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25 Best Things to Do in Gothenburg (Sweden)

Built in one go in the 17th century, Gothenburg was planned as a trading post when the Swedish Empire was at the peak of its powers. As the largest port in Sweden it became a centre for industries like shipbuilding, and despite its obvious affluence still has an down-to-earth, working character.

As a planned city, there’s a neat order to Gothenburg’s streets, and 300 years after it was founded a new wave of construction in the 1920s gave the cultural meccas like the Museum of Art. In a maritime town like Gothenburg you should also try to spend as much time as possible on the water, island hopping on the archipelagos off the coast or floating down the 17th-century canals.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Gothenburg :

1. Gothenburg Museum of Art

The prestigious museum opened in 1923, in time for Gothenburg’s International Exhibition.

You can come to appreciate works from across Europe painted from the 1400s to the 21st century.

But the museum’s acclaim comes from its 19th-century Nordic art, by famous and familiar names like Edvard Munch, Peder Severin Krøyer, Bruno Liljefors and Anders Zorn.

The French collection deserves your time for its works by Gauguin, Picasso, Monet, Chagall and van Gogh.

And for lovers of the Renaissance and Baroque there are pieces by van Dyck, Rembrandt, Rubens and Jacob Jordaens.

2. Botanical Garden

Gothenburg’s sprawling Botanical Garden covers 175 hectares in the centre of the city, and also encompasses a nature reserve and arboretum.

Around 4,000 of its plants are kept in greenhouses, so the attraction is full of life in any season.

Inside is the largest collection of orchids in the country, numbering 1,500 in total.

Also under cover is an Easter Island tree, sophora toromiro, which will fascinate botanists as it’s extinct in its natural habitat.

The arboretum meanwhile has trees from all over the world, neatly ordered and labelled, and in summer the rock garden is a treat for its waterfall and more than 6,000 plant species.

3. Liseberg

This thriving amusement park goes back to 1923 and draws big crowds today.

Liseberg has a traditional character and abounds with greenery and woodland, but its lineup of high-tech rides is constantly evolving.

The steel roller coaster Helix was unveiled in 2014 and the state -of-the-art Valkyria is in the pipeline for 2018. But if there’s one roller coaster that you cannot leave without riding it’s the bone shuddering Balder, a wood-tracked coaster that ranks among the best rides of its kind every year.

All ages are accommodated at Liseberg, so those adrenaline rides are combined with thoughtfully designed kids’ amusements like merry go rounds, flying elephants and dragon boats.

Liseberg also stages big concerts (free with entry), and is unusual in Sweden as it opens in winter for Halloween and Christmas, when there’s a special market.

You’d never know it today, but this cute neighbourhood southwest of the city centre used to be a slum with a seedy reputation.

Haga is a grid of cobblestone streets flanked by brick warehouses and uniform 19th-century houses with wooden facades.

These charming buildings were scheduled to be torn down during redevelopment works in the 1970s, but Gothenburg’s citizens got together to preserve its character.

Haga is now the city’s hippest neighbourhood, and has no shortage of cafes, delicatessens, independent shops and reasonably priced restaurants.

If you want to be really Swedish about it, Haga’s just the spot for fika, a quick coffee and a bun.

5. Gothenburg Archipelago

Close to Gothenburg you can embark on a journey through the little granite islands of the Southern and Northern Gothenburg archipelago.

The Southern islands, below the mouth of the Göta älv are designated car-free.

You’ll catch a ferry from Saltholmen and can use that ticket to jump from island to island, calling in on painted fishing villages and old shipping settlements, and taking kayak trips on glassy water and hikes in nature reserves.

The northern Archipelago is more inhabited and connects to Gothenburg via a car ferry.

On this side, Hönö is a destination for fishing and watersports, and has a fish museum, a generous helping of restaurants and rugged cliffs along its coasts.

6. Slottsskogen

Southwest of Haga is Gothenburg’s main park, in 137 hectares of restful greenery.

The east side is a planned English garden with flowing lawns and paths that weave between old growth trees.

The rest has been left to nature, and is taken up by linden, oak and beech woodland.

If you need to squeeze in a morning run, this is the place to go, and there are also adventure playgrounds, an observatory, miniature golf and other sports facilities.

The free zoo at the centre of the park dates to 1876 and has Nordic animals like moose, Gotland ponies, deer, and domestic animals like goats, pigs and sheep.

There are also water enclosures, home to seals and Humboldt penguins.

7. Trädgårdsföreningen

Gothenburg’s most central park may well be its prettiest, as the Garden Society of Gothenburg has hardly changed since the 19th century.

It was inaugurated in 1842 by King Carl XIV Johan and thanks to its meticulous preservation has been given listed status in Sweden.

There are historic buildings in the park, like the cute coffee house that dates to 1874. But the postcard image is the magnificent palm house, Palmhuset, erected in 1878, based on London’s Crystal Palace and containing tropical species.

In June and July the rose garden’s 6,000 bushes are in bloom for a spectacle of colour and fragrance that will stay with you.

8. Universeum

Close to Liseberg is an attraction that approaches scientific topics in engaging, child-friendly ways and has a host of animal exhibits over seven floors.

The centrepiece is the Ocean Zone, which has an immense ocean tank inhabited by sharks and tropical species, and a touch tank where little ones can find out what rays’ backs feel like.

You can also enter an indoor tropical rainforest, spotting colourful birds, sloths and monkeys on the branches above.

On a very different tack is the “Kalejdo” exhibition, where kids can explore criminal science, the cosmos and find out how lasers work, and “Explora” a sort of experiment zone using cutting-edge technology.

Beginning at Kungsportsbron, the bridge over the canal, and slicing diagonally through the city is Gothenburg’s broad and princely avenue.

It was laid out in the 1800s to link a new upmarket neighbourhood southeast of the centre with the old fortified city.

For shopping, nightlife and dining Avenyn is the cream of the crop: In the daylight hours you can potter around the chain stores, high-end fashion houses and one-of-a-king boutiques, and after dark you can paint the town red at all manner of eateries and nightspots.

Bring a sense of adventure too, as the connecting streets like Södra vägen merit a detour, while to the west rise the Neoclassical mansions of the posh Vasa neighbourhood.

10. Feskekôrka

On a canal-side in central Gothenburg is the city’s fish and shellfish market.

You’ll be forgiven for mistaking this building for a church, as its design was inspired by Norwegian Stave Churches and medieval Gothic architecture (hence the name “fish church”). The market opened in 1874 and was a technical marvel at the time as there are no pillars inside, with a roof supported instead by powerful beams.

This should be your first stop for ocean-fresh fish and shellfish caught on the day.

There are also two highly-rated restaurants at the market, a few options for takeout, and even a stall that will shuck your oysters for you and pair them with wine.

11. Aeroseum

In the military section of Gothenburg’s airport is a facility from the Cold War era.

Built between 1950-55 is a subterranean hangar that was kept secret until the 1990s.

In 2005 it was converted into an aviation museum, and is a seriously cool place to check out military aircraft.

There’s a collection of helicopters and Swedish-made fighter jets and bombers like the Saab 37 Viggen and the Saab 35 Draken.

You can climb into the cockpit of many of these aircraft, visit the facility’s control room and get behind the controls of a flight simulator.

12. Maritiman

Moored on the Göta älv in the middle of the city is a mini-armada of 15 heritage vessels.

These come in all shapes and sizes and make up a floating museum, plunging you into Sweden’s military and civilian seafaring heritage.

The two standout craft you can board are the HSwMS Småland, a Halland-class destroyer launched in 1952, and the HMS Nordkaparen, a submarine in service from 1962 and famously almost involved in a collision with a Soviet submarine in 1980. You’ll get full access to both of these vessels, squeezing through some tiny passages, climbing ladders and steep stairways to see engine rooms, torpedo ports, living quarters and mess halls for a taste of life on board.

13. Volvo Museum

Some way west of the centre, on a quay beyond the mouth of the Göta älv is a museum all about Sweden’s best loved automotive brand, which was founded in Gothenburg in 1927. If you’re a Volvo aficionado you’ll find almost every model that the brand has ever produced, checking out dozens of vintage cars and trucks people know and love, but also concept cars never intended for sale.

Volvo was never just about cars either, and there’s an absorbing exhibition for the Volvo Ocean Race and equipment developed by Volvo Aero.

14. Paddan Tour

Paddan are flat-hulled, low-profile sightseeing barges that tour Gothenburg’s harbour and canals.

The boats depart two or three times an hour are hop-on, hop-off, so you can spend a bit more time at the sights that pique your interest.

In a city with a strong maritime spirit it’s a must-do activity, showing you around the 17th-century canals, fishing harbour, old shipyards, and waterfront industry and passing below scores of bridges.

You’ll see those vessels at the Maritiman from a new angle and get a view of Gothenburg’s more recent developments like the post-modern Lilla Bommen tower.

All the way you’ll be given titbits about Gothenburg’s construction in the 1600s and how the city was defended.

15. Götaplatsen

At the southern end of Avenyn and below the Gothenburg Museum of Art, Götaplatsen is a distinguished square laid out for the International Exhibition in 1923. This is a cultural district of its own, because the art museum is accompanied by the City Library, City Theatre and the City Concert Hall, where the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra is based.

Come to take snaps of the Nordic Classicist and to meet the statue of Poseidon standing in the fountain at the end of Avenyn.

He was carved by Carl Millies, one of Sweden’s preeminent 20th-century sculptors and is an image that graces many postcards.

16. Museum of Gothenburg

The city’s museum took up residence in the Swedish East India Company offices in 1861. The building is from the 1700s and its permanent exhibitions document the history of Gothenburg from prehistory to the industrial age.

You’ll meet the Vikings that once navigated these waters, and jump to the days of the Swedish Empire and the colossal project that created modern Gothenburg in the stormy 17th century.

Moving on, there’s an exhibition about the industrialisation and upheaval of the 19th century, and about life and work in Gothenburg in the early 20th century.

All of this is complemented by temporary exhibitions that take a closer look at specific events and themes like the Second World War.

17. Masthugg Church

This church dates to 1914 and was designed in the Nordic Romantic style by Sigfrid Ericson who also conceived Gothenburg’s Museum of Art.

With a tower rising to 60 metres, it’s a striking edifice to behold, but what really gives the church its power is the location at the crest of Masthugg hill beside the Göta älv.

As a constant presence on the skyline, the church is a prominent landmark in every sense and has become an emblem for the city.

Take a peek at the interior, which can hold more than 1,000 worshippers.

Ericson also designed the altar tryptych, which was fashioned by the sculptor Ninnan Santesson, and he drew up plans for the baptismal font, which were finally realised in 1991 using sandstone quarried from the island of Gotland.

18. Skansen Kronan

Atop a hill in Haga is one piece of a system of artillery fortifications that went up in the 17th century, on the back of centuries of fighting with Denmark.

And despite the turmoil that preceded its construction, this redoubt never actually took part in battle.

The tower can only be viewed from the outside as it is now reserved for functions and sets the scene for summer concerts.

But you can come for an ice cream in summer, and get an idea of its five-metre thick walls and inspect the 23 ports for canons that were never fired in anger.

Best of all is the view over Haga and Göta älv.

19. New Älvsborg Fortress

This stronghold was set up on an island at the mouth of the Göta älv in the second half of the 17th century.

It became Gothenburg’s first line of defence from the sea after its less defendable predecessor was dismantled.

There’s a regular boat trip from Lilla Bommen to this island to adventure through the ravelins, passages, bastions, magazine and gun emplacements.

Unlike Skansen Kronan, this fortress was called into action briefly in 1719 when it faced an assault from the Danish and Norwegian fleets.

The tours are given a historical theme, so you’ll be greeted at the island’s dock by actors in period costume who will regale you with tales from Gothenburg’s fractious 17th century.

20. Natural History Museum

At the northern entrance to Slottsskogen is Gothenburg’s natural history museum, which goes back to 1833 and moved into its current premises in 1923. The museum has an old-school feel, so expect a lot of stuffed animals.

Two of these are absolutely enormous: There’s a blue whale that washed up close to Gothenburg in 1865 and has the honour of being the only mounted blue whale in the world.

Another enormous beast is the African elephant, weighing six tons and measuring six metres in height.

For something a bit more edifying there’s the Space Walk (Rymdpromenaden), a scale model of the solar system, with planets dotted across the park to the south, and Pluto located several kilometres away.

21. Gothenburg Opera House

On the harbour at Lilla Bommen stands Gothenburg’s Post-Modern opera house, which was almost 50 years in the pipeline and finally opened in 1994. The final product divides opinion but nobody could say that the building isn’t bold.

Beyond its eye-catching hull-like form, there are a few noteworthy things about the opera house, like an intelligently-devised interior that allows productions to be staged at a lower cost, and a record construction time of just a couple of years.

You can see the airy interiors, go behind the scenes and find out about its clever logistics on a tour.

Or just come during the season for ballet, musicals and opera of the highest standard.

22. Guldhedstornet

On a clear summer’s day you could battle up to the highest point in the city in Gothenburg’s southern suburbs.

On the hilltop is a water tower that dates to the 1953 and has a cafe installed on its upper level.

This is open from 11:00 to 18:00 and at 130 metres offers a satisfying panorama of Gothenburg to go with a coffee, pastry or shrimp sandwich.

Up here you can make out the old and new harbours, some of the archipelago and the thick woodland that surrounds the city.

23. Trip to Vinga

Inspecting the vessels on Gothenburg’s quays you may feel the call of the open sea, and a voyage to the small, remote island of Vinga would scratch that itch.

Vinga is ten nautical miles west of the entrance to Gothenburg’s harbour, but don’t let that deter you as the journey there and back is worth it.

The M/S Walona makes the trip as comfy as possible, and has a cafe on board.

Vinga has been used as a seamark by navigators for hundreds of years, while the current lighthouse is from 1890. An interesting fact about this place is that the father of the legendary Swedish singer Evert Taube was the lighthouse keeper at this time, and Taube spent his earliest years on Vinga.

On warm days pack a picnic and even swimming gear if you’re brave enough!

24. Delsjön

Catch the tram out from the centre of Gothenburg to Töpelsgatan and then walk another few minutes to this pair of lakes (Lilla and Stora Delsjön) enveloped in dense woodland.

Fed by the Göta älv, Delsjön is a water reservoir for the city and promises peace, unblemished nature and outdoor fun.

You could ramble, jog or cycle around its shores in birch and coniferous woodland.

And when the weather is right, Stora Delsjön’s large beach is gets a thumbs up from families, while you can also dive off rocks around the shore for a bracing dip.

There’s a cafe, a playground for youngsters and a food kiosk, as well as barbecue and picnic areas for timeless summer afternoons.

25. Culinary Experiences

Fish and seafood in Gothenburg are out of this world and the city abounds with outstanding restaurants, but the lobster and crayfish are in a class of their own.

During lobster season from September to April you can head out on a lobster safari, pulling up pots to catch your own lobsters under metallic skies and in a seascape of little granite.

It doesn’t get much more Nordic than that! A Swedish tradition of a very different kind is “fika”, which is a coffee break and a chat with a friend or colleague.

You can go for fika at any number of upscale cafes around Gothenburg but Brogyllen on Västra Hamngatan is famed for its delectable pastries like cinnamon buns (kanelbullar).

25 Best Things to Do in Gothenburg (Sweden):

• Gothenburg Museum of Art
• Botanical Garden
• Gothenburg Archipelago
• Slottsskogen
• Trädgårdsföreningen
• Volvo Museum
• Paddan Tour
• Götaplatsen
• Museum of Gothenburg
• Masthugg Church
• Skansen Kronan
• New Älvsborg Fortress
• Natural History Museum
• Gothenburg Opera House
• Guldhedstornet
• Trip to Vinga
• Culinary Experiences

First-timer's guide to Gothenburg, Sweden

Nov 30, 2017 • 5 min read

The central canal (Stora Hamnkanalen) through downtown Gothenburg.

Gothenburg is Scandinavia’s largest port and sometimes lovingly referred to as Sweden’s ‘second city’. It’s best known for producing Volvos, but over the last couple of decades it has managed to reinvent itself as a modern travel destination.

Nowadays, cutting-edge design has replaced industrial grit in Gothenburg’s formerly run-down neighbourhoods. Warehouses and industrial buildings have been turned into art galleries, Michelin-starred restaurants grace the local dining scene, and independent coffee shops dot the city. Add a lively night scene and a string of peaceful islands right on its doorstep, and it’s easy to understand why Gothenburg is giving Stockholm a run for its money.

Welcome to the neighbourhood

Gothenburg is made up of a number of distinct neighbourhoods, so it helps to get your bearings early on. Its historic city centre is separated from the rest of town by a jagged moat. Vasastan is where you’ll find most of the art galleries. Gothenburg’s most important museums are found off Avenyn, the city’s main boulevard.

Trendy Magasingatan is the top spot for Swedish fashion brands, while the streets around Järntorget are filled with increasingly hip and ethnically diverse eateries. Of the city’s formerly hard-luck nooks, none have seen greater transformation than Haga, one Gothenburg’s oldest districts. Its cobbled streets are now lined with quirky shops and cafes and renovated wooden landshövdingehus houses.

Bordering Haga to the west is Linné; independent designer shops and al fresco patios are found all along Linnégatan boulevard. The adjoining ‘long streets’, such as Andra Långgatan have held onto their classic watering holes, which remain pleasantly down to earth.

Frihamnen, Gothenburg’s innermost harbour and port area, is at the forefront of the city’s rebirth. Partially derelict since 2000, it is being turned into Jubileumsparken – a new leisure park that will be a major part of Gothenburg’s 400 th anniversary in 2021. Its features will include a man-made beach, a floating pool and a spectacular sauna, designed by the award-winning architect group Raumlaborberlin.

Art and design

Stockholm gets headlines for its all-enveloping design scene, but Gothenburg is no lightweight. The city boasts a treasure trove of trendy interior design shops in a compact area in the city centre. Places like Artilleriett/Artilleriet Kitchen, Rum 21, Floramor & Krukatös and many more make for an unbeatable day of décor inspiration.

For contemporary Scandinavian art, it’s hard to beat Galleri Ferm , Galleri Thomassen and Galleri Nils Åberg . Putting a defunct power station to good use, Röda Sten art centre is the city’s top alternative art venue, staging everything from edgy Swedish photography exhibitions to live music nights. And though it’s currently closed for renovation through the fall of 2018, the Röhsska Museum is the best design and applied arts museum in Sweden.

Cutting-edge architecture is also part of Gothenburg’s appeal. Kuggen (Lindholmplatsen), resembling a red Colosseum, is a marvel of green engineering, while the distinctive red-and-white skyscraper Göteborgs-Utkiken (a.k.a. The Lipstick) towers over the harbour and offers tremendous views from the top.

City of culture

As Volvo’s home of manufacturing, Gothenburg has an enduring relationship with the car company. Visitors can both take a tour of the car factory itself and immerse themselves in all things Volvo-related at the Volvo Museum . But there is much more to the city than car culture, including several world-class museums.

Science and technology meet the rainforest at the incredible Universeum . Meanwhile, the Konstmuseum ’s art collection, spanning from the 15 th century to the present day, is one of the finest in Europe. Stadsmuseum is the only place in Sweden where you can see an original Viking longship, while Sjöfartsmuseet explores the city’s more recent maritime culture. And once you’re all museum-ed out, head to Liseberg , Sweden’s largest amusement park, to unwind.

Where to eat

Gothenburg’s dining scene is defined by the abundance of fresh fish and seafood, caught off the west coast of Sweden. Swedish oysters, seasonal smoked prawns, grilled crayfish and catch of the day dominate the menu at local institution Restaurang Gabriel inside the legendary Feskekôrka (‘fish church’) fish market.

Other good places to sample the sea’s bounty include Fiskekrogen , locally beloved for over two decades for its shellfish platters, and Strömmingsluckan, a humble food truck at Magasinsgatan 17, serving nothing but freshly grilled herring with mash and lingonberries. The creative, seasonal menu at Michelin-stared Sjömagasinet focuses heavily on seafood, as do the multi-course tasting menus of its Michelin-anointed brethren, Koka and Thörnströms kök .

Seafood aside, Gothenburg’s diverse dining scene encompasses a multitude of world cuisines, from Thai and Ethiopian to gourmet hot dogs, with numerous chefs championing Sweden’s slow food movement as well. And if you’re looking to meet local foodies, visit the splendid Saluhallen (‘The Market Hall’) with some 40 delis and restaurants.

Bring on the night

From beer halls and wine bars to nightclubs and live music, Gothenburg takes its nightlife seriously. Neither has it escaped the craft beer explosion, with some of the bars and brewpubs found along Andra and Tredje Långgatan. Haket Pub represents most of the local microbreweries, Noba Nordic Bar , branches out into Norwegian, Danish and Icelandic brews, while creaky Ölhallen 7:an (Kungstorget 7) has been serving pints since 1900.

Mexican-brothel-inspired Puta Madre ’s cocktails are as enticing as its crazy décor, while tiny Basque bar Juan Font pairs carefully selected wines with tapas. Going strong for years, Nefertiti is both a legendary jazz club and one of the city’s liveliest dance floors, while Lounge(s) has something for everyone on one of its many floors. For the underground music scene, check out illegalground.com to see what’s happening.

Island escape

If you get tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, catch tram 11 to Saltholmen boat terminal and take a boat to the southern archipelago – nine peaceful, car-free islands. Carved of granite and sparsely covered with greenery, they are ideal for long walks, bicycle rides, exploring villages and smokehouses or just sunbathing on the rocks. Brännö, Styrsö and Vrångö have guesthouses. Vrångö also has good swimming spots, as does tiny Vinga.

Practicalities

Gothenburg Airport is served by flights from numerous European cities, including London, Frankfurt, Munich, Helsinki, Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Malaga, Paris, Prague and Istanbul. The city’s also reachable by train from Stockholm or Copenhagen (those rides are about three hours).

If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, it can be worth getting the Göteborg City Card, which gives you free entry to many attractions and includes bus, tram and boat travel. There’s a new Gothenburg Pass card available from 1 January 2018, though it doesn’t include public transportation.

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Gothenburg Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 17, 2023

As the second-largest city in Sweden, Gothenburg ( Göteborg in Swedish) has a lot to offer travelers. Not a lot of people visit Gothenburg in comparison to other parts of the country (like Stockholm), but I really enjoyed my time here.

The city was founded as a Dutch trading colony in 1621 due to its strategic location on the coast. Today, the city remains an important industrial city, as the Port of Gothenburg is the largest port in the Nordic countries.

Despite its industrial background, the city is much more relaxed than Stockholm. With plenty of green space both in and around the city, Gothenburg manages to maintain a small city feel while offering plenty of things to see and do. And with a compact downtown, Gothenburg is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. The many students (thanks to the several large universities) lend a vibrant, youthful feel to the city.

This travel guide to Gothenburg can help you plan your trip, save money, and help you make the most of your time in Sweden’s second city!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Gothenburg

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Gothenburg

1. Have fun at Liseberg

This is the biggest amusement park in Scandinavia, with rollercoasters, a haunted house, tons of rides for kids, and a giant Ferris wheel with stunning views of the city. Admission is 95 SEK while admission and unlimited rides are 255 SEK.

2. Explore the Haga

As one of the oldest areas of Gothenburg, this was once a working-class neighborhood. It’s now a popular summer destination lined with upscale antique shops and cozy cafes. It’s a great place to stroll and relax. Head to Café Husaren for huge cinnamon buns.

3. Visit the Gothenburg Botanical Garden

This botanical garden is one of the largest in all of Europe. Spanning 430 acres, the garden is home to over 16,000 plant species, a Japanese garden, and places to sit down and relax with a good book. There is a voluntary entrance fee of 20 SEK.

4. Visit the Skansen Kronan

This redoubt (fort) was built in the 1600s outside of the city walls. Armed with 23 cannons, it was built to prevent a potential Danish attack on the city and was later converted into a prison and then a museum. It makes for an interesting excursion and offers insights into Gothenburg’s history.

5. Take a day trip to Marstrand

An hour bus ride from the city is the charming island of Marstrand. In the summer, this island is bustling with visitors who tour the narrow streets and visit the stone fortress, Carlsten (a definite must!). From here, it’s just a stone’s throw to the smaller, more secluded islands of Dyrön and Åstol.

Other Things to See and Do in Gothenburg

1. go shopping on the “avenyn”.

Kungsportsavenyen (colloquially known as the Avenyn, which is pronounced like “avenue”) is the city’s main shopping street. Stores and restaurants of all price ranges are here. It’s a good place to eat, people-watch, shop, and soak up the heart of the city.

2. See Slottsskogen

Take a stroll through the wooded hills, where you can visit a zoo and a family-friendly animal park. The area is also home to the city’s oldest observatory and there are lots of jogging trails too. In the summer, there is a cafe in the park where you can stop for a snack. This is one of the best places in the city to have a picnic as well. Best of all? It’s free!

3. Visit the Natural History Museum

Located right next to Slottsskogen, this museum is full of all sorts of animals, including the world’s only mounted blue whale. Here you’ll find African elephants, dinosaur fossils, and tons of other mounted animal displays. It’s a good educational activity for kids. Admission is free.

4. Take in the Gothenburg Opera

Built in 1994, the gorgeous Opera House is an important monument of the city. It has over 1,300 seats and, although some tickets are pricey, you can find last-minute ticket deals at the box office. There are often musical productions performed in English as well. Tickets usually range between 100-950 SEK per person.

5. Picnic in Trädgårdsföreningen

This 19th park and garden sits in the heart of the city and is a fantastic place to relax and have a picnic. There is a playground for children, numerous greenhouses full of interesting flora (which you can visit for free), sculptures, gardens, and plenty of shade if you want to sit down with a good book.

6. Climb aboard the Swedish Ship Götheborg

This is a reconstruction of a mid-18th-century ship from the Swedish East India Company. The original ship sank off the coast in 1745 after returning from China. Built from 1995-2003, this reconstruction is one of the world’s largest operational wooden ships. It often tours different ports around the world so make sure it’s in Gothenburg before trying to visit. The ship is open to the public on weekends only and tickets are 150 SEK.

7. Learn some local history

The City Museum in Gothenburg offers some great exhibits, with detailed information about city development and artifacts like old local clothing and household goods. The highlight is undoubtedly the detailed exhibit on the Vikings. This is a super interesting place to visit when you first arrive to get a solid understanding of the city and its past. Adult admission is 60 SEK, while students and visitors under 20 enter free.

8. Spend time at the Gothenburg Museum of Art

If you’re an art lover, take advantage of the sparse crowds at this art local museum. The museum’s collection features both Swedish and international work dating from the 17th century onward. It includes art from big names like Rembrandt, Picasso, and Monet. Admission is 60 SEK though it’s free for students and anyone under 20.

9. Tour the Volvo Museum

If planes, trains, and automobiles are more your thing, head to the Volvo Museum. Founded in 1927, Gothenburg serves as the company’s headquarters and the museum gives an outline of Volvo’s history as well as the evolution of their vehicle designs over the past few decades (it was Volvo that invented the three-point seatbelt we all use today). Admission is 120 SEK.

10. Wander through Delsjön

Just outside of the city lies Delsjön, a nature area with lakes and wooded trails. The park spans almost 500 acres. You can run, go for a hike, or rent canoes here in the summer. I love the peace and quiet of the park. It’s easy to get to via the public tram too.

12. Explore Universeum

If you’re traveling with kids (or just want to act like a kid) head to Universeum. It’s an interactive science center that opened in 2011, offering an indoor rainforest, a chemistry lab, dinosaur exhibits, and much more. It’s a great way to have fun and learn a thing or two along the way. Admission is 225 SEK for adults and 175 SEK for kids under 16.

  For more information on other cities in Sweden, check out these guides:

• Stockholm Travel Guide

Gothenburg Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels start around 250 SEK per night for a dorm room with 8-10 beds and 725 SEK for a private room. Some hostels charge an additional fee (usually around 50-80 SEK) for bed linens in dorm rooms (you can bring your own, however sleeping bags are not permitted). Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

Wild camping is legal in Sweden so thought traveling with a tent can camp outside the city with ease thanks to the country’s generous Freedom to Roam laws. Just make sure you’re not camping near someone’s house.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels cost around 700 SEK per night. Cheaper options are available, however, they usually require sharing a bathroom with other guests. Many hotels have a sauna on site. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers.

Food prices – Food in Sweden is hearty and based heavily on meat, fish, and root vegetables. One of the most iconic and popular dishes is meatballs and a creamy sauce with potatoes and lingonberry jam. Crayfish, shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh summer berries are other popular staples. For breakfast, Swedes usually eat dark bread with cheese and vegetables. For fika, cinnamon buns are the go-to choice for many.

Food is expensive in Gothenburg (as it is everywhere in Sweden). Cheap food from outdoor street vendors starts at 50 SEK, though these vendors are few and far between.

Most convenience stores and cafes offer pre-packaged sandwiches and meals for 50-100 SEK if you want a quick bite. Hot dogs cost around 30 SEK at places like 7-Eleven and Pressbyran. A fast-food combo meal is around 90 SEK.

