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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 9 Best Hostels in Stockholm

Living Lagom in Sweden: An Interview With Lola Akerstrom

The Swedish Birthday Party

10 Ways to Visit Stockholm on a Budget

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• Where To Stay
• 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. 

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!

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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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The Perfect 3 Days Itinerary In Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg was the first city I ever visited in Sweden. What I found is that it is a a fascinating mix of modern and traditional culture. In this article, I’ll take you through the perfect 3-day itinerary to explore the city and experience its many attractions. This itinerary is ideal especially if you love both wandering around museums and exploring the outdoors. So follow along to discover what can be your next city break destination.

Day 1: Get to know Gothenburg’s history and culture

Start your day by visiting Feskekörka – a unique looking fish market, which doubles as a landmark for Gothenburg. The building dates back to 1874 and resembles a Neo-Gothic church.

Next stop is Gothenburg City Museum , where you can learn about the city’s history, starting from the old days when vikings were still around. If you visit this one, you can proudly say to all of your friends that you saw the remains of Äskekärr ship – the only Viking ship on display in Sweden and the only Viking ship in the world with a runic inscription!

Next, you can head over to the Maritman , where you can see up close a collection of all kinds of vessels, including cargo ships and submarines and you can even go on board to get a glimpse of the life at sea.

In the evening, visit the Gothenburg Opera House, which is known for its unique architecture and excellent performances. It’s a great way to end the day and experience some of the city’s culture.

Day 2: Explore more museums along with the city’s parks and neighborhoods

Start the day at Gothenburg Museum of Art , where you can admire works by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Picasso and Monet. The museum also houses a fantastic collection of Nordic art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Very close to the Museum of Art is the Scandinavium , an indoor arena that over the years was used for countless sporting and entertainment events. The arena is very important for the locals and it’s worth a visit. Artists like Prince, Whitney Huston, Led Zeppelin or Iron Maiden held concerts here.

If you’re feeling the need for an adrenaline rush, you can also reserve a few hours for Liseberg amusement park. There are attractions both for kids and adults. To check them all, visit Liseberg’s official website .

Something I urge you not to miss is the Museum of World Culture . Here, you can learn many things about civilizations around the world and it has a great range of artifacts on display.

Afterwards, take a stroll on the Linné street , which is known for its vibrant street art and unique boutiques. Here, you can find some of the city’s best coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.

Now head towards Gothenburg Botanical Garden , which has more than 16,000 species of plants from all over the world. The garden is a great place to relax, take a walk, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The Slottsskogen Park , which is in close proximity of the Botanical Garden, also has a lot to offer. Slottsskogen Park is a large public park located in the city center. It’s a great place to have a picnic, go for a jog, or visit the zoo. The park also has a beautiful rose garden and a lake.

Next on the list, a stroll through the Haga district , one of Gothenburg’s oldest neighborhoods. It’s a charming area with cobblestone streets, cafes, and small shops. Try some of the traditional Swedish treats like cinnamon buns and lingonberry juice. Right in the middle of the Haga District there is a park where you’ll find Skansen Kronan a fortress that offers 360° views over the city and moreover, it’s completely free and open 24/7! In the evening you can experience the many pubs in Haga district. I personally tried a few, but Dansken Bar&Pub caught my interest with some good quality live music.

Day 3: Experience the city’s food scene and natural beauty

Start the day with a traditional Swedish breakfast of rye bread, cheese, and cold cuts at one of the city’s many cafes.

To continue this day, I’m going to present three different options.

Option 1: This is the itinerary I chose to explore the places nearby Gothenburg and you can follow along if you are in for a long walk.You can cross the bridge over Göta Älv river at Hisingbron , either by foot, or by bus. On the other side, you will be greeted by Ringön , a small locality situated on the Northern banks of this river. Next, I headed south-west to get to Eriksberg. On the way there, I stopped for a bit at the Gothenburg Mosque , which is a bit weird looking for a mosque, but in my opinion, that’s what makes it interesting.

Then I took a stroll though Keillers Park , which has some impressive rock formations, a lake and some panoramic views from above over Gothenburg. Next, I headed to the small river port Sannegårdshamnen , then to Sörhallsberget Park . Going south, I got to Vindarnas Tempel , which is a nice spot to take pictures in, right next to Sörhallsberget Viewpoint . Unfortunately, the meaning of this artwork is not disclosed in any way and remained a mystery to me, but it was nice walking around its tall brick walls. If you keep the south-west direction, you will get to Älvsborg bridge (Älvsborgsbron), which will take you back to Gothenburg.

Option 2: Another option for this third day is to take a ferry to the nearby Gothenburg archipelago , which is made up of dozens of islands. The archipelago is known for its beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and seafood. You can visit one of the islands for a day trip or spend the night in a traditional Swedish cabin. The archipelago is pretty big, so I recommend you choose the Southern part of the archipelago to visit, because it’s closer to Gothenburg and therefore, easier to access. Moreover, the Southern islands are car free and you can enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic. For more useful info about the Gothenburg archipelago, including how to get there, along with an extensive description of its islands, read this guide .

Option 3: Nestled just outside the bustling city of Gothenburg, Stora Delsjön lake offers a peaceful escape from the urban landscape. This serene lake, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, is the perfect destination for a day trip. After a short bus or tram ride from the city, you’ll arrive at Stora Delsjön and be greeted by the tranquil atmosphere. Take a stroll around the lake and marvel at the stunning scenery, or hike up to one of the nearby viewpoints for a breathtaking panoramic view.

For the more adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities at Stora Delsjön. You can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle your way around the lake, or go for a swim in the clear, cool water. If you’re a fan of fishing, bring your gear along and try your luck at catching some local fish species.

After working up an appetite, head over to one of the nearby picnic areas and enjoy a traditional Swedish fika (coffee break) with some delicious treats from a local bakery. Or, if you prefer, pack a lunch and enjoy a scenic picnic with a view of the lake.

At the end of the day, you’ll leave Stora Delsjön feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. This peaceful oasis offers a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of city life, and is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Sweden.

In the evening, head back to the city for a delicious dinner at one of the city’s many seafood restaurants . Some popular dishes include smoked salmon, herring, and crayfish.

Wrapping up

After three unforgettable days exploring the charming city of Gothenburg, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for Swedish culture, cuisine, and way of life. From strolling the picturesque streets of Haga to indulging in local delicacies at the Fish Market, you’ve experienced some of the best that Gothenburg has to offer.

As you prepare to depart, take a moment to reflect on your journey and the memories you’ve made. Perhaps you’ll think back to the stunning views from Skansen Kronan, or the thrill of riding the Liseberg rollercoasters. Or maybe you’ll fondly remember the warmth and friendliness of the locals who welcomed you with open arms.

No matter what your favorite moments were, one thing is certain: you’ll never forget your time in Gothenburg. And as you board your plane or train, you’ll know that you’ve uncovered just a small fraction of the treasures this vibrant city has to offer. Until next time, Gothenburg. Tack så mycket! (Thank you very much!)

• ← How Much To Budget For A Trip To Luxembourg City
• Exploring the Art and Architecture of Vatican City: A Guide →

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Long Weekend: Gothenburg

Pop up breweries, hipster boutiques and rocking music festivals… there are plenty of places to visit, and things to see and do, during a weekend break in Gothenburg. Hanna Johnson guides us around this progressive port town.

