Located on Sweden’s southwest coast, Gothenburg is home to the biggest port in the Nordics. This has made it a vital center of trade for centuries.
Yet beyond its maritime heritage, what I love most about Gothenburg is its laid-back charm. A city that feels friendly, grounded, and delightfully free of pretension.
And today, I’d like to introduce you to one of my favorite districts in Gothenburg – Haga.
The Haga district is nestled deeper in the city, away from the sea and Gothenburg’s main promenade, Avenyn. However, it’s pretty easy to find – follow the canal (there’s only one) from Avenyn towards the Skansen Kronan tower.
Once you’re at Järntorget, to find Haga Nygata, stand facing Linnégatan, and you’ll notice the blue trams gliding back and forth. Turn slightly to your left, and you’ll see a charming cobbled street lined with old wooden houses.
That’s Haga Nygata, the heart of the Haga district. You can’t miss the entrance to the neighborhood, as the street is adorned with flags bearing the district’s name – HAGA.
Haga is Gothenburg’s oldest district. It was first established after 1648 by Queen Kristina, daughter of Gustav II Adolf, making it Gothenburg’s first suburb.
The idea was to provide fishermen, boatmen, and other day laborers with a place to live close to the water, within easy reach of the port and the ships.
You could explore it in an hour or spend an entire day there, depending on how much you want to soak it in. On a sunny day, the main street comes alive — tourists wander past the old wooden houses while locals sit out on the terraces with coffee, lunch, or a cool drink, simply enjoying the warmth, the sunshine, and unhurried conversations with friends.
That’s the true Gothenburg vibe — relaxed, genuine, and free from the rush of big-city life. No one’s in a hurry, no one’s trying to impress. Everyone just seems content to be. And that’s exactly what made me fall in love with this city.
In the 1960s, a new city plan threatened to demolish Haga’s old houses. Locals united to protect their neighborhood, forming the Haga Group in 1970. Their fight paid off; many of Haga’s historic buildings were saved and restored.
Thanks to their efforts, the old streets and wooden houses were preserved, and today Haga is one of Gothenburg’s most charming districts — full of small boutiques and inviting cafés.
For instance, Café Husaren on Haga Nygata 28 sells what they claim to be Sweden’s largest cinnamon buns.
I must admit, this is one of my favorite cafés in Gothenburg. And interestingly, I don’t usually order coffee here, even though it’s my drink of choice in most Swedish cafés.
What I love most at Husaren is their warm chocolate drink – it’s more of a rich cocoa drink, but it’s listed on the menu simply as “varm choklad” (hot chocolate).
This time, I paired it with a Swedish cheese cake, the so-called “Svensk ostkaka”.
Look how beautifully they serve it with whipped cream! Though, by my Ukrainian habit, I prefer to eat cheesecake with jam.
So I asked if they could bring some, and of course, the staff – as friendly and accommodating as people in Gothenburg always are – gladly did.
The café’s interior feels like a 19th-century salon, where the city’s bohemian circles used to gather and socialize.
It’s usually quite busy, especially during the colder months, but if you take a moment to walk around, you’ll almost always find a quiet, cozy corner.
As you stroll down Haga Nygata, you’ll come across plenty of charming boutiques and unique little stores.
And this cozy boutique is probably my favorite among all the little shops in Haga. Even its name says a lot — Room for Inspiration.
What makes this place special is the way it brings together so many delightful things: interior design pieces, kitchen accessories, and even homemade salad dressings and infused oils — like mango or even champagne sauces.
The best part? You can actually taste everything before choosing what you like and taking it home.
As you can see, even from just the few places I’ve mentioned, it’s clear that Haga is an exceptionally interesting district.
I haven’t even told you about the boutique filled with handmade soaps in every imaginable scent and texture, the charming tea and coffee shops, the candy store specializing in licorice, or the jewelry studios of local artisans.
But take my word for it — Haga is a must-visit when you’re in Gothenburg. Its location is central and easy to reach, so make sure to set aside at least a couple of hours to wander its streets and soak up its atmosphere.
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About the author:
Hello and welcome! I’m Victoria, a private tour guide in Kyiv. I’ve been guiding visitors through my city since 2016, sharing its stories, history, and everyday life as I see and feel it. When not guiding, I write about Ukraine on my blog, as well as my travel experiences and insights from Sweden and the Baltics.