At fast-casual style eateries, whole pizzas cost around 65-95 SEK while a burger is 75-90 SEK. Most nice sit-down restaurant meals are around 190-275 SEK for a main dish. A three-course dinner at a fine dining restaurant is around 450 SEK.

If you’re looking for a drink, beer can be as cheap as 40 SEK, though 65-75 SEK is more common. Wine costs around 55-75 SEK at your average restaurant, and cocktails are around 100 SEK.

All the best bars and pubs are be found near Järntorget and Andra långgatan (the more touristy and expensive places are on “the Avenyn”).

For a filling buffet, head to Café Andrum. For a quick bite on the go, Jonsborg has burgers and hotdogs (as well as vegan options).

Grocery shopping costs around 600-700 SEK per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, and veggies. If you cut down on your meat and cheese intake (some of the most expensive food items in Sweden) you can lower your costs significantly. Willy’s is the cheapest of the large supermarket chains.

Backpacking Gothenburg Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget, you should plan to spend around 680 SEK per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals, using public transportation to get around, limiting your drinking, and participating in cheap activities like visiting free museums and hanging out in the parks.

On a mid-range budget of 1,280 SEK per day, you can stay in a private room in a hostel, get a public transportation card and take an Uber or two, eat most meals out at fast food joints, enjoy a couple drinks, and visit more paid attractions (like Liseberg or Universeum).

On a “luxury” budget of 2,075 SEK or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, drink more, eat out for all your meals, take taxis everywhere, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in SEK.

Gothenburg Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While Gothenburg is cheaper than Stockholm, it’s still a far cry from a budget-friendly destination. Fortunately, there are ways to slash your spending here. Here are some of my ways to save money in Gothenburg during your visit:

• Stay with locals for free – Accommodation is expensive in Gothenburg. Consider using Couchsurfing to stay with a local. It’s a great way to get to know the local culture because you’re staying in someone’s home and you can ask them all the questions you want.
• Avoid eating in the tourist district – While Haga and the Avenyn are great places to stroll and soak in the city, they are also the most crowded, most expensive places to grab a bite to eat. Wander around some of the smaller streets to find cheaper options.
• Free walking tours – Göteborg Walking Tours runs the best walking tours in the city. They offer a few different walks depending on what you’re interested in (they even have a fika tour). They generally last two hours and are available in English. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Drink beer – If you are going to drink, stick to beer. It costs about half as much money as mixed drinks or wine at the bars and restaurants. For greater savings, buy your own alcohol at the government-run Systembolaget (it can be up to 50% cheaper that way).
• Try the lunch buffets – If you choose to eat out, the lunch buffets are an economical way to do so, costing around 105 SEK. They are a popular option with locals. For cheap hot dogs and burgers (including vegan options) head to Jonsborg.
• Refill your water bottle – Water is about 30 SEK per bottle. Since the tap water is drinkable (it’s one of the cleanest in Europe!) you should just bring a reuseable water bottle. Not only does this save you money, but it saves the environment too! LifeStraw is my go-to brand since their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is clean and safe.
• Avoid the taxis – With the buses running late, you should be able to skip the cabs (the city is very walkable too). A typical ride costs more than 200 SEK, so unless you are far from the bus and it’s snowing out, the price is hard to justify.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber is cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus. That said, the buses go everywhere and the city is walkable so you shouldn’t need one.

Where to Stay in Gothenburg

Gothenburg has a few hostel accommodations, though they aren’t quite as nice as the ones in Stockholm. These are my suggested and recommended places to stay in Gothenburg:

• STF City Hostel
• Slotsskogen Hostel
• Backpackers Göteborg

How to Get Around Gothenburg

Public transportation – The public transportation within Gothenburg costs 34 SEK per ticket. Tickets last 90 minutes and can be transferred from buses to trams and ferries. A day pass costs 110 SEK while a 3-day pass costs 210 SEK. These also work for buses, trams, and ferries.

When coming from Landvetter airport, the bus is your cheapest option. Flygbussarna runs shuttles regularly, with tickets costing 119 SEK (one way) when bought in advance. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Flixbus also runs airport shuttles but they come less frequently (however, they are cheaper at around 99 SEK when purchased in advance).

Taxi – Taxis here are quite expensive. Fares start at 51 SEK and go up by 14 SEK per kilometer, which means an average ride is likely going to cost you over 200 SEK!

Bicycle – You can rent bikes all around the city using Styr & Ställ. A 20 minute ride costs 30 SEK. The cheaper option is to get a one-month Styr & Ställ card for 90 SEK and then you’ll have free 60-minute access to rentals all around the city.

Ridesharing – Uber here is a little cheaper than taxis but it’s still quite expensive. I don’t recommend using it unless you have to.

When to Go to Gothenburg

The ideal time to visit Sweden is from June to August, when the weather is warm and the days are (really) long. Gothenburg is at its liveliest during this time, with locals taking advantage of the good weather at every opportunity. The parks are always full, and there are tons of fun events happening around town. Temperatures are often in the 20s Celsius (60s and 70s Fahrenheit) during the summer months.

The downside to visiting then is that, since Sweden has a very short summer, the city is rather crowded, so be sure to book your accommodation in advance. This is especially true if you are visiting during Midsommar, the big Swedish holiday at the end of June. It’s a great time to experience Swedish traditions (which involve a lot of drinking)!

May typically has great weather with occasional rain, while September offers cooler temperatures and changing leaves. You’ll beat the crowds and still be able to explore the city on foot without the weather getting in your way (too much).

Attractions begin to close around late September, and the days get dark early in October. Temperatures start dropping around this time too. However, prices also decrease, and you’re likely to find cheaper airfares and accommodations during this time. Be sure to pack layers if you plan on visiting during this time of year.

The winter is very cold and sees a lot of snow and darkness. In the depths of the winter, you only get a few hours of light each day and temperatures plummet below -0ºC (32ºF). The plus side of traveling during the off-season, however, is that it’s when accommodations are the cheapest, and fees for certain attractions are lower as well.

While Gothenburg is quite beautiful in winter, you won’t want to be walking around as much, and since it’s a great city to explore on foot, you will potentially be missing out so I’d skip a winter visit if you can.

How to Stay Safe in Gothenburg

Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime here is rare and solo travelers — including solo female travelers — should feel safe. That said, Gothenburg is still a large city so keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially around the central station and on public transportation.

As in any city, always keep an eye on your drink when out at the bar and never walk home alone if you’re intoxicated.

In general, long as you are aware of your surroundings and use common sense and you should be just fine.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, here’s a list of common travel scams to avoid.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Gothenburg Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Stockholm Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Sweden and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Stockholm

Where to Stay in Stockholm: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in Stockholm

Living Lagom in Sweden: An Interview With Lola Akerstrom

The Swedish Birthday Party

How to Visit Stockholm on a Budget

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• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Gothenburg Itinerary

Last Updated on February 14, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

If you’re considering planning a 1, 2 or 3 days in Gothenburg itinerary you’re really going to be spoilt for choice when it comes to incredible things to do in this lively city.

While Sweden’s capital city of Stockholm is the heart and core of Swedish culture and government, Sweden’s second-largest city is one of the top locations to visit in the country.

Home to Volvo, beautifully designed Dutch canals, and one of the most thriving art and culture destinations in Scandinavia, Gothenburg is a city that can’t be missed. 

Gothenburg has about half the population of Stockholm with the addition of stunning elegance and pools of green throughout the city.

Sweden’s second-largest city is the perfect spot to experience Swedish style and culture without just being another tourist of the masses.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Gothenburg?

One of the crucial planning points of your trip will be to decide how long to stay in Gothenburg. While it’s usually easier to decide how long to stay in capital cities, smaller cities can be trickier to figure out.

Gothenburg is ⅓ the size of Stockholm and although there is plenty to do, an ideal trip would be a long weekend in the city.

With one day in Gothenburg, you’ll be able to see the main sights, eat a good meal, and wander around the city.

If you spend 2 days in Gothenburg, you’ll be able to go at a much slower pace, taking in the city while doing all the same things within 1 day but in less of a rush.

With 3 days in this Scandinavian city, you’ll be able to explore the city at your own pace, taking in the sights and tastes as well as managing to take a short day trip to the neighboring, breezy seaside, Gothenburg Archipelago. 

Getting To & Around Gothenburg

You’ll likely be arriving in Gothenburg either by plane or by train.

If you’re visiting from another part of Sweden, the best way will be to take a train to get to Gothenburg’s Central Station. Sweden has a wonderful transportation system and you’ll be able to get a high-speed train from most of Sweden at usually an affordable cost.

You can reach Gothenburg by train from Stockholm, Copenhagen , or Malmo in around 3 hours, making it a central point of any Sweden itinerary . You can view schedules here.

Gothenburg has its own airport (Landvetter International Airport) located 25 km from the city center and serves routes throughout the rest of Scandinavia as well as the rest of Europe.

Unfortunately, there isn’t any direct public transportation from Gothenburg Airport to the city center, but there are multiple coach bus services offering transportation.

The travel time is around 20 minutes from the airport to the city and can be purchased in advance online or on the bus depending on the company. FlixBus is my favourite, as they have frequent services, low costs, and pretty comfortable seats on the bus. If you have the budget, it is also possible to book a private transfer.

If where you’re visiting Gothenburg from doesn’t offer direct flights to the city’s airport, the second-best option would be to fly into Stockholm or Copenhagen and then take a train to Gothenburg. Stockholm and Copenhagen airports are both bigger, lending more opportunities for flights from varying departure countries.

Just like the rest of Sweden, the city of Gothenburg has wonderfully efficient and sustainable urban transportation options. The main transportation system in Gothenburg consists of bus, a large tram network, and boat services which are all included in the same transportation ticket.

A single ticket costs around 35 SEK for 90 minutes for one zone covering any included transport that you need from your departure area to your final destination.

If you need to travel throughout different zones in the city, you’ll need to purchase a multiple-zone ticket (or two one-zone tickets) which lasts for 180 minutes and costs double the price of a 90-minute ticket.

It’s also possible to purchase day-pass tickets (1-3 days) giving unlimited public transport for the number of zones included in your pass.

To give you a better understanding of the zones, there are 3 zones in the city of Gothenburg, A, B, and C. While zone A is the direct center of the city, it’s quite a small area so if you plan on exploring the city without restrictions, make sure you at least get a ticket for zones A and B if you plan on purchasing a pass. Otherwise, purchase tickets as you go along according to your destination. 

Despite the orderly transportation system of Gothenburg, the city itself is quite small making it an incredibly walkable city. For example, a walk between the Skansen Kronan Castle and the Gothenburg Museum of Natural History takes just around 18 minutes and this goes for most locations within the main city center. 

However, you may want to use public transportation if you want to visit somewhere like the Liseberg Amusement Park or the expansive Gothenburg Botanical Garden (Trädgårdsföreningen), both of which are a little bit further out.

1, 2 or 3-Day Gothenburg Itinerary

It’s pretty easy to say that Gothenburg is one of the “coolest” and on-trend cities in Europe. While the city began as a Dutch trading colony in 1621, today it’s the sustainability capital of Scandinavia, the home to Volvo cars, friendly locals, and a world-renowned food scene.

It’s also one of the most enjoyable cities in Sweden to wander around on a long weekend and enjoy the idyllic architecture & Swedish minimalism, fika culture, nature, and canals making up Sweden’s second-largest city. 

If you plan on visiting many of the attractions listed in this article, then consider purchasing a Gothenburg Go City Pass to save on entry costs!

Day 1 – Gothenburg’s Central Highlights

Gothenburg main center .

The prime location to begin any Gothenburg itinerary is in Gothenburg’s classic old town. Begin at the sprawling Gustaf Adolfs (King Gustaf Adolf founded the city in 1621) Torg , formerly Stora Torget. This is Gothenburg’s main square where you’ll find the city’s Town Halls, both old and new.

After wandering around in Gothenburg’s largest square, continue into the Western North Town (Vastra Nordstaden) , and further take in the historical buildings such as the Stock Exchange, and Crown Hall (Kronhuset, Gothenburg’s oldest building dating back to 1643 in Dutch architecture). 

If you want to learn more about the history, you can book a walking tour here.

Domkyrkan (Gothenburg Cathedral)

After first getting acquainted with Gothenburg in the precise and historically rich center of the city, I suggest heading to Domkyrkan (Gothenburg’s Cathedral) which is about a 6-minute walk.

Gothenburg’s Cathedral was first built in the early 19th century by architect Carl Willhelm Carlberg after an earlier cathedral built in the 17th century had perished. The interior of the cathedral is a unique mix of styles, from classical and empirical style to traditional baroque.

This gorgeous cathedral is an integral part of the city of Gothenburg and is a beneficial addition to any trip to Gothenburg.

Wander Around Magasinsgatan

A short walk (around 5 minutes) away from the Gothenburg Cathedral will bring you to Magasinsgatan (Warehouse Street) .

This area is a great spot to explore Gothenburg off the beaten path and is the perfect example of how historic working-class areas in many cities today are prime spots for hip culture, shopping, and food scenes.

Here you’ll find many unique and local brands filling the streets, as well as a laid-back, expressive, and alternative atmosphere. Just wandering the area is an adventure in itself, taking in the architecture and street art, food trucks, and everything in between. 

Dinner at Feskekorka (Fish Church) or Saluhallen Food Hall 

At this point of your first day, you’ll likely have built up an appetite and be ready to enjoy a meal in Gothenburg’s renowned food scene.

My recommendations to have the best local experience with Gothenburg’s best and most well-loved foods are to either head to the Fish Church or the Saluhallen Food Hall.

Due to the city’s prime location by the sea, you’ll find outstanding seafood in Gothenburg and the surrounding areas. Built in 1874, Feskekorka (Fish Church) is the local fish market in Gothenburg and is a Gothenburg staple.

The building itself resembles a church and because of this, it took on its name and is one of the most recognisable buildings in Gothenburg. While the main part of the building is a fish market, there are a few delectable restaurants inside serving up some of the tastiest seafood in all of Gothenburg.

If you’re not into seafood, another option is to head to the Saluhallen Food Hall , about 5 minutes away in the other direction. The Saluhallen Food Hall is located in an iconic 1800s building and here you’ll be able to find all sorts of dishes and cuisines, including traditional Swedish delicacies.

Day 2 –  A Deeper Dive into the City’s Culture

Breakfast in the haga neighborhood.

To begin the second day of your visit to Gothenburg, I suggest heading to Haga , one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, to have a Swedish breakfast and a leisurely wander.

This area is lined with homes in traditional brick Gothenburg style, cosy cafes/coffee houses, unique shops of every type, and restaurants aplenty.

At Christmastime, you’ll find a festive Christmas Market and in the spring/autumn, you’ll have the opportunity to browse the local farmer’s market. My suggestion is to head to Latteria to enjoy a tasty breakfast before continuing your day.

Skansen Kronan Castle

Located on the perimeter of the Haga neighborhood is one of the most important landmarks in Gothenburg, the Skansen Kronan Castle.

Completed in 1700, the imposing fortress was built in preparation for battle but in all of the time of its existence, it was never actually used for that purpose as it was never attacked by enemies.

It’s been used in varying ways throughout history and today is used as a banquet hall, wedding venue, and party venue. This classic fortification offers wonderful views of the city and is definitely on of the top things to do in Gothenburg. You also can get an incredible view of Gothenburg from the castle, as well.

The outdoor part of the castle not used for venues is open 24 hours a day and is free for visitors unless. If you want to see inside, you’ll have to arrange a tour in advance with the Skansen Kronan group. 

Gothenburg Museum of Art or Volvo Museum

A solid way to round up your second day (if you’re planning 3-day itinerary, the last day will be spent outside of the city), is to head to one of the city’s varying museums. My suggestions are either the Gothenburg Museum of Art or the Volvo Museum. 

The Gothenburg Museum of Art is located in the central Lorensberg neighborhood and is known to be one of the best collections of art in all of Sweden and Scandinavia. With international collections dating back to the 15th century and unique exhibitions, I think the Gothenburg Museum of Art is one of the best museums to visit in the city.

Tickets for a single entry are around 65 SEK and are free for students and those under 20 years. Opening hours vary depending on the day and time of year, so check in advance to plan your day.

One of Gothenburg’s biggest names and sources of fame is easily the home to Volvo cars. For car aficionados or those interested in a unique and integral part of Gothenburg, a visit to the Volvo Museum is a great option.

Here you’ll take a trip throughout the history of the Volvo name beginning in 1927, its cars and what makes the company how we know it today. Entry tickets are around 160 SEK with concession tickets available.

Again, the hours of the museum vary depending on the day and time of year so check the website to plan accordingly.

Day 3 – Gothenburg Archipelago 

Gothenburg is located in a perfect location for both city-dwellers and nature lovers alike. While even in the city center you won’t find yourself far from green areas, the Gothenburg Archipelago lines the waters of Gothenburg and southwest Sweden.

The archipelago consists of 20 islands and is split into two groups; the Northern Archipelago and the Southern Archipelago. Both are incredibly beautiful and worth the visit but with just one day, I suggest heading to the Southern Archipelago.

The Southern Archipelago is closer and more accessible with public transport, whereas the Northern Archipelago is a bit more of a complicated journey. The islands are completely car-free and have such a relaxed and happy atmosphere that’ll make you want to spend more time on the islands. 

You can easily reach the Southern Archipelago in around 30 minutes on public transportation and there are quite a few options when deciding which island to visit on your day trip. 

Styrso is the main hub island of the southern islands and is a great contender for which island to visit. You’ll find cafes, restaurants, and quiet spots to swim while enjoying the warming Swedish sun. 

Another option if you’re looking to be fully immersed in nature, is to visit Vargo. Vargo island is the furthest west island of the Southern Archipelago and is pure nature and peace. There are no restaurants or stores as Vargo is a nature reserve, so bring a blanket and picnic to feel the fresh sea breeze, take in the wildlife, and go for a swim.

Where to Stay in Gothenburg

Hotel Royal – Mid-range visitors to Gothenburg will love this centrally-located hotel. They have lovely, clean and comfortable rooms to choose from and even offer a great breakfast to start your day each morning.

Hotel Pigalle – For those who’d like a luxury option in Sweden’s second city, this hotel is a great choice. There are a myriad of elegant rooms to choose from and countless great amenities to ensure your stay in Gothenburg is a fantastic one.

Slottskogens Hostel – If you’re traveling solo or on a budget, then this hostel offers both dorms and private rooms along with good self-catering facilities and common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Gothenburg hotels!

Gothenburg isn’t the most popular destination in Sweden, but it’s easily one of the most dynamic. There’s something for everyone; whether you’re keen on history, culture, food, nature, or modern architecture.

After spending some time in Gothenburg, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for Sweden’s second-biggest city and will likely be waiting for another trip to explore the region further.

Are you planning to visit Gothenburg? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Is Sweden Expensive? A Sweden Trip Cost Guide

The Perfect Malmo Day Trip from Copenhagen

Is Stockholm Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Stockholm

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

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21 things to do in Gothenburg: What to see when visiting Gothenburg, Sweden’s delightful second city

Sweden is a big place . Stretching from just a few hundred miles across the Baltic Sea from Germany and Poland all the way up to the Arctic Circle and beyond, there is a whole lot to see and do in this Scandinavian land.

The thing is, though, for many travellers a visit to Sweden often begins and ends in Stockholm. Sure, there’s plenty going on in Sweden’s amazing capital, which is of course one of the top-ranked cities in Scandinavia and around the world for cleanliness, public transportation, amenities, culture and liveability.

But despite all that the Swedish capital has to offer, there’s just so much more to do and see in Sweden! One great place to start exploring the rest of the country is by visiting Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city.

About Gothenburg

There are plenty of unique and fun things to do in Gothenburg, despite the city flying under the radar of many travellers to the area. As the largest non-capital city in all of Scandinavia and the fifth-largest city of all the Nordic countries , it’s actually downright odd that Gothenburg isn’t on more travel itineraries.

Perched on the western coast of  Sweden on the Göta älv River, Gothenburg is a historically important shipping and fishing hub.

It continues to be vital to the economy of Sweden to this day, as the Port of Gothenburg is the conduit for an estimated 30 percent of all goods that are imported and exported to and from the country.

Things to do in Gothenburg don’t end at the city limits either, as it is also a hub for people who are keen on the outdoors. It’s a great jumping-off point to get into some trekking, boating, camping.

Gothenburg is also a perfect base for exploring the charming fishing villages that dot the rocky granite coast a short ways down the Göta river toward the North Sea

And Gothenburg proper is much more than just a simple, utilitarian port city. It’s an endlessly fascinating metropolis that retains the famous Swedish order and cleanliness like you see in Stockholm.

But, Gothenburg infuses it with a bit more laid-back, bohemian, fun attitude, and offers visitors a bit more of a chilled-out, working-class vibe than you might expect having just come from the capital.

The result is you can easily spend a week or more exploring the city and the nearby coastal areas without running out of things to do in Gothenburg.

And if you need a place to stay during your visit, here’s a list of hotels to suit any budget.

You should definitely devote a minimum a few days to checking out all the Gothenburg attractions on offer — and here are some of the top reasons why!

Top things to do in Gothenburg

1. Visit the Haga District

The beating bohemian heart of Gothenburg is the Haga Nygata neighbourhood.

Here you can easily see just how this fully planned city was laid out by the Dutch engineers who were commissioned by the Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus to drain the area’s marshlands and give him a strategically important city on the west coast.

Today the neighbourhood still boasts rows of amazingly well-preserved houses with their distinct design of a stone or brick ground floor and wooden stories above, Gothenburg sightseeing makes you feel like you’re traveling back in time as you wander around.

Haga Nygata also plays host to a ton of cafes and restaurants, and the smell of strong Swedish-style coffee permeates the air.

You you can start off on your visit to Gothenburg by fully immersing yourself in the Swedish fika culture by enjoying a cozy coffee along with a hagabullen , the famous local pastry.

It’s a delicious cinnamon bun as big as a dinner plate, so you might need some extra time (and maybe another coffee) to get the whole thing down!

Book a walking trip in Haga Old Town.

2. Shopping

Haga Nygata is also a great place to get started on enjoying all the shopping here, which is among the best things to do in Gothenburg according to many visitors.

Haga is the place to find all manner of artisanal shops selling everything you can imagine — like really, almost literally everything. You can find artisanal soap, traditional Swedish wooden toys, antiques, high-end fashion, second-hand clothing, and of course artisanal chocolate and marzipan.

From there you’re just a 15 minute walk to Avenyn, the locals’ shorthand name for the unwieldy Kungsportavenyn, the city’s main shopping district.

This is where the shopping gets a little more high-end and fashion becomes the name of the game at malls and department stores like NK, Arkaden Galleria, Nordstan and more.

On Kungsgaten Street you’ll find Scandinavian high-street fashion stores like H&M, Gina Tricot, and Lindex as you explore Gothenburg city centre.

3. Gothenburg Museum of Art

If and when you get tired of shopping, head down the Avenyn for a quiet respite in one of the finest museums in Scandinavia.

The Museum of Art is highly recommended on most visitors’ lists of things to do in Gothenburg, housed in an unassuming but nonetheless impressive building but hosting a stunning collection of masterworks from across the centuries.

Opening in 1923 to coincide with Gothenburg’s International Exhibition, the museum features works by European artists who were active from the 1400s right up until modern day times.

Here you can see pieces by artists like Picasso, Gauguin, Chagall, Monet, and van Gogh, as well as Renaissance and Baroque pieces by Rembrandt, van Dyck, and Rubens.

But one of the areas of which the curators and the city of Gothenburg are most proud is the Nordic art area, which has a generous collection of works by people like Edvard Munch, Peder Severin Kroyer, and Anders Zorn.

Book a trip to the Gothenburg Museum of Art.

4. Natural History Museum

While we’re on the subject of museums, why not head off the beaten track a bit and check out the eclectic yet fascinating Gothenburg Natural History Museum.

This weird and wonderful must-see attraction should be on your list of Gothenburg attractions if for no other reason than the fact that it is home to the world’s only stuffed blue whale exhibit.

The beast is some 50 feet long, weighed 25 tons,  and used to be on display with its mouth open for visitors to walk inside — until a young couple got caught in there enjoying an intimate moment in what is perhaps the weirdest place on earth for that sort of thing.

But you should also make the effort to seek out the museum’s famed “special cabinet.”

This wild and woolly collection (called the Naturaliekabinett in Swedish) is jam-packed with a carnival freak show list of oddities, including a stuffed weasel being squeezed by a snake while he simultaneously bites the reptile’s head, a two-headed cow and more.

In fact, as you stroll through the exhibits, you’ll quickly find out that the taxidermy skills of the earliest collectors—this museum also opened in 1923—varied almost as wildly their imaginations.

The results range from the impressive to the cringe-inducing, but overall it’s definitely a worthwhile addition to your itinerary of things to do in Gothenburg.

5. Liseberg

If you’ve had enough of musty museums and creepy dead animal displays, perhaps it’s time for the fresh air of Liseberg , the largest amusement park in Scandinavia and a huge family favourite among Gothenburg attractions.

Among the well-maintained green spaces and trees within the park you can get your adrenaline rush on with rides ranging from Balder, one of the top-ranked wooden roller coasters in the world, to the Helix, Scandinavia’s longest and fastest roller coaster.

There’s also the AtmosFear, Europe’s largest free-fall attraction, or the Mechanica, a 360-degree ride that spins riders around up to 100 feet in the air.

Thoughtful designers made sure children’s rides are strategically placed throughout the park as well, and you can also find free concerts throughout the summer as well as special Halloween and Christmas attractions, making the park a must-see on your list of what to do in Gothenburg.

6. Skansen Kronan

If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to add Skansen Kronan to your list of Gothenburg sightseeing attractions.

This impressive hilltop fortress was constructed in 1697 to defend the Swedes from the incursions of the pesky Danes, and over the years it has been variously used as a prison and a military museum, although today it is home to a restaurant and a conference centre. 

An adjacent former army barracks houses a seasonal cafe that is open in summer, and while the hike to reach the top of the hill can be challenging, the 360-degree view over the city and the harbour makes it all worthwhile.

Plan to end your day there to catch a gorgeous sunset on a clear day, one of the best things to do in Gothenburg!

7. Feskekörka

No trip to a coastal town in Scandinavian country would be complete without getting involved in some seafood action.

Believe it or not, the residents of Gothenburg are so into seafood they practically worship it — the city’s famed fish market is known affectionately as the Fish Church, or Feskekörka, named after a design style that resembles a long chapel.

Built in 1874 as a daring architectural design challenge to create a building without pillars, architect Victor von Gegerfelt was inspired to create the Feskekörka after studying Norwegian wooden stave churches and Gothic stone churches.

Today it is home to a bustling fish and seafood market where vendors peddle the freshest wares, and a must-see for anyone doing some Gothenburg sightseeing.

Book a trip to Fish Church.

8. Gothenburg Botanical Garden

Another highly popular item on everyone’s list of what to see in Gothenburg is the botanical garden. This massive park sprawls over 175 hectares of land, and includes an arboretum and nature reserve.

The Gothenburg Botanical Gardens are also home to some 4,000 plants kept in greenhouses, where you can find the largest collection of orchids in all of Sweden, numbering in the thousands.

The arboretum offers visitors a lovely respite from the city’s energy, with a gorgeous waterfall and a rock garden where some 6,000 plant species are on display.

Don’t forget to add the sophora toromiro or Easter Island tree to your list of Gothenburg attractions — this species is extinct in its native habitat, and you are unlikely to see it anywhere else!

9. Kronhusbodarna and the Old City Hall

Once you’ve had your fill of the gardens and you’re ready to venture back into the Gothenburg city centre, take the time to visit Kronhusbodarna, the area where the old city hall is located just off of Gustav Adolphus Square.

This is the oldest building in Gothenburg, a six-story brick structure on the outside that is constructed of wood on the interior. It was built in the mid-17 th century to be used as a military post, but today the Kronhusbodarna plays host to orchestral concerts and other events.

Even just walking around and checking out the courtyard and surrounding structures that were built around the same time as this centuries-old structure is worth the trip

10. Universeum

If you’ve got younger folks with you who quickly grow tired of touring historic buildings and the like, be sure to add the Universeum to your list of things to do in Gothenburg.

This combination adventure park and hands-on science museum will keep both kids and adults occupied for hours, with its displays covering how lasers work, criminal and forensic science, and an indoor tropical rainforest.

Real birds, sloths and monkeys cruise through the branches above as you walk on wooden bridges throughout.

But easily the most popular draw that makes the Universeum one of the best things to do in Gothenburg for kids is the Ocean Zone, where you can get uncomfortably close to sharks and other creatures from the depths.

Kids can even get hands-on here and touch various stingrays and other sea creatures!

11. Två Rum och Kök (Kortedala Museum)

If you want to try something off the beaten track in your quest to discover the best things to do in Gothenburg, take a short trip to the suburb of Kortedala and visit the Kortedala Museum .

This quirky installation in the model town district of Kortedala recreates a completely furnished typical Swedish apartment from the period between 1955 to 1965, complete with fully stocked kitchen cabinets and living room shelves and furniture from that period.

It’s in Kortedala because the town itself is the creation of the Swedish government in the mid-1950s, designed to be the ideal style of living for the “modern” Swedish family of the era.