As the second largest city in Sweden, Gothenburg is often compared to it’s bigger sibling, Stockholm. Where Stockholm is refined, Gothenburg is quirky and artistic. As the city expands it has retained its “working class” essence as an old port city. Although you will find posh interior design stores on every block, and every local you see looks to have walked off a H&M catwalk, Gothenburg has held on to its grungy, underground reputation through its ever-booming industrial presence and music-focused festivals.

Like the rest of Sweden, Gothenburg is blessed with natural beauty to everyone’s liking. Parks, forests, salt and freshwater are all available within a quick public transit ride. That makes it easy to explore the city in the morning, take the afternoon sun by a lake, river or sea (or stream, or pool… the Swedes love water), and be back for fika , the nation’s daily coffee ritual (the Swedish have one of the world’s highest coffee consumption per capita!).

Swedes may get a bad rep for being one of the least friendly societies in the developed world, but just wait for Afterwork (Swedish happy hour) to see the locals cut loose in a way that makes you feel like a Dancehall Queen (yes, you must become Robyn obsessed to enter Sweden). Unsurprisingly, most locals speak perfect English so feel free to ask for directions or suggestions and you may get to enjoy a little Swedish lesson along the way.

Best of the Beaten Track

The beauty of visiting Gothenburg lies in enjoying its rich history and crowd-free attractions. Although the city is steadily becoming more well known, so that latter claim may not age well. In other words, get here sooner rather than later.

Traditionalists should be sure to stop by the Museum of Gothenburg for an interactive look into the Scandinavian lifestyle and journey to become the city we know today, complete with a history of Nordic Gods and a Viking ship.

The Volvo Museum is a bit of a trek but I assure you, the Volvo busses to and fro will guarantee a safe journey. (Hint, hint, Volvo is from Gothenburg, probably half of the people you’ll see work there).

The Gothenburg Museum of Art (konstmuseum) is a beautifully curated space with a surprising amount of works from famous artists you are bound to have heard of, along with plenty of Scandinavian artists and exhibitions.

The mint green and terracotta Oscar Fredrik Church is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

Relaxing boat tours take you through the city’s canals to enjoy a fisherman’s-eye view of this once-thriving port city.

When you’ve had enough knowledge thrown at you, give yourself a nice picnic or fika at one of the many beautiful parks Gothenburg’s city center has to offer. Slottsskogen is sprawling at 137 hectares and boasts a free zoo.

If you’re visiting in the winter, be sure to stop by Trädgårdsföreningen (good luck with pronunciation) with the Palmhuset , a beautiful small-scaled Crystal Palace greenhouse. Both parks hold various cultural events and concerts.

Lastly, get out in the true nature! Vasttrafik (public transit) is incredibly well connected to nature with the ferries departing from Saltholmen to the southern archipelago where you can hop from carless to peopleless islands.

Or head to the nature reserve of Delsjö where you will find several lakes, beach volleyball and football (soccer) fields, and plenty of hiking and running trails.

Hipster’s Guide

Gothenburg is a millennial’s delight! As a millennial, I really appreciate the affordability of some of the unique experiences this city has to offer.

First and foremost, Frihamnen Port is just across the river on the island of Hisingen and holds Jubileumsparken, a former shipyard that now focuses on environmental development to bring the community together. You can get hot and bothered by the architectural beauty of the sauna (complete with a dipping tub to get that Scandi experience), a public salt-water pool, a playground, and a beach. They even have an outdoor roller derby rink and free sailing lessons!

The neighborhood of Majorna is becoming a hipster’s mecca thanks to the stylish cafes and breweries with cryptic hours popping up (prepare yourself, alcohol is NOT cheap). You may have to do a little hunting but you will be sure to find some treasures, be they items or experiences, in this district.

Gothenburg is very on trend. Be it fashion, plants, or music, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for in the city center. Walking around Kungsportsplatsen, you’ll see the typical stores, but peak into those you may not have heard of, like Monki , Weekday , or Grandpa for some Scandinavian fashion.

Be sure to check out their many thrift stores like Pop Boutique . Get plant envy at Floramor & Krukatos or the over 100 year old La Fleuriste .

And finish your day at the uber cool Unity Jazz , where you can listen to live music in an intimate environment as you sip your Aperol Spritz or local beer.

Experience & Events

Apart from the island hopping, sunbathing (clothing optional), and the many options at Jubileumsparken, squeeze in a daily fika , especially in the Haga neighborhood. Fika is a designated time for coffee, something sweet, and to catch up with friends. Fika can be at any time of day and is the best way to wrap a Swede into spending time with you. Go to Cafe Husaren while walking along quintessential wooden buildings and grab a coffee and kanelbullen (cinnamon bun).

What one may find surprising is the musical talent that is birthed in Gothenburg. In August, the city hosts the 3-day Way Out West Music Festival with a refreshing array of genres, just don’t forget some rain boots.

And, of course, Midsummer . Midsummer is the festival of fertility in the most tasteful form possible. Swedes typically high-tail it to their, or a loved one’s, country house to drink copious amounts of schnapps and eat fish and potatoes while wearing flower crowns and singing silly songs. This includes a giant, suggestively shaped, Maypole decorated in flowers and people joining hands and dancing around, especially with children. People say you need an ‘in’ to get the true Midsummer experience, but Trädgårdsföreningen holds a fantastic celebration for all ages.

Pillow Talk

Hotels in Gothenburg are all held at a high standard but it’ll cost you. The Scandic Hotel chain includes free breakfast for a reasonable price.

The Clarion Hotel Post is a chic option and hosts monthly Afterwork Parties so be sure to check their calendar.

For budget travelers, the Linnéplatsens Hotel and Hostel can offer you an exquisitely clean bunk or room in a perfect location.

And for those extreme budget travelers, or those looking for some fresh air, keep in mind that all public land in Sweden is camp-able. That’s right, you can pitch a tent on a beach or on the side of the road (not recommended) and you’re 100% legal to do that. Something the Swedish call Allmansrätten, just make sure to be respectful and follow their slogan, “ do not disturb, do not destroy ”.

Gothenburg has really branched out from their pickled fish and potatoes past to foodie scene. For fika (or coffee if you’re still not on board) try Da Matteo or Brogyllen Bakery.

For the best pizza outside of Naples (dare I say as good?) head over to BOV and try to squeeze in to this 22-seater pumping out the pizzas while jamming to Bowie.

For some traditional Swedish food, along with options for all, go to Saluhallen , a food hall that has been operating since 1888.

And for lunch, there are plenty of all-you-can-eat soup and salad restaurants, and the one that reigns supreme is Soup & The Kitchen , on the same street as BOV.

For the amount of alcohol the Swedish consume, you would never guess the high cost for a pint. Start your night off at Kafe Magasinet , a trendy, semi-cheap bar with a glass ceiling and beautiful plants and people everywhere. It also shares it’s terrace with Olssons Vin , a wine bar.

If you want to continue your night in this area, the street of Andra Langgatan has plenty of bars. Or you can head over to Avenyn and try the multi-levelled clubs Lounges and Yaki-Da with espresso martinis and different music on each level.

