Gothenburg - what I did and how I did it

Stayed at the Hotel Pigalle. Small dark, boutique hotel...think flocked wallpaper, dark velvet and general plush. Best breakfast I've had anywhere - hotel not hotel. I don't know if it is a China thing, but the cheese, the smoked meat, the unpasteurized butter...
http://www.hotelpigalle.se/

Want a snack to pass you over from airplane food to dinner? Gourmetkorv (Sodra Larmgatan 6 gourmetkorv.se) is a hole in the wall and is like manna from heaven for a gal living in Asia. Best wurst since Austria... a Kaprunner wurst no less. Authentic sides too. Potato salad just like Mutti's.

Now the food is sorted, go see some sites. Gothenburg Art Museum mixes the old with the new. Contemporary works feature in the attached gallery. At the time of my visit a wonderful exhibition on Gaza. The rest of the gallery holds Gothenburg's collection with each room a well curated mixed of Swedish art and French classic juxtaposed with the new. Goteborgs Konstmuseum (Gotaplatsen; konstmuseum.goteborg.se )

First dinner in Sweden? Mexican of course. Putas Madras has the best range of tequila in Europe and made the best margarita known to man. Tasting menu was perfect - a great mix of fresh contemporary Mexican fare.

Day 2: There's nothing like seeing a city by bike. Download Donkey Republic and you'll be set to go. Head to any of the DaMatteos open and grab a coffee and then hit the road.

Haga is a beautiful neighborhood filled with cobblestone streets, antique shops and cafes. Some ridiculously breakable purchases later and then it was off to the beautiful Gothenburg Botanic Gardens. Green space to sooth the soul.

Gothenburg is a harbour town so a ride to the harbour right all the way to Roda Stens was a must - the gallery was closed as they were preparing for an exhibition but it's s great spot to stop for a restorative IPA and then a cycle home.

Dinner at the Barn seems to be a must do in Gothenburg. The place was pumping on a Sunday night. Burgers and fries but with a Swedish twist, great service and they make their own beer. Make a booking!

Day 3: Catch a ferry and head out of town. I went to Styrsö. When you get off the ferry grab a map - there is a box just outside the cafe to the right. I didn't...but fortuitously stumbled across a sublime walk through coves of gentle lapping water.

Ferry back for fika at DaMatteos - sitting under the bright blue sky in the sun eating a Swedish cinnamon bun. Heart sings.

Last night drinks on the terrace at the hotel followed by dinner at Atelier (also at hotel but conveniently highly recommended).

Gothenburg: the perfect tonic for a relaxing few days.