The museum is free and guides are on hand to share stories about what life was like then and how things have changed over the subsequent decades.

It’s an oddly wonderful and charming adventure on any Gothenburg sightseeing tour!

12. Volvo Museum

While you’re on the museum tip, a short distance from the Gothenburg city centre you’ll find a museum dedicated to what is probably the best-known Swedish export (aside from Abba), the Volvo automobile.

The museum is on the waterfront along the Göta älv River, and showcases everything you ever wanted to know about the beloved car manufacturer, which was founded here in Gothenburg in 1927.

You can see vintage cars and trucks as well as concept vehicles that were never brought into production.

And there’s more to see than just cars, as the minds of Volvo also pursued ocean-going vehicles and Volvo Aero, the company’s aircraft component manufacturing arm.

13. Gothenburg Archipelago

When you’re ready for a real break from city life, head downriver to the Gothenburg archipelago for a day trip or for an overnight stay in one of the small fishing villages in the rocky coastal area.

Metal bands from Sweden: The best Swedish metal bands of all time

You’re in for a treat with great seafood, plenty of the best Gothenburg sightseeing on offer with spectacular cliffs and beaches, trekking and much more.

The southern part of the archipelago is even more peaceful what with it being car-free, but wherever you go you’ll get to see a genuine slice of Sweden and the history of this unique and beautiful place where the land meets the sea.

There are a variety of means for getting there from Gothenburg city centre, with ferries, buses and car ferries (for destinations in the northern archipelago) on offer, including both day trips and longer stays.

14. Christmas in Gothenburg

While most visitors to Scandinavian nations tend to go in summer when the days are longer and the weather is balmier, you might consider changing that up when you learn that one of the most beloved of Gothenburg attractions is the city’s transformation every winter into Christmas City .

Gothenburg during the holiday season undergoes a metamorphosis into a fairy tale, snow-dusted postcard town, with Christmas markets popping up, Christmas lights and events taking over Liseberg amusement park.

And Christmas concerts take place all over the city, including the traditional Swedish Christmas concert for Santa Lucia.

Restaurants offer sumptuous Christmas buffets stocked with seafood and other traditional Swedish holiday foods, and it’s truly a winter wonderland throughout the metropolis. Any fan of Christmas would probably consider a holiday trip one of the best things to do in Gothenburg.

15. Guldhedstornet

Whatever time of year you visit Gothenberg, a trip up the Guldhedstornet is always a must-see point of interest in Gothenburg.

This massive water tower was built in 1953 and at over 400 feet tall it’s the highest point in the city, offering views of the entire city, the harbour, and even much of the Gothenburg archipelago.

On a clear day you can see all the way out to the fortress on Marstrand Island, some 30 miles away. There’s a cafe up at the top as well so you can hang out and savour the view over a sandwich and a coffee or a beer.

16. Jubileumsparken Sauna

A lovely oasis in the centre of Gothenburg and a worthy addition to any Gothenburg sightseeing trip is Jubileumsparken for a soak in the sauna.

This awesomely quirky metallic building looks like a carcass left behind after the Great Robot Wars or something, but it houses a free and amazing sauna offering great views of the harbour.

You have to book a spot in advance, but you’ll see it’s worth navigating the Swedish-only website once you get inside.

The surrounding harbour area is soon to be transformed into an outdoor swimming area, so you’ll be able to go for a cooling dip after you sweat for a while.

17. Padden Tour

By this time you’ve probably figured out that most of best things to do in Gothenburg revolve around the harbour and the sea in some regard. And one of the best ways to really get a feel for Gothenburg attractions and all that the city has to offer is to take a padden tour.

Padden are flat-bottomed tour barges that ply the waterways in and around Gothenburg, setting out two or three times an hour from various hop-on, hop-off points throughout the city.

You’ll cruise the 17th-century canals and pass underneath countless bridges, getting a perspective on Gothenburg unlike you’ve seen before.

Plus if you happen to pass by something that grabs your attention, you can just hop off and pick up again on the next padden that passes by!

18. Masthugg Church

This striking edifice was built as recently as 1914 but nonetheless is a must-see Gothenburg attraction. With its 200-foot tall tower it’s hard to miss as part of the Gothenburg skyline atop the Masthugg Hill along the river.

It was designed in Nordic Romantic style by Sigfrid Ericson, the architect who also created the Gothenburg Museum of Art, and it holds up to 1,000 worshipers.

Be sure to check out the triptych behind that altar, also designed by Ericson, and the baptismal font, made from sandstone  quarried at nearby Gotland Island.

19. New Alvsborg fortress

Be sure to check out this late 17th-century fortress on an island at the mouth of the Göta älv River if you get a chance. As far as Gothenburg sightseeing is concerned, it is unbeatable both for the impressive history of the place as well as for the views it affords.

Constructed to provide the first line of defence in case of an attack by sea, the fortress was actually called into service in 1719 when a combined Danish and Norwegian fleet attacked.

The tours of the fortress go all out in embracing historical themes, and actors in period dress greet you as you disembark and lead you through the facility.

The fortress is reachable by boat several times a day from Lilla Bommen and makes an excellent addition to your planned Gothenburg day trips.

While we’re out toward the coast, it’s a worthwhile addition to your list of things to do in Gothenburg to take a trip out to the island of Vinga.

It’s ten nautical miles from the harbour entrance in Gothenburg, but a regular ferry complete with a cafe makes the journey comfortable and fun no matter the weather.

Vinga has been an important navigation point for sailors for centuries if not millennia, and the lighthouse on the island dates to 1890. If the Norse weather gods are agreeable and you don’t mind water that’s a little chilly, on a sunny day you can even go for a dip!

21. Gothenburg beer

After a nippy trip out to Vinga, you’ll likely be ready for a beer and maybe a whiskey on your return to the city. Luckily, brewpubs top the list for what to do in Gothenburg, and if you go at the right time of year, you might even catch a beer and whiskey festival.

The first brewery in Gothenburg was built shortly after the city’s founding in 1649 by a German immigrant, Johan Casparsson Poppelman, and craft beer culture has been a big part of the aesthetic of Gothenburg ever since.

Poppelman’s legacy is still active today as one of his descendants runs Poppels Brewery , but he’s not alone.

Fully three different India Pale Ales brewed in Gothenburg came in the top 50 such brews in the world recently, and craft beer breweries in Sweden shot up from 30 to 300 between 2007 and 2017. You can find a list of some of the top brewpubs in Gothenburg , to get you started!

Getting to Gothenburg

Gothenburg is easily reachable from Stockholm with several flights per day that take about 50 minutes, a 3-hour express train ride, or by car in about 4.5 hours. Gothenburg is also home to an international airport that is serviced by numerous cities in Europe and beyond multiple times per day.

From London you can find incredibly cheap tickets if you look, some coming in at under $50 round-trip for a flight that takes under 2 hours.

One thing is certain: you should get yourself to Gothenburg ! When it comes to things to do in Gothenburg, you won’t run out of ideas anytime soon!

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16 Best Things to do in Gothenburg, Sweden

By Jamie Gambetta · Last updated on May 3, 2024

Sweden’s largest port town, Gothenburg, has a storied maritime past. Yet it’s the city’s modern transformation from old-school grit to cutting-edge that has landed it on the proverbial map.

Known as the Second City, Gothenburg continues to move beyond the shadow of Stockholm . Its vibrant Old Town is a portal to an earlier world. But only if you wish to enter. As these same cobbled streets which tell ancient tales, are also infused with the aromas of Michelin-star restaurants and the results of the morning’s fishing. Beyond the delicious meals span a grand collection of galleries and museums, including that of Volvo.

Besides these things to do in Gothenburg there’s plenty of outdoor adventure too with botanical gardens and a thread of sightly islands to explore. Whichever direction you go, it’s topped off by a burgeoning nightlife scene.

16. Alvsborg Fortress

Arguably Sweden’s best-preserved fortification, the Alvsborg Fortress promises to be the perfect day out. To see it best, wait for the sunshine to shimmer along the Göta Älv and jump onboard a boat.

With both Swedish and English narrators, you can catch up on the local history before making landfall. From there, you’ll embark on a dramatic guided tour that takes you back to the 17th century. On arrival, you’ll cross paths with the king of Denmark, Christian IV, and Admiral Tordenskiöld, who will tell you all about the war with the Danes.

Aside from the history, the island fortress provides inspiring views of Gothenburg along with restaurants and cafes to help you enjoy the ancient site.

15. City Museum

In the 1700s, the East India Company settled in this building on the banks of the Stora HamnKanalen. Now, the building has been transformed to showcase an incredible 12,000 years of history. The Gothenburg City Museum is a portal to the past, peeling back the layers on pre-historic, Neolithic, and medieval life.

Temporary and permanent exhibitions combine to explore the human experience here in Gothenburg in various eras. Artifacts and human remains showcase a world thought lost as you learn about life in West Sweden thousands of years ago. As you jump through the centuries, you’ll see how life here evolved.

This is especially poignant in the 1600s, as Gothenburg made its way onto the map. You can hear the music of the 17th century and experience the life of the city’s first residents.

14. Natural History Museum

History, conflicts, and old-time architecture are major parts of the Gothenburg experience. But what of nature, and the stories they hold? Well, at the Natural History Museum, you can explore this side of Sweden and the world at large. But the best news? It’s free!

The Natural History Museum is great for the traveling family. From Tuesday to Sunday, you can head inside and see a great variety of exhibitions on wildlife and flora from across the globe. The world’s only mounted blue whale promises to be a highlight and the story behind it is just as memorable. The whale is on display alongside the skeletons of other major marine life.

Be sure to save time to explore the sprawling Mammals Gallery that takes you on an adventure from the African savannah to the harsh environments of Scandinavia.

13. Aeroseum

A hidden gem in Gothenburg, Aeroseum invites aviation enthusiasts and curious minds alike.


When we say hidden, we really mean it. The Aeroseum is actually located in an underground aircraft hangar of the former air base Säve Depå. This was once one of the most top secret defense facilities in the Cold War Era, laying abandoned until the Aeroseum moved in, in 2008.


After exploring the Cold War facilities, make sure to check out the fighter planes like the Draken and Viggen. In addition to the airplanes, the Aeroseum boasts an exhibition featuring over 20 distinct helicopters.

12. Kronhuset

Get lost in time at the oldest building in Gothenburg! Kronhuset dates back to the mid-1600s, only 21 years after the city of Gothenburg itself was founded. Originally intended to be used as a storage facility for military equipment, the centuries-old building now houses a concert hall and lively craft center.


The series of sheds surrounding the building house small shops where you can find anything from artisanal crafts to Swedish chocolates and leather goods. After a few hours of exploring, take a break and grab a bite to eat at one of the many local cafes, such as Cafe Kronhuset, and revel in the beauty of the historical buildings.

11. Lilla Bommen


A vibrant hub in the heart of Gothenburg, Lilla Bommen is where history and modernity seamlessly intertwine. ‘Lilla Bommen’ translating to ‘Little Boom” gets its name from the boom that was lowered across the canal to prevent unauthorized access to the waterway back when it was a bustling commercial port.

Now serving more passenger ferries and sightseeing tours, this is the perfect spot to get out on the water and see some of Gothenburg’s architectural gems. One of those can’t-miss sights is the Lipstick Building, locally known for its striking red exterior. Standing adjacent is the Skanskaskrapan, which features a more traditional design, providing a unique contrast among the skyline.


As you make your way along the promenade, you can treat yourself to classic Swedish fare or pop into the Gothenburg Opera House, which features a sleek design on a beautiful waterfront location.

10. Maritiman


Prepare yourself for an incredible voyage through maritime history! Step aboard the captivating floating museum, Maritiman, and get ready to set sail for the past.


Start your adventure by going beneath the surface aboard the HMS Nordkaparen. This exhibition dives deep into what life was like living under the sea in a submarine.


Next hop on the Jagaren Småland, most known for being the largest destroyer in Scandinavia. We recommend a guided tour, which reveals intriguing stories about life at sea and the vessel’s role in past conflicts.

Before continuing your journey, refuel at Café Matrosen. Here you can indulge in authentic Swedish-style waffles topped with whipped cream and jam, or opt for heartier waffles with delicious shellfish fillings. 
If children will be joining you, go say hi to the Virvelina and Tim mascots who come prepared with treasure hunts and hands-on activities.

9. Skansen Kronan

Built in 1641, the Skansen Krona fortress is as imposing now as it was when it was built to intimidate the Danes. Set atop the hill Risåsberget, the fortress features its own “krona” aka crown-shaped tower ornament that dominates the city skyline.


Step into Skansen Kronan and immerse yourself in its storied past. Learn about its role as a vital defense structure and how on its completion was armed with 23 cannons. Fortunately, the fortress was never subjected to any attacks.


We recommend starting early. After a steep but short climb, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Gothenburg. With its proximity to the Haga district, you can treat yourself to a coffee and a more leisurely stroll afterward.

8. Museum of Fine Art

One of the oldest and most expansive art museums in Scandinavia, the Museum of Fine Art, is a must for art aficionados. You’ll want to start your day early for a quiet experience with the museum’s permanent collection. This collection is a testament to the Nordic art scene, boasting pieces by celebrated painters like Carl Larsson and Anders Zorn.


To balance out your experience, explore the museum’s expansive section of European art. Here, you’ll be admiring works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Picasso.


If you are able to plan ahead, check out when special exhibitions are being hosted. These exhibitions showcase some of the best art from around the world and often feature recent works and rarely-seen pieces.

7. Volvo Museum

Like your cars? Spend the day exploring automotive history and innovation at Volvo Museum. Here you can go on a journey through Volvo’s past, from its humble beginnings as a small automobile manufacturer in the early 1900s to its current status as a world industry leader.


The museum is broken up into sections that allow you to see historic cars from the 1940s and 1950s. Not to mention rally cars, marine engines, buses, and concept vehicles. You’ll see that Volvo is much more than old, simple wagons.


The Volvo Museum also offers a number of special events and activities, such as lectures from industry experts and guided tours. Once you’re done, stop by the souvenir shop and take home a special memento of your trip.

6. Feskekôrka

Seafood lovers will find themselves in awe of the renowned Feskekôrka in Gothenburg. Feskekôrka, translated as “Fish Church” in Swedish, is Gothenburg’s iconic fish market hall, most known for its striking resemblance to a cathedral.


This indoor market is a seafood haven, offering an assortment of fresh catch, sourced daily from the Kattegat Sea. As you make your way through the market, you’ll find the selection impressive and the atmosphere equally so. You’ll soon build up an appetite, which is the perfect time to check out the prepared dishes of smoked salmon, shrimp, and fish cakes.

Whether you decide to eat at one of the many restaurants within the market, take fresh fish home to prepare, or grab a light bite to eat as you stroll the riverfront, you are in for a truly unique and tasty experience. 



5. Liseberg Amusement Park

Get your heart racing at Scandinavia’s premier amusement park, Liseberg. Since its inauguration in 1923, on Gothenburg’s 300th anniversary, Liseberg has risen to prominence as one of the Nordic region’s most popular amusement parks.


Thrill seekers will want to check out the iconic Balder wooden roller coaster, AtmosFear, which is the tallest free-fall tower in Europe. If that’s not enough, you can then ride Valkyria, the longest-dive roller coaster in Europe, with a terrifying vertical drop.


Liseberg does, however, maintain its family-friendly appeal. You’ll find carousels, enchanting castles, an open-air dance floor, adventure playgrounds, and a lineup of live shows and concerts. If you are in Gothenburg around the Christmas Holiday, make sure to add a visit to your list as the park is lit up with millions of Christmas lights.

4. Botanical Garden

Whether you’re looking for a romantic walk or a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of city life, Gothenburg’s botanical gardens will not disappoint. This sprawling garden is home to over 10,000 species of plants from around the world, including rare and endangered species.


Explore the winding paths and discover the diverse range of plants at your own pace or via a guided tour using their Botaniska App. After a lengthy stroll, unwind in the serene Japanese Garden. Consider planning a picnic or simply relaxing with a warm cup of coffee. Admiring the vibrant colors, you might hope to recreate this beauty in your own garden. Luckily, the Botanical Garden shop offers a chance to bring a piece of garden home with their seed selection for purchase.

3. Gothenburg Archipelago

Think you have chosen the wrong destination to go island hopping? Think again with a visit to the Gothenburg Archipelago.


The archipelago is comprised of over 20 islands, split into Northern and Southern sections, each with its own unique charm. Consider exploring Vrångö, Donso, Brännö, and Styrsö, the largest and most accessible southern archipelago islands via ferry. We recommend these for their proximity and car-free environment, making for a peaceful getaway.


Embark on a boat tour to discover the islands or spend the day fishing. For the adventurous, try kayaking or sailing. Additionally, enjoy ample chances for swimming, hiking, and cycling activities. As the sun sets on your day at the archipelago, sit back and enjoy ample fresh seafood dishes or local specialties while taking in the seaside vistas.

2. Universeum


Ignite your passion for science and exploration at Universeum. Located in the heart of the city, Universeum is a science center and museum that houses a variety of interactive exhibits and activities.


You’ll feel like you’ve entered an underwater wonderland at the Aquarium, featuring over 1500 species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians from all over the world. Fun fact, with over three million liters of water, the aquarium is one of the largest in the Nordic region.


From the Ocean Zone, make your way to the Tropical Rainforest. Home to a large array of exotic plants and animals from South America, you may choose to wander the sights on your own or dive deeper with a guided tour.

Round out your day by catching a mesmerizing show at the planetarium. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the cosmos through captivating visuals and narrations about space, stars, and the universe.

1. Haga District

A testament to the city’s historic charm and vibrant atmosphere is the Haga District. Dating back to 1648, it beckons travelers as Gothenburg’s oldest suburb.


Start your morning on Haga Nygata, getting lost among the cobblestone streets and wooden houses, filled with small boutiques and shops. With the smell of coffee permeating the air at every turn, you’ll know it’s time for Fika! If you have not heard this term before, it is a cherished cultural tradition that embodies the act of taking a break for coffee. Typically accompanied by a sweet pastry or baked treat. We recommend the famous Hagabullen.


Once you have had your Fika fix, take a short walk to nearby attractions like the Skansen Kronan fortress. Climb up to enjoy panoramic views of the city (be mindful of the steep steps!). Alternatively, unwind at Hagabadet, the historic spa in Haga.

Best Time to Visit Gothenburg

Between May and September is generally considered the best time to visit Gothenburg. This is because temperatures average 16 to 20°C (61-68°F), the sun is shining, and its countless parks and canals look their most beautiful.

As the days seem almost endless, lots of hugely popular events like the Gothenburg Culture Festival and Way Out West music festival are held. This is the perfect period to amble about its center, swim in the sea and take trips about its archipelago.

April can also be a nice time to visit due to the blooming flowers. Even though it is only 9°C (48°F) outside, cafe patios and beer gardens are already starting to open up again after the winter. While October is a couple of degrees warmer, the increased rain and unpredictable weather mean it’s a good idea to pack an umbrella. The glittering golden hues of its trees does look very pretty though.

In comparison to the rest of Sweden, Gothenburg has relatively mild winters with snow not always falling. Around December, its center is delightfully decorated with Christmas markets and ice skating rinks popping up here and there. Prices are more expensive but still cheaper than July and August.

Where to Stay in Gothenburg

Diverse neighborhoods cater to different preferences, ensuring an ideal stay for every visitor. For those seeking vibrant surroundings and historical charm, Centrum stands as an excellent choice. Nestled amidst several historical sites and vibrant streets, it epitomizes the essence of Gothenburg.


Located in the heart of Gothenburg is Scandic Goteborg Central . This hotel lies just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant Avenyn Boulevard, renowned for its trendy shops, cafes, and cultural hotspots. Its proximity to Gothenburg Central Station makes landmarks like Liseberg Amusement Park and the picturesque Haga district easy to reach. Guests are treated to an array of facilities including high-speed internet, air conditioning, on-site restaurants, and a fitness center.


For a truly memorable experience, check out the Hotel Royal . With its roots dating back to the early 18th century, it was one of the first major hotels in the city and is still in operation today. Each room is adorned with tasteful furnishings, plush bedding, and elegant decor that pays homage to the hotel’s rich heritage while ensuring a comfortable stay.

How to get there

As Sweden’s second-largest city, Gothenburg offers an array of travel options for arriving visitors.


Located on the west coast, it is easily accessible by plane. The city is served by two international airports, Landvetter, and Gothenburg City Airport, with flights from many major cities across Europe and beyond.


Travelers can also opt for a train or bus ride from the main Swedish cities, enjoying picturesque landscapes en route to Gothenburg Central Station, conveniently located downtown. Navigating the city is effortless with an extensive tram network or by way of the many pedestrian and bike paths.



Map of Things to do in Gothenburg

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10 Best Places to Visit in Sweden

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The inside guide to Gothenburg, Sweden’s stylish second city

As the coastal city marks its 400th birthday in 2023, explore its new districts, lesser-known eateries and picturesque archipelago.

At the most basic level, Gothenburg is Sweden’s second city, but there’s so much more to say about this rapidly transforming port centre. Perched on the country’s west coast, at the gateway of its namesake archipelago, it’s equal parts down-to-earth and chic, with towering shipping cranes and whitewashed fishing boats alongside design shops, museums and lustworthy restaurants. The city’s also planet-conscious, topping the Global Destination Sustainability Index for the past six years, and dynamic, with cool new districts growing up alongside cobbled historic pockets.

Get to grips with Gothenburg’s history, from prehistoric times to present day, at the Museum of Gothenburg , primely placed in the 18 th -century former Swedish East India Company headquarters, on the banks of Stora Hamnkanalen canal. For a glimpse at the city’s future, make instead for the underrated Museum of World Culture , near the popular Liseberg amusement grounds. Free to enter, it’s a trot through global maritime, social and political landscapes, and celebrates Sweden’s burgeoning multiculturalism.  

Over in the east, Gamlestaden translates to ‘old town’ but happens to be the city’s hottest new district. A clutch of industrial buildings in this once-down-at-heel neighbourhood have been reclaimed by enterprising business such as Wine Mechanics , Sweden’s first urban winery. Sip through the range at the bar of the former slaughterhouse, where winemakers crush organic Furmint from Hungary and Syrah from the Rhône Valley to make experimental tipples.  

If Gothenburg has one must-see district for visitors (much-loved by locals, too), it’s historic Haga , with its cobbled streets and cute boutiques. Rather than sticking to the main Haga Nygata shopping drag, after filling up on salted liquorice at Lakritsroten and browsing the antique shops, cross Linnégatan road to the more low-key Linné neighbourhood. Saluhallen Briggen is the food market where Haga’s workers get their lunches, whether Vietnamese broths or breaded plaice with remoulade and mash potatoes. Austrian restaurant Manfred’s Brasserie is the glorious opposite of trendy; cosy and homely, it has specials scrawled on a chalk board and a fabulous Wiener schnitzel. Meanwhile Tredje Långgatan street is lined with hip eateries, cafes and bars for after-dark adventures.  

If it’s great drinks you’re after, you’re in for a treat elsewhere in this city, too. On a quiet street just off the main nightlife strip of Kungsportsavenyen, Familjen serves ace cocktails – think twists on a sidecar with sorrel- and spruce-infused green iced tea – in a moody space. Meanwhile, Bar Bulot pairs a knock-out selection of natural wines with modern Swedish food. Its semi-secret location in Gothenburg’s main produce market, Stora Saluhallen, means many visitors miss it, but snag one of the counter seats at lunch for the likes of baked haddock with blue mussels.  

Speaking of eats, there’s nothing more Swedish than fika, the national coffee-and-cake ritual. Brogyllen Hamngatan and Café Husaren, famous for its oversized cinnamon buns, are big hits with visitors, but to feel like a local, sip artisanal coffee at da Matteo Magasinsgatan , in a street art-decorated square. Then, get a sourdough cinnamon bun to take away from Alvar & Ivar and nibble in nearby Slottsskogen park.

Gothenburg is blessed with plenty more green spaces. The southwestern Gothenburg Botanical Garden is a guidebook favourite, but you can also find a miniseries of greenhouses and landscaped rose gardens tucked away in downtown’s canal-side Kungsparken. For the real outdoor standout, make your way to the 20-or-so islands in the Gothenburg archipelago, easily reached from downtown via direct ferry or a combination of ferry and bus. Hönö has a boutique hotel and seafood restaurants, plus a spectacular coast with rainbow-hued rock formations. Here, guide Jennie Walker of Walkers Naturturer organises kayaking trips around the archipelago’s wood-house-crowned isles or on guided walks along the waterfront. Alternatively, Kastor Boat Trips will whisk you off on a seafood cruise where you can catch and cook your own crab.  

Like a local: Erik Davis’s guide to hidden local favourites

Erik Davis is owner of traditional clog shop Haga Trätoffelfabrik , in the Haga district.

1. Göteborg Manufaktur

There’s no other place in town like this heritage denim shop, great for workwear and high-quality wardrobe staples. It has an on-site bespoke trouser maker, and every item comes with unlimited repairs. Fans of boutique stores are sure to appreciate what they do. goteborgmanufaktur.se

2. Mariaplans Korvkiosk

This retro kiosk in Mariaplans is great place to try a ‘support dog’ — a hot dog that Swedes buy on on their way somewhere as a pick-me-up for the commute. Order the ‘halv special’, with mashed potato on top and covered in shrimp salad. It’s as unusual as it is delicious. Mariagatan 6  

3. Le Village

Stepping inside this antique shop in Linné, a gorgeous old space with rough-hewn wood floors, feels like stepping back in time. From traditional Swedish painted furniture to leather club chairs and 19th-century bookcases, it’s a treasure trove of vintage finds.   Nordhemsgatan 22-24  

4. Kaffestugan Lyckan

Mainly frequented by locals, this cosy cafe is a great breakfast spot: order an open-face sandwich with bacon, egg and pickled beets from the handwritten menu and enjoy it next to red-faced dock workers. Pair a visit with a walk around the surrounding Delsjön nature reserve. Storatorpsvägen 55

5. Hagabion

This alternative cinema in the Haga neighbourhood puts on its own themed festivals, with English-language viewings, too. It’s also a popular meeting spot — a cool place to drink and order a bite from the vegetarian menu, especially in the summer, when there are tables outdoors. hagabion.se

Top tip: Seeking some only-in-Scandinavia shopping? Magasinsgatan and Haga have some cute places, but you’ll find a glut of locally made goodies next to the 17th-century Kronhuset building, in the central Nordstaden neighbourhood. It houses a soap factory, pottery shop and a chocolate maker, plus a country store bursting with a range of Swedish treats.

Published in the March 2023 issue of  National Geographic Traveller (UK)  

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Europe , Gothenburg , Sweden , The Best Day Trips From Gothenburg, Sweden · January 5, 2022

70 Fun Things To Do In Gothenburg, Sweden | Unique Göteborg

Gothenburg is perhaps an underrated tourist destination when it comes to visiting Sweden. Most visitors seem to choose the bigger city of Stockholm or enjoy the snow up north in the likes of Kiruna or Umeå . However, as a city, Gothenburg seems to have a charm that you can’t ignore. Whether you are looking for great museums, beautiful nature, good food, or an “authentic Swedish experience”, you will be able to find it here. There are so many things to do in Gothenburg it was actually hard to reduce this list to 70. And if this article doesn’t convince you to visit Gothenburg, perhaps these ones will:

Gothenburg, or Göteborg in Swedish, is Sweden’s second-biggest city. Historically, one of the region’s most important commercial hubs, the harbour of Gothenburg is still very active today. The city is located at the outlet of the Göta Älv, or Göta Canal, on Sweden’s West Coast. Today, you can still see much commercial boat traffic travelling up the canal towards Sweden’s biggest lake, the Värnern.

With all the things to do in Gothenburg, it is becoming increasingly more popular as a tourist destination. It is a place to discover Swedish culture, history, and future, like Lonely Planet’s Sustainable city of the year 2021.

Other Gothenburg Guides you might enjoy

• Why visit Gothenburg, Sweden
• A sustainable travellers guide to Gothenburg
• West Coast Road trip from Gothenburg
• Day trips from Gothenburg

Having now lived in Gothenburg for 18 months and counting, I even now find myself spending days exploring every inch of this city I call home. I am so incredibly in love with not only the city but the way of life here. I hope I can bring you as much joy when you visit Gothenburg as I have had living there.

So, let’s get to it. Here are the best things to do in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Things to do in Gothenburg, Sweden

Palmhuset is a tropical biome located in Trädgårdsföreningen in central Gothenburg. With several temperate rooms that are heated year-round, it’s a great place to explore some exotic plants. Throughout the rooms, there are several tables set up which are great for picnics, creating art, or simply taking a breather.

Palmhuset is open from 10 – 19 in the summer and 10 – 16 in the winter.

Liseberg is Scandinavias’ biggest amusement park and one of the best places to visit in Gothenburg. If you are visiting in the summer, then the park is open and in full swing with rides, performances and activities. In the autumn , Liseberg is known for having one of the best spooky Halloween celebrations, with up to 5 haunted houses to explore! And in the winter, Liseberg has Gothenburg’s cosiest Christmas market. In November and December it is full of cosy wooden stalls selling speciality food, and a working Santas workshop.