Another great option for dancing and/or live music is Pustervik .

Getting There

Gothenburg has Landvetter Airport but is also a 3 hour train ride from Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm, so be sure to check your options. SJ Trains is a comfortable ride but busses are also available.

If you do fly in to Landvetter, make sure to buy a bus ticket into the city with flygbussarna to save the expensive car hire.

Gothenburg’s Official Visitor Guide does a superb job of highlighting all the happenings in the city. The city was recently covered by a the New York Times . Lonely Planet is a complete resource with some good lists.

Check out West Sweden travel guide for more information on Gothenburg as well as areas surrounding the city.

The Swedish are avid readers. They seem to be keen on Crime novels and the authors of the country have become world famous. Though set in Stockholm, The Millennium trilogy, aka The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo trilogy is a highly recommended read.

Silver Screen

For cinematic inspiration check out Play , directed by Ruben Östlund, and The Square , which set in Stockholm, but parts are shot in Gothenburg. Ingmar Berman , despite being an east coaster, is a treasure in Sweden, and it’s worth checking some of his films before boarding your plane.

Soundtrack to the City

Crosses by Jose Gonzales Lover Chanting by Little Dragon Call Your Girlfriend by Robyn I Am All That I Need by Fleet Foxes Holocene by Bon Iver

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Current version updated on April 17th, 2019

First published on April 16th, 2019

Posted in City Guide with destination tags Gothenburg , Sweden

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13 Travel Tips for a Weekend in Gothenburg

After a few recent trips to Scandinavia I became a real fan of these Northern European countries, the people, the food, the lovely cities and the most beautiful nature. Although Scandinavian countries are expensive, I just really like them. After my weekend in Stockholm , I became curious to visit Gothenburg, their second-largest city.

Gothenburg is located on the west coast of Sweden and about halfway between the capitals of Denmark and Norway; Copenhagen and Oslo. Volvo, the famous car brand, was founded in Gothenburg in 1927 and are still headquartered here. In this Gothenburg travel blog I bundled all my travel tips to make the most of your weekend break.

World’s most sustainable destination

According to the Global Destination Sustainability Index, Gothenburg is the world’s most sustainable destination. Gothenburg has won the leadership award three years in a row now, 2016, 2017 and 2018. 

Sweden is working hard and has made a strong progress in ecological sustainability. Gothenburg Landvetter Airport has the highest level of environmental accreditation. 65% of the public transport in Gothenburg runs on renewable energy. All Gothenburg hotels have environmental diplomas, which makes Gothenburg the greenest city in the world for hotel accommodation. Even more reasons to travel to Gothenburg!

13 Things to know when you travel to Gothenburg

1. from gothenburg airport to city center.

The city has an international airport which makes it easy to visit Gothenburg city. After arriving at the airport your best option to get to the city are the Flygbussarna. A Swedish company offering comfortable and convenient transfers to and from Sweden’s main airports. I was introduced to them in Stockholm, and didn’t hesitate to take their bus to get from Gothenburg Airport to the city.

Travelling to and from the airport couldn’t be more easy, with busses leaving about every 10 minutes.

It only takes about half an hour to get from the airport to the central station in Gothenburg. The coaches of Flygbussarna offer free wifi and USB outlets to charge your phone while travelling. I would suggest buying tickets online in advance, you get a small discount when buying online. You can get a return ticket for less than 200 Swedish Krona, a little over 20 usd.

2. Gothenburg city pass

The best places to visit in Gothenburg can best be reached by buying the Gothenburg city pass. The Gothenburg pass provides you with free entry to over 30 Gothenburg attractions, from the Liseberg amusement park to the Volvo museum and some peaceful nature cruises through the archipelago. Perfect I decide to spend a weekend in Gothenburg.

Passes are available for 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours, depending on how long you visit Gothenburg. Also included in the Gothenburg Pass is unlimited travel with the Hop On Hop Off busses and boats.

Public transport is not included in the Gothenburg Pass, but if you add a Travelcard you will get access to the local public transport. A 24 hour travelcard is available for 95 Swedish Krona, about $10 usd. Your Gothenburg pass will be activated after the first use at any Gothenburg attraction. You will also receive a free guide book with the pass, this will help you plan your stay and getting around in the city. But after reading this Gothenburg travel guide you won’t need anything else! ;)

Prices for these city passes vary of course, depending on how long you want your pass to last, but you can get them from 375 Swedish Krona which is a about 40 usd. 

3. Gothenburg archipelago

If you travel to Gothenburg in summer, then put the Gothenburg archipelago on your list of things to do. I visited Gothenburg in March, which meant it was still a bit cold and trips to the archipelago weren’t running yet.

The archipelago of Gothenburg stretches along the coast, and with over 20 islands there is plenty to discover. Looking for charming villages, stunning nature and beautiful beaches, it’s all located just outside the city center. There are no cars allowed in the southern parts of the archipelago, so this part is your perfect destination for walking, hiking and biking.

4. Titanic Exhibition

Even though this is a temporary exhibition, I can’t not mention this must do in Gothenburg. This impressive exhibition touched base in Gothenburg in September 2018, and would stay until the end of March 2019. However, this exhibition has been extended to late April 2019. Don’t hesitate and be quick to visit this. You’re not allowed to take any pictures inside the exhibition unfortunately, but here you find many stories behind this famous ‘unsinkable’ ship and its passengers. Stories, photographs and private objects guide you in about 90 minutes through the exhibition. Tickets can be bought online and at the entrance, however I strongly suggest you buy your tickets online in advance as this is a very popular and busy thing to do in Gothenburg at the moment.

5. Liseberg

Scandinavia’s largest amusement park is located in the centre of the city and is called Liseberg. It is one of the best things to do on a weekend in Gothenburg. There is something for everyone at Liseberg, with 41 rides and attractions it is a fun place for kids and grown-ups. Visit this park to experience Scandinavia’s longest and fastest rollercoaster, or try Europe’s largest free-fall attraction.

Unfortunately Liseberg was still closed when I visited late March 2019. So I couldn’t enjoy the thrills of this park. Want to visit Gothenburg and experience this park as well? Make sure you travel to Gothenburg after March! Entrance to this park is included in the Gothenburg City Pass by the way.

6. Volvo Museum

Another attraction listed among the best places to visit in Gothenburg is the Volvo Museum. This place can also be visited with your Gothenburg City Pass. Gothenburg and Volvo go way back, in fact Volvo was founded in Gothenburg. The museum is located just outside of the city, easily accessible by public transport. It is located in a beautiful location, right next to the sea, at the heart of the busy Arendal Industrial park. 

This museum shows Volvo’s history, showcasing iconic cars, buses and commercial vehicles. Also exhibitions on the Volvo Ocean Race and the Volvo Golf Experience can be visited here.

7. Haga district

Haga district is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Gothenburg and one of the travel tips in every Gothenburg travel guide. It was created as the city’s first suburb. Nowadays it’s packed with cafes and shops. The narrow cobblestone streets and the picturesque wooden houses really make you feel like you stepped back in time. Haga is located within walking distance from the city centre. The vibes here are much more relaxed and laidback than in the busy city centre.

