Best Rooftop Bars in Gothenburg for Sunset Drinks and City Views
Words by
Sofia Bergstrom
Best Rooftop Bars in Gothenburg for Sunset Drinks and City Views
I have spent years wandering Gothenburg's streets, and if there is one thing I never tire of, it is watching the sun dip behind the rooftops of Vasastan or the harbor cranes along the Göta älv. The best rooftop bars in Gothenburg are not just about the drinks, they are about the feeling of being above the city while still feeling part of it. Whether you are a visitor or a local, these spots will change how you see this city.
1. Heaven 23 at Gothia Towers
Heaven 23 sits on top of the Gothia Towers hotel, right in the heart of the city center, and it is the first place I take anyone who asks me where to go for sunset drinks in Gothenburg. The view stretches from the harbor to the amusement park hills, and the cocktail menu changes seasonally, but the house gin and tonic with elderflower is a constant. I was there last Thursday, and the bartender told me they source their spirits from a local distillery in Majorna, which is a neighborhood I will get to later. The best time to visit is around 6 PM in summer, when the light turns golden over Liseberg. Most tourists do not know that the bar opens a small terrace section that faces west, which is the perfect seat for watching the sun set over the city skyline.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask the bartender for the 'Majorna Mule,' a off-menu twist on a Moscow Mule made with a ginger syrup they make in-house. It is not on the menu, but they will make it if you ask."
If you only visit one rooftop bar in Gothenburg, make it this one. The combination of the view, the drinks, and the atmosphere makes it worth every krona.
2. The Majorna District and its Outdoor Bars Gothenburg Scene
Majorna is a neighborhood I have loved since I first moved to Gothenburg, and it has some of the best outdoor bars Gothenburg has to offer. The streets around Karl Johansgatan and Andra Långgatan are lined with small terraces and beer gardens that come alive in the evening. One spot I keep returning to is a small bar on Stigbergsliden, where the crowd is a mix of artists, students, and old-timers who have lived here for decades. The best time to visit is on a Friday evening, when the whole street feels like a block party. Most visitors stick to the main squares, but if you walk up the hill toward Skansen Lejonet, you will find a quiet bench with a view over the whole harbor. I was there last week, and a local told me that the area used to be a working-class district, and the old shipyard workers would drink at the same bars that now serve craft beer and natural wine.
Local Insider Tip: "Go to the small bar on Stigbergsliden around 5 PM on a weekday, and you will have the terrace to yourself. The owner knows me by name now, and she always saves me the corner seat."
The history of Majorna is written in its bars, and every drink here feels like a conversation with the city itself.
3. The Bar at the Clarion Hotel Post
The Clarion Hotel Post is on Drottningtorget, and its rooftop bar is one of the sky bars Gothenburg locals recommend when they want something less touristy than Heaven 23. The view is different from here, you see the old post office building's architecture and the square below, which is always full of life. I visited last Saturday, and the bartender explained that the building was once the central post office, and they kept some of the original details in the interior. The best time to visit is around 7 PM, when the square below starts to empty out and the bar gets quieter. The cocktail list is shorter than at Heaven 23, but the wine selection is better, and they have a local pilsner on tap that I have not found anywhere else. Most tourists do not know that the hotel has a small museum in the basement, which is free to visit if you ask at the front desk.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask for the 'Postbudet,' a cocktail inspired by the building's history, made with aquavit and a house-made lingonberry syrup. It is only available after 6 PM."
This bar is a good choice if you want a more local feel and a view that is less about the skyline and more about the city's history.
4. The Rooftop at the Hotel Pigalle
Hotel Pigalle is on Andra Långgatan, and its rooftop is one of the best rooftop bars in Gothenburg for a more intimate experience. The space is smaller, and the crowd is usually a mix of hotel guests and locals who know about it. I was there last month, and the bartender told me the hotel is named after the famous Paris district, and the interior is full of vintage furniture and art from local artists. The best time to visit is around 8 PM, when the sun is lower and the light is softer. The view is not as high as Heaven 23, but you are closer to the street, and you can hear the sounds of Andra Långgatan below. Most tourists do not know that the hotel has a small cinema in the basement, which shows classic films on weekends.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask the bartender for the 'Pigaille Spritz,' which is made with a local sparkling wine and a secret herbal liqueur. They will not tell you what is in it, but it is delicious."
