031) 181 904.
Website: http://3smarum.se

Puta Madre

With its swagged red velvet curtains, glinting crystal chandeliers and ornate wooden furniture, stepping into Puta Madre feels like stepping into another era. Luckily for patrons, it’s a fun one: the bar is an homage to a 1918 Mexican brothel. In keeping with its risqué theme, cocktails are strong and the tequila moreishly smooth. 

Address: , 3 Magasinsgatan, Gothenburg, 41118
Telephone: (031) 711 8838.
Website: http://www.putamadre.se

Clubs in Gothenburg

Nefertiti

An old favourite that's been around since 1978, Nefertiti boasts a smoky ambiance entirely in keeping with its music of choice: jazz. That said, there's also hip hop, ethno, electronica and blues on offer, as well as 200 live performances a year and a generous approach to making drinks.

Address: , Hvitfeldtsplatsen 6, Gothenburg, 41120
Telephone: +46 (031) 711 4076.
Website: http://www.nefertiti.se

Push

The brainchild of the duo behind Stockholm’s most famous club, Sturecompagniet, Push is the night spot of choice for the in-crowd and has the eye-wateringly cool décor to prove it. Once you’ve got over the shock of seeing so much Arne Jacobsen inspired furniture in one place, head upstairs (weather permitting) to its fabulous roof terrace.

Address: , Kungsportsavenyn 11, Gothenburg,
Telephone: (031) 701 8090.
Website: http://push.se

Live music in Gothenburg

Hey It's Enrico Pallazzo

Ignore, if you can, the bizarre name and concentrate on the fact that Hey It's Enrico Pallazzo is where you'll find some of the best – and quirkiest – up-and-coming acts in town. The menu of events includes a mixture of concerts and club nights so check the website before you go, but either way, you can expect a mix of uber-cool dance and kooky Turkish folk, all served up in a slick, if intimate, space.

Address: , 20-22 Sockerbruket, Gothenburg,
Telephone: 733 335 534.
Website: http://heyitsenricopallazzo.com

Musikens Hus

Translated, Musikens Hus means House of Music and its one venue that really does live up to its name. No matter how unusual or how bizarre, whether it's dance, indie, poetry slam, blues, Latina or even Balkan, Musikens Hus is bound to have it at some point. While it can be a bit hit and miss – a dose of experimental electronic when you want jazz for instance – it's good fun and brilliant if you're open to trying something new.

Address: , 13 Djurgårdsgatan, Gothenburg, 41462
Telephone: (031) 121 583.
Website: http://www.musikenshus.se/

Sticky Fingers

The Swedish penchant for death metal is hard to comprehend at the best of times – even more so when you're squeezed into Sticky Fingers' cellar having your eardrums assailed with screechy guitar and booming bass. Nevertheless, if you venture upstairs, you'll soon see why the venue is a Gothenburg institution with some excellent indie, pop to soul and funk on offer.

Address: , 7 Kaserntorget, Gothenburg, 41118
Telephone: (031) 701 0017.
Website: http://www.stickyfingers.nu

Classical music in Gothenburg

Konserthuset

Opened in 1935, the Konserthuset (Gothenburg Concert Hall) is a wonderful example of Scandinavia's functionalist architecture – or a hideous eyesore depending on your taste. Regardless of the exterior, it's the city's top venue for classical music as well as the home of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Sweden's national symphony orchestra.

Address: , Götaplatsen 8, Gothenburg, 41256
Telephone: (031) 726 5300.
Website: http://www.gso.se

Dance in Gothenburg

Rondo

A Gothenburg institution since 1934, this former dance hall turned concert venue is the place to go for pop performances, contemporary moves and cabaret. Although, like the Liseberg theme park where it's set, it's not open all year round, for glitter, glamour and some seriously impressive moves in a spectacular setting, Rondo is unbeatable.

Address: , Liseberg, Gothenburg,
Telephone: (031) 400 100.
Website: http://liseberg.com/en/home/Entertainment/Rondo/

Theatres in Gothenburg

Atalante

Anything goes at Atalante, an intimate contemporary theatre specialising in experimental pieces. But it’s not all plays. Instead, it does everything from dance, music, film and art to literature, politics and debates. Choose the right night and you might even find a party packed to the rafters with cool characters in full swing.