8. Skansen Kronan

Skansen Kronan is a 17th century fortress overlooking the city. It’s a bit of a workout to get to the top, but once you’re up there it offers striking views of the city and the Haga district. 

When Skansen Kronan was finished, it was fitted with 23 canons, and was ready for battle. However Skansen Kronan was never attacked and the canons on the inside have never even been used.

It was used as a military museum until 2004. Nowadays Skansen Kronan is a private facility for conferences and parties. During the Summer months there is also a café serving home made ice cream, pastries and more. I really loved the views over the city from up there and thinkit is one of the coolest places to visit in Gothenburg.

9. Feskekôrka

Located along the river, just a short stroll from the city centre, you find this Feskekôrka. Feskekôrka is a fish market hall, an indoor fish and shellfish market, a true Mecca for seafood lovers. It’s located in between the Haga district and the city centre. The building also hosts a few small restaurants. Feskekôrka was built in 1874 and was an architectural experiment. Architect Victor von Gegerfelt was inspired by the wooden Norwegian stave churches and Gothic stone churches, these ideas and inspirations lead to the Feskekôrka.

10. Saluhallen

Saluhallen is the biggest indoor market in Gothenburg and offers you a wide range of spices, coffee, cheese, fruit and other delicacies from all over our world. Saluhallen is home to around forty shops and places to eat. This food experience has been around since 1888. This place will make your mouth start to water once you enter the building. When you are a foodie this is one of the best Gothenburg travel tips.

11. Nordstan Shopping Centre

Just a few steps from the central Station of Gothenburg you find the Nordstan Shopping Centre. This is Scandinavia’s leading shopping centre, with close to 200 shops offering the latest in all possible areas. Something really convenient is the Tourist Centre which is located right in the middle of the shopping centre. Nordstan is the biggest indoor shopping mall of Scandinavia. The perfect thing to do in Gothenburg when it rains. Don’t let the weather ruin your weekend trip and make the most of it.

The shopping centre is connected to Gothenburg central station and the Nils Ericson Terminal by an underground pedestrian tunnel. 

12. Garden Society of Gothenburg

Looking for some peace and quiet while you visit Gothenburg? Make sure you visit the Trädgårdsföreningen, the Garden Society of Gothenburg. This beautiful garden is located in the heart of the city and is one of the best preserved 19th century parks in Europe.

A must visit in Gothenburg are these gardens and the Palm House. You can find the Palm House in the centre of the park, offering exotic plants and tropical warmth. This giant greenhouse was built in 1878.

13. VOI Scooters (Swedish product)

Gothenburg is a small city, with almost everything in walking distance, which makes it a nice city to visit and easy to get around in. Being a sustainable and ‘green’ city they also offer Styr & Ställ, which are rental bikes at more than 60 stations spread around town. The first 30 minutes are always free of charge, no matter how many times you rent a day.

I got more excited about the electric VOI Scooters. On my first day in Gothenburg I saw them everywhere and got curious to the concept. I decided to download their app and check it out.

It happens to be super easy. You download their VOI Scooters app and register. Once you’ve done that, walk around town and find a scooter. Once you found a scooter, unlock it with your phone, and enjoy the ride. This is one of the better Gothenburg travel tips.

It costs 10 Swedish Krona (or 1 Euro) to unlock a scooter, and then 1,5 Swedish Krona per minute to ride, which is 0,15 Euro. Once you scan a scooter it will immediately tell you if it’s locked or available and the percentage battery left. VOI is a Swedish company and you can find their scooters not only in Gothenburg but also in Stockholm, Malmo, Lund, Uppsala, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Malaga, Zaragoza, Madrid, Lisboa, Faro, Lyon and Paris.

Gothenburg travel blog

I really enjoyed my trip to Gothenburg. Even though it was still winter / early spring, and not all attractions were open or running, I don’t feel like I missed out on anything and feel like I have truly experienced the city of Gothenburg. 

Looking for more Sweden travel blogs ? Check out our website to find travel tips for Stockholm . Or are you more into surviving in nature? Try a self-guided canoe trip through the outdoor wilderness of Sweden. 

I can’t finish this Gothenburg travel blog without thanking some people who made this trip possible. A big shout out to Goteborg&CO for providing me with the Gothenburg City pass. Exploring the city with this pass is so easy, it definitely made my stay more fun!

Also a massive thank you to the Titanic Exhibition Gothenburg for putting me on the guestlist and letting me experience this unique and amazing exhibition. Truly a must do, so visit Gothenburg soon, and experience it yourself.

Travel writer Ashley visited Gothenburg on behalf of Traveltomtom and wrote this article with plenty of helpful travel tips. 

Gothenburg city break: a travel guide to Sweden’s second biggest city

Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, is always an excellent idea for a city break or a long weekend. Despite having less than half a million inhabitants, there’s a variety of things to do, see and enjoy in the city. Its proximity to the sea and the numerous attractions guarantee a great escape from daily life. Therefore, in this Gothenburg city break guide , you’ll see how you can make the most out of a visit to Gothenburg for two, three, or four days.

Specifically, you’ll read the best things to do in Gothenburg (Swedish: Göteborg ) and some activities outside of town. Moreover, I’ll share the best hotels in Gothenburg and offer some budget and food tips. Last but not least, you’ll see the photos I took and a short 4K travel video. So, simply navigate through the sections of this article and find everything you need to know for your vacation.

Let’s start.

Table of Contents

*Some of the links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Gothenburg city break: how to reach it

Located on Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg lies at the mouth of a beautiful archipelago. Gothenburg is home to an international airport called Landvetter , and for a city its size, the airport receives quite some international traffic. Moreover, since the city has become one of the most popular destinations for city breaks in Scandinavia, Gothenburg sees an increasing number of flights on its soil.

That said, you can reach the city with direct flights from the majority of Northern European capitals like London, Berlin, or Paris. What makes the city even more attractive for a city break is that you’ll need less than two hours from Northern Europe to reach it. Here are some examples:

• A flight from London to Gothenburg takes 1 hour and 50 minutes.
• For a flight between Paris and Gothenburg, you’ll need 2 hours.
• A flight from Berlin to Gothenburg it’s just 1 hour and 25 minutes.

To find the best available flights between your hometown and Gothenburg, I recommend searching at Kiwi. Kiwi is one of the best flight aggregators comparing flights between your city and airports all around the world.

You can search for your flights on Kiwi here .

How to go from Gothenburg airport to the city

A number of private buses operate the route between Landvetter airport and downtown Gothenburg. You can pre-pay for your ticket to and from the airport, and all you have to do is present the ticket in PDF when embarking. The line is well-served, and there are 3 or 4 buses per hour during the day (but fewer at night).

You can book your bus ticket to downtown Gothenburg by heading to the Flygbussarna website . Add your dates and the nearest stop to your hotel and purchase your ticket. A one-way ticket to/from the airport currently costs 119 SEK (~12 euros).

By private transfer

If you don’t want to wait for the bus or prefer a more relaxed journey, you can also pre-book a private transfer. Your guide will pick you up at the arrivals hall and take you to your accommodation. There are a couple of drivers offering their services, and you can prebook the best private transfer here .