Göteborgs Stads Museet / The Gothenburg City Museum

The Gothenburg City Museum, or Göteborgs Stads Museet, is a great thing to do in Gothenburg if you are wanting to get to know a little bit more about the city. The exhibitions range from an immersive experience into the history of Gothenburg to archaeological findings of the Vikings, and a recently opened exhibition celebrating Gothenburg’s 400 year anniversary. You can read more about Gothenburg City Museum here!

Spårvagns Museet / The Tram Museum

The Spårvagn Museet is home to Gothenburg’s old tram collection. Only open between 11 and 14 on Sundays. Here you can see trams ranging from the first electric tram to the modern ones that are still in circulation. This is one of the most interesting places in Gothenburg to visit for anyone interested in trains, logistics or Gothenburg’s history! You can read more information here!

Discover the archipelago

One of the best things about Gothenburg is the ferry that takes you out to all of the islands. From Central Gothenburg, you can visit over 11 different islands, all with their own unique things to see and do. The ferries leave from Saltholmen or Stenpiran towards the southern archipelago, and you can catch a bus towards the islands in the northern archipelago. If you are visiting Gothenburg in the summer, this is one of the things you have to do!

Universeum is the largest science centre in Scandinavia, and home to amazing exhibitions about sea life and wildlife. With a big, exotic rainforest room and aquariums, Universeum is not only one of the best things to do in Gothenburg for kids, but the adults will love it too!

Full Moon Thai

Full Moon Thai is a restaurant on Avenyn. I have purposely not included any pictures in this article as part of the experience is the amazement you get when you first walk inside. Full Moon Thai is more than just eating out, it is a real experience as you are transported to Thailand for the night. Visiting Full Moon Thai is a great thing to do in Gothenburg if you want to have a fun meal in a unique atmosphere.

Volvo Museum

The Volvo Museum is a fascinating place to visit if you are interested in cars. The museum exhibitions focus on the history of Volvo, including their past cars, prototypes, buses and racing cars. The museum is a fun thing to do in Gothenburg for kids and adults and is open every day of the week. You can find more information here!

Sauna at Frihamnen

The sauna at Frihamnen is one of Gothenburg’s highlights. A strange iron building sticking out in the harbour, you wouldn’t believe this is actually one of the best places to hang out in the winter months. The sauna is free to the general public and is open all year round.

Världskulturmuseet / The Museum of World Culture

The Museum of World Culture is one of Gothenburg’s best museums. They have exhibitions educating about different cultural aspects and social problems around the world. It’s a super fun thing to do with children in Gothenburg as there are lots of interactive exhibitions. You can read more about current exhibitions here!

Gunnebo Slott

Gunnebo Slott is an old manor house just outside of central Gothenburg. The house itself is quite small and not much of it is open, however, the gardens are very large and somewhere you could walk around for hours. There is a kitchen garden, an English style garden, and a forest and more open meadow on the outskirts of the property. Gunnebo Slott is known for its traditional, sustainable methods of gardening and maintenance. The gardens are all looked after using traditional methods, and therefore everything sold in their cafe is homegrown and ecological. You can find more information on visiting Gunnebo Slott here.

Konstmuseum / Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most acclaimed museums in Gothenburg. Here they have a lot of art pieces on display, including some pieces from local Gothenburg artists, and those from Sweden. The museum is a peaceful place to wander around and a great thing to do on a rainy day. You can find more information about their exhibitions here.

The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum (Naturhistoriska riksmuseet) is a fascinating place to visit. On display, they have fossils, animal skeletons, exhibitions about the arctic, Swedish nature and so many more things! The museum is a fun thing to do in Gothenburg, especially with children. It is open every day except Mondays. You can find more information here!

A day trip to Marstrand

Marstrand is one of the most popular islands to visit in the whole of Sweden – a thriving holiday town in the summer and a cosy nature retreat in the winter. Here you can discover the history behind Carlstens Fästning, a fortress turned gaol, try world-class seafood at one of the great restaurants, or take a dip in one of the picturesque bays.

Röhsska Museet / The Röhsska Museum of Design and Craft

The Röhsska Museet is my personal favourite museum in the city. It is a more contemporary art museum, with unique exhibitions. Last time we visited there was an exhibition on Swedish design through the years, and the unique people that live in Iceland. Both of these exhibitions have stuck with me still 2 years later. Today, they have exhibitions on the migration of objects, chairs throughout history, and 18th-century design and craft. Definitely recommend this museum as something to do in Gothenburg! You can find more information here!

Röda Sten Konsthall

Röda Sten Konsthall is another art museum, this time focusing on local artists with more contemporary pieces. Every few months the art hall features a new artist, so there is always something new to see here! You can find the exhibition program here!

Hönö is one of the more popular islands to visit in Gothenburg’s northern archipelago. This is because you can take the car ferry over, and the island of Hönö is connected to several other islands by a bridge so it is super easy to ‘island hop’. These islands are Öckerö, Fotö and Hälsö. On Hönö, you have to visit Klåvan, the small fishing village with several great restaurants and shops to wander around. Don’t miss filling Cottage for the best pizza and interior decorations. There are several other small villages to visit on Hönö as well as some great beaches and walks through the nature.

Göteborg Opera

Göteborg Opera is a fun and unique activity to do in the evenings. The opera changes every few months with both classic and contemporary performances. In 2022, there is a contemporary show using the songs from popular Gothenburg singer Håkan Hellström called Kärlek skoner igen. Watching this will be a great way to see a little bit into the culture of the city. You can read more information about the opera here!

Haga Bion is a really unique cinema/ cafe/ bar in the center of Gothenburg. The cafe is one of the cosiest places to sit, while the bar is open in the evenings. In the summer, they have one of the best outdoor courtyard bars in Gothenburg. The cinema only plays alternative films, usually from film festivals and foreign directors. If you’re looking for something unique to do in Gothenburg, then this is definitely the place for you! You can read more about Haga Bion here!

Delsjö is home to two lakes – Stora Delsjö and Lilla Delsjö. The area is one of the most popular areas in Gothenburg and a great place for a walk, kayak, picnic or swim. The walking track around Delsjön is 7.5km with beautiful nature the whole way, while there are also bbq places scattered around the grassy areas for barbeques.

Haga is the oldest part of Gothenburg and is known to have the cosiest cafes and shops. It’s a great place to start exploring when you first arrive in Gothenburg as Haga is where you can really get a feel for what the city is all about. There are so many fun things to do in Haga, including Haga Badet, the spa, taking a fika in one of the cosy cafes, and finding locally produced souvenirs. If you want to find out more about the are and the houses there you can do a Haga walking tour such as this one!

Styrsö is one of the most popular islands to visit in Gothenburg’s southern archipelago. It is relatively close to the harbour and takes around 20 minutes by ferry to arrive at one of the two ports. Strysö is known for its beautiful houses and great swimming spots! On the island, there are four small villages, each with its own unique character. A day trip to Styrsö is a fun thing to do in Gothenburg in the summer.

Härlanda Tjärn

Härland Tjärn is another of the big lakes in Gothenburg. This is also a great place for a summer swim or barbeque, with fire pits dotted around the lake. there is a walking track that circles the lake, giving way to many great swimming spots on rocks and sandy beaches.

Älvborgs Nya Fästning

Älvborgs Nya Fästning, also known as Elfsborgs Fästning, is a fortress in the middle of the harbour of Gothenburg. It can only be reached by ferry throughout the summer months making it a really special and unique thing to do when you can. Walking around the fortress you can discover a lot about Gothenburg’s history and get some great views of the city from the sea. You can find more information about visiting the fortress here!

Vrångö is the southernmost island in the Gothenburg archipelago (and my personal favourite!) The island is known for its beautiful nature and great swimming spots, with several great seafood restaurants. The island is car-free and only accessible by ferry. It takes about 30 minutes to get from Saltholmen in Gothenburg to the port on Vrångö.

Frölunda Ice Hockey

Frölunda is Gothenburg’s much-loved ice hockey team. They are a part of the SHL (Swedish Hockey League) and their season usually plays out from September to May. They are one of the best teams in the league so you are usually in for a very exciting game.

Masthuggskyrkan

Masthuggskyrkan has one of the best views over Gothenburg, located on the eastern side overlooking the harbour. Built in 1914, the church itself is an impressive sight, however, the park and the view are the main attractions of Masthuggskyrkan. Here is a great place to visit for a walk or a picnic.

Kronhuset is one of the oldest areas of Gothenburg, a church, courtyard and several buildings which are now a cafe and several art studios. The cafe is one of my favourites and one of the best in Gothenburg in the summer when you can sit out in the courtyard. The art studios are open during the week and you can find handcrafted ceramics and jewellery for purchase. At Christmas, Kronuset has one of the best Christmas markets in Gothenburg.

Minigolf in Kungsparken

Minigolf is always a fun thing to do, especially when it is in a park in the city centre. The minigolf is part of Golf and Bar Allén, so while you play you can take a drink and a pizza. Kungsparken minigolf is open throughout the spring and summer.

The Botanical Gardens / Botaniska

The Botanical Gardens is my absolute favourite park in Gothenburg. In the spring , the park is constantly blooming with different flowers, both planted and those more natural such as the white anemones in Vitsippordalen. In the summer this is the ideal place for a picnic, while in the autumn the colours are magical. The Botanical Gardens cafe is also a great fika spot, with delicious snacks, soup and cakes. Here they are super good with dietary requirements and there is always something vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and/or lactose-free!

If you are interested in the different seasons in Gothenburg, you can read my posts about the best places to visit in the spring , the best spots for finding cherry blossoms, and the best places to see the autumn colours here !

Second Hand Shopping

There are SO many great second-hand shops in Gothenburg that you would be a fool not to go to at least one while you are visiting the city. The best thing about Swedish second-hand stores is that the clothes are all of great quality, fashionable and still cheap. You can find a list of my favourite secondhand stores in Gothenburg here!

Haga Badet is an old spa located in the old part of town, Haga. The spa has several pools and a gym and is a great place to visit if you want a low key spa experience with a massage or the likes. Haga Badet is open every day and offers special passes for visitors – such as a 3 day pass where you get access to the spa, pool and gym! You can find out more here!

Bohus Fästning

Bohus Fästning is a fortress in Kungälv, a town just north of Gothenburg. It takes 20 minutes to get to from Gothenburg Central station on the bus so it is an easy day trip. The Fortress was built in the 14th century and is now a fascinating place to walk around, with a small museum about the history of the fortress and fun little exhibitions in each of the rooms to show how they are used. This is one of the best unique things to do in Gothenburg with kids, especially in the summer when you can take a picnic and eat it by the lake in the fortresses main courtyard. You can find out more about visiting the fortress here!

Upper House Spa

Upper House Spa is probably the most well-known spa in Gothenburg, with a “hanging pool” that looks out over Liseberg amusement park. When you book through a day spa package, you get 2 hours to explore the pools and saunas. It is the perfect inner city spa escape.

For more spa inspiration in and around the city, you can read my post on 10 Amazing Spas to Visit Near Gothenburg!

Gathenhielmska kulturreservatet

Gathenhielmska Kulturreservatet is a cultural reserve with some of Gothenburg’s oldest houses. This is a great place to visit if you want to see how traditional timber houses are made, and how Gothenburg used to look before it was developed.

Lindholmen Food Market

Lindholmen food market is one of the most fun places to visit in Gothenburg if you are into food. Located inside an old hangar, the Food Market is an international fusion that features different restaurants in and around Gothenburg every Saturday. There is usually also a tattoo artist, an art and design market, and a live band performing which makes for such a fun atmosphere.

Lindholmen Science Park

Lindholmen Science Park is on the north of Gothenburg. Taking the ferry over to Lindholmen is one of the more fun ways to explore the city and a great thing to do if you are visiting! Lindholmen is one of the newer areas of the city so here you will find a beautiful walk around the harbour with modern buildings. It is a popular place for students to hand out, with both Chalmers and Gothenburg University having buildings in the area.

The Paddan is a small boat that tours the Gothenburg canal throughout the summer. It is such a fun thing to do in Gothenburg as you get to see the whole city from a different perspective, while also learning about some of the most iconic spots.

A Cruise on the M/S Göteborg

The M/S Göteborg is a small ship that cruises around the harbour and offers different meal packages. This is a really fun thing to do in Gothenburg as you get to try some local food and see the city at the same time! They often do a seafood lunch or dinner throughout the summer, and a traditional Swedish Julbord (Christmas table) throughout November and December. You can find out more here!

Victoria Passagen

Victoria Passagen is a small alleyway in the central shopping area of Gothenburg. Inside, you will find several super cosy restaurants and shops to visit! This includes Jinx Dynasty, one of the best contemporary Asian lunch restaurants in the city. On the other side, you will find Da Matteo, one of the best places for a cosy fika in Gothenburg!

Röda Sten is an area by the water in the western part of Gothenburg. It is named after a stone in the water painted red (Röd means red, and Sten means stone). Röda Sten is a beautiful area with a great walk that goes from Röda Sten Konsthall to Tånguddens Båtuppläggningsplats, and Saltholmen if you continue on further. Along the walk are some great views of the harbour and some great picnic spots.

Saltholmen is Gothenburg’s most popular swimming spot and the port where the majority of ferries leave to the archipelago. At Saltholmen there is a small walk through the nature, some fabulous swimming spots off the rocks on both sides of the harbour, and a good restaurant.

Stora Saluhall

Stora Saluhall is the bigger of the two food markets in Gothenburg. Here you can try local delicacies, purchase meats, cheeses, salads and seafood, and eat at a great restaurant that overlooks the food hall. On the sides of Saluhall are small restaurants and bars.

Take a drink in Cafe Magasinet

Cafe Magasinet is probably the most well-known cafe/ bar in Gothenburg. With its “instagrammable” decor, it is a very cool place to hang out during the day and evening. They do a great daily lunch with fresh salads and sandwiches, and sourdough pizza in the evenings.

Spinneriet in Lindome

Spinneriet in Lindome, previously known as Lilla Spinneriet, is a beautiful farm shop style cafe just outside the city of Gothenburg. With a small boutique shop and a wonderful cafe that serves organic, locally grown food, it is the perfect place to visit for a nice lunch out. On weekends they serve a brunch menu which is my personal favourite time to visit.

Silviksbadet

Silvikabadet is one of the best beaches in Gothenburg. it is very popular in the summer as it is very sandy with a small slope into the ocean. You can sit on the rocks, on the sand, or on the grassy bank beside the water.

Slottsskogen

Slottsskogen is one of Gothenburg’s oldest and biggest city parks. It is a very popular place all year round for a walk, picnic or sledging in the winter. There are several playgrounds within the park, and a small animal zoo. There are also several cafes dotted around the park which serve lunch all year round. A great activity is to take a walk through Slottskogen to one of the cafes for lunch.

Pedelo around the Gothenburg canal

In the summertime, you can hire a kayak or pedalo from Kajakbryggen (by the entrance to Trädgårdsforeningen). This is a super fun thing to do in Gothenburg for all ages, in one of the most beautiful parts of the canal.

Take a drink on Andra Långgatan

Andra Långgatan is well known as the “bar street” in Gothenburg, with pubs, restaurants and bars open until late every night of the week. This is the ideal place to visit if you want to meet some new people, go on a bar crawl, or even just explore Gothenburg’s nightlife.

Antiquehallaren

Antiquehallaren is an old antique hall in central Gothenburg. The main hall has been transformed into a cafe with some really cosy spots to sit, while the shops surrounding it are really unique boutiques. Here you can find a stamp collecting shop, an antique jeweller, the British Shop and many other fascinating places.

Stora Teatern

Stora Teatern is Gothenburgs biggest theatre. Throughout the year they put on many different shows and performances that are definitely worth going to watch! In the summer they also have a bar that is open, with a lovely courtyard overlooking the Gothenburg canal.

Askimsbadet

Askimsbadet is another of the popular swimming spots in Gothenburg. What makes Askimsbadet special is that it is an incredibly long and wide sandy beach. Visiting here in the summer is a great thing to do with kids as there is a lot of space to run around, as well as a cafe and a climbing frame on the grass bank behind the beach.

Giant cinnamon buns at Cafe Husaren

You can’t come to Sweden and not try a cinnamon bun! I read a fact once that the average Swede eats 300 cinnamon buns a year (I know!?), so if you can’t beat them, join them and buy a big one from Cafe Husaren in Haga. There are a few other cafes that have started selling these giant cinnamon buns, but Cafe Husaren is the most famous of them all and my recommendation.

Heaven 23 is the bar on the top level of Gothia Towers. The views from here and incredible, and they have super nice cocktails which are surprisingly not as expensive as you would think. You can visit the bar any time, but it is best to book if you want to visit the restaurant!

Singsing is quite a popular karaoke bar in Majorna, a “suburb” of inner Gothenburg. The bar has an upstairs where you can sit and eat, with a music quiz once a week, while the downstairs is split up into several small karaoke rooms. This is a go-to for my friends and I when we are looking for something fun to do in Gothenburg. It does book up quite quickly though so make sure to book in advance if you want to go on a Friday or Saturday!

Guldheden’s Vattentorn

Guldheden’s Vattentorn is an old water tower turned cafe in Guldheden. Visiting here is a very unique thing to do in Gothenburg. The cafe is open during the spring and summer and is a great place for fika or lunch.

Styr och Ställ

Styr och Ställ is a company that leave our hire bikes throughout the city. They are super easy to use, all you do is download the app, scan the QR code, and off you go! There are so many great bike routes to do around Gothenburg. My personal favourite is cycling from Röda Sten out to Saltholmen.

Bärby Self-picking fruit and vegetables

Bärby Self-picking fruit and vegetables in located slightly outside of the city, on the Northern “island” of Hisingen. Here you can pick different fruits and vegetables from spring to autumn including raspberries, cabbage and potatoes. It’s a super fun place to visit if you want to get some locally grown, organic vegetables. Also, super fun for kids to get to pick them themselves and see where they come from!

Take a drink at the secret Stranger Bar

Stranger Bar is by far the coolest bar in Gothenburg. Firstly, there is no signage, you have to know where you are going to get inside. You find the door, press the doorbell, and wait to see if you are let in. When you are inside, it feels like you are in some underground club with brick walls and delicately crafted cocktails. I make it sound hard to find but its location is on Google Maps, just don’t be scared to knock on the random door!

Änggårdsbergen

Änggårdsbergen is a stretch of forest that connects to the Botanical Gardens in Gothenburg. It is one of the best places for a forest walk, with many tracks of different lengths throughout the area.

Fiskekyrka (or Feskekorka) is a big food hall where local fishermen come in the mornings to sell their daily caught fish. This is an amazing place to visit in Gothenburg to see how this harbour city runs. Fiskekyrka has been open since 1874 so is very historically engrained in Gothenburg’s culture.

Ramberget is another of the great forests in Gothenburg, located on the Lindholmen side of the city. The word Berget means mountain, and that is just what this forest is. The walking trail wraps around the mountain until it reaches the top where there is a great viewpoint that looks over the city. It is quite a short walk but something to do if you enjoy exploring the city by foot.

HMS Småland J19

HMS Småland J19 is a military ship on display as a part of the Maritime Museum. It is one of two ships built of this type in Sweden and was in service until 1979. When you visit, you can climb aboard the ship and discover the inner workings of the engine and crew quarters. You can find out more here!

Slottskogen Children’s Zoo / Barnens Zoo

Slottskogen Children’s Zoo is a free zoo located in the city’s biggest park. They have farmyard animals like goats, sheep, chickens, more typically Swedish animals such as moose, and reindeer, and more exotic animals like penguins and seals. The “zoo” is completely integrated into the park so is open 24 hours a day.

Take the ferry to Lindholmen

Something fun to do in Gothenburg on a nice day is to take the free ferry from Stenpiran to Lindholmen. The ferry goes every 10 – 15 minutes and is only 5 minutes long, but it’s a fun way to travel. Gothenburg is known to be a big harbour city so I find it amazing to be able to visit so much of the city by ferry and boat. It gives such an insight into what the city is all about and how day to day life works.

Sail on The East Indianman Göthenborg

The Swedish Ship Götheborg is a replica of the 16th-century ship that sank just outside of Gothenburg on a voyage back from China. Today, the replica ship has made 5 trips around the world, and now sits in Gothenburg harbour and is a great place to visit to find out about Gothenburg’s rich history. 

Skansen Kronan

Skansen Kronan is an old fortress that sits in the centre of Gothenburg, just on the outskirts of Haga. The fortress has one of the best views over Gothenburg city, especially at sunset. Just outside the fortress, on top of the hill, is a super cosy waffle cottage, serving coffee and hot waffles throughout the year.

Visit the cat cafe Purrfect Cat

This is a new addition to the list as Purrfect, Gothenburg’s first cat cafe, just opened up a few months ago. Here you can come for a fika, and play with cats while you drink your coffee or tea. You can even adopt one of you get too attached.

Gothenburg Viewpoint, Lilla Bommen

Gothenburg Viewpoint is the official name for the viewing deck on the top floor of the Lipstick building in Lilla Bommen. The viewpoint is one of the best for a view of Gothenburg’s harbour, as you can see across to Lindholen, the opera house, and all the way to Masthuggskyrkan. The viewpoint is free to enter so a great thing to do when exploring the city!

Take a coffee at Magasinsgatan

Magasinsgatan is the best place to be in Gothenburg on a sunny day. With several coffee shops, boutique shops, and food trucks, the atmosphere is like nowhere else in Gothenburg. When here, you have to try the Bao from Jinx Food Truck (best in the city!). In the winter, it is super cosy to sit inside Da Matteo and drink a coffee, with the smell of their fresh roasted beans filling the air. Make sure to take a look around and see if you can find Floramor and Krukar, the “hidden” flower shop and ceramic workshop.

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22 Terrific Things to do in Gothenburg: Museums, History and Travel Guide

January 4, 2024 | Posted in: Sweden

Gothenburg is Sweden's second largest city located on the country's west coast along the Göta River. It is a major port city and cultural hub with many attractions for visitors. Some top things to do in Gothenburg include. Liseberg Amusement Park that Opened in 1923, this 42 acre park has over 30 rides and attractions including notable roller coasters like Balder, Helix and Valkyria. It features beautiful gardens and sculptures. Liseberg offers entertainment options for all ages. Universeum Science Center that opened in 2001, this is the largest science center in Scandinavia at over 20,000 square meters. It has exhibits divided into sections like a rainforest, aquarium, space area and interactive labs. Universeum provides an educational and hands-on science experience. Gothenburg Archipelago which consists of over 20 islands stretching along the coast offering activities like hiking, swimming, boating and exploring fishing villages. Visitors can take ferries from downtown Gothenburg to reach the islands. This 137 hectare park in central Gothenburg has wooded trails, sports fields, playgrounds, a mini zoo and outdoor gym. It offers green space for recreation right in the city center. Volvo Museum is located near Volvo's factory, this museum showcases the history of Volvo cars from 1927 to today through exhibits of over 100 vehicles and interactive displays. It documents Volvo's evolution and automotive innovations.

Some top museums in Gothenburg are Universeum science center, Volvo Museum, Göteborgs Konstmuseum art museum, Maritiman maritime museum and Röhsska design and crafts museum. For families visiting Gothenburg, recommended activities include Liseberg amusement park, Universeum science center, Maritiman floating museum, Slottsskogen city park and the charming neighborhood of Haga.

Business travelers can work and relax at cafés like A43 Coffee, Condeco and Roots Café, which offer seating, WiFi, power outlets and quality coffee in professional environments. Gothenburg is located on Sweden's west coast at 57.7089° N, 11.9746° E, about halfway between Copenhagen and Oslo. It sits along the Göta River near the Kattegat sea area. As Sweden's second largest city, Gothenburg offers visitors a variety of museums, attractions, architecture, culture and culinary experiences. Its scenic harbor setting and many green spaces provide natural beauty within the city.

Listed below are the best things to do in Gothenburg.

• Liseberg Amusement Park. Liseberg Amusement Park opened in 1923 in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is one of the most visited parks in Scandinavia with around 3 million annual visitors. Spread across 42 acres, the park has over 30 rides and attractions including notable roller coasters like wooden coaster Balder, spinning coaster Helix with 7 inversions and 50m tall dive coaster Valkyria. The park is renowned for its beautiful gardens featuring sculptures, fountains and flowers. Liseberg offers rides, games, live entertainment, themed events and dining. Liseberg Amusement Park is easily accessible by public transportation with trams and buses and has paid parking lots.
• Universeum Science Center. Universeum Science Center opened in 2001 in central Gothenburg, Sweden. It is the largest science center in Scandinavia at over 20,000 square meters. Universeum features six main sections including Sweden's largest aquarium with 30,000 sea creatures, a tropical rainforest, space exhibits and interactive science labs. Notable sections include the Ocean Zone aquarium, Rainforest with exotic plants and animals, Kalejdo space area and Explora hands-on labs. The iconic building resembles a giant mussel shell covered in shiny scales. Universeum provides an educational and interactive science experience through exhibits, shows, camps and events.
• Gothenburg Archipelago. The Gothenburg Archipelago consists of over 20 islands stretching 30 km along Sweden's west coast from Gothenburg into the Kattegat sea. The car-free southern archipelago closest to the city has small fishing villages, beaches, trails and ferry connections to islands like Styrsö, Donsö and Vrångö. The larger northern islands like Hönö and Öckerö are accessible by car ferry and have more amenities. Activities include hiking, cycling, swimming, boating, wildlife spotting and exploring fishing villages, beaches and nature. Visitors can take public ferries from downtown Gothenburg to reach the islands in around 30 minutes. Ferries and island transportation are paid individually.
• Slottsskogen City Park. Slottsskogen is a 137 hectare public park located in central Gothenburg, Sweden. Originally a forested area, it was transformed into an English style garden in the 1880s. Visitors can walk the lush trails, play sports on open fields, enjoy the playgrounds, mini golf, exercise equipment and small zoo. Highlights include seeing moose, seals, penguins and over 50 bird species. The park is easily accessible by tram and bus, with a stop right next to the entrance. There is no admission fee, with free access to trails, gardens and most attractions. Slottsskogen offers some exhibits and activities like mini golf have individual pricing.
• Volvo Museum. The Volvo Museum is located west of central Gothenburg on Hisingen island.It was opened in 1995, it documents Volvo's history from 1927 to today through exhibits displaying over 100 cars, trucks, buses and other vehicles. Highlights include the first ÖV4, iconic models like the P1800 sports car and race cars. The 8,000 square meter museum has interactive displays on Volvo innovations in safety, design and more, with vehicles spanning decades, the Volvo Museum offers an exciting journey through the brand's evolution that entertains all ages.
• Maritiman Floating Museum. The Maritiman Floating Museum located in central Gothenburg, Sweden consists of 19 historic military and civilian ships moored on the Göta River, including destroyers, submarines, minesweepers and lightships. Visitors can tour the deck of vessels like the HSwMS Småland destroyer and HSwMS Nordkaparen submarine, with the oldest ship dating back to 1875. Exhibits showcase the ships' naval history. Easily accessible by tram and ferry, Maritiman brings naval heritage to life through immersive ship encounters and engaging exhibits.
• Haga District. The Haga District is located south of central Gothenburg, Sweden. Originally a 17th century working-class suburb, it has transformed into a trendy, picturesque neighborhood popular with tourists. Key sights include the 19th century Hagakyrkan church and charming three-story wooden homes lining the main pedestrian street Haga Nygata. Visitors can explore boutiques, cafés, galleries and handicraft shops, plus view exhibits by local artists. The area is easily accessible by tram, bus or walking from the train station. Strolling Haga offers a unique way to experience Swedish culture, architecture and lively ambience, especially at the weekend markets.
• Göteborg Opera House. The Göteborg Opera House opened in 1994 along the city's central waterfront. Designed by Jan Izikowitz, the 28,700 square meter building resembles a ship. It contains a main 1,301 seat auditorium, smaller stage, workshops, restaurants and more. The opera house is home to the Gothenburg Opera company, showcasing over 200 opera, ballet, musical theater and concert performances per season. Easily accessible by tram, ferry and bus, there's no admission fee to enter the lobby and grounds. Attending a performance requires purchasing a ticket, with prices starting around 100-200 SEK ($10-20 USD). Discounts are available for students, seniors, children and groups.
• Poseidon Statue. The 23-foot bronze Poseidon statue is located in Götaplatsen square at the southern end of Gothenburg's main avenue Avenyn. Created by Swedish sculptor Carl Milles, it was inaugurated in 1931 and depicts the Greek god Poseidon standing atop a fountain holding a fish and shell. The statue and fountain are lit up at night. Poseidon has become an iconic symbol of Gothenburg. Visitors can view the statue up close for free in the public square. It is surrounded by other notable buildings like the Gothenburg Concert Hall and Museum of Art.
• Aeroseum Aviation Museum. The Aeroseum Aviation Museum is located north of central Gothenburg, Sweden in a declassified underground hangar complex built for the Swedish Air Force in the 1950s. Spread over 22,000 square meters below ground, it contains over 30 historic aircraft including fighter jets, helicopters, seaplanes and more. Highlights include climbing into cockpits, flight simulators and exhibits on topics like the Cold War and Swedish aviation history. The museum is accessible by tram plus bus 128 from the city center.