Address: , 1 Övre Husargatan, Gothenburg, 41122
Telephone: +46 (031) 711 8200.
Website: http://atalante.org/

Stadsteatern

One of the largest theatres in Sweden as well as its oldest, the Stadsteatern is the place to go if you're looking for a taste of Gothenburg playwrights such as Kent Andersson. The theatre has two stages, the larger Stora Scen (Big Stage) and the intimate Nya Studion (New Studio). If you don't have time for an evening performance, try one of the short 'lunch theatres'.

Address: , Götaplatsen, Gothenburg,
Telephone: (031) 708 7100.
Website: http://www.stadsteatern.goteborg.se

Music and Dance in Gothenburg

Gothenburg Opera House

A modern opera house that first opened its doors in 1994, the Gothenburg Opera House boasts a stunning waterfront setting and two high tech stages, courtesy of an extensive renovation in 2009. It’s not just for opera buffs however; its repertoire also includes classical and contemporary ballet and musicals.

Address: , Christina Nilssons Gata, Gothenburg,
Telephone: (031) 10 80 00.
Website: http://sv.opera.se/

Pustervik

A Gothenburg institution since the 1920s, Pustervik is the place to go for theatre and dance in retro chic surroundings, Functioning as an overflow venue for the main theatres, it boasts special guests of its own, many of which specialise in performance art and music. There's also an in-house club where the cocktails flow until 0300.

Address: , 12 Järntorgsgatan, Gothenburg, 41301
Telephone: (031) 138 760.
Website: http://pustervik.nu

Culture in Gothenburg

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Featured Hotels

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Upper House

The clean and contemporary sleeping chambers at Upper House, with their Nordic sharpness and modern apartment-like space, are found in the top floors of the Gothia Towers. While the attention to detail is first rate, with king-size, cushion-filled beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, choice flat screen TVs and a changing room service selection, it's famed for the large, wall-sized windows that afford incredible views over the city vista. The hotel also has three swimming pools, Turkish baths, spa treatments and a locally-sourced breakfast.

Hotel Bellora

With a choice of 98 chic rooms, the Hotel Bellora is a beautiful lifestyle-hotel that mixes Italian Dolce Vita with a cosmopolitan flair. With an Espresso Bar warmly nestled in reception area that sources speciality beans to complement its indulgent chocolates and Italian pastries, it’s not just the 4-star comfort of the rooms that keeps visitors returning.

Hotell Liseberg Barken Viking

The 4-star Hotell Liseberg Barken Viking is housed in one of the few remaining four-masted barques in the world. The ship was built in 1907 and is moored in the Gothenburg guest harbour next to the Gothenburg Opera. The hotel offers rooms and a restaurant with a unique maritime atmosphere and furnishings. There are several conference rooms on board as well.

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel

This sophisticated luxury hotel in Gothenburg, opposite the central train station, has 349 elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi access, swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and fitness centre. The hotel also offers excellent conference facilities. The Atrium Bar & Restaurant is located in the hotel lobby.

Hotel Riverton

A recent sharp and stylish update of the Premium Queen rooms at Hotel Riverton means this city centre sanctuary now offers 4-star comfort without having to inform the bank manager. With rain showers in the glass-walled bathroom, cinema aspiring TV screens and Nespresso machines in each bedroom, plus new extra thick doors to keep corridor clamour to a minimum, the hotel is perfect for a short or long break. It also has a Sky Bar that overlooks the harbour and a riverside restaurant.

Elite Plaza Hotel

A stylish business hotel in a more than 100-year-old building, the Elite Plaza Hotel opened in 2000 and is one of the most luxurious hotels in Gothenburg. There are 121 rooms and six suites, all with satellite TV and broadband internet connection. The hotel has an excellent restaurant, Svea Hof Restaurang & Bar, as well as an English pub, The Bishop's Arms.