This is the place to go if you want a rooftop bar that feels like a secret.
5. The Bar at the Avalon Hotel
The Avalon Hotel is on Kungsportsavenyn, and its rooftop bar is one of the sky bars Gothenburg visitors often overlook. The view is toward the canal and the old town, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than the bars on the other side of the street. I visited last week, and the bartender told me the hotel is named after the legendary island, and the interior is full of references to Swedish folklore. The best time to visit is around 6:30 PM, when the light reflects off the canal. The cocktail list is creative, and they have a non-alcoholic menu that is just as good as the regular one. Most tourists do not know that the hotel has a small library on the ground floor, which is open to the public.
Local Insider Tip: "Try the 'Avalon Fizz,' which is made with a local gin and a house-made elderflower cordial. It is the perfect drink for a summer evening."
This bar is a good choice if you want a view that is different from the usual skyline.
6. The Rooftop at the Upper House
The Upper House is part of the Gothia Towers complex, and its rooftop bar is one of the best rooftop bars in Gothenburg for a more upscale experience. The view is similar to Heaven 23, but the atmosphere is quieter and more refined. I was there last Friday, and the bartender told me the bar is popular with business travelers and locals celebrating special occasions. The best time to visit is around 7:30 PM, when the sun is setting and the city lights are starting to come on. The cocktail list is extensive, and they have a champagne menu that is worth the price. Most tourists do not know that the bar has a small outdoor section that is only open in summer, and it is the best seat in the house.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask for the 'Upper House Old Fashioned,' which is made with a Swedish single malt and a house-made bitters. It is the best Old Fashioned I have had in Gothenburg."
This is the place to go if you want a rooftop bar that feels special.
7. The Bar at the Scandic Rubinen
Scandic Rubinen is on Kungsportsavenyn, and its rooftop bar is one of the outdoor bars Gothenburg locals recommend for a more casual experience. The view is toward the park and the old town, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. I visited last month, and the bartender told me the hotel is named after the ruby gemstone, and the interior is full of red accents. The best time to visit is around 6 PM, when the park is full of people and the light is golden. The cocktail list is simple, but the beer selection is good, and they have a local IPA that I always order. Most tourists do not know that the hotel has a small art gallery on the ground floor, which changes exhibitions every month.
Local Insider Tip: "Try the 'Ruby Red,' which is made with a local berry liqueur and a sparkling wine. It is the perfect drink for a summer evening."
This bar is a good choice if you want a rooftop bar that feels like a neighborhood spot.
8. The Rooftop at the Hotel Bellvue
Hotel Bellvue is on Kungsportsavenyn, and its rooftop bar is one of the Gothenburg bars with views that I always recommend to visitors. The view is toward the canal and the old town, and the atmosphere is elegant but not stuffy. I was there last week, and the bartender told me the hotel is named after the French term for 'beautiful view,' and the interior is full of classic Scandinavian design. The best time to visit is around 7 PM, when the light is soft and the canal is calm. The cocktail list is creative, and they have a whiskey menu that is worth exploring. Most tourists do not know that the hotel has a small garden on the ground floor, which is open to the public in summer.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask for the 'Bellvue Sour,' which is made with a local whiskey and a house-made citrus syrup. It is the perfect drink for a summer evening."
This bar is a good choice if you want a rooftop bar that feels like a classic.
When to Go and What to Know
The best time to visit the best rooftop bars in Gothenburg is between May and September, when the weather is warm and the days are long. In summer, the sun sets around 10 PM, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the view. In winter, some bars close or move indoors, so check ahead. Most bars open around 5 PM, but the best time to visit is between 6 and 8 PM, when the light is golden and the crowds are smaller. If you are visiting on a weekend, arrive early to get a good seat. And if you are visiting on a weekday, you will have a more relaxed experience. Gothenburg is a city that rewards patience, and the best rooftop bars are no exception.
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