The best things to do in Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg is a popular destination all year long. There are plenty of things to do in Gothenburg , no matter what time of the year you visit it. Of course, the summer days are long and the weather nicer, but this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the city during the winter or a rainy day. There are plenty of museums and indoor activities to keep you occupied any time of the year.

So, in this section, you’ll find the best things to do in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Take a Fika break

City breaks are ideal for getting a glimpse into local life. Therefore, I’ll start the list of the things to do in Gothenburg with something very local: a Fika break .

Fika in Swedish means something like “pausing the day to enjoy a coffee break with friends.” And while it might sound familiar to you, I can assure you that for the Gothenburgers, it’s important and part of their routine. In Gothenburg, you’ll find some of the most atmospheric Scandinavian cafes, and delicious sweets always accompany the coffee. Especially popular are the cinnamon buns -and in the food section, I’ll share where you can find the biggest ones you ever saw.

Fika is more than a ritual: for the locals is some sort of art and a state of mind. The word’s origin probably derives from Kafi , the word for coffee. Just invert its syllables, and you get fika . So, why not start your Gothenburg city break by immersing straight ahead into one of the most local things? Order a coffee and something sweet, and slow down.

There are loads of cafes to enjoy a fika break (you’ll read more in the following sections). However, if you’d like to learn how to do it properly, there’s a tour with a local you can join. Your guide will explain the art of fika, take you to some cafes, and offer you a tour of the city. You can check the fika tour here .

Don’t miss the Gothenburg Museum of Art

Gothenburg is home to plenty of fascinating museums. If you only have time to see one museum in Gothenburg, this should be the Museum of Art . It is assumed as one of the best museums in Scandinavia, and there’s a reason for that. It hosts many pieces of art, from internationally renowned artists but -most importantly- from Scandinavian ones. The latter is a reason by itself to visit the museum: you’ll discover fascinating artists that you never heard of before.

The museum has six floors, and each is dedicated to different eras. In my opinion, it is one of the best things to see in Gothenburg, and I wrote a separate article about it. You can read my guide to the Gothenburg Museum of Art here , and you can also read about Barbro Östlihn , an artist I discovered in the museum. If you’re an art lover, you can’t miss this museum.

Pro tip : There’s also a guided museum tour, where you’ll learn everything about the works of art. You can prebook the museum tour here .

Other museums in Gothenburg

There’s not enough time to see every museum on a Gothenburg city break. However, if you’re not that much into art, you can pick one of the following museums:

Volvo Museum . Did you know that Volvo, the iconic car company, comes from Gothenburg? There’s even a museum featuring cars and all kinds of info about Volvo. You can learn more about the Volvo Museum here .

Universeum . That’s one of the most important places in the city. Universeum is the science center of Sweden and a place for education. It has numerous halls and exhibitions, and the most impressive is an indoor (!) rainforest. Learn more about the Universeum .

Explore Haga

Haga is Gothenburg’s sweetest neighborhood. It’s the most laid-back hood in town, and people come here to relax and have a cup of coffee ( fika , anyone?). You can find some 19th-century atmosphere in Haga, and that’s not just because of the cafes. The area is full of beautiful wooden houses.

No visit to Gothenburg is complete without a stop at Haga. Established in the 17th century by Queen Christina, Haga was for years a working-class district. Although it feels gentrified nowadays, it still has lots of charm, and it’s one of the nicest walking areas in the city. Apart from the charming atmosphere, you’ll discover local shops (textiles, design, souvenirs, etc.).

If you’d like to learn more about Haga, you can book a small group tour and have a local narrate stories from the district’s past. You can book the Haga tour here .

See Gothenburg from Skansen Kronan

Skansen Kronan is the small fortress that you’ll see in Haga. You’ll have to climb dozens of steps to reach it, but the view from the top is magnificent. You can see a fantastic view of the city, and on a clear day, you can also see the archipelago. The Skansen Kronan has been in use since 1698, and its purpose was to protect the (back then) young city from a Danish invasion.

To get an idea of how Gothenburg grew throughout the centuries, Skansen Kronan was once upon a time on the city’s outskirts. Nowadays, though, you can even call its location downtown.

Gothenburg city fact : Gothenburg was founded in 1621. It’s “just” 400 years old.

Take advantage of the Gothenburg hop-on-hop-off bus

A hop-on-hop-off bus might sound ultra-touristy to some. However, the one running in Gothenburg passes several places of interest, and it’s a good alternative if you enjoy flexibility and freedom of choice. You can buy a 24-hour ticket and embark and disembark at every station.

For people on a Göteborg city break, it’s one of the easiest ways to explore the city. The 24-hour ticket costs currently 24 euros, and you can learn more about the hop-on-hop-off bus here .

Enjoy an hour with the Land & Water Amphibious bus

That’s one of the most original and fun things to do in Gothenburg . If the hop-on-off-bus is nothing for you, there’s a great alternative: an amphibious bus. This is a 10-ton bus transforming into a boat and splashing in the water! The tour lasts one hour, costs 28 euros, and here’s what to expect.

You’ll start from the Stora Teatern in downtown Gothenburg, and from there, you’ll see the statue of Poseidon, the famous Avenyn, the Liseberg amusement park, and a bunch of other attractions. The fun part, though, starts when the surface changes and the bus has to get wet. That’s when the bus transforms into a boat and enters the river. All of a sudden, you’ll be sailing on the river and have beautiful city views.

The activity is safe and fun, and a tour guide will be on board, sharing info about the city. You can book a place on the amphibious bus here .

Stroll around the Garden Society

The Garden Society is a fabulous park in downtown Gothenburg. It’s one of Europe’s best-kept 19th-century parks, and you’ll see -among other things- a Palm House dating back to 1878. During the summertime, you’ll see thousands of beautiful roses in the gardens, while the Palm House host many exotic plants.

Apart from being one of the best walks in downtown Gothenburg, you can also have a picnic with your friends (no alcohol, no dogs), and there’s also a restaurant within the Garden Society.

Feskekörka: the food-church

One of the odd things to see in Gothenburg is the Feskekörka . Don’t be fooled by its exterior: that’s not a church, even if it looks like one. The Feskekörka is an indoor fish market hosted in a building that resembles a gothic church. It dates back to 1874 and is the best place to enjoy fresh fish. You can buy fish, but there’s also a high-quality restaurant inside the Feskekörka. On a sunny day, you can grab a portion of fish or seafood and sit by the river to enjoy your meal.

Enjoy Liseberg

Liseberg is almost a synonym for Gothenburg. The famous amusement park attracts millions of visitors annually and is loved by kids and adults. The hundred-year-old Liseberg has more than 30 different rides, and it also hosts dance halls, music venues, and restaurants. Liseberg has two entrances (Örgrytevägen and Getebergsled), one of the city’s greenest areas.

As you can imagine, you can easily spend an entire day there. Therefore, visit Liseberg and enjoy either the rides or simply a walk in one of the top 10 amusement parks in the world, according to Forbes .

A day out at the Gothenburg archipelago

Enjoying a day out at the Gothenburg archipelago is probably one of the top things to do. However, since this is a full-day excursion, it’s better to do it if you have at least two full days in the city. Otherwise, you might miss pretty much everything mentioned above.