1. Liseberg Amusement Park

Liseberg Amusement Park is located in Gothenburg, Sweden's second largest city, at Örgrytevägen 5, 402 22 Göteborg. It opened in 1923 and is one of the most visited amusement parks in Scandinavia, attracting around 3 million visitors annually. Spread across 42 acres, the park features over 30 rides and attractions, as well as restaurants, games, concerts and other entertainment. Some of the most popular rides include the wooden roller coaster Balder, the spinning ride Helix with 7 inversions and the 50m tall dive coaster Valkyria. The park is especially known for its beautiful gardens like Liseberg Lustgården, featuring sculptures, fountains and flowers.

At Liseberg Amusement Park, visitors can enjoy over 30 different rides and attractions. Thrilling roller coasters like Balder, Helix and Valkyria provide adrenaline rushes, while gentler rides like the carousel Blomsterkarusellen and mini coaster Lilla Lots are suitable for younger visitors. The park features dark rides like Spökhotellet, drop towers like AtmosFear and water rides like Kallerado. In addition to rides, Liseberg offers carnival games, live music and dance performances on various stages and themed events during Halloween and Christmas seasons. With so much to experience across its 42 acres, Liseberg Amusement Park offers entertainment options for visitors of all ages.

The most convenient way to get to Liseberg Amusement Park is by public transportation. The park has two entrances, to get to the North Entrance, take tram line 4, 5, 6, 8 or 13 to the Liseberg stop. For the South Entrance, take tram line 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 or 13 to Liseberg Södra. You can also take bus 60 from central Gothenburg. The closest train station is Lisebergs Station, just a 5 minute walk from the park. If driving, there are several paid parking lots around the park. Liseberg is located right in central Gothenburg, making it easy to access.

The standard admission price to enter Liseberg Amusement Park is 125 SEK ($12, £10) for adults and children over 110 cm tall. Children under 110 cm get free admission. There are discounts available for seniors 65+ and visitors with disabilities. Separate ride passes must be purchased to go on the rides, with options like a 1 day pass for 215 SEK ($21, £17) or a 5 day flex pass for 595 SEK ($58, £47). The best value is the All-In-One ticket which includes admission and unlimited rides for 255-355 SEK ($25-35, £20-28) depending on date. Family packages and annual passes are available.

2. Universeum Science Center

Universeum Science Center is located in central Gothenburg at Södra Vägen 50, 402 22 Göteborg. Opened in 2001, it is the largest science center in Scandinavia at over 20,000 square meters. Universeum features six main sections. Kalejdo, Explora, Water's Way, Ocean Zone, Rainforest and Deadly Beauties. Highlights include Sweden's largest aquarium with over 30,000 sea creatures, a tropical rainforest with exotic plants and animals, space exhibits and hands-on science labs. The iconic building was designed by architect Gert Wingårdh and resembles a giant mussel shell covered in shiny scales. Universeum aims to be an educational, sustainable and interactive science experience for visitors of all ages.

At Universeum Science Center, visitors can explore a wide range of science and nature exhibits. In the Ocean Zone, observe sharks, rays and tropical reef fish in the massive aquarium tanks. Walk through the rainforest filled with birds, reptiles and waterfalls. Conduct chemistry experiments in the interactive lab. Learn about the human body in the Explora section. Take in the stars and planets at the space shows in Kalejdo. For hands-on fun, touch real animal specimens like snakes and marine creatures in the touch pools. Universeum also hosts events like sleepovers, day camps and science shows.

The easiest way to get to Universeum Science Center is by public transportation. Visitors can take tram number 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 or 13 to the Korsvägen stop, which is right next to Universeum. The tram ride takes about 15 minutes from central Gothenburg. Visitors can also take bus 60 which stops near Universeum. If driving, there are several paid parking garages nearby, like Liseberg Västra, Focushuset and Liseberg Östra. The closest train station is Korsvägen Station, just a 5 minute walk away. It is located in a busy area near Liseberg Amusement Park, Universeum is very conveniently accessible for visitors.

The standard admission price to enter Universeum Science Center is 170 SEK ($17, £14) for adults and 110 SEK ($11, £9) for youth ages 3-17. Children under 3 get free admission. There are discounts available for students, seniors 65+ and visitors with disabilities. Annual passes are available starting at 295 SEK ($29, £24). Add-on tickets can be purchased for special exhibits and experiences like the planetarium shows. The best value is the All-In ticket which includes admission, an annual pass and access to special exhibits for 455 SEK ($45, £37). Tickets can be pre-purchased online or bought at the entrance. Universeum is an interactive and educational science center suitable for visitors of all ages.

3. Gothenburg Archipelago

The Gothenburg Archipelago is located off the west coast of Sweden, stretching about 30 km from the city of Gothenburg into the Kattegat sea area. It consists of a northern and southern archipelago, with over 20 islands in total. The southern archipelago closest to Gothenburg is car-free and home to around 5,000 permanent residents and 6,000 summer residents. Islands here include Styrsö, Donsö, Vrångö and Brännö which have small fishing villages, beaches, nature trails and ferry connections. The larger northern archipelago has islands like Hönö and Öckerö that are accessible by car ferry and have harbors, marinas and more amenities.

In the Gothenburg Archipelago, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and island sightseeing. The car-free southern islands are ideal for walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, sunbathing on the rocks, fishing, kayaking and sailing. Many islands have picturesque fishing villages to explore, with small shops, cafés and seafood restaurants. There are historic lighthouses, charming wooden cottages, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. The larger northern islands allow you to explore further with activities like boating, watersports, golfing and camping. Visitors can spot seals, seabirds, deer, foxes and other wildlife.

The easiest way to reach the Gothenburg Archipelago is by public ferry from the city center. To access the car-free southern islands, take tram line 9 or 11 from central Gothenburg to the Saltholmen ferry terminal. The ride takes about 30 minutes from Saltholmen, there are regular passenger ferries to islands like Styrsö, Donsö and Vrångö operated by Styrsöbolaget. The crossing takes just 20-40 minutes depending on your destination. Visitors can take ferries to the southern islands from the Stenpiren ferry terminal downtown. To reach the northern islands like Hönö or Öckerö, take bus 16 from central Gothenburg towards Lilla Varholmen, then ride the free car ferry across. Driving their own car allows visitors to explore the larger northern archipelago at their own pace.

There is no admission fee to visit the islands of the Gothenburg Archipelago. Visitors do need to pay for public transportation to reach the islands. Starting from central Gothenburg, a single tram ticket costs 31 SEK ($3, £3) and is valid for 90 minutes including transfers to ferries. Passenger ferries to the southern islands are around 45 SEK ($4, £3) each way. Car ferries to the northern islands are free for passengers and vehicles. Once exploring the car-free southern islands, getting around by foot, bike or electric vehicle is free. Admission to any museums, attractions or organized tours is paid individually.

4. Slottsskogen City Park

Slottsskogen City Park is located in central Gothenburg at Slottskogsgatan in the Linnéstaden district. Spread across 137 hectares, it is one of the largest parks in Sweden’s second largest city. Slottsskogen was originally a forested area belonging to the Älvsborg fortress when Gothenburg was founded in the 17th century. In the 1880s, it was transformed into a public park by merchant August Kobb who designed it in the style of an English garden.

At Slottsskogen City Park, visitors can partake in a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The park contains over 5 km of walking trails that wind through the lush greenery, perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog. There are large open lawns where visitors can play sports like soccer, frisbee and volleyball on designated fields. The park has miniature golf, outdoor exercise equipment and exciting playgrounds like Plikta with thrilling slides. Families enjoy visiting the small Slottsskogen Zoo to see farm animals, moose, seals, penguins and fish up close. Bird watching is popular with over 50 species spotted in the park. Slottsskogen has something for visitors of all ages to enjoy among nature right in the city.

Slottsskogen City Park is easily accessible using Gothenburg’s public transportation network. The most convenient option is taking tram line 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 or 13 to the Linnéplatsen stop, which is right next to the park’s southeast entrance. The entire tram ride takes about 15 minutes from central Gothenburg. Visitors can take bus 60 which stops near Slottsskogen. For those driving, there are several paid parking lots around the perimeter of the park. The closest train station is Linné Station, just a 10 minute walk away.

There is no admission fee to enter Slottsskogen City Park, as it is public municipal parkland. Visitors can freely walk, jog and explore the trails, gardens, playgrounds and open spaces at no cost. Some attractions within Slottsskogen do charge admission, such as the seal exhibit at 50 SEK ($5 USD, £4) for adults and mini golf at 30 SEK ($3 USD, £2.50) per person. The park hosts paid events like concerts and festivals as well. Food and refreshments from kiosks and restaurants inside Slottsskogen are individually priced. Otherwise, access to the green spaces, walking paths and most park attractions is completely free for the public to enjoy.

5. Volvo Museum

The Volvo Museum is located at Arendal Skans in the Arendal district of Hisingen island, about 10 kilometers west of central Gothenburg at 57°41'42″N 11°49'11″E. Opened in 1995, it documents the history and evolution of the Volvo brand, displaying a wide range of cars, trucks, buses, engines and industrial vehicles produced by Volvo since 1927. Spread across 8,000 square meters on two floors, the museum features over 100 vehicles plus interactive exhibits and displays covering Volvo innovations in safety, design, motorsports and more.

At the Volvo Museum, visitors can explore exhibits spanning Volvo’s entire history from 1927 to today. See early vehicles like the first ÖV4 car made in 1927, the PV444 people’s car and iconic models like the Amazon, P1800 sports car and the 240 series. Compare design changes over decades of trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles. Sit inside the cockpit of race cars that competed internationally. Check out advanced safety innovations Volvo pioneered, view future concept cars with autonomous driving functions and alternative fuels. Kids can play in the children’s section while adults admire the antique Volvo engines. The museum offers an exciting journey through Volvo’s evolution from the first car to today’s visionary designs. With so many vehicles and interactives, the Volvo Museum entertains visitors of all ages.

The Volvo Museum is conveniently located about 10 kilometers west of central Gothenburg. By car, take route 155 towards Torslanda from the E6/E20 motorways and follow signs to Arendal and the museum. There is free parking onsite. Public transport is recommended – take tram line 5, 6 or 10 towards Eketrägatan, then bus 128 towards Arendal Norra and disembark at the Arendal Skans stop, a 3 minute walk from the museum. Visitors coming via cruise ship can take the number 16 bus from the city center or walk 30 minutes along the shore path. The museum’s location near the port makes it easily accessible even for those arriving by boat.

Entry to the Volvo Museum costs 160 SEK ($16 USD, £13) for adults, 80 SEK for youth ages 16-19 and 50 SEK for children ages 7-15. Children under 7 get free admission. Seniors over 65 pay 100 SEK. Annual passes, student and group discounts are available. The ticket includes access to all exhibits, children’s section, café and gift shop. Guided tours must be booked in advance for an additional fee. With reasonable rates, the Volvo Museum makes for an affordable and educational activity for all.

6. Maritiman Floating Museum

The Maritiman Floating Museum is located at Packhusplatsen 12 in central Gothenburg, Sweden at 57°42'16“N 11°57'50″E. It consists of 19 historic military and civilian ships moored on the Göta River that have been converted into a unique maritime museum experience. Maritiman contains vessels like the HSwMS Småland destroyer, the HSwMS Nordkaparen submarine, the monitor ship Sölve, lightships, minesweepers, tugs and more, with the oldest dating back to 1875.

At the Maritiman Floating Museum, visitors can tour the ships and view exhibits about their history and naval service. Walk the decks of destroyers and mine layers, climb down into the submarine and imagine life as a sailor. Exhibits on topics like naval battles, shipwrecks and cryptography reveal insights into these vessels' past lives. Children can enjoy the Ocean Lab with interactive science experiments. The on-site café provides refreshments to enjoy between ship explorations. Maritiman brings naval history to life through immersive ship encounters and engaging exhibits about these unique floating vessels.

The Maritiman Floating Museum is located right in central Gothenburg, accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take tram lines 3, 9 or 11 to the Masthuggstorget stop, only a 5 minute walk from the museum. The Styrsöbolaget ferry from Saltholmen also stops right at Maritiman. Those arriving by car can find parking in the Nordstan shopping center just across the river, with such proximity to the city center, getting to Maritiman is easy via foot, tram, ferry or automobile. The museum's riverside location allows visitors to simply walk aboard these naval giants.

Entry to the Maritiman Floating Museum costs 125 SEK ($12 USD, £10) for adults, 70 SEK ($7, £6) for youth ages 5-15 and free for children under 5. Students, seniors and visitors with disabilities receive discounted admission. Purchasing tickets online in advance provides additional savings versus directly at the museum. Annual passes are available for those wanting to visit multiple times per year. Guided tours cost extra. Maritiman offers affordable rates so visitors of all ages can explore Sweden's naval heritage aboard this unique collection of floating museum ships.

7. Haga District

The Haga District is located in central Gothenburg, about 1 km south of the main train station at Nils Ericson Terminalen. Haga originated as an independent suburb and working-class neighborhood in the mid-17th century. The area has undergone gentrification, transforming from a downtrodden district to a trendy, pleasing neighborhood popular with tourists and locals. Key sights include the 19th century Hagakyrkan church, the quaint three-story wooden homes along Haga Nygata and shops selling Swedish handicrafts and antiques.

In the Haga District, visitors can explore the charming neighborhood on foot, browsing the boutiques, cafés and art galleries along the main pedestrian street Haga Nygata. Visitors can stop for a fika (coffee break) at one of the traditional Swedish konditori cafés and sample treats like cinnamon buns, see handicrafts and souvenirs at stores like Haga of Sweden, view exhibits by local artists at galleries such as Galleri Niklas Beleniusa and visit the 19th century Hagakyrkan church and relax in the adjacent park. Experience the lively ambience at the weekend farmers' markets. Additionally, its abundance of shops, cafés and historic sights, Haga offers many unique ways to experience Swedish culture and architecture.

The most convenient way to reach the Haga District is by tram or bus using Gothenburg's public transportation network from the city center, take tram line 3, 9 or 11 to the Hagakyrkan stop. The entire tram ride takes about 10 minutes. Visitors can take bus 16 from central Gothenburg and disembark at the Haga Kyrkoplan stop. Another option is walking from the main train station area – Haga is about 1 km south along Haga Nygata. Free walking tours of the neighborhood are available. If driving, parking is available in garages on the district's periphery.

There is no admission fee to walk around the Haga District, since it is a public neighborhood. Visitors can freely stroll the streets and soak in the atmosphere without paying anything. Shops, cafés, galleries and attractions within Haga each have their own pricing. For example, the Hagakyrkan church is free to enter, while the Ankarsrum Antikhandel antique shop offers items for sale. Public transportation to get to Haga costs 31 SEK ($3 USD) for a single tram ticket valid for 90 minutes.

8. Göteborg Opera House

The Göteborg Opera House is located in central Gothenburg at Christina Nilssons Gata 4, 411 04 Göteborg, right on the Göta River waterfront. The opera house opened in 1994 and was designed by architect Jan Izikowitz in a modern style resembling a ship, inspired by its harbor location. Spread over 28,700 square meters, the Göteborg Opera House contains a main auditorium with 1,301 seats, a smaller stage, workshops, restaurants and more. It is home to the Gothenburg Opera company, showcasing opera, ballet, musical theater and concerts.

At the Göteborg Opera House, visitors can take in a wide variety of performances from opera and ballet to musicals and concerts on the main stage and smaller venues. Popular shows include classic operas like Carmen and La Traviata. The resident Gothenburg Opera company presents over 200 performances per season. Famous guest artists and conductors make appearances. Interactive events like sing-along operas engage audiences.

The Göteborg Opera House enjoys a central waterfront location in Gothenburg, making it easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take tram lines 3, 9 or 11 to the Masthuggstorget stop, just a 5-10 minute walk from the opera house. The Styrsöbolaget ferry also stops right at the opera house dock. Buses 60, 16 and 18 stop nearby. Those arriving by train can walk 15 minutes from Gothenburg Central Station.

There is no admission fee to enter the lobby and exterior grounds of the Göteborg Opera House. When attending a performance, it requires purchasing a ticket, with prices varying by seat location and show. For example, tickets to a standard opera start around 100-200 SEK ($10-20 USD). Backstage tours cost 100 SEK. Discounts are available for students, seniors, children and groups. The building's restaurants and bars have separate pricing.

9. Poseidon Statue

The Poseidon statue is located in central Gothenburg at the Götaplatsen square, the southern end of the city's main avenue called Avenyn. The 23-foot bronze statue depicts the Greek god Poseidon standing atop a fountain, holding a fish in one hand and a shell in the other. Created by Swedish sculptor Carl Milles, the Poseidon statue was foundedin September 1931 as a landmark and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Gothenburg. The fountain that Poseidon stands upon contains smaller sculptures of marine life including fish, crabs and tritons. At night, the statue and fountain are lit up by spotlights. The Poseidon statue is surrounded by other notable buildings like the Gothenburg Concert Hall and the Gothenburg Museum of Art, adding to its visual prominence.

The Poseidon statue is located in a public square, so visitors can freely view and photograph it without any admission cost. At 23 feet tall atop a fountain, the statue can be clearly seen from all around Götaplatsen square and the surrounding streets. The best views are from directly in front, where you can see the details of Poseidon and the entire fountain sculpture. Good photo spots are the steps of the Museum of Art or Concert Hall where you can frame Poseidon with the columns and architecture behind it.

The Poseidon statue is centrally located at the Götaplatsen square, which is at the southern end of the main avenue Avenyn in central Gothenburg. Visitors can easily get there via the city's public transportation network. Simply take tram line 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 or 13 to the stop Götaplatsen and the statue is right in the square. Visitors can walk from other downtown attractions and shopping areas in about 10-15 minutes. If driving, there are parking garages nearby including Nordstan, Femman and Kulturhuset.

There is no cost to view the Poseidon statue, as it is located in an open public square. Visitors can freely walk up and observe the large fountain sculpture without needing to pay an admission fee. Public transportation such as the tram costs 31 SEK ($3 USD) for a single-ride ticket to get to Götaplatsen square where Poseidon is located. As an outdoor landmark attraction, visitors can see and photograph the statue at no charge when exploring Gothenburg on foot.

10. Aeroseum Aviation Museum

The Aeroseum Aviation Museum is located at Nya Bergets Väg 50, 417 46 Göteborg, Sweden, about 10 kilometers north of central Gothenburg. Housed in a declassified underground hangar complex built for the Swedish Air Force in the 1950s, Aeroseum contains over 30 historic aircraft including fighter jets, helicopters, seaplanes and more. Spread over 22,000 square meters carved into solid rock 30 meters below ground, the bunker was designed to withstand nuclear attack.

At the Aeroseum Aviation Museum, visitors can explore the extensive exhibits of Swedish military and civilian aircraft and aviation history, see Draken, Lansen and Viggen fighter jets up close and even climb inside some cockpits, try out flight simulators for a virtual flying experience and view exhibits detailing topics like the Cold War, Swedish air force history, aircraft manufacturing and more. Children can enjoy the kids' corner with activities and building aircraft models. Guided tours provide additional insights from expert guides. Temporary exhibits highlight specific aircraft and aviation themes. The museum store offers books, apparel and toys for aviation enthusiasts.

By car, take route 155 towards Torslanda, exiting at Säve and following signs to the museum. Public transit is recommended – take tram 5, 6 or 10 to Eketrägatan, then bus 128 towards Arendal Norra, disembarking at Arendal Skans. The nearest train station is Kviberg, a 20 minute walk away. Limited parking is available at the museum, with a combination of tram, bus and short walk, getting to Aeroseum using public transportation is convenient from downtown Gothenburg.

There is an admission fee to enter the Aeroseum Aviation Museum. Ticket prices are 130 SEK ($13 USD, £11) for adults, 70 SEK ($7, £6) for youth ages 4-16 and free for children under 4. Family tickets are 330 SEK ($33, £27). Discounted tickets are available online in advance. Guided tours can be booked for an additional cost. Annual passes and student discounts are also offered. The admission price includes access to all exhibits and activities within the museum.

11. Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is located in central Gothenburg at Museivägen 10 in the Slottsskogen park area. Founded in 1833, it is the oldest museum in Gothenburg and contains over 10 million specimens documenting the natural world. Exhibits span several floors and include dioramas of wildlife, a huge blue whale, an African elephant and displays on evolution, ecology, geology and more. It includes the mammal hall with its towering elephant, the marine hall with the whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling and intricate dioramas of Swedish habitats from the 1920s.

At the Natural History Museum, visitors can view exhibits on a range of natural history topics, see displays of preserved insects, fossils and taxidermied animals from around the globe, learn about evolution through dioramas showing early hominids and human development and view marine life like fish, seals and the giant blue whale skeleton. Check out the mammal hall containing everything from rodents to the iconic towering African elephant. See birds and eggs from around the world. There are special rotating exhibits on focused scientific themes. Children can enjoy the interactive science lab. Guided tours provide extra insights. The museum also hosts lectures, workshops and activities.

The Natural History Museum enjoys a central location inside Slottsskogen park. Visitors can take tram lines 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 or 13 to the Linnéplatsen stop, just a 5 minute walk from the museum. The entire tram ride takes around 15 minutes from central Gothenburg. Visitors can take bus 60 which stops near the museum. If driving, there is parking at the museum for disabled visitors, while other parking is available nearby at Villa Belparc.

Entry to the permanent exhibits at the Natural History Museum is free for all visitors, as it is a state-funded museum. Special temporary exhibits may have an admission fee. Access to the hands-on science lab costs 20 SEK ($2 USD) for adults and 10 SEK for children. Public transportation to reach the museum is 31 SEK ($3 USD) for a single tram ticket. Guided tours can be booked for an additional cost.

12. Fish Church Seafood Market

The Fish Market is located along the Göta River canal in central Gothenburg, Sweden, situated between the Klippan cultural venue and Feskekôrka fish market hall at approximately 57°42'N 11°58'E. Known as Fisktorget in Swedish, the outdoor Fish Market operates right along the waterfront, with vendors selling fresh seafood and fish caught from the nearby North Sea. The market traces its origins to the 1600s, when fishermen would sail into the canal to sell their daily catch. Today, the Fish Market has become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering an authentic Swedish market experience.

Visitors to the Fish Market can browse the various vendors selling their freshly caught seafood. Find local fish like herring, mackerel, salmon, shrimp and shellfish. Vendors are happy to provide cooking tips and share recipes. The lively atmosphere also makes the Fish Market a nice place to soak in views of the canal and city harbor. Nearby eateries like the Feskekôrka food hall allow visitors to sample seafood dishes or take items home to cook.

The Fish Market enjoys a central spot along the Göta River canal, making it easily walkable from downtown attractions. Simply head to the canal area between Klippan and Feskekôrka. Those taking public transportation can take tram lines 3, 9 or 11 to Masthuggstorget, only a 5 minute walk away. The market is open for business daily, with the best selection and atmosphere in the mornings when the fishing boats arrive with their hauls, with free entry and vendors selling fresh seafood at reasonable prices, the Fish Market makes for an authentic Swedish experience when visiting Gothenburg.

13. Röhsska Museum of Design and Craft

The Röhsska Museum of Design and Craft is located at Vasagatan 39, 411 37 Göteborg, Sweden in central Gothenburg. Founded in 1904, it is focused on design, fashion and applied arts. The museum building was purpose-built in the National Romantic style, designed by architect Carl Westman and opened in 1916. The collection consists of over 50,000 objects spanning handicraft, industrial design, costumes, prints, drawings and more from Sweden, Europe and Asia. Highlights include 18th century interiors, 20th century fashion and fine Asian decorative arts.

At the Röhsska Museum of Design and Craft, visitors can explore exhibits spanning many eras and areas of design, view Swedish handicrafts and furniture showcasing acclaimed Scandinavian simplicity and functionality, see haute couture creations and survey changing fashion styles decade-by-decade. Special activities include guided tours providing insights from expert docents, hands-on workshops allowing visitors to create their own designs and lectures on specific movements like Bauhaus architecture.

The Röhsska Museum enjoys a central location in Gothenburg, accessible via public transportation. Visitors can take tram lines 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 or 13 to the Valand stop, just a 5 minute walk from the museum entrance. The entire tram ride takes about 15 minutes from the city center. Visitors can take bus 60 which stops near Röhsska. Limited parking is available on nearby streets, with its proximity to downtown and tram connections, getting to the Röhsska Museum is convenient for both locals and tourists.

There is an admission fee to enter the Röhsska Museum of Design and Craft. Ticket prices are 60 SEK ($6 USD) for adults, while visitors under age 20 get free entry. Special exhibits may cost extra. Discounted annual passes are 130 SEK ($13 USD). The museum also offers guided tours and workshops for additional fees.

14. Gothenburg Botanical Garden

The Gothenburg Botanical Garden is located in central Gothenburg, Sweden at Carl Skottsbergs Gata 22A. Spread across 175 hectares, it is one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe. Founded in 1923, the garden contains over 16,000 plant species from around the world, with different sections like the Rock Garden, Japanese Glade, herb garden and more. Highlights include the award-winning Rock Garden containing rare alpine plants, the lush Rhododendron Valley and tropical greenhouses.

At the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, visitors can explore the various themed gardens and plant collections. Visitors can relax in the calm of the Japanese Glade with rhododendrons, azaleas and water features, learn about herbs and vegetables in the Kitchen Garden, see tropical plants and orchids in the greenhouses, follow winding trails through flower beds bursting with color and go birdwatching, as over 50 species inhabit the garden. Guided tours, workshops, concerts and other events are offered.

The Gothenburg Botanical Garden is conveniently accessible by public transportation from central Gothenburg. Visitors can take tram line 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 or 13 to the Botaniska Trädgården stop, just a 5 minute walk from the main entrance. The entire tram ride takes about 15 minutes from the city center. Visitors can take bus 16, 42, 52 or 87 and disembark at the Annedalskyrkan stop, about a 3 minute walk away. If driving, there is parking available outside the garden.

Entry to the Gothenburg Botanical Garden is free, as it is municipally owned public parkland. There is a voluntary admission fee of 30 SEK ($3 USD) to access the greenhouses. Special events and tours may have additional costs. The garden shop sells plants, books and souvenirs. Public transportation to reach the gardens costs 31 SEK ($3 USD) for a single tram ticket.

15. Lilla Bommen Harbor

Lilla Bommen Harbor is a historic dock area located along the Göta River in central Gothenburg, Sweden. Its full address is Lilla Bommen 1, 411 04 Göteborg. Lilla Bommen served as Gothenburg's main harbor and port from the 17th to early 20th centuries. The name comes from a boom barrier that was used to regulate ships entering the harbor. The harbor was located between the Gustavus Primus and S.tus Ericus bastions that defended the city. Today, parts of the old dock have been filled in and Lilla Bommen primarily serves as a marina for leisure boats and sightseeing tours.

Lilla Bommen offers many activities for visitors. A top attraction is taking a boat tour around the harbor and archipelago, with several tour operators departing from the docks. Visitors can also explore historic ships like the Viking and visit the Maritiman floating maritime museum. The Lilla Bommen skyscraper has a top-floor cafe with panoramic views. The Swedish Emigrant Institute facing the water educates about Swedish emigration history. The Göteborg Opera House offers world-class opera, ballet and musical performances. Visitors can enjoy dining along the waterfront promenade or strolling the scenic walkways.

Lilla Bommen Harbor is located right in central Gothenburg and is easily accessible by public transportation. The harbor can be reached by taking tram lines 3, 7 or 11 to the Lilla Bommen stop. It is within walking distance from the major stations of Nils Ericson Terminal and Gothenburg Central Station. The harbor is about a 15 minute walk from the city's main shopping and dining district along Avenyn. Those arriving by car can find parking in the Nordstan shopping center garage just across the river.

There is no admission fee to enter Lilla Bommen Harbor, as it is a public space along the Göta River. Visitors can freely stroll the harbor promenades and access the docks. Some specific attractions like boat tours, museum ships and the skyscraper viewing platform have separate ticket fees ranging from 50-150 SEK ($5-15 USD). Events and performances at the Opera House are individually priced. Otherwise, the harbor area and its shops, restaurants and exhibits are open free of charge. Visitors can experience views of the river and harbor ambiance without any cost.

16. Skansen Kronan Fortress

Skansen Kronan Fortress is located in central Gothenburg atop the hill Risåsberget in the district of Haga, at coordinates 57°42'14″N 11°58'29″E. Built between 1687-1700, it was one of two fortresses constructed to defend Gothenburg against potential Danish invasion. Designed by architect Erik Dahlbergh, the octagonal granite and gneiss structure stands 33 meters tall, with walls up to 7 meters thick. It was equipped with 23 cannons but never saw battle.

At Skansen Kronan Fortress, visitors can walk around the historic ramparts and take in views of the city below. Interpretive signs provide background about the fortress's construction and military history. The fortress hosts events like dinners, concerts and weddings in its spaces. A small cafe is open in summer. Even just walking up Risåsberget hill to admire the imposing fortress from outside makes for a scenic outing when visiting Gothenburg.

