Is Gothenburg good for a weekend break?

[Givemestrengthorvodka]

My friend and I are having a weekend away early November. We can choose between Amsterdam and Gothenburg. I've been to Amsterdam before and very happy to go back but are considering Gothenburg instead. Looking online there doesn't seem to be much to it, especially at that time of year. Anyone familiar with the place...is there much to see and do there over a November weekend?

I went to Gothenburg many years ago, as a young adult. I think I really liked it - it was quite picturesque and very clean. I remember good food and reasonable shopping etc. I expect it will be less touristy than Amsterdam but I think I’d rather go to Gothenburg personally!

Thanks @CaptainBeakyandhisband good food is a big plus. We want somewhere with good scenery and a nice atmosphere. I'm not sure if gothenburg is that or just a bit 'standard' with not much to see, especially at that time of year. But your post sounds reassuring!

I went there in November about 10 years ago. I found it a bit dull tbh but was only there a couple of days. I probably didn't do all there was 'to do' as I didn't have transport, just walking.

Yeah, it looks a bit dull from my online searching.

If you like the Netherlands how about Leiden or the Hague? The Mauritshuis gallery (with Girl with A Pearl Earring), lovely market in Leiden, brave the beach at Scheveningen, to name three possibilities.

Gothenburg is my favourite city in Sweden, I have the best memories from there. Strolling down the avenue, checking out the many coffee and cake shops, shopping, bit of sightseeing, and a trip to Liseberg (roller coaster park). Literally my best childhood memories spent there. Expensive but absolutely divine. 🇸🇪 🇸🇪 🇸🇪
Oh and the people there are epic. Nothing beats a friendly Scandinavian, none of them are in Stockholm! If you love seafood you will enjoy it even more.

The spa in the Upper House hotel in Gothenburg is fabulous. You can also catch a ferry over to the little islands - all public transport, v cheap and easy. We went in high summer though. It was great in the sunshine - not sure how cold it will be in November. I loved the shops, too. Lovely town.

From my experience it's quite dull although we were only passing through briefly so didn't invest must time researching or exploring. The only thing I remember doing is visiting a museum of technology or society (?) that had displays of vacuum cleaners and radios etc...

I'd choose Gothenburg over Amsterdam, but I'd choose Stockholm over Gothenburg.

It's really nice walking around Haga, which is an old beatiful part of Gothenburg. We went to a cafe in Haga that is known for their big cinnanmon rolls, they are huge and yummy! The avenue is nice too. It's easy to travel around on the tram. There's a shopping centre called Nordstan with many shops. They have museums too. There's a christmas market at Liseberg, but not sure about the opening times. You'll have plenty to do for a couple of days :)

Yes, the buns from Haga! Glorious!

Thanks everyone. The idea of giant cinnamon buns pretty much has me sold. Does anyone know how easy it is to visit one or more of the small islands in November? I'll need to read up on if we would have time to do this while still spending time in the city itself. One or our main days there would he a Sunday.

The islands are very easy to visit. If you buy a tram pass the ferries to the islands are included.