The Gothenburg archipelago features two subcomplexes of islands, the southern and the northern. They are equally beautiful, and you should see as much as possible. Apart from their geographic position, there’s also something more separating them. The Southern Islands are car-free, while the Northern Islands have more inhabitants and you can even bring your car.

Ferries to the Gothenburg archipelago depart from various places in town, and the biggest hubs are Stenpiren and Saltholmen. You can find a map with the routes to the archipelago here .

Where to stay in Gothenburg for a perfect city break

New hotels open up constantly in the city, and since Gothenburg is famous among interior design lovers, you can expect an eclectic mix of accommodations. However, not everything is about top-notch Scandinavian design. On the contrary, some of the city’s most charming hotels are old-fashioned.

Most of the hotels lie around the central train station. You’ll find plenty of four-star hotels (and some 5 stars too) in this area, which is the city’s heart. Another excellent and relatively quieter area for your Gothenburg accommodation is close to Liseberg, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the famous Avenyn street. This is one of the most traditional areas of downtown Gothenburg, and while you’ll be a twenty-minute walk from the center, you will find lots of charm here.

Finally, as you read earlier on the best things to do in Gothenburg, Haga is probably the most beloved area for travelers. However, the charming neighborhood is preserved by its residents, and you won’t find any hotels in Haga.

Please keep in mind that prices depend on the season: most hotels will cost 50% less if you visit off-season. On the other hand, visiting Gothenburg during the summertime means that everything will be significantly pricier.

So, below you’ll find the best hotels for your Gothenburg city break.

The best hotels in Gothenburg around the train station (city center)

Hotel Royal . That’s hands down one of the most charming hotels in Sweden. I chose Hotel Royal for my Gothenburg city break, so I added it first to this list. Located just a 5-minute walk from Gothenburg Central Train Station, Hotel Royal is an exceptional hotel. Housed in a building dating back to 1852, the hotel has old-fashioned rooms with a charming atmosphere. Moreover, there’s complimentary tea, coffee, and sweets all day long. Book your room at Hotel Royal here .

* Bonus : I wrote an extensive review about the Hotel Royal Gothenburg here .

Dorsia Hotel . That’s one more excellent option for your stay at Gothenburg. Dorsia Hotel is located close to the Central Station and just steps away from the Kungsportsplatsen Tram Stop (where the airport bus also stops). Apart from the luxurious decor and the comfy beds, there’s also a restaurant at Dorsia serving high-quality French cuisine. Book your room at Dorsia Hotel .

Radisson Blu Göteborg . Finally, for lovers of timeless Scandinavian design and luxury, you also have the opportunity to stay at a Radisson. The Radisson Blu Hotel is just a few meters away from the Central Station (and close to Hotel Royal), and apart from the beautiful rooms, it also offers a spa and yoga studio. Access to the gym is free, and some rooms have a Nespresso coffee machine. Last but not least, you’ll find the elegant Atrium restaurant on the ground floor. Book your room at Radisson Blu .

The best hotels in Gothenburg close to Liseberg

Gothia Towers . Located straight opposite the famous Liseberg amusement park and featuring a 23rd-floor bar, Gothia Towers is one of the top Gothenburg accommodations. The rooms are spacious and clean, and you’ll enjoy breathtaking views. Book your room at Gothia Towers .

Hotel Lorensberg . That’s a great family run with cozy rooms and many original paintings on the walls. The hotel also has a sauna and a beautiful garden. If you’re an art lover, that’s the place to stay. See more about Hotel Lorensberg .

Hotell Onyxen . This hotel is situated in a 19th-century building and offers free WiFi and complimentary tea and coffee all day long. Book your room at Hotell Onyxen .

Elite Park Avenue Hotel . This hotel offers typical Swedish rooms on Gothenburg’s main street, Avenyn. It also has a sauna and a popular restaurant. Book your room at Elite Park Avenue Hotel .

The best hotel close to Haga

Göteborgs Mini Hotel . Located in the nearby cozy hood of Majorna, that’s the closest to Haga you can stay right now. That’s a relatively simple hotel, and there’s no en-suite bathroom in the rooms. However, the Mini Hotel is significantly cheaper than other downtown hotels, and if you are after an affordable option, it’s a real bargain. See Göteborgs Mini Hotel .

Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Gothenburg, Sweden.

How to get around Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a compact city, and you can walk its downtown area in one day. There’s no subway in Gothenburg, but you have two excellent ways to explore everything that Gothenburg has to offer.

Gothenburg by tram

The easiest way around the town is by using the trams. The tram lines are busy throughout the day, and they’ll bring you everywhere in the city. The blue and white trams of Gothenburg are (as you might expect in Scandinavia) very accurate. You can find their routes here , and the ticket costs 35 SEK (approx. 3,5 euros)

Of course, since you’ll be on a Gothenburg city break, you can also consider buying a multi-day ticket for public transport. You won’t probably need anything more than an A-Zone Ticket (there are also AB and ABC tickets). The A-Zone Gothenburg ticket currently costs 115 SEK for one day (approx. 11,5 euros), and for three days (72 hours), it costs 230 SEK (approximately 23 euros).

Gothenburg by bike

Gothenburg is a paradise for cycling. Featuring hundreds of kilometers of bikeways, the city is a dream to cycle around. You can explore downtown Gothenburg by bike, but you can also cycle outside of town. If you’re into cycling, don’t miss the chance to rent a bike and explore the city and -why not- even the region.

There are multiple bike rentals around the town, but you can use a bike-sharing app if you don’t want to deal with expensive rentals. The best option is by NextBike , operated under Styr & Ställ in Sweden. You can pick up a bike from any of the stations around the city and pay as you go. The charge is 20 SEK every thirty minutes (2 euros), but you can’t spend more than 300 SEK per day (30 euros). Therefore, even if you keep the bike for 10 or even 15 hours within the same day, you won’t pay more than 30 euros.

Last but not least, you can leave your bike in the city center wherever you want; therefore, you don’t have to bring it back to the station where you picked it up. However, leaving a bike outside the city center is costly and comes with a surcharge.

Where to eat in Gothenburg

It’s not a surprise that there are plenty of restaurants in Gothenburg. After all, that’s Sweden’s second-biggest city, and your options are countless, spanning between local joints and fancy restaurants. Traditional Swedish cuisine is delicious, and you can also taste various fish dishes. In the shortlist below, you’ll see the places I enjoyed eating in Gothenburg.

Every link in this section will forward you to the restaurant’s location on Google Maps. Therefore, you can bookmark these places and create your Gothenburg city break food itinerary.

Fiskbar 17 . This tiny restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, but it has some of the most delicious fish you can taste in town. Located at the famous Magasinsgatan, Fiskbar 17 is a joint that serves street food-like fish. I enjoyed eating here twice. Ask for the day’s fish -together with a glass of wine, it will cost approx. 35 euros. See Fiskbar 17 on the map .

Atrium (at Radisson) . The Radisson Blu Hotel hosts one of the nicest restaurants in Gothenburg. The interior is spacious, and the food is fantastic. The prices are steep, but the dinner is a culinary experience. A starter, a main course, and a dessert will cost approx. 60 euros together with a drink. See Atrium on the map .