Skansen Kronan Fortress sits atop Risåsberget hill in the central district of Haga. Visitors can take tram 1, 3, 6, 9 or 11 to the Hagakyrkan stop, then walk 5 minutes uphill. The closest train station is Gothenburg Central Station, about a 20 minute walk away. Those driving can find nearby street parking. A staircase from Friggagatan or a path from Haga Nygata lead up the hill to the fortress.

There is no admission fee to view Skansen Kronan Fortress, as it is located in a public park. Visitors can freely walk around the exterior and take in views from the hilltop fortress without any cost. The interior courtyard and spaces can be accessed during certain open hours and events. Food and drinks at the on-site cafe are individually priced. Public transportation to get to the fortress costs 31 SEK ($3 USD) for a single tram ticket. As an outdoor landmark, Skansen Kronan offers free scenic views overlooking Gothenburg.

17. New Älvsborg Fortress

New Älvsborg Fortress (Nya Älvsborgs fästning) is a 17th century sea fortress situated on the island of Kyrkogårdsholmen at the entrance to the port of Gothenburg, Sweden. Its full address is Nya Älvsborgs Fästning, 426 76 Västra Frölunda, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from central Gothenburg. Construction of the fortress began in 1653 under the Kingdom of Sweden and was completed in 1677, built mainly from granite and brick. It was created to help defend Sweden's only Atlantic Ocean access point along the Göta River from attack.

There are many activities visitors can enjoy at New Älvsborg Fortress. Visitors can freely explore the fortress and its historic artifacts and sites at their own pace. The island features special games and treasure hunts for kids, including obstacle courses and traditional Swedish games to entertain all ages. Adults appreciate the scenic views of the Gothenburg harbor and archipelago from the fortress lookout points. The on-site café offers a nice spot for taking a break. Visitors enjoy special events like summer medieval festivals held at the fortress featuring reenactments by costumed actors.

The only way to access New Älvsborg Fortress is by boat or ferry across the Göta River. Visitors can take ferries directly from the Lilla Bommen dock in central Gothenburg which takes about 40 minutes one-way. Other ferry connections are available from the suburbs of Arendal or Långedrag, taking 30 minutes. Ferries run daily in summer and weekends in other months. Visitors can drive to ferry departure docks where parking is available.

The admission cost to enter New Älvsborg Fortress covers roundtrip ferry transport from Gothenburg as well as entrance fees to the fortress grounds and attractions. Pricing varies slightly by ferry operator and departure location. For example, the Strömma Kanalbolaget boats from Lilla Bommen cost 150 SEK ($14, £12) per adult and 100 SEK ($9, £8) per child age 6-15. Kids under age 6 enter for free. K-Sea Transport charges 145 SEK ($13, £12) for adults and 95 SEK ($9, £8) for kids from Långedrag. Group and family discounts are offered as well.

18. Southern Archipelago Islands

The Southern Archipelago Islands are a chain of islands located off the coast of Gothenburg, Sweden's second largest city. The islands stretch about 30 km southwest into the Kattegat sea area and are part of the larger Gothenburg archipelago. Some of the main islands include Styrsö, Donsö, Vrångö, Köpstadsö, Brännö and Vargö. In total there are around 10 larger inhabited islands and many smaller islets and skerries. The islands are only accessible by boat and are completely car-free, with transportation by bicycle, moped or electric vehicle. About 12,000 permanent residents live on the islands year-round, with thousands more visiting in summer.

Visitors can go hiking, cycling, kayaking, fishing, swimming or boating around the islands. There are charming villages and harbors to explore like Styrsö and Donsö, with restaurants, cafes and shops. Museums like the Styrsö Hembygdsgård showcase local history and culture. Many islands have excellent beaches, like Brännö's Ramsdal Beach, perfect for sunbathing, picnicking or swimming on warm summer days. Kids can enjoy playgrounds, mini golf and activities like treasure hunts tailored for children. Events like Midsummer celebrations, food festivals and music concerts happen throughout the summer. Guided kayak tours are available for paddling between the islands. Boats and ferries provide sightseeing cruises or transport between the islands. There are opportunities for sport fishing, diving and other watersports.

The only way to access the Southern Archipelago Islands is by ferry boat, as they are completely car-free. Visitors can take ferries from the Saltholmen terminal in Gothenburg, located at the end of tram line 11. The ride to Saltholmen from central Gothenburg takes about 20 minutes. Starting from Saltholmen, visitors can hop on regular public ferries run by Styrsöbolaget that depart to the different islands like Styrsö, Brännö, Vrångö and Köpstadsö. The ride to the islands takes between 20 minutes to over an hour depending on the destination.

There is no admission fee to visit the Southern Archipelago Islands, but visitors must pay for ferry transport. Round Trip ferry tickets from Gothenburg to the islands typically cost around 100-150 SEK ($10-15 USD/£8-12) per adult and 50-100 SEK ($5-10/£4-8) per child. Tickets can be purchased at the Saltholmen terminal, on the ferries or through the Styrsöbolaget app. Prices vary slightly depending on the destination island. Visitors should budget about 150-250 SEK ($15-25/£12-20) per person to comfortably experience the Southern Archipelago Islands for a day including roundtrip ferry transport, with free island access, the Southern Archipelago provides an affordable option for exploring the scenic islands off Sweden's west coast.

19. Delsjön Nature Reserve

Delsjön Nature Reserve is a large protected area located in Stora Delsjövägen 9A, 412 62 Göteborg. The nature reserve covers over 1,300 hectares of pleasing forests, wetlands, lakes and rocky terrain. It is centered around two main lakes – Stora Delsjön and Lilla Delsjön. Delsjön provides drinking water for the city and is an important recreation area for locals. There are over 45 kilometers of hiking trails that wind through pine forests, over wetlands and along the lakeshores. The reserve has many granite rock formations and hills, including the Getryggen ridge rising over 200 meters above sea level.

Delsjön Nature Reserve offers many outdoor recreational activities for visitors right in the heart of Gothenburg. Popular summer activities include swimming, sunbathing and picnicking at the sandy beach Delsjöbadet on Lake Stora Delsjön. There are rocky cliffs and shores for swimming. Visitors can hike or jog on over 45 km of trails through peaceful forests and along the lakes. Mountain biking, horseback riding and orienteering are popular. Two cafés provide food and refreshments, the area has diverse birdlife, so birdwatching is a common activity. In winter, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating are possible when conditions allow.

Delsjön Nature Reserve is easily accessible using public transportation from central Gothenburg. Visitors can take tram number 5 heading towards Sävenäs from stops like Brunnsparken or Korsvägen. The tram ride takes around 15 minutes. Get off at the Töpelsgatan stop, which is right next to the main entrance to the reserve. Visitors arriving by car can park in several designated lots around the reserve. The main parking area is next to the Delsjöbadet beach. Driving from Gothenburg city center takes under 15 minutes. Biking is also popular along the scenic paths leading to Delsjön.

Delsjön Nature Reserve is free to enter and open to the public year-round. There is no admission fee to access the hiking trails, lakes, beaches and other facilities. Guided tours and events may have ticket fees. Otherwise, visitors can explore Delsjön Nature Reserve free of charge and enjoy the natural scenery and outdoor recreation just minutes from Gothenburg's city center.

20. Slottskogen Mini Golf Course

Slottskogen Mini Golf Course is located inside Slottskogsgatan, 414 53, Slottskogen City Park, Gothenburg’s main public park. Slottskogen spans 137 hectares with lush forests, hills, lakes, meadows and gardens. Its holes wind through the trees and some offer the challenge of change. The family-friendly course is suitable for all ages and skill levels. After playing, visitors can enjoy the park’s other amenities like ponds, playgrounds, petting zoo, outdoor gym, frisbee golf, cafes and open green spaces perfect for picnicking or sunbathing.

The main activity at Slottskogen Mini Golf Course is playing rounds of mini golf on the 12-hole course. It's suitable and fun for all ages, from young children to seniors. All equipment is provided including putters, balls, pencils and scorecards. The course layout winds through the trees surrounding ponds and across small wooden bridges, some holes require hitting uphill and downhill putts which adds challenge. The mini golf kiosk sells refreshments like ice cream, coffee, soft drinks and snacks.

Slottskogen Mini Golf Course is conveniently located right in Gothenburg’s main city park, accessible by tram and bus. Visitors can take tram 5, 7 or 13 to the Slottskogspromenaden stop. The course entrance is just across from the stop. Those arriving by car can park in the Slottskogen public parking area off Eklandagatan Street in the western part of the park, about a 5-minute walk to mini golf. Pedestrians can access the park through multiple entrances. Gothenburg’s bike share program Styr & Ställ has a station at the park’s northwest corner near the mini golf course. Once inside Slottskogen Park, the mini golf course is well-signed along the main path around the ponds.

The cost to play mini golf at Slottskogen Mini Golf Course is 60 SEK per person ($6 USD/£5). Kids under age 7 can play for free with a paying adult. Additional rounds on the same day are discounted. Slottskogen Park itself has free admission to access the grounds, trails, playgrounds, etc. Food and drinks at the mini golf kiosk range from 25-40 SEK ($2-4 USD/£2-3). Annual passes for unlimited mini golf are sold as well. Visitors should budget 100 SEK ($10 USD/£8) per adult to comfortably play mini golf and purchase refreshments. Families will find Slottskogen Mini Golf an affordable activity option in Gothenburg for enjoying recreation and nature.

21. Museum of World Culture

The Museum of World Culture is located in central Gothenburg, Sweden at Södra Vägen 54, 412 54 Göteborg. It opened in 2004 as part of the Swedish National Museums of World Cultures. The museum builds on the collections and mission of the former Göteborg Ethnographic Museum. The museum spans over 10,000 square meters of gallery space hosting temporary exhibits along with a permanent exhibit on spirituality. Its collection includes over 100,000 ethnographic artifacts, works of art, textiles, religious items and other objects from around the world. The Museum of World Culture is situated next to the Universeum science center and Liseberg amusement park in the Korsvägen area.

The Museum of World Culture offers many experiences for visitors. Guests can explore the museum's rotating exhibits covering diverse world cultures and current global issues. Exhibits utilize artifacts, photographs, films and interactive elements. There is a permanent exhibit called “390 m2 Spirituality” displaying religious and spiritual artifacts. Visitors can take free guided tours, watch cultural performances and films or attend lectures and events. The museum has a hands-on studio space for workshops and activities. There is a gift shop with global crafts and a restaurant serving Swedish and international cuisine. The architecture and design of the museum building itself is an attraction. Visitors enjoy taking in city views from its high vantage point and circulating through the open, light-filled galleries via the interior ramp system. The museum provides guided tours and programming specially tailored for school field trips and families with kids.

The Museum of World Culture is conveniently located right at the Korsvägen public transport hub in central Gothenburg. Visitors can take tram lines 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14 to the Korsvägen stop which is right outside the museum entrance. The tram ride from Gothenburg Central Station takes about 10 minutes. The museum is within walking distance of Korsvägen and Liseberg train stations. Those driving can find parking in the Q-Park Scandinavium garage across the street from the museum. The museum is easily accessed from the E6/E20 motorway via exit 168 toward Korsvägen.

General admission to the Museum of World Culture costs 140 SEK for adults, about $14 USD. Visitors aged 19 and under enter for free. Pricing is the same for one-time admission or an annual pass valid for one year. On Thursdays from 5-8pm, admission is free for all ages. Holders of valid ICOM cards also get free entry. Access to the permanent exhibits, rotating exhibitions and building architecture is included with general admission. Some special programs, events, tours or workshops may have additional fees.

22. Trädgårdsföreningen Park

Trädgårdsföreningen is a large public park and horticultural garden located in Nya Allén, 411 34 Göteborg. It is one of the best preserved 19th century parks in Europe. The park contains rolling lawns, ponds, gardens and greenhouses. It is especially known for its beautiful rose garden which contains around 4,000 roses of 1,900 species from around the world. Other highlights include the Palm House, a historic greenhouse built in 1878 housing tropical plants. The park has sculptures, cafes and hosts cultural events.

Trädgårdsföreningen offers many activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the top attractions is exploring the expansive rose garden, especially beautiful in summer when thousands of roses are in bloom. Visitors can take in the scents and admire the collection's diversity of colors, sizes and species. The Palm House is another highlight, allowing guests to view tropical plants from around the world inside a historic greenhouse. The park features woodland trails, ponds, grassy lawns perfect for picnicking or sunbathing and sculptures. Two on-site cafés provide refreshments and light meals. Guided tours are available for learning about the park's history and botany. The park hosts cultural events like concerts, theater performances, art exhibits and festivals. Visitors can rent rowboats and pedal boats for the ponds.

Trädgårdsföreningen enjoys a central location in Gothenburg making it easy to access by public transportation. The park is directly adjacent to the main street Kungsportsavenyn. Visitors can take tram lines 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 or 13 to the Kungsportsplatsen stop right outside the park's southern entrance. The tram ride from Gothenburg Central Station takes about 5 minutes. Buses 33, 77, Västtrafik, Nils Ericson Terminalen, stop right by the park. Those arriving by car can find street parking in the area or use the Nordstan parking garage just across the canal.

Trädgårdsföreningen Park is free and open to the public year-round. There is no admission fee to walk through and enjoy the gardens, greenhouses, ponds and other landscape features. Access to events like concerts in the park may have ticket fees. The on-site Rose Café and Palm Café offer food and refreshments for purchase. Renting a rowboat or pedal boat costs around 60-80 SEK for 30 minutes. Guided tours are available for around 100 SEK per person. Otherwise, visitors can freely explore Trädgårdsföreningen Park without any cost.

What are the best museums to visit in Gothenburg?

Listed below are the best museums to visit in Gothenburg.

• Universeum. Universeum is an interactive science museum and one of the most popular attractions in Gothenburg. Spread over 9,000 square meters, it features exhibits divided into 7 areas including a rainforest, aquarium, chemistry lab and space discovery center. Visitors of all ages can actively explore, touch and learn about science and nature through hands-on activities. Highlights include a giant 25-meter tall Kapok tree with suspension bridges, a 1.4 million liter ocean tank with sharks and tropical fish and Sweden's largest planetarium with an 8K 3D dome screen. Universeum hosts events, kids' clubs and educational programs focused on sustainability.
• Volvo Museum. The Volvo Museum documents the history and evolution of Volvo cars since the company's founding in 1927. Spread over 8000 square meters, the museum displays a wide range of exhibits including historic Volvo vehicles, concept cars, engines, interactive displays on automotive technology and design. Highlights include the very first ÖV4, the iconic Volvo PV model and race cars from the Volvo Ocean Race. Volvo Museum is located right next to Volvo's Gothenburg factory, the museum provides an in-depth look into the brand's legacy and innovation in car manufacturing.
• Göteborgs Konstmuseum. The Gothenburg Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of Nordic art spanning the 15th century to today. Some highlights include works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, Picasso and known Scandinavian artists like Anders Zorn and Edvard Munch. The lavishly decorated Fürstenberg Gallery with 17th century Dutch and Flemish art is a key attraction. The museum displays sculpture and handicrafts. With free entry for those under 25, the Gothenburg museum is centrally located near the Opera House overlooking Götaplatsen, making it very accessible.
• Maritiman. Maritiman is a unique floating maritime museum of historic military and civilian ships, boats and submarines. Visitors can climb aboard and explore 20 different vessels to learn about Sweden's rich naval history and shipbuilding heritage. Highlights include a mine cruiser, torpedo boat, seal hunting ship, lightvessel and submarine. Maritiman is located along Gothenburg's scenic harbor promenade, the museum offers a hands-on and immersive maritime experience.
• Röhsska Museum. The Röhsska Museum focuses on applied arts, crafts, design and fashion. The museum houses over 50,000 objects showcasing decorative arts from Europe and Asia spanning the 16th to 21st century. Exhibits feature furniture, glasswork, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, clothing and more. The diverse collections are spread throughout an elegant 1916 building, with a modern extension added in the 2000s. Röhsska demonstrates how art and design evolve across different eras and cultures.

What are the best things to do in Gothenburg With kids?

Listed below are the best things to do in Gothenburg with Kids.

• Liseberg Amusement Park. Liseberg Amusement Park is a destination for families in Gothenburg. Spread across 47 acres, it features over 40 rides and attractions suited for all ages. Popular rides for kids and families include the wooden roller coaster Balder with thrilling drops, the freefall ride AtmosFear that plunges from 116 feet and the adorable carousel Lisebergslokomotivet. Gentler rides like the Ferris wheel, flying elephants and ladybugs provide fun without frights. Liseberg also offers entertaining stage shows, games, food stalls and the largest Halloween celebration in Scandinavia with discounted family passes and height requirements clearly labeled, Liseberg provides endless entertainment for kids and parents.
• Universeum. At Universeum, kids can explore the wonders of science and nature through interactive exhibits spread over 7500 square meters. They can walk through the tropical rainforest with bridges intertwined with Kapok trees, watch sharks and rays swim overhead in Sweden's largest aquarium and touch colorful frogs and insects in the discovery room. The technology area has hands-on displays about robots, VR and space. The on-site planetarium, one of Sweden's largest, takes visitors on immersive journeys through our solar system and galaxy, with science shows, kids' clubs, educational programs and events year-round. Universeum makes learning about STEM subjects fun and engaging.
• Maritiman. Maritiman is a floating maritime museum of 20 historic vessels, perfect for kids to explore. Visitors can climb aboard submarines, minesweepers, seal hunting ships and more. On the ships, kids can get a hands-on glimpse of life at sea and Sweden's naval heritage. They can view the engine rooms, living quarters, command centers and decks. Maritiman is docked right along Gothenburg's scenic harbor promenade, so kids can enjoy the views and attractions nearby.
• Slottsskogen. Slottsskogen is a large green space in central Gothenburg perfect for outdoor family fun. The park has playgrounds suited for all ages including swings, jungle gyms and creative playhouses. Kids can burn off energy at the outdoor gym area. Slottsskogen has ponds, grassy fields and wooded areas to explore. Families can play mini golf at the 18-hole course, have a picnic or visit barnyard animals at the petting zoo. The observatory has kid-friendly astronomy shows on weekends.
• Haga. The district of Haga is fun for kids to explore. Kids can check out the unique toy shop Hagabullens Lek och Loppis, filled with retro toys and games. The neighborhood's waffle shops and cafés are perfect for a snack break. Haga Nygata has two playgrounds while the main square of Haga has fountains where kids can play. With pedestrian walkways and no cars, Haga allows kids to roam freely, after exploring the neighborhood, families can relax by the canalside.

What are the best activities for a business traveler in Gothenburg?

Listed below are the best activities for a business traveler in Gothenburg.

• A43 Coffee. A43 Coffee is a trendy specialty cafe located right on the main boulevard Avenyn in central Gothenburg. Its minimalist interiors with light wood, concrete and plants create a relaxing atmosphere perfect for working. A43 serves high quality coffee from local roasters and offers a variety of light bites. A43 Coffee with its seating, fast wifi and power outlets, it's an ideal spot to get work done while taking a break.
• Condeco. Condeco is conveniently situated in the lobby of the Elite Plaza Hotel, close to major attractions like the Opera House. It provides spacious seating with access to power outlets, free wifi and serves coffee, tea, light meals and snacks. As a hotel cafe, Condeco offers a professional environment for business travelers to work in while enjoying quality coffee and food.
• Roots Café. Roots Café located inside the Gothenburg City Library, it offers a unique setting to work in. The historic library architecture paired with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee makes for a productive work environment. Roots serves specialty coffee, fresh salads, sandwiches and pastries. Roots is a one-of-a-kind cafe to get work done.

Where is Gothenburg?

Gothenburg is located on the west coast of Sweden, about halfway between the capital cities of Copenhagen , Denmark and Oslo, Norway. The coordinates for Gothenburg are 57.7089° N and 11.9746° E. It is situated at the mouth of the Göta River, which flows into the Kattegat sea area, part of the North Sea Gothenburg is 257 km (160 miles) north of Copenhagen and 190 km (118 miles) south of Oslo. The driving distance from Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is 472 km (293 miles). By train, Gothenburg is about 3 hours from Stockholm and just over 2 hours from Copenhagen. It is the largest city in the Västra Götaland region. Gothenburg has a maritime history as an important seaport and shipbuilding center. Today, it is known for its university, museums, music and food scenes and its archipelago of islands along the Kattegat coast

What is the history of Gothenburg?

Gothenburg was founded in 1621 by King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, although the area around the Göta River estuary had been inhabited since the Stone Age. The location was chosen for strategic reasons, as it allowed Sweden to control access to the North Sea. Gothenburg was built with the help of Dutch engineers, who designed the city's canals and grid pattern layout. However, it was destroyed by the Danes in 1611 during the Kalmar War. After Gothenburg was rebuilt in the 1620s, it became an important trading city and port. The Swedish East India Company, headquartered in Gothenburg, operated trade routes to China and other Asian countries in the 1700s.

What language is spoken in Gothenburg?

The main language spoken in Gothenburg is Swedish, specifically the Gothenburg dialect of Swedish. Swedish is the sole official language of Sweden and the mother tongue of the vast majority of Gothenburg's population. The Gothenburg dialect, known as Göteborgska in Swedish, is part of the Götamål dialect continuum of western Sweden. It has distinctive features that set it apart from Standard Swedish, including a tonal word accent and the use of ‘å' sounds in place of long ‘a' sounds in certain words. While mutually intelligible with Standard Swedish, the Gothenburg dialect gives the city a unique local character and identity.

After Swedish, the second most common language in Gothenburg is Arabic, spoken by tens of thousands of immigrants from Arabic-speaking countries.

What timezone is Gothenburg on?

Gothenburg is located in the Central European Time (CET) timezone. CET is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This means that when it is 12 noon UTC, it is 1pm in Gothenburg. Sweden observes Daylight Saving Time, so clocks move forward 1 hour to Central European Summer Time (CEST) on the last Sunday in March and move back 1 hour to CET on the last Sunday in October each year. The current time in Gothenburg is CET during the winter months and CEST during the summer months. In 2023, daylight saving time began on March 26 and will end on October 29 in Sweden .

How many people live in Gothenburg?

The total population of Gothenburg as of 2023 is 580,869 people. There are 291,340 males and 289,527 females living in the city. The median age of residents in Gothenburg is 41 years old. There are 101,429 children under the age of 14 and 98,908 youths between the ages of 15-29. Gothenburg has 115,695 adults between the ages of 30-59 and 109,177 elderly residents aged 60 and above. There are currently about 34161 babies in Gothenburg, with 16593 of them being girls and 17566 being boys. There are 33889 young children between the ages of 5-9 living in the city. These are all based on the population breakdown.

What are the most interesting facts about Gothenburg?

Listed below are the most interesting facts about Gothenburg.

• Language. The main language spoken in Gothenburg is Swedish, specifically the Gothenburg dialect of Swedish. Swedish is the sole official language of Sweden and the mother tongue of the vast majority of Gothenburg's population. Other minority languages with significant numbers of first-language speakers include Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Finnish, Kurdish, Persian, Somali and Spanish.
• Timezone. Gothenburg is located in the Central European Time (CET) timezone. CET is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This means that when it is 12 noon UTC, it is 1pm in Gothenburg. Sweden observes Daylight Saving Time, so clocks move forward 1 hour to Central European Summer Time (CEST) on the last Sunday in March and move back 1 hour to CET on the last Sunday in October each year.
• Power Plugs. The power sockets and plugs used in Gothenburg, Sweden follow the Euro Plug standard, which uses Types C and F plugs and sockets. Sweden operates on 230 volts at 50 hertz AC electricity. Type C plug has two round pins and Type F plug has two round pins with two clips on the side for grounding. Swedish sockets accept both Type C and Type F plugs. The standard voltage for household appliances and devices in Sweden is 230V, unlike the 120V used in North America.
• Currency. The currency used in Gothenburg and all of Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK). One krona is divided into 100 öre. Banknotes are circulated in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 SEK. Coins are issued in 1, 5 and 10 SEK.

How many days are needed to see Gothenburg?

Gothenburg can be explored in 2-3 days, which allows enough time to see the main attractions at an unhurried pace. With just 1 day, visitors can get a good overview of the city, but it will be more rushed. While some may be able to see Gothenburg in a single day, 2 days is ideal to explore without feeling pressed for time. An extra third day provides flexibility for a more extensive walking tour, leisurely museum visits, taking a boat tour or even a side trip to the islands of the Gothenburg archipelago. More than 3 days is not generally needed unless travelers plan to take multiple day trips along the coast and islands. Gothenburg's relatively compact size, with most key sights located centrally or easily reached by public transportation, means it can be thoroughly covered in 2-3 days. Travelers aiming for a relaxed experience, without missing top attractions like Liseberg Amusement Park, the Fish Market, Haga neighborhood, Universeum Science Center or the Maritiman floating museum, will find 2-3 days perfectly suited for Gothenburg. This allows appreciating the city's atmosphere, food and culture at an unrushed pace before moving on to other Swedish destinations .

Is Gothenburg worth visiting?

Yes, Gothenburg is absolutely worth visiting. As the country's second largest city, Gothenburg has its own unique charm and attractions. Gothenburg receives praise for being an eco-friendly and highly livable city, with extensive green spaces and sustainability efforts. It offers world-class museums and galleries, amusement parks, a thriving dining scene and great shopping. Universeum Science Center and the neighborhood of Haga. Gothenburg serves as an ideal base to explore the natural beauty of western Sweden as well.

Is Gothenburg expensive to visit?

Yes, Gothenburg can be an expensive destination to visit, like much of Sweden, but budget-conscious travelers can find ways to explore the city without breaking the bank. While accommodation, dining and activities like museums and amusement parks carry premium prices, Gothenburg offers ample free attractions to offset costs. Setting a daily budget and taking advantage of free attractions allows travelers to experience Gothenburg's charms without overspending. While not the cheapest city, Gothenburg can be enjoyed on a modest budget with careful planning.

Is Gothenburg safe to visit?

Yes, Gothenburg is very safe to visit. Sweden as a whole is known for having low crime rates and Gothenburg reflects this. Violent crime is rare, even against tourists. Petty crimes like pickpocketing do occur, so basic precautions like being aware of valuables are advised. But walking around the city center, using public transportation and visiting main attractions present minimal risks overall. Gothenburg and Sweden have escaped most terrorism threats that have impacted other European cities. The country is socially progressive with high levels of gender equality, making it safe for female travelers including when alone.

Is Gothenburg easy to visit with kids?

Gothenburg is a very family-friendly city with plenty of activities and attractions to keep kids of all ages entertained. Many of the top sights like Liseberg amusement park, Universeum science center, museums and the harbor are very kid-oriented. Public transportation is stroller accessible and the city center is compact and walkable. There are playgrounds, parks and outdoor spaces for kids to run around. Many restaurants have kids menus, high chairs and play areas. Gothenburg's low crime rate also makes it safe for children. Museums like Volvo, Maritiman and the Natural History Museum have interactive exhibits to engage kids' interests.

What is Gothenburg famous for?

Gothenburg is most famous for being Sweden's second largest city and an important seaport. Founded in 1621, it served for centuries as a hub for shipping, shipbuilding and trade across northern Europe and beyond. Today, Gothenburg harbor remains the largest in Scandinavia and continues the city's legacy as a center of commerce and transportation. Additionally, Gothenburg is known as the home of the Volvo car company, founded there in 1927. Volvo has long been associated with advanced auto safety and reliability. Its cars Swedish engineering and design, The Volvo Museum in Gothenburg documents the brand's history and impact. Finally, Gothenburg is celebrated for its cultural scene, pedestrian-friendly layout and stunning nature like the Gothenburg Archipelago just off the coast. The city balances urban sophistication with easy access to hiking, sailing, beaches and scenic vistas. Historic neighborhoods like Haga charms visitors with cafes, boutiques and cobblestone streets. Major attractions range from museums and music venues to amusement parks and a world-class opera house. Gothenburg is considered more laidback and affordable than the capital Stockholm.

Who are the most important people born in Gothenburg?

Listed below are the most important people born in Gothenburg.

