Gothenburg

Gothenburg is Stockholm's friendlier, more laid-back cousin. Dutch-style canals curve through the centre, trams rattle past pastel townhouses, and the fish markets serve some of the freshest seafood in the country. Locals love their cafe culture, so pace yourself with fika in the Haga district, where cinnamon buns are famously huge. Families head for the amusement park and science museum, while everyone else takes a tram and ferry out to the car-free islands of the southern archipelago for rocks, swimming and sunsets.

Talking points

• The canals were laid out by Dutch engineers in the 17th century.
• Haga is known for wooden houses and oversized cinnamon buns.
• The southern archipelago is reachable by ordinary city transport.