Sjöbaren Haga . On the main street of the beautiful hood, called Haga Nygata, Sjöbaren is the place to eat fish and seafood on this side of town. The prices are between Fiskbar and Atrium, but the food is equally delicious. See Sjöbaren .

2112 . That’s the place to eat burgers in downtown Gothenburg. 2112 has a variety of burgers and offers vegan and vegetarian options too. A burger and a drink will cost you about 25-30 euros. See 2112 .

Da Matteo . That’s one of the most famous coffee places in Gothenburg. It has multiple locations around the city, but the nicest is the one at Victoriapassagen. See Da Matteo here .

Kafe Magasinet . Look no further if you’re searching for the most Instagrammable cafe in Gothenburg. Kafe Magasinet is more than a cafe: it’ll remind you of an old but stylish warehouse; it has lots of plants and serves fantastic coffee and snacks. Hands down one of the best places in the city. See Kafe Magasinet on the map .

Cafe Husaren . Last but not least, Cafe Husaren is a typical fika-place. That’s also where you’ll find the biggest cinnamon buns in the city. Don’t miss it, especially on a sunny day: it’ll have tables and chairs on the street, and you can observe Haga’s life to its fullest. See Cafe Husaren .

How to budget for a relaxed Gothenburg city break

It’s not a surprise that Gothenburg is not the cheapest city break destination in Europe. After all, Scandinavia is Europe’s more expensive region. However, compared to other neighboring cities, Gothenburg feels slightly cheaper. So, let’s break down the costs for a wonderful Gothenburg city break.

Flights . Everything goes here, and it mainly depends on how early you book. You can find very cheap flights if you book in advance: it’s actually not uncommon to find EasyJet or Ryanair itineraries for 50 euros return. So, book your flights in advance to secure a fair price.

Hotels . The hotels in Scandinavia are beautiful but also pricey. Your accommodation (together with the food) will be your main expense during your Gothenburg long weekend or city break. Staying in downtown Gothenburg is, of course, a must if you want to see as much as possible. For a double room in the city center expect to pay anything from 100 euros and up. Even in this price range, the hotels are just a few. The majority of hotels are much pricier.

Food . The food is relatively expensive in Gothenburg. Even if you go for a fast food option, you won’t be able to get food at a very low price. On the other hand, eating in a restaurant -a main dish and a drink- will cost you approximately 30-35 euros. Obviously, if you choose to have a starter and/or a dessert, receiving a 50-60 euros bill shouldn’t surprise you.

Other expenses . Museum entrances, public transportation tickets, or a Gothenburg archipelago excursion won’t be unaffordable. Therefore, for your other expenses, you should calculate European capital standards.

So, how much should I calculate per day for my Gothenburg city break?

Long story short, here’s what I’d calculate on a daily basis for an off-season city break to Gothenburg (and what I also paid).

A double room that costs 100 euros means 50 euros per person per day for two people. For a light lunch and a dinner, it’s logical to spend 50 euros per person. For all other expenses, you should calculate approximately 40 euros per day. This includes a bottle of water, a museum ticket, a rented bike for an hour, a coffee, and a random Swedish souvenir.

Therefore, a solo traveler to Gothenburg should calculate approximately 180-200 euros per day, including accommodation, food, tickets, etc. Subsequently, if you are two people traveling and sharing a room, it’ll be slightly cheaper: calculate approximately 140 euros per person per day.

Finally, if you travel during the high season, I’d say that calculating 50 euros more per day per person sounds reasonable.

Bonus Gothenburg tip: how to quickly convert Swedish krona (SEK) to USD or EUR.

Sweden’s currency is the Swedish krona (SEK). The following tip helped me convert the prices quickly. However, this is just an approximation, and it’s not totally accurate. But, if you don’t want to have constantly a calculator in hand, that’s the quickest way.

So here’s the conversation tip: whenever you see a price in SEK, all you have to do is add a decimal point before the last digit . That said, if something costs, for example, 60 SEK will be close to 6.0 euros or 6.0 USD. Of course, that’s an approximation. The exact cost will be 5,81 EUR or 6,43 USD for the record. But at least you won’t need a calculator every time you see a price.

When it’s the best time to have a city break in Gothenburg?

The winters in Scandinavia tend to be cold and snowy, while in the summertime, the days are long, and the weather is most of the time warm. On the other hand, visiting Gothenburg in winter or early spring will be significantly cheaper than in summer.

Apart from the budget issue, there are also great timeslots throughout the year. For example, Gothenburg hosts several festivals, so you can check if they fit your schedule. Attending a festival would be a great addition to your city break.

Some festival and their dates to keep in mind:

• The International Film Festival . It usually takes place in late January.
• Summerburst music Festival . It takes place in June, at Ullevi Stadium.

Long story short: if Scandinavian prices scare you, visit Gothenburg off-season. On the other hand, if you can afford the cost, visit during the summer and enjoy the long, warm days.

Gothenburg city break: final thoughts

Gothenburg is one of the liveliest and more beautiful cities in Scandinavia. After being overlooked for years, the city started receiving the attention it deserves. There are plenty of things to see and enjoy in Gothenburg, and immersing in the local lifestyle will give you peace of mind. Add the delicious food and the proximity to the sea, and you’ll have a perfect getaway. Spending three or four days in Gothenburg will refill your batteries and show you an aspect of local life.

Enjoy Gothenburg, and don’t forget the fika breaks.

More about Gothenburg:  My Göteborg travelogue , The Göteborg Museum of Art

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Last Updated on July 23, 2022 by George Pavlopoulos

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Ultimate Travel Guide to Gothenburg

Gothenburg, situated on the coast in west Sweden, is the country’s second largest city that offers a more laid-back and less crowded alternative to Stockholm.

While only a few years ago, Gothenburg would have been overlooked in favour of more popular Scandinavian cities, it has emerged from its former life as an industrial, port city and into a culture-lover’s playground.

Pronounced ‘yette-bor-ee’ by the locals, Gothenburg is home to fascinating art galleries, museums and botanical gardens as well as one or two surprises. Sweden’s most popular tourist attraction, Liseberg amusement park, is in Gothenburg city centre and helped put Gothenburg Sweden on the map.

And after you’ve had fun on the rides, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants serving fresh fish or a hot cup of coffee and cinnamon pastry for a classic Swedish ‘fika’ break in one of the many cosy cafes.

It’s the perfect Scandinavian city for a relaxing, culture-filled break and these are our Gothenburg travel tips to help you make the most of your trip.  

This ultimate travel guide to Gothenburg will show you the best places in Gothenburg, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Gothenburg and things to do in Gothenburg which will help you in planning a trip to Gothenburg.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the fifth largest Nordic city and is well-connected within the region and the rest of Europe.

The nearest international airport to Gothenburg is Landvetter, located around 20km west of the city. European budget airlines fly from Landvetter to a huge number of cities in Europe and destinations in the Middle East and Northern Africa. A shuttle bus service from the airport to Gothenburg takes around 30 minutes.

Gothenburg central station offers high-speed rail services all over Scandinavia. You’re only a 4-hour train journey from Oslo and 3 hours from Stockholm. If you’re travelling to Gothenburg from North America or Asia, you can fly into Copenhagen and travel by rail straight from the airport to Gothenburg in under 4 hours.

