Gothenburg Nightlife

Atmospheric, cosy and a hipster's dream, 3 Små Rum specialises in artisan beer and works closely with local breweries, Dugges and Electric Nurse. When it's not doing that, there's also a decent wine selection to be had as well as a small repertoire of bar snacks focused on traditional pub grub and, incongruously, Persian classics.

With its swagged red velvet curtains, glinting crystal chandeliers and ornate wooden furniture, stepping into Puta Madre feels like stepping into another era. Luckily for patrons, it’s a fun one: the bar is an homage to a 1918 Mexican brothel. In keeping with its risqué theme, cocktails are strong and the tequila moreishly smooth. 

An old favourite that's been around since 1978, Nefertiti boasts a smoky ambiance entirely in keeping with its music of choice: jazz. That said, there's also hip hop, ethno, electronica and blues on offer, as well as 200 live performances a year and a generous approach to making drinks.

The brainchild of the duo behind Stockholm’s most famous club, Sturecompagniet, Push is the night spot of choice for the in-crowd and has the eye-wateringly cool décor to prove it. Once you’ve got over the shock of seeing so much Arne Jacobsen inspired furniture in one place, head upstairs (weather permitting) to its fabulous roof terrace.

Ignore, if you can, the bizarre name and concentrate on the fact that Hey It's Enrico Pallazzo is where you'll find some of the best – and quirkiest – up-and-coming acts in town. The menu of events includes a mixture of concerts and club nights so check the website before you go, but either way, you can expect a mix of uber-cool dance and kooky Turkish folk, all served up in a slick, if intimate, space.

Translated, Musikens Hus means House of Music and its one venue that really does live up to its name. No matter how unusual or how bizarre, whether it's dance, indie, poetry slam, blues, Latina or even Balkan, Musikens Hus is bound to have it at some point. While it can be a bit hit and miss – a dose of experimental electronic when you want jazz for instance – it's good fun and brilliant if you're open to trying something new.

The Swedish penchant for death metal is hard to comprehend at the best of times – even more so when you're squeezed into Sticky Fingers' cellar having your eardrums assailed with screechy guitar and booming bass. Nevertheless, if you venture upstairs, you'll soon see why the venue is a Gothenburg institution with some excellent indie, pop to soul and funk on offer.

Opened in 1935, the Konserthuset (Gothenburg Concert Hall) is a wonderful example of Scandinavia's functionalist architecture – or a hideous eyesore depending on your taste. Regardless of the exterior, it's the city's top venue for classical music as well as the home of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Sweden's national symphony orchestra.

A Gothenburg institution since 1934, this former dance hall turned concert venue is the place to go for pop performances, contemporary moves and cabaret. Although, like the Liseberg theme park where it's set, it's not open all year round, for glitter, glamour and some seriously impressive moves in a spectacular setting, Rondo is unbeatable.

Anything goes at Atalante, an intimate contemporary theatre specialising in experimental pieces. But it’s not all plays. Instead, it does everything from dance, music, film and art to literature, politics and debates. Choose the right night and you might even find a party packed to the rafters with cool characters in full swing.

One of the largest theatres in Sweden as well as its oldest, the Stadsteatern is the place to go if you're looking for a taste of Gothenburg playwrights such as Kent Andersson. The theatre has two stages, the larger Stora Scen (Big Stage) and the intimate Nya Studion (New Studio). If you don't have time for an evening performance, try one of the short 'lunch theatres'.

A modern opera house that first opened its doors in 1994, the Gothenburg Opera House boasts a stunning waterfront setting and two high tech stages, courtesy of an extensive renovation in 2009. It’s not just for opera buffs however; its repertoire also includes classical and contemporary ballet and musicals.

A Gothenburg institution since the 1920s, Pustervik is the place to go for theatre and dance in retro chic surroundings, Functioning as an overflow venue for the main theatres, it boasts special guests of its own, many of which specialise in performance art and music. There's also an in-house club where the cocktails flow until 0300.