• Björn Ulvaeus. Björn Ulvaeus is a Swedish musician, singer, songwriter and producer best known as a founding member of the legendary pop group ABBA. Born in Gothenburg on April 25, 1945, Ulvaeus was involved in music from a young age, joining the folk group the West Bay Singers as a teenager in the early 1960s. The two wrote their first song together, “Isn't It Easy to Say” and eventually formed ABBA with their future wives Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. As part of ABBA, Ulvaeus co-wrote mega-hits such as “Waterloo”, “Dancing Queen”, “Mamma Mia” and “The Winner Takes It All”, propelling the group to global stardom in the 1970s.
• Alicia Vikander. Alicia Vikander is an Academy Award-winning Swedish actress born in Gothenburg on October 3, 1988. She trained in ballet at the Royal Swedish Ballet School as a youth before embarking on an acting career. Vikander first gained recognition in Scandinavia for her role in the TV drama Andra Avenyn in 2007. Her breakout international role came playing Kitty in the 2012 adaptation of Anna Karenina. That same year, she earned acclaim for her performance as Queen Caroline Mathilde in the Danish film A Royal Affair.
• Evert Taube. Evert Taube was a Swedish composer, singer, artist and author born in Gothenburg on March 12, 1890. Though born in Gothenburg, Taube spent much of his youth in Vinga and on the Swedish west coast which inspired his music. In 1922, Taube moved to Stockholm and released his first hit record “Fritiof och Carmencita”, starting his career as one Sweden’s most popular troubadours. Taube went on to compose over 300 songs, combining elements of folk, jazz, waltz and traditional Swedish styles.
• Lasse Hallström. Lasse Hallström is an acclaimed Swedish film director born in Gothenburg on June 2, 1946. His feature film debut was with the comedy A Guy and a Gal (1975), followed by other popular Swedish films like ABBA. The Movie (1977). Hallström achieved worldwide success after being recruited to direct the Swedish romance My Life as a Dog (1985). The film earned Golden Globe, BAFTA and Academy Award nominations, including for Best Director. Subsequent English-language films like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993), The Cider House Rules (1999) and Chocolat (2000) further cemented his reputation in Hollywood.

What to eat in Gothenburg?

Listed below are what you can eat in Gothenburg.

• Shrimp Sandwich. The shrimp sandwich is an iconic dish in Gothenburg made with sweet brown shrimp called “räkor” piled high on soft bread. Usually topped with roe and dill mayo, the sandwich originated from mobile food carts in the 1950s which locals would visit for a quick bite. Now shrimp sandwiches are ubiquitous around the city. While you can find basic versions at supermarkets, restaurants like Feskekôrka serve gourmet varieties layered with egg, lemon zest, crispy lettuce and served with a side salad.
• Oysters. Gothenburg is one of Sweden's top destinations for eating fresh oysters. The cold, brackish waters of the nearby Kattegat sea provide ideal conditions for farming high-quality oysters. Restaurants like The Dining Room at Hotel Pigalle showcase oysters from the west coast. They are served naturally on ice with lemon and mignonette sauce. The local oysters have a distinct briny sweetness compared to varieties from abroad.
• Swedish Meatballs. No list of Swedish cuisine is complete without the beloved köttbullar or Swedish meatballs. In Gothenburg, restaurants like Björns Bar serve traditional homemade meatballs covered in a rich brown cream sauce, mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. Beyond the classic version, some restaurants put modern twists on meatballs using influences from across Sweden's regions.
• Pickled Herring. Pickled herring dates back centuries as a way to preserve fish in the cold climate before refrigeration. The curing process gives the fish a salty, sour flavor punched up by spices. It is served cold, often with potatoes, sour cream and bread. Sampling the myriad ways to pickle and serve herring shows innovation while honoring tradition.
• Cardamom Buns. In Gothenburg, cafes like Da Matteo bake freshly made cardamom buns daily. They have a light sweet dough flavored with cardamom and sometimes saffron. The spiral shape is dotted with pearl sugar that caramelizes during baking for a crunchy contrast. They are best enjoyed warm with coffee. Cardamom's distinctive aroma and flavor is essential for many Swedish baked goods.

What are the best places to eat in Gothenburg?

Listed below are the best places to eat in Gothenburg.

• Bord 27. Bord 27 is a casual, laid-back neighborhood restaurant located in the Vasa area of Gothenburg, Sweden. The atmosphere is relaxed, intimate and casual. Bord 27 is highly rated on TripAdvisor with a 4.5/5 rating based on over 1000 reviews, ranking #1 out of 1507 restaurants in Gothenburg. The restaurant is located at Haga Kyrkogata 14, in the trendy Haga district of Gothenburg. As a small family-owned establishment, Bord 27 offers additional services like takeout and gift cards that can be used at sister restaurants in Götaplatsgruppen.
• SK Mat & Människor. SK Mat & Människor is an upscale modern Swedish bistro and wine bar located at Johannebergsgatan 24 in the Johanneberg area of Gothenburg. It is known for its creative interpretations of classic Scandinavian cuisine using seasonal and local ingredients to showcase Swedish food heritage with global influences. The restaurant holds numerous accolades, including a Michelin star rating, a 4.5/5 rating on TripAdvisor based on over 700 reviews and a ranking of #17 out of 1506 restaurants in Gothenburg. SK Mat & Människor is led by renowned Swedish chef Stefan Karlsson.
• Le Comptoir Göteborg. Le Comptoir Göteborg is a French cheese shop and bistro located at Kungsportsavenyn 21 on Avenyn in central Gothenburg, Sweden. The concept combines a specialty cheese and delicatessen shop selling French cheeses, wines, jams and baked goods with a casual stand-up style bistro for enjoying wine and classic French dishes and cheeses on-site. Le Comptoir Göteborg has garnered excellent reviews, with a Google rating of 4.7 stars based on over 500 reviews, a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor where it ranks #101 out of 1501 Gothenburg restaurants and a Sluurpy rating of 96 out of 100 based on extensive parameters.
• Koka. Koka is a modern Italian restaurant located at Viktoriagatan 12 in central Gothenburg, Sweden. Koka has a stylish yet casual setting beneath an ornate glass ceiling with an intimate vibe and attentive service. The restaurant has received numerous accolades including a Michelin Star and a ranking of #11 out of over 1500 restaurants in Gothenburg on TripAdvisor, with a 4.5/5 rating based on over 600 reviews. Koka was opened in 2014 by acclaimed chefs Johan Björkman and Jonas Larsson. Signature dishes include creative pastas, cod, oysters and meat-free menus utilizing local ingredients.
• La Cucina Italiana. La Cucina Italiana is an Italian restaurant located on Skånegatan 33, close to the Swedish Exhibition and Congress Centre in Gothenburg. The restaurant has garnered accolades including 2 Black Forks from the Michelin Guide and a 4.5/5 rating on TripAdvisor based on over 400 reviews, ranking 3rd among restaurants in Gothenburg. La Cucina is owned and led by chef Pietro Fioriniello, originally from Naples. Signature dishes include homemade pastas, Italian cheeses and charcuterie, seafood and tiramisu. Reservations are recommended and can be made by phone or online booking.

What are the best areas to stay in Gothenburg?

Listed below are the best areas to stay in Gothenburg.

• Centrum. The heart of Gothenburg, Centrum contains many of the top attractions like the Museum of Art, Maritime Museum, the historic Haga district, shopping along the Avenyn boulevard and amusement parks like Liseberg. It has convenient public transportation with the central train station and access to ferries. Centrum has the widest variety of hotels from luxurious 5-star properties to budget hostels. Staying central allows easy exploration by foot and proximity to nightlife. While prices are higher than other areas, the location benefits are ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights.
• Linné & Haga. Adjacent hip neighborhoods with a trendy, laid back vibe and turn-of-the-century architecture. Independent shops, cafes and cultural attractions give the area an authentic local character, with many university students, Linné has a youthful energy and lively nightlife scene. Haga is charming with preserved wooden houses but touristy.
• Masthugget. Formerly working-class, it now mixes old and new with vintage shops next to modern developments like the Clarion Hotel Post. Great area to experience the local vibe through microbreweries, coffee houses and international eateries. Close to major attractions but more affordable. Easy transportation with the tramway. Mostly boutique hotels and apartment rentals suitable for mid-range travelers.
• Majorna. Historic neighborhood with a small-town feel but still central. It is known for funky cafes, antique stores, bookshops and retro boutiques. Pretty harbor views and colorful wooden houses. Close to Slottsskogen park. Quieter area for a relaxed stay to experience local culture. Good base for exploring the archipelago with ferries. Budget-friendly prices for dining, shopping and accommodation with hotels and guesthouses.
• Örgryte. Suburb near the forests and hills of Delsjön Lake, best for nature lovers. Offers scenery, clean air and outdoor recreation while still only 10 minutes into the city center. Charming bed and breakfasts provide a remote retreat after days spent biking, hiking or visiting museums. Accessible by bus or tram. Generally mid-range room prices on par with hotels.

What are the best accommodations to stay in Gothenburg?

Listed below are the best accommodations to stay in Gothenburg.

• 5.ans Bed & Breakfast. 5.ans Bed & Breakfast is a residential area near Liseberg and Eklanda Bed & Breakfast right by Liseberg and Avenyn shopping provides affordable rates starting around 700 SEK ($70, £60) per night. The aparthotel Fyrklövern is situated a bit further out in Hisingen but still accessible by public transport. Families may enjoy the newly opened Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel situated right inside Liseberg amusement park next to the star-shaped hotel building. With options spanning from 500 SEK ($50, £40) to 1200 SEK ($120, £100)+ per night, Gothenburg can accommodate travelers across various locations at different price points.
• Eklanda Bed & Breakfast. Eklanda Bed & Breakfast is a cozy, affordable homestay located at Eklandagatan 7 in the Centrum district of central Gothenburg, about 1.3 kilometers from major attractions like Liseberg Amusement Park and the Avenyn shopping area. It offers basic yet comfortable accommodations with 2 guest rooms featuring shared bathrooms, free WiFi, tea/coffee facilities and parking. The shared lounge has a fireplace, books and resident cat. Eklanda receives praise for its friendly owner, excellent English breakfast, convenient location within walking distance of sights and relaxed, homey atmosphere.
• Fyrklövern. Fyrklövern is a budget aparthotel located at Fyrklöversgatan 7 in the Hisingen district of Gothenburg, Sweden, about 4 kilometers north of the city center. Convenient access to public transportation like buses and trams, Fyrklövern provides affordable accommodations in a neighborhood setting near amenities like the Backaplan shopping center. Guest rooms feature modern amenities like free WiFi, flat screen TVs, mini fridges and kitchenettes or kitchens stocked with cookware and utensils. The aparthotel has a convenience store on-site for any last minute needs. Other on-site facilities include self-service laundry and a rooftop terrace with views over the city.
• Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel. The opened Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel is a whimsical family-friendly themed hotel located right next to the Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg, Sweden. Situated at Herman Lindholms Torg 1, the hotel lies adjacent to the park's south entrance, with the nearest tram stop being Liseberg Södra. The imaginative 457-room hotel features colorful, curiosity-inducing decor with slides, carousels and exciting nooks and crannies to explore. Guest rooms include family-friendly amenities like bunk beds and pull-out sofas that can accommodate groups. Dining options include two restaurants, a cafe and a bar, additional on-site facilities include a gym.

How to get to Gothenburg Airport?

The main airport serving Gothenburg is Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, located about 25 km (16 miles) east of the city center. The most convenient and affordable way to get from Gothenburg city to the airport is by taking the Flygbussarna airport shuttle bus. These bright blue buses offer service to Landvetter Airport from multiple stops in central Gothenburg, including the main train station. Buses run frequently, departing every 10-20 minutes and taking about 25 minutes to reach the airport. One-way fares are around 100 SEK (11 USD, 8 GBP) per adult. Flygbussarna is the fastest public transit option besides taking a taxi, which costs around 500 SEK (56 USD, 43 GBP) one-way. Travelers can also take the 612 public bus from Landvetter Centrum to the airport, requiring a change from the city center. While possible by public transit, traveling between Gothenburg and the airport via rental car or pre-arranged private transfer is most convenient for those with lots of luggage.

How to get from Gothenburg to Aarhus, Denmark?

The most common way to travel between Gothenburg, Sweden and Aarhus, Denmark is by train. There are regular direct train connections between the two cities, with journey times around 6-8 hours depending on the service. The train route crosses the Öresund Bridge connecting Sweden to Denmark. Tickets can be booked in advance online via sites like Omio or Trainline, with fares starting around 500 SEK ($50 USD, £40 GBP). Buses are another option, taking 5-6 hours, but require changing services in Copenhagen. Driving distance is around 300 km or 190 miles, taking 3-4 hours. Flights between Gothenburg and Aarhus are limited, often requiring long layovers. Ferries were previously available but are no longer in service on this route.

Where to go shopping in Gothenburg?

Gothenburg offers shopping opportunities, from international brands to local designers and artisans. For fashion and clothing, the iconic Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) department store on Avenyn boulevard is a must-visit, with its sprawling selection of both high-end and high street apparel and accessories. Nearby Magasinsgatan also impresses with on-trend boutiques stocking brands like Acne Studios, Velour and Nudie Jeans, which was founded in Gothenburg. The Linné district's Vallgatan street provides a more bohemian vibe through small ateliers selling unique designs, such as Emma & Malena and Twist & Tango. Those seeking premium Swedish denim can visit the flagship Nudie Jeans store. For home furnishings and Scandinavian interior design, locals recommend leading décor shop Artilleriet on Magasinsgatan, alongside upscale kitchenware retailer Artilleriet The Kitchen. The iconic Svenssons i Lammhult displays iconic Nordic furniture brands, while Market 29 boutique focuses on lifestyle goods. Gothenburg's design legacy shines through these stores.

Finally, the atmospheric Feskekörka fish market hall tempts with artisan foods and handicrafts perfect as gifts or souvenirs. The postcard-perfect streets of the historic Haga district hide charming boutiques to explore. Gallerias along Avenyn feature antiques, artwork and specialty items. Between districts like Haga, Linné and Avenyn, Gothenburg reveals its many shopping gems at a leisurely pace.

What festivals or events are taking place in Gothenburg?

Listed below are the festivals or events that are taking place in Gothenburg.

• Göteborgs Jubileumsfirande. Göteborgs Jubileumsfirande is a free festival celebrating Gothenburg's 400th birthday with two days of festivities in Frihamnen. Musical acts include the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, indie musician Jens Lekman, pop singer Sarah Klang, electronica duo Hooja and others performing on multiple stages. Additional highlights are a visit from the Swedish royal family, activities for kids, dancing, food trucks with cuisine from around the world and fireworks over the harbor. As the centerpiece of the city's quadrcentennial, Göteborgs Jubileumsfirande brings the community together to commemorate this milestone.
• Gothenburg Culture Festival. Gothenburg Culture Festival is expected to attract 700,000 visitors, this lively street festival transforms Gothenburg into a hub of arts and culture. For five days, open-air stages around the city come alive with diverse live music, dance, theater, film screenings, readings, street art, circus acts and more. Most events are free to enjoy this energetic celebration of creativity and community. With up to 500 performers, Gothenburg Culture Festival has offerings for all ages and interests.
• Gothenburg Film Festival. Gothenburg Film Festival is the largest film festival in Scandinavia screens over 450 films from 80 countries during its 11 days. As one of the leading showcases for Nordic cinema, the event premieres many anticipated Swedish films and hosts red carpet galas. But the program has a global scope, with indie dramas, documentaries, short films, retrospectives and more. Industry seminars, Q&As with filmmakers and parties round out the cinematic extravaganza based at the Draken and Folkets Hus cinemas.
• Way Out West Music Festival. Way Out West Music Festival is a three-day outdoor music festival held in Gothenburg's Slottskogen park draws over 30,000 attendees with its mix of Swedish and international acts. The 2023 lineup includes headliners Florence + The Machine, Lil Nas X and Haim alongside critically acclaimed acts like The Smile, girl in red, Little Dragon and others. In addition to concerts on multiple stages, Way Out West offers art installations, food trucks and late-night club events.
• Gothenburg Christmas Market. Gothenburg Christmas Market is a traditional Christmas market that opens at Liseberg amusement park in mid-November. Vendors in wooden huts sell Christmas decorations, ornaments, handicrafts and Swedish treats like gingerbread cookies and glögg (mulled wine). Carolers, ice skating and lights create a magical atmosphere to sip warm drinks and shop for gifts. On weekends, Santa Claus meets with kids. The market remains open daily until December 23.

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See Gothenburg by tram and boat

Gothenburg’s blue trams always manage to coax a smile from out-of-town visitors as they glide through the city. The oldest carriage dates from the mid 1960s. The rest of the fleet, both old and new, is reminiscent of the 1960s carriages with their blue skirts and white tops. But as far as comfort is concerned, there’s very little that’s reminiscent of the sixties, even if some of the older models are actually renovations. In total, there are 263 trams serving 12 routes that criss-cross the city from the Central Station to Liseberg and from Brunnsparken to Saltholmen, covering the whole of Gothenburg from one side to the other. 

You’ll go a long way on just one ticket 

You can purchase a single ticket from ticket machines on board a tram or in a shop. Doing it this way will cost SEK 23 for a child and SEK 30 for an adult. However, if you download Västtrafik’s To Go app , you can save money on both ticket types. Wherever you buy your ticket, you can use it for a full 90 minutes on trams, buses and trains as well as on ferries out to the islands of the archipelago. Smart, right? Using the To Go app, you can chart where you are and where you want to go and get an instant and accurate route and departure time. 

Thinking of staying in Gothenburg for a few days? Then buy a 24- or 72-hour card. The 24-hour card costs SEK 95 for adults and SEK 70 for children, while the 72-hour card costs SEK 190 for adults and SEK 140 for children. Then you can travel as often as you like. Bear in mind though, if you’re over 20 years of age and have purchased a 24- or 72-hour card, you can be accompanied by up to three children on the same card. You can use a Visa card or Mastercard issued by a Nordic bank to buy tickets in the To Go app. Students and retirees can also get a discount. For information about prices, paying methods and ticket sales, visit vasttrafik.se/en/tickets

Sightseeing in and around Gothenburg 

Kungsportsavenyn, Stora Teatern, Haga: taking the tram is an excellent, as well as an economical, way to see Gothenburg. If you’re wondering what to see along the way, or just want to find the perfect Instagram spot, you can download the tram sightseeing app, Spårvagnssightseeing, to get a private tour. The app guides you to the nearest stop and selects a suitable service and departure time. The app kicks in once you’re on board and tells you about the places you’re passing. Just remember to bring your ear plugs or headphones. 

Non-profit organisation Ringlinien periodically runs vintage trams from Gothenburg’s century-old tramway history from the Central Station to Liseberg via Avenyen. Sightseeing and history on the same ticket!  Check out the timetable for information on the next departure or go to Ringlinien for more details. 

Explore the archipelago with a tram ticket 

Gothenburg’s tram network is the gateway to so many great sights and experiences. You can even island hop with a tram ticket. Just outside of Gothenburg lies a group of little islands with small beaches, red-painted fishing huts and rough rocky slopes that are perfect for fishing. What about a bathing trip to the tiny island of Vrångö with its shallow beaches? Or maybe lunch on Hönö? With a 24- or 72-hour card, you can hop from island to island at no extra charge.

Facts about transportation: 

• It’s easy to get around Gothenburg by tram. You can take up to three children with you on a 24- or 72-hour card, which makes it an affordable option for a family. If you rather travel by bus or take the ferry, you can use the same type of ticket there.  
• The tram will take you to all of the attractions on offer. If you’re arriving in Gothenburg by air, the airport bus will take you to the major tram interchange at Korsvägen right next to Liseberg and Universeum, then on to Kungsportsplatsen with its many shops, and finally on to the Nils Ericson terminal at the Central Station. From there, it’s easy to continue on to wherever you’re going.  If you’re arriving by train or bus, the trams run from right outside of the main station to the whole city. 
• Use the To Go app to purchase tickets and plan journeys.  

For more information go to vasttrafik.se

Avenyn, Göteborg

A tram passing by on Avenyn, Gothenburg's main boulevard.

Photo : Steampipe Production Studio / Göteborg & Co

Modern tram, Gothenburg

Photo : Anna Hållams

Ferry to Vrångö island, Gothenburg

Photo : Emil Fagander / Göteborg & Co

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10 Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Gothenburg

Written by Andrew Birbeck and Shandley McMurray Updated Dec 27, 2023

It's impossible to get bored in Gothenburg, Sweden's so-called, "Second City." Known as Gӧteborg, this coastal place is filled with beauty and fun things to do, including screaming on a thrill ride at Liseberg Amusement Park , looking for deer in Slottskogen Park , and embarking on a seal safari in the Southern archipelago .

Naturalists will enjoy the Gothenburg Botanical Garden , while creative types should visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art . When hunger strikes, there is an array of delectable dishes on offer at the city's award-winning restaurants.

In this picturesque city peppered with historic buildings and flanked by a bustling seaport, the sparkling canals can fool tourists into believing they're near the sights of Amsterdam. Speaking of canals, Gothenburg's 190-kilometer-long Gӧta Canal is an unmissable attraction and one of the most popular places to visit in Sweden .

For more must-see attractions, use our list of the best things to do in Gothenburg.

Enjoy a Thrilling Ride at Liseberg Amusement Park

Take a stroll in slottsskogen park, have an outdoor adventure in gothenburg's southern archipelago, get back to nature at the gothenburg botanical garden (botaniska), gothenburg museum of art (goteborgs konstmuseum), explore the historic haga district, the garden society (trädgårdsföreningen), explore the universe at universeum, enjoy the views from skansen kronan, shopping around magasinsgatan, map of attractions & things to do in gothenburg, gothenburg, sweden - climate chart, more must-see swedish cities.

Want your kids to appreciate you forever, or at least for a day? Take them to the Liseberg Amusement Park . Opened in 1923, this Gothenburg landmark remains a true family favorite. Thrilling rides and roller coasters, regular concerts, and a wonderful Christmas market make this a popular attraction — the largest of its kind in Scandinavia — with locals and tourists alike.

Around 40 different attractions and rides, such as AtmosFear, one of the tallest free-fall rides in Europe , and the award-winning wooden roller coaster Balder will help you while away the hours. On the Liseberg Wheel ( Lisebergshjulet ), you'll be treated to terrific views over the city, and the Helix roller coaster is another favorite.

This ultra-fun attraction also boasts good food, music, games, and hundreds of thousands of flowers in bloom during the summer months. Another popular time to visit is Halloween, when the park is transformed into a spooky-themed adventure zone.

Address: Örgrytevägen 5, 41251 Gothenburg

Hoping to save a few bucks? Head to 338-acre Slottsskogen , a leafy park and mini-zoo in the heart of the city. Also known as "Castle Park," it's a fantastic place to bring the entire family. And the best part? It won't cost a penny. In fact, visiting this park is one of the best free things to do in Gothenburg for both locals and tourists.

Elk, seals, penguins, moose, and deer are just some of the species you can see in the zoo, which is one of the oldest in Sweden. And, from April to September, kids can enjoy pony rides and cuddle farmyard animals at the petting zoo.

Many people also come here to relax and wander through the peaceful parklands and wild forests of maple, beech, and oak. Roller skating, biking, jogging, and miniature golf are other popular activities. Cafés and well-designed children's playgrounds lie within the park, and concerts and events are also staged here, including the popular Way Out West music festival in the summer.

Located on the edge of the park is the Gothenburg Museum of Natural History , a popular Gothenburg attraction for its dioramas of animals from around the globe.

Address: Slottskogspromenaden, 414 76 Göteborg

You don't have to travel far from the city to find charming villages, stunning scenery, and pristine beaches. Thanks to its location in the Gothenburg Archipelago, seal safaris, sailing, lobster fishing, sea-angling, and boat excursions are just some of the activities to tempt tourists in the southern section of this stunningly beautiful archipelago (Skärgården). Best of all, regular ferry links run to most anywhere you'd like to go.

The southern islands, reached from Saltholmen ferry port, remain a car-free zone making it a perfect destination for cyclists and hikers. Styrsö Island, with four quaint villages and about 1,400 inhabitants, is a real treat. The oldest village, Byn, which literally means village, dates back to 1752. There's also a post office, cafés, shops, guesthouse, and restaurant as well as plenty of places to fish and swim.

If you feel like soaking up some nature in between touring the city sights, the serene 432 acres of Gothenburg Botanical Garden (Botaniska) is a wonderful place to unwind. Part nature reserve and arboretum, with walking paths weaving through the trees, and partly cultivated gardens, this peaceful oasis is guaranteed to bust any stress that accompanied you on vacation.

This beautiful and tranquil place was established in 1916 and is one of Europe's largest botanical gardens. Home to around 16,000 different plant species, including some extremely rare specimens, it's a wonderful place to visit.

Highlights include the Japan Valley, the colorful Rhododendron Valley, and the rock garden awash with the soothing sounds of a waterfall. Orchids and other species of exotic plants flourish in the greenhouses, and you can even see a rare tree from Easter Island that is extinct in the wild. The park is particularly pretty in the spring and summer when colorful blooms cluster on the trees.

Address: Carl Skottsbergs gata 22A, 413 19 Göteborg

Inspired and aspiring artists will enjoy a trip to the Gothenburg Museum of Art (Goteborgs Konstmuseum ). This captivating attraction hosts a collection of works that is regarded as one of the finest in Northern Europe, and it really shouldn't be missed.

The collection covers artworks from the 15th century to contemporary pieces, with a special emphasis on Nordic art. Artists featured here include Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, Picasso, Chagall, Monet, Rembrandt, and many others.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, as well as family activities, lectures, workshops, guided tours, a shop, and café. The photo exhibitions at the Hasselblad Centre in the museum are also well worth seeing. A highlight is the annual Hasselblad Award Winner's Exhibition. Next door is the City Theatre (Gӧteburg Stadsteater) and Art Deco Concert Hall .

Address: Götaplatsen, 41256 Gothenburg

You can't help but love Gothenburg's historic district. Located in the west of the city, Haga is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Gothenburg and dates from the mid-17th century. It's also packed with things to do during the day and night. Stroll along the charming neighborhood of Haga Nygata, which is lined with beautifully preserved timber houses, boutique shops, and pleasant cafés.

Try one of the world's largest cinnamon buns (Kanelbullar) at Café Husaren , visit the spa and restaurant at Hagabadet Bathhouse , or enjoy fresh seafood at Sjöbaren restaurant. Don't miss out on Bräutigam's , chocolate makers for more than 140 years. In the southeast area, you can gaze out over the city from Skansen Kronan . As evening approaches head to Pustervik just outside Haga for some live music.

Location: Haga Nygata, Gothenburg

Situated in the heart of the city, the Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen) is one of Europe's most beautifully preserved 19th-century parks. Here, you can stroll amid rolling lawns, exotic plants, and historic buildings, many of which date back to the park's establishment in 1842.

The woodland gardens and magnificent collection of roses are a feast for any eye, while the splendid glass and cast-iron Palm House at the park's center was inspired by the famous Crystal Palace in London and has been a popular attraction since 1878. For the kids, there's a terrific playground with swings, slides, and secret paths to explore.

Restaurants and cafés are on-site, and concerts and performances take place here throughout the year.

Address: Slussgatan 1, Gothenburg

Your kids won't be the same after you take them to Universeum . Located in the center of Gothenburg, this fun attraction is the largest science center in the Nordic countries and a great day out for all the family. The aquariums are among the largest in Europe. Explore the indoor rainforest, or go on safari and get up close to lizards, birds, insects, sloths, and several species of monkeys.

The ocean tank is home to several different kinds of sharks, the largest one being the sand tiger shark. You can also see moray eels and swordfish and even touch giant rays as they surface. Other fun things to do include visiting the space exhibition and the job lab, where little ones can dress up and try out different professions.

Address: Södra vägen 50, 40020 Gothenburg

A short walk from the city's historic Haga district, up a steep flight of stairs, Skansen Kronan fortress offers a glimpse of Swedish history, as well as sweeping views over the city. Completed in 1697, the fortress was built to defend against perceived threats of Danish attacks from the south. However, Gothenburg was never attacked in this way, and the cannons inside have stood idle for centuries.

The building served as a prison, as a private residence during the 19th century, and as a military museum in the 20th century. Today, the site encompasses a restaurant and conference center and is the site of many events and weddings. In the old army barracks adjacent to the tower is a summer café serving home-baked cakes, pastries, and ice cream, as long as they receive the right permits to open during the year you visit.

Location: Skansberget, Leijonsparres Väg 15, 413 04, Gothenburg

The trendy, bustling neighborhood around Magasinsgatan, in central Gothenburg, used to be a warehouse district and is well worth a visit. Grab a cup of coffee and something to eat or browse shops with everything from interior design to vintage clothing. There are plenty of gourmet and traditional restaurants.

This district is in the city center at the end of the Kungsgatan . If staying downtown, the easiest way to get there is to walk. Alternatively, you can take the tram or bus to either Grönsakstorget or Domkyrkan .

Location: Magasinsgatan, Gothenburg

Sweden is famous for its safe, stylish cities flaunting a fascinating blend of old and new. About 470 kilometers northeast of Gothenburg, the Swedish capital, Stockholm , is a picturesque intermingling of land and sea, with plenty of appealing day trip options, including the medieval university city of Uppsala . The beautiful island of Gotland , where many Swedes like to vacation, is also only a 35-minute flight away. At the country's southwestern tip, Malmo is famous for its iconic Oresund Bridge connecting Sweden with Denmark , and the busy port city of Helsingborg to the north is also a short hop from Denmark.

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14 Things to Do in Gothenburg | Sweden’s Second-Largest City

Are you looking for things to do in Gothenburg Sweden? Nestled on the picturesque west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan charm and old-world appeal. With its bustling streets, scenic canals, and charming architecture, Gothenburg has something to offer everyone. Foodies, history buffs, art lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts will all find exciting things to do in Gothenburg.

The city is known for its thriving cultural scene, with world-class museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as its lively nightlife. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s rich history, indulge in its culinary delights, or simply soak up its charming atmosphere. Gothenburg is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression. Here are a few things worth experience.

14 Things to Do in Gothenburg

Gothenburg archipelago.

Gothenburg Archipelago, located off the west coast of Sweden, is a true hidden gem. Comprising over 20 islands, the archipelago offers a perfect escape from bustling city life. It is a haven for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.

The archipelago boasts a rugged landscape that is home to an abundance of wildlife, including seals, porpoises, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can hike along the trails that crisscross the islands, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the North Sea. The archipelago is also a popular destination for boating and kayaking. It’s offering the perfect opportunity to explore the hidden coves and secluded beaches that dot the coastline.

Quaint Fishing Villages

One of the highlights of the archipelago is its quaint fishing villages. Each has its unique charm and character. These villages offer a glimpse into traditional Swedish life, with their colorful wooden houses, charming harbors, and friendly locals. Visitors can sample the local seafood delicacies, including lobster, prawns, and crayfish. Or, why not enjoy a traditional Swedish fika, a coffee break that usually involves pastries or cakes.

For those looking for a more luxurious experience, there are a variety of boutique hotels and guesthouses located throughout the archipelago. Many of these properties offer stunning views of the sea. As well as access to private beaches and exclusive dining experiences.

Access to the Gothenburg Archipelago is easy, with regular ferry services departing from the city’s harbor. Visitors can also take a guided tour, which offers a comprehensive overview of the archipelago’s history, culture, and wildlife.

The Gothenburg Archipelago is a hidden gem that offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. With its rugged natural beauty, quaint fishing villages, and luxury accommodations. It’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s easy to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sweden’s west coast.

Liseberg Amusement Park

Located in the heart of Gothenburg, Liseberg Amusement Park is one of the most popular theme parks in Scandinavia. With a history dating back to 1923, Liseberg has been providing thrill-seekers and families with unforgettable experiences for almost a century. Here’s why you should put Liseberg at the top of your travel itinerary:

Liseberg Rides and Attractions

Liseberg boasts a wide range of rides and attractions that cater to all ages and interests. Thrill-seekers can enjoy adrenaline-pumping coasters like Helix, Loke, and Balder. While families with young children can enjoy gentle rides like the Rabbit River or the Flying Elephants. Liseberg also offers a range of classic carnival games, as well as a variety of stage shows and performances throughout the day.

Food and Drink

With over 30 restaurants and food stands, Liseberg has something to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Swedish cuisine, fast food, a snack, or international dishes, you’ll find it all here. Liseberg’s culinary offerings also include a range of vegetarian and vegan options. As well as gluten-free and lactose-free alternatives.

Events and Festivals

Liseberg is not just a summer destination – it offers events and festivals all year round. During Halloween, the park transforms into a spooky wonderland, complete with haunted houses and scare zones. In November and December, Liseberg becomes a winter wonderland, with millions of twinkling lights. Christmas markets, and seasonal attractions like ice skating and sledding are offered. Liseberg also hosts concerts and music festivals throughout the year, featuring international and local artists.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Liseberg is committed to accessibility and sustainability, with initiatives like wheelchair accessibility, free drinking water stations, and recycling bins throughout the park. Liseberg has also implemented sustainable practices like solar panels and energy-efficient lighting. They are also working towards becoming a carbon-neutral park by 2030.

Location and Accommodations

Liseberg is located in the heart of Gothenburg, making it easily accessible by public transportation, bike, or car. The park is also surrounded by hotels , hostels, and Airbnb options. Making it easy to find accommodation that suits your needs and budget.

Scandinavian Hotels – The Ultimate Guide

The Gothenburg Fish Market

The Gothenburg Fish Market is a fun destination for any food lover traveling to Sweden. Located in the heart of the city’s harbor, the market has been a hub for seafood lovers for over 100 years.

The market is home to a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood. Ranging from local catches like herring and cod to more exotic options like lobster and crayfish. Visitors can purchase fresh seafood to take home or enjoy a meal at one of the market’s many seafood restaurants.

7 am Fish Auction

One of the highlights of the Gothenburg Fish Market is its famous fish auction, which takes place every morning at 7 am. Visitors can watch as local fishermen and fishmongers bid for the freshest catches of the day. This creates a lively and vibrant atmosphere that is truly unique.

For those looking to learn more about the local seafood industry, the market also offers guided tours. These tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of the market. Visitors can learn about the different types of fish and seafood that are caught in the surrounding waters. As well as the methods used to prepare and sell them.

The market is not just a destination for seafood lovers – it’s also a hub for cultural events and festivals. Throughout the year, the market hosts a variety of events. For example seafood tastings, cooking classes, and music festivals. One of the most popular events is the annual Seafood Festival. This takes place in August and offers visitors the chance to sample a wide variety of seafood dishes, as well as enjoy live music and entertainment.

The Gothenburg Fish Market is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a unique travel experience, the market is a must-visit destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Volvo Museum in Gothenburg

The Volvo Museum in Gothenburg is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of one of Sweden’s most iconic brands. Located in the heart of the city, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of Volvo cars, trucks, and buses over the past century.

Visitors to the museum can explore a wide variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the different eras of Volvo’s history. From the early days of the company’s founding in 1927 to the present day, the museum offers an immersive and engaging experience that brings the history of Volvo to life.

Vintage Cars and Trucks

One of the highlights of the museum is its extensive collection of vintage cars and trucks. It includes everything from classic Volvo sports cars to vintage buses and trucks. Visitors can explore the different models and learn about the unique features that have made Volvo vehicles a favorite of drivers around the world.

The museum also features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience the technology and innovations that have made Volvo a leader in automotive engineering. From driving simulators to interactive displays that showcase the company’s cutting-edge safety features. The museum offers a hands-on and engaging experience that is perfect for visitors of all ages.

Guided Tours

In addition to its exhibits, the Volvo Museum also offers guided tours. These tours provide a deeper look at the history of the company and its impact on the automotive industry. Visitors can learn about the different stages of the company’s development. From its early years as a manufacturer of ball bearings to its current position as a global leader in automotive.

The Volvo Museum in Gothenburg is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of one of Sweden’s most iconic brands. With its engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and an extensive collection of vintage cars and trucks. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of Volvo over the past century. Whether you’re a Volvo enthusiast or simply interested in automotive history, the museum is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Canal Tour in Gothenburg

Gothenburg, the charming port city on the west coast of Sweden, is known for its beautiful canals that crisscross through the city. These canals offer visitors a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture, and there’s no better way to explore them than on a canal tour.

Canal tours in Gothenburg are a popular way to experience the city’s canals, which were originally built in the 17th century to connect the city to the surrounding countryside. Today, they are a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s past and present.

Small Open Sightseeing Boats

The tours are typically conducted on small, open boats that allow passengers to take in the sights and sounds of the canals. Tour guides provide commentary on the history of the city, pointing out landmarks and attractions along the way.

As the boat travels through the canals, passengers can enjoy views of Gothenburg’s picturesque architecture. You’ll see historic buildings and colorful waterfront homes. There are also plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife, such as swans and ducks, that call the canals home.

In addition to standard canal tours, there are also specialty tours available, such as brunch or dinner cruises. These tours offer a unique dining experience. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks served on board as you take in the views.

Universeum, Gothenburg

Universeum is a science center and museum located in the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden. With its interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, Universeum offers visitors of all ages a fun and educational experience.

When the kids were young we visited many museums and had hands-on experiences like Universeum in many different countries. Universeum in Gothenburg is one of the best ones! It’s fun, interactive, and has a great variety to it. I can highly recommend this if you have little explorers.

The museum’s exhibits are divided into different zones, each with its theme. Visitors can explore everything from the rainforest to the depths of the ocean, and learn about the natural world in a fun and engaging way.

Indoor Rainforest

One of the highlights of Universeum is its indoor rainforest, where visitors can walk among the trees and encounter exotic animals such as monkeys and sloths. The rainforest also features a massive aquarium that houses a variety of fish and other aquatic creatures.

Another popular exhibit at Universeum is the Space Zone, which allows visitors to explore the mysteries of the universe. Visitors can learn about the history of space exploration, see models of spacecraft and satellites, and even experience what it’s like to be an astronaut with the help of virtual reality technology.

Other exhibits at Universeum include the Chemistry Lab, where visitors can perform hands-on experiments, and the Tech Zone, where visitors can explore the latest in technology and robotics.

In addition to its exhibits, Universeum also offers a range of educational programs and workshops for school groups and families. From science camps to workshops on topics such as coding and robotics, there’s something for everyone at Universeum.

Universeum is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in science and technology. With its engaging exhibits, interactive activities, and educational programs, it’s the perfect place to learn and have fun at the same time.

Explore Gothenburg by Bike

Gothenburg, the charming port city on the west coast of Sweden, is a great place to explore on a bike. With its well-maintained bike paths, flat terrain, and beautiful scenery, biking is a popular activity among locals and visitors alike. Gothenburg is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Sweden, with over 700 km of bike lanes and paths.

One of the best ways to explore the city on a bike is through a guided bike tour. These tours are led by knowledgeable local guides who can show you the best routes and share interesting facts and stories about the city’s history and culture. Several companies offer bike tours in Gothenburg, catering to different interests and skill levels.

Gothenburg City Tour

One popular bike tour is the Gothenburg City Tour. This tour takes visitors through the heart of the city, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Göteborg Opera House, the Fish Market, and the picturesque Haga district. The tour also includes stops at some of Gothenburg’s hidden gems. This could be charming parks and gardens, historic buildings, and local cafes.

For those who want to explore beyond the city limits, there are also bike tours that take visitors to the stunning countryside and coastal areas surrounding Gothenburg. These tours allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of the region, with its lush forests, sparkling lakes, and dramatic coastlines.

Bike Rentals

If you prefer to explore on your own, there are plenty of bike rental options available in Gothenburg. Bikes can be rented by the hour or for longer periods. There are several rental shops located throughout the city. With a bike, you can explore Gothenburg at your own pace, taking in the sights and sounds of the city at your leisure.

In addition to its bike-friendly infrastructure, Gothenburg also hosts several annual bike events. Vätternrundan is one of them, this is a mass participation bike race.

Shopping Avenyn

Avenyn, located in the heart of Gothenburg, is one of the city’s most popular shopping destinations. This pedestrian-friendly street is lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. It’s the perfect place to spend a day exploring and shopping.

One of the main draws is its selection of high-end fashion stores. Here, you can find some of the world’s top brands. The street also features several Swedish fashion brands, that offer stylish and sustainable clothing options.

In addition to fashion, Avenyn is home to a variety of other shops, including home decor stores, beauty shops, and specialty food stores. For example, you can find beautiful Scandinavian design at shops like Granit and Svenskt Tenn, while foodies will love exploring the delicacies at Saluhallen , a covered market filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.

Gothenburg Avenyn Dining

When you’re ready for a break from shopping, Avenyn also offers plenty of dining options. From casual cafes to upscale restaurants, there’s something for every taste and budget. Some popular spots include the cozy and charming Cafe Husaren, which is famous for its giant cinnamon buns, and the trendy and modern Koka . It offers a tasting menu featuring seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients.

Aside from shopping and dining, Avenyn is also a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere of the city. The street is lined with beautiful trees and flower beds, and there are plenty of benches and outdoor seating areas where you can relax and take in the sights and sounds of Gothenburg.

Haga Neighborhood | Things to Do In Gothenburg

Haga, located in the heart of Gothenburg, is one of the city’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. This picturesque district is known for its beautiful 19th-century buildings, cozy cafes, and unique shops, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

One of the highlights of Haga is its beautiful architecture. Many of the buildings in the district date back to the 1800s, and their distinctive style – characterized by intricate stonework, ornate balconies, and colorful facades – is a testament to the rich history of the neighborhood. Walking through Haga feels like stepping back in time, and it’s easy to imagine what life was like in Gothenburg in the 19th century.

Haga Shopping

Haga is also home to a variety of shops and boutiques that offer a unique shopping experience. Here, you can find everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry to artisanal chocolate. Some popular shops include Rum21, which specializes in Scandinavian design. Stickspåret, which offers a wide range of yarns and knitting supplies.

Cafes and Restaurants

When you’re ready for a break from shopping, Haga has plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants where you can relax and recharge. Some popular spots include Cafe Husaren, which is famous for its giant cinnamon buns, and Kringlan, which offers delicious traditional Swedish fika treats like coffee and pastries. Several restaurants in Haga offer a range of cuisines, from Italian to Vietnamese to traditional Swedish.

Aside from shopping and dining, Haga is also a great place to explore on foot. The neighborhood is small enough to walk around easily. Tfhere are several beautiful parks and green spaces nearby, including Slottsskogen Park and the Garden Society of Gothenburg. During the summer months, Haga also hosts several outdoor markets and festivals, including the popular Haga Christmas market.

Gothenburg Museum of Art| Things to Do In Gothenburg

The Gothenburg Museum of Art is one of the city’s most important cultural institutions, showcasing a wide range of artwork from around the world. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and history.

One of the main draws of the museum is its collection of Nordic art, which includes works by some of the most famous artists in the region. Here, you can find paintings by Carl Larsson, Anders Zorn, and Edvard Munch. As well as sculptures by the likes of Auguste Rodin and Carl Milles. The museum’s collection of Nordic art spans several centuries, from the 19th century to the present day. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s artistic traditions.

The museum also has an extensive collection of international art, featuring works by artists from around the world. Some highlights include paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Rembrandt. As well as contemporary works by artists like Ai Weiwei and Yayoi Kusama.

Temporary Exhibitions

Aside from its permanent collection, the museum also hosts several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions cover a wide range of topics and themes, from contemporary art to historical artifacts. It offer visitors the opportunity to explore new and exciting works of art.

In addition to its impressive collection of art, the Gothenburg Museum of Art is also known for its beautiful building. Designed by architect Charles Felix Lindberg, the museum’s elegant facade features intricate stonework and a grand staircase that leads visitors up to the galleries. Inside, the museum’s spacious rooms and high ceilings create a sense of grandeur and majesty that adds to the overall experience of visiting the museum.

Gothenburg Botanical Garden | Things to Do In Gothenburg

The Gothenburg Botanical Garden is a stunning destination for nature lovers and those interested in plants and gardening. Located in the heart of the city, the garden spans 40 acres and features a wide variety of flora from around the world.

One of the main draws of the botanical garden is its vast collection of plants, which includes over 16,000 species from all corners of the globe. Here, you can find everything from exotic orchids to towering palm trees to delicate wildflowers. The garden is organized into several different sections. Each representing a different geographic region or type of plant. Some of the highlights include the Japanese Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Rock Garden.

Outdoor Recreation

The Gothenburg Botanical Garden is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The garden’s wide paths and open spaces make it an ideal spot for a picnic, a stroll, or even a game of frisbee. There are also several playgrounds and picnic areas throughout the garden, making it a great spot for families with young children.

Another highlight of the botanical garden is its collection of greenhouses. These offer visitors the opportunity to explore several different climates and ecosystems in one place. The garden’s largest greenhouse, the Victoria House, features a stunning collection of water lilies and other aquatic plants. While the Tropical House is home to a variety of exotic plants from around the world.

Aside from its plant collections and recreational activities, the Gothenburg Botanical Garden is also a center for education and research. The garden offers a variety of workshops and classes on gardening and plant care. As well as opportunities for researchers and students to conduct experiments and studies.

Gothenburg Opera House

The Gothenburg Opera House, also known as the Göteborgsoperan in Swedish, is one of the most important cultural institutions in the city of Gothenburg, Sweden. The opera house is known for its stunning modern architecture and its diverse programming, which includes opera, ballet, musical theater, and other performing arts.

Designed by renowned architect Jan Izikowitz and completed in 1994, the Gothenburg Opera House is an architectural masterpiece that stands out in the city skyline. The building’s sleek, contemporary design features a glass facade that offers panoramic views of the city, while its state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology provide the perfect setting for world-class performances.

Main Stage | Smaller Stage

The opera house is home to two main performance spaces: the main stage and the smaller stage, which is used for more intimate performances. The main stage is a grand and spacious theater that can seat up to 1,300 people, while the smaller stage is a more intimate venue that can accommodate up to 400 people. Both stages are equipped with the latest audio and lighting technology, ensuring that every performance is a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

The Gothenburg Opera House is known for its diverse programming, which includes a wide variety of musical genres and performance styles. The opera house hosts regular performances of classic operas like Carmen, La Bohème, and The Magic Flute, as well as modern works by contemporary composers. The ballet company also performs regularly, showcasing stunning choreography and captivating performances.

In addition to its main stage productions, the Gothenburg Opera House also hosts a variety of special events and concerts throughout the year. These events range from classical concerts to pop and rock performances and offer something for every taste and interest.

For All the Soccer Fans – Gothia Cup

The Gothia Cup is an international youth football tournament held annually in Gothenburg, Sweden. The tournament is the largest of its kind in the world. It attracts thousands of young football players from around the globe each year.

The Gothia Cup was first held in 1975 and has since grown in size and popularity. Today, the tournament attracts over 1,700 teams from more than 80 countries. The tournament is open to boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 19, with separate competitions for each age group.

The tournament is held for a week in July each year and features matches played at venues throughout Gothenburg. The matches are played on both grass and artificial turf fields.  The games are officiated by referees from all over the world.

Social Events | Things to Do In Gothenburg

The Gothia Cup also features a variety of cultural and social events. These events include a grand opening ceremony, a parade of nations, and a closing ceremony where the winners are awarded their trophies. There are also various activities and entertainment options available throughout the week. This makes the tournament a fun and memorable experience for players and spectators alike.

One of the key goals of the Gothia Cup is to promote international understanding and friendship among young people from different cultures and backgrounds. The tournament provides a unique opportunity for young football players to compete against teams from around the world.  It also fostering friendships and cultural exchange.

Maritiman Floating Museum

Maritiman is a floating maritime museum located in the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden. It is an extraordinary museum that offers a unique experience to visitors. The museum is based on a collection of historic boats, ships, and vessels and gives an insight into the rich maritime history of Sweden.

The museum consists of 19 ships that are anchored together, forming a floating museum. These ships include a submarine, a destroyer, a lightship, a tugboat, and several others. Each of these vessels has its history and story to tell, and visitors can explore them all during their visit to Maritiman.

One of the most interesting parts of the museum is the submarine, which is called the HMS Nordkaparen. Visitors can go inside the submarine and see how it was used by the Swedish Navy during the Cold War. It is a rare opportunity to get an up-close look at a real submarine. It gives visitors a glimpse of what life was like for the sailors who served on it.

Lightship Fladen

Another popular exhibit at Maritiman is the lightship Fladen. This ship was used to guide ships through the difficult waters around the Swedish coast. Visitors can climb to the top of the ship and get a panoramic view of Gothenburg and the surrounding area.

Apart from these vessels, there are several other ships and boats that visitors can explore. For example a steam tugboat, a lifeboat, and a fireboat. Each of these vessels has its unique history and tells a story about the maritime history of Sweden . In addition to the ships, Maritiman also has an exhibition hall that showcases the history of shipping in Sweden. The exhibition hall is interactive and provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the many different aspects of shipping. This includes navigation, cargo handling, and shipbuilding.

Gothenburg is a beautiful and vibrant city, and there are plenty of exciting things to do for visitors of all ages. From amusement parks and museums to parks and gardens, there is something for everyone in Gothenburg. What will you explore in Gothenburg? Anything from this list – 14 Things to Do in Gothenburg?

Traveling to Sweden – the Ultimate Guide

Just want to let you know;   some of my posts might contain affiliate links.  If you buy something through those links, it will not cost you  a penny more, but I might earn a commission.  That will allow for this site to  keep going.  Thanks!

Written by  Veronica

Born and raised in Sweden, now living in the US, Veronica has a passion for Scandinavian travel. As a former product design specialist with a Scandinavian tour operator, she has extensive knowledge of tour planning and the Scandinavian countries.

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Top Sehenswürdigkeiten in Göteborg

Die Hafenstadt an der Westküste ist bekannt für ihre entspannte Atmosphäre und sehenswerte Attraktionen wie die Fischkirche und den Stadtteil Haga. Willkommen in Göteborg, der Hafenstadt mit Geschichte, Geschmack und entspanntem Flair. Entdecke mit unseren Reisetipps die Metropole mit der vielleicht höchsten Dichte an blau-weiß gestreiften Oberteilen und frischem Fisch.

1 Hafen und Maritiman

Göteborg hat Schwedens größten Hafen. Nimm dir Zeit für die Attraktionen am Wasser, wie etwa die begehbaren historischen Schiffe und das U-Boot im Erlebnismuseum Maritiman. Eine Aussicht über die Stadt hast du aus dem Lilla Bommen, einem weiß-roten Turm am Hafen.

2 Stadtteil Haga

'Mysig' heißt gemütlich auf Schwedisch. Gemeint ist damit eine bestimmte Form der Gemütlichkeit, die meistens entschleunigtes Schlemmen von Zimtschnecken beinhaltet. Im Stadtteil Haga mit Cafés und Vintage-Läden geht das besonders gut.

3 Paddan-Bootstour

Kanäle und Brücken prägen Göteborgs Zentrum. Im offenen Boot geht es auf der berühmten Paddan-Tour an den Sehenswürdigkeiten vorbei. Im Sommer genießt du das Westküsten-Wetter, im Winter den Glanz der Adventsbeleuchtung.

Ein Vergnügungspark wie aus dem nordischen Bilderbuch, der in 2023 sein 100-jähriges Jubileum mit der Eröffnung eines neuen Familienhotels, dem Grand Curiosa Hotel gefeiert hat. Im Winter verwandelt sich Liseberg übrigens in einen märchenhaften Weihnachtsmarkt.

5 Avenyn mit Poseidon

Göteborgs Prachtstraße Kungsportsavenyn zwischen Kungsportsplatsen und Götaplatsen ist gespickt mit Geschäften und Cafés . Am Ende begrüßt dich Poseidon im Brunnen, unbekleidet und mit einem beeindruckenden... Fisch.

6 World of Volvo

Die World of Volvo hat im April 2024 ihre Tore geöffnet. Hier kannst du durch die Zeit reisen, interaktive Exponate erleben und Volvos „omtanke“ spüren - den Fokus auf Sicherheit und Wohlbefinden. Von elektrischen Baggern bis hin zu einem Windkanal, der die Kraft der Aerodynamik demonstriert, verspricht World of Volvo Überraschungen für jedes Alter. Und wenn du dich nach einer Stärkung sehnst, erwarten dich im Restaurant Ceno leckere Köstlichkeiten aus der nordischen Küche.

7 Göteborgs Botanischer Garten und der Trädgårdsföreningen

Göteborg ist reich an Parks und Gärten. Der Botanische Garten in Göteborg ist einer der größten in Europa und bietet mit rund 16.000 Pflanzenarten in Gewächshäusern, Steingarten und Kräutergarten eine beeindruckende Vielfalt. Trädgårdsföreningen ist einer der am besten erhaltenen Parks aus dem 19. Jahrhundert in Europa. Mit seinem beeindruckenden Rosengarten, der prächtigen Palmenhalle und den gemütlichen Cafés findest du in diesem Park sicherlich deinen neuen Lieblingsplatz zum Tagträumen in der Stadt.

8 Frihamnen

Der Stadtteil Frihamnen liegt direkt am Fluss Göta Älv und verbindet die beiden Flussufer im Herzen der Stadt. Die öffentliche und kostenfreie Sauna im Jubileumsparken in Frihamnen hat im Sommer 2024 nach längerer Renovierungsarbeiten wieder geöffnet. Die einzigartige architektonische Gestaltung dieser Sauna bringt viele ins Staunen. Auch kannst du in den neueröffneten Salzwasserbecken im Fluss neben der Sauna ganzjährig schwimmen gehen oder im Sommer auch im Süßwasserbecken daneben planschen.

9 Schäreninseln

In nur 20 Minuten trägt dich die Fähre auf die ersten Inseln der Göteborger Schären . Die im Meer verstreuten Schäreninseln vor Göteborg mit ihren romantischen Restaurants und modernen Unterkünften sind besonders im Sommer ein Reisetipp.

10 Feskekôrka

Ehrt den Fisch, fürchtet die Krabben! Gebetet wurde in der Fischkirche nie. Die Sehenswürdigkeit dient seit 1874 als Restaurant und Markthalle für die Schätze des Meeres. Eine Skulptur zweier Fischer erinnert an Göteborgs Fischfang. Die Feskekörka hat nach fast vierjähriger Renovierung Mitte Mai 2024 wieder ihre Türen geöffnet.

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Local News | 17 Maryland officials are going to Sweden for a…

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Local News | 17 Maryland officials are going to Sweden for a week. Here’s what to know.

Here’s what we know about the trip so far.

The 17-person delegation is comprised of representatives from the state departments of commerce and natural resources, Anne Arundel County, the City of Annapolis, the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, and the Resilience Authority. There will be stops in Stockholm and Gothenburg before the officials return Oct. 5.

The weeklong trip is funded by $75,000 in private donations to the Resilience Authority from the MHE and Denker foundations, the latter of which donated $25,000 toward the overall cost, according to Patrick Denker, whose father started the foundation. The donations “fully support” travel, accommodations and events associated with the trip. Both trip sponsors will travel to Sweden.

In a phone call Tuesday afternoon, Denker said he did not have ties to the regional electric ferry system the delegation plans to visit or to any of the government and business leaders the delegation will meet.

The MHE Foundation did not respond to a request for comment.

Capital Gazette reporter Natalie Jones also will join the delegation and sponsors in Sweden.

Why Sweden?

Sweden is “ a leader in combining sustainability with human well-being ” both in science and action, Matt Fleming, executive director of the Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, said in an email Sept. 13. The country is “leading the way” on “climate-smart cities” and redeveloping old industrial areas as “efficient low-energy affordable housing connected with electric public transportation,” he said.

There’s also no better model for eco-friendly and efficient transportation, Fleming said in an email Monday night. Before the end of the decade, Sweden aims to achieve a fossil-free transportation sector through public transport, vehicles and supporting infrastructure — including electric ferries.

Maryland, Anne Arundel County and Sweden are all defined by maritime culture, coastal economies and high housing demand, Fleming said, which gives the delegation the chance to connect with Swedish leaders on sustainable urban design, funding and climate neutral building and transportation systems.

The delegation’s trip to Sweden comes nearly a year after Annapolis officials traveled to the Netherlands to study efforts to combat climate change , including flood resilience.

Initial planning for the trip to Sweden began “soon after” the study tour to the Netherlands, with Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley making initial outreach in support of the trip, Fleming said.

Federal funding to support marine transportation in and around the region — Anne Arundel County received nearly $3.9 million to purchase electric ferries last week — was also a driver for the trip.

“With federal funding and state and local leadership on these issues, we are in a historic moment in this region. At the same time we are in an era in which the pace, scale and impact of change is greater than anything we have previously confronted,” he wrote in an email. “To ensure that the pace of intensifying change does not outstrip our efforts, now is the time to double down on areas of progress, coordination and innovation across all levels of government.”

Why are so many people going?

Each jurisdiction selected its representatives to join the trip to Sweden, Fleming said. But why so many?

Fleming, who came to the county after a stint at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as assistant secretary for aquatic resources , said in his 25 years with the department the annual coastal states study tours made the biggest impact on him.

Every year, members of the department would travel to a different state to learn about different challenges being faced in other parts of the country. Seeing what was successful in other places inspired action, he said.

“Firsthand experiences offer practical insights, foster collaboration, and build momentum for action in ways that written reports or hearing about it alone cannot,” Fleming said Monday night.

What will the delegation do?

In Sweden’s capital city, the delegation will visit the Stockholm Environmental Institute to learn about sustainable cities and tour an electric passenger ferry factory, among other site visits and meetings with government leaders, according to a draft agenda shared with the Capital Gazette .

The delegation also plans to spend time in Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, to meet with government officials and learn about climate-neutral construction, electric charging of leisure boats, ferry planning and other types of transportation.

Who the delegation will meet with was determined in partnership with officials from the Swedish Embassy, Fleming said. Delegation members also offered suggestions on which businesses to visit.

While each day’s activities are confirmed, the timing and locations of some appointments and site visits were not disclosed to The Sun when asked.

Who will be in charge in Anne Arundel County?

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, one of the elected officials joining the trip, will still be working while in Sweden and communicating with county department leaders, according to Renesha Alphonso, a county spokesperson. Greg Swain, the county attorney, will be acting county executive while Pittman is out of the country.

A spokesperson for the City of Annapolis did not respond to a phone call seeking comment on continuity of operations while Buckley is in Sweden.

Here are the additional questions The Sun and Capital Gazette asked but which organizers declined to answer:

1. Was there a selection process or did these individuals choose to attend?2. Could this trip not be done with fewer people or even remotely via video?3. What is the total estimated cost of this trip?4. Are any taxpayer dollars being used to fund this trip?5. Did the delegation ask these foundations for funding or did they offer funding via grants?6. How did the MHE and Denker foundations get involved?7. While this delegation of state, county and City of Annapolis officials is overseas, who will be in charge of things at home in their absence?8. What is required in return for this trip?

Do you have questions or comments about the officials’ trip to Sweden? Reach out to Capital Gazette reporter Natalie Jones at [email protected].

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