Travelling by bus is a great option as it can be cheaper and the bus from Oslo to Gothenburg, for example, takes just as long as a train journey.

What to expect in Gothenburg

Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world and Gothenburg, being such a small city, has low crime rates. It’s likely that Gothenburg is safer than your hometown so just be as cautious as you would be there.

Like all Nordic countries, Sweden is an expensive country for most to visit which includes Gothenburg. Beers in most bars will cost around €7/75SEK and the most basic private hotel rooms start from €65/700SEK.

Although tipping is welcome, if gratuity isn’t already included in the bill, it’s not expected, and you can just round up the bill or tip 5-10%.

Sweden is part of the EU and the Schengen zone. The main language is Swedish, but most Swedes also speak English, especially in the cities. The currency is the Swedish krona and you won’t have any problem finding ATMs or money changers at the airport or train station in Gothenburg.

How to get around Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a very walkable place considering it’s such a small city. You will probably spend most of your time in the old Haga neighbourhood or in the nearby trendy Linne district. However, if you are going to venture out to the Liseberg amusement park or Volvo museum you may want to consider using public transport.

Luckily, public transport in Gothenburg is very good and tram and bus services are available all over the city. You can buy day passes which are valid for both trams and buses at Västtrafik kiosks in 7-Elevens and grocery stores. Or, you can buy single tickets for trams onboard.

If you want to use any of the river boats, you will need to pay for a ticket by card. It’s good to have a credit or debit card you can use in Gothenburg as Sweden is becoming an increasingly cash-free country.

The best time to visit Gothenburg

Gothenburg truly experiences every season: up to 30 degrees in summer, crisp autumns and mild, snowy winters which means no time of year is quite like another.

One of the best times to visit Gothenburg is for the Christmas markets from the end of November to a couple of days before Christmas day. There are several markets all over the city including one in Liseberg funfair. Don’t forget to try glögg, a Swedish cinnamon-smelling drink like mulled wine.

Though it rarely gets extremely cold in Gothenburg, you might prefer to visit in summer. It’s warm and Gothenburg never feels too crowded but summer, particularly July and August, is peak travel season and accommodation prices increase.

Autumn is the perfect time to travel to Gothenburg for a quintessential Swedish experience of relaxing in cafes and wandering down cobbled streets lined with crispy orange leaves while the weather is still warm enough.

Things to do in Gothenburg

Skansen kronan.

One of the top things to do in Gothenburg has to be visiting Skansen Kronan which is an old fortress on top of Risåsberget hill. It was built in the late 17 th century and was properly outfitted with canons and guns but was never required to defend the city.

Now, Skansen Kronan is a museum and café and there are a few paths you can stroll down if the weather is nice. It’s the ideal place to find panoramic views across the entire city especially at sunset.

Liseberg amusement park

As previously mentioned, Liseberg amusement park is Sweden’s most popular tourist attraction and a must-visit in Gothenburg.

There are over 40 rides in Liseberg ranging from sculpture parks and teacup rides for little kids to a selection of thrill-seeking rollercoasters for big kids and adults alike. Europe’s tallest freefall rollercoaster aptly named AtmosFear can be found at Liseberg.

During the festive period from November-December is where Liseberg really shows off. The amusement park has its own Christmas market and festive-themed food stalls and everywhere is decorated with lights.

Christmas isn’t the only time of year where Liseberg sparkles as the theme park is always dressing with the season whether it’s Halloween or springtime.

Volvo museum

This is one Gothenburg museum that will appeal to any petrol heads, and that’s the Volvo museum . This huge warehouse is filled with Volvos through the ages from the car manufacturer’s humble beginnings in 1927 to present day.

Volvo is a homegrown Swedish company and it’s an interesting exhibition which not only covers how Volvo have developed over the years but motor vehicles in general.

Gothenburg botanical garden

Botanical gardens are always great places to stroll through in good weather and the Gothenburg botanical garden is one of the biggest and most varied botanical gardens in Europe.

There are over 16,000 species of plant in the gardens and you could spend an entire afternoon exploring the greenhouses, water features, rare plants and trees.

Haga neighbourhood

This neighbourhood is the main hub of tourist activity in Gothenburg and leads onto a street known locally as the ‘Avenyn’ which is Gothenburg’s main shopping area.

This is where you’ll find 19 th century wooden houses along cobbled streets selling Christmas souvenirs year-round and dark, candlelit taverns and cafes with all the cakes, cookies and pastries you could possibly want.

Gothenburg museum of art

Gothenburg is the perfect city for culture vultures and has a huge array of museums for every interest.

Gothenburg museum of art is one of the best museums in Scandinavia for Nordic art, both classic and contemporary, but the museum also exhibits work from big names in the art world like Picasso, Monet and Rembrandt. If you’re an art lover, this Gothenburg museum is a can’t-miss.

If you’re visiting Gothenburg during particularly warm weather, you might want to escape the more urban areas of the city and enjoy the countryside. Delsjön is a natural area of Gothenburg city accessible by the public tram.

There are two huge lakes surrounded by miles of countryside with hiking and cycling trails as well as a beach. The water is even warm enough to swim in during the summer months.

A science museum, zoo, rainforest and aquarium all rolled into one at the Universeum’s interactive exhibition in Gothenburg. There’s no better attraction in Gothenburg to visit with your kids than the Universeum.

They can learn about how marine life and the rainforests are under threat, they can try out their dream jobs at the Universeum’s ‘Job Land’ and take part in chemistry experiments.

Though there are amazing science centres all over the world, there isn’t one quite like the Universeum in Gothenburg.

What to eat in Gothenburg

Food in Sweden is all about fresh, homemade comfort food and Gothenburg is no different. Since Gothenburg is a port city, there is a big emphasis on fresh fish and seafood like shrimp, squid and haddock.

But like their Danish neighbours to the west, Gothenburg love their pastries, particularly cinnamon buns. Though restaurants can be very expensive, you can still find traditional Swedish food in Gothenburg to suit every budget.

Head to the Haga neighbourhood for the cafes but for the best fresh fish and high-quality cheap food in Gothenburg, head to Saluhallen Market Hall or Feskekôrka fish market. Feskekôrka is a fish auction house for restaurateurs but there are some stalls selling street food style options.

Hot dogs are also a very popular takeaway option in Sweden, and you can buy anything from a simple hotdog to a decadent Swedish-style hotdog with toppings like mashed potato and even shrimp.

Where to stay in Gothenburg

Budget – Even travellers who normally consider themselves mid-range may find they need to find budget accommodation in Gothenburg like hostels, but there are tonnes of great options. Backpackers Gothenburg is well-located near the Haga district with an outdoor terrace and onsite restaurant.

Mid-range – But if you don’t want to stay in a hostel, there are still plenty of mid-range hotels in Gothenburg. Scandic is a local hotel chain offering accommodation in at least four different areas in the city. For a more local experience, Airbnb have plenty of apartments available all over Gothenburg.

Luxury – There is nowhere better to stay in Gothenburg than Upper House at the Gothia Towers if you want to splash out.

The spa and facilities at this 5-star hotel are great, and you get the best views in Gothenburg over Liseberg amusement park. Even if you don’t end up staying at Gothia Towers, you can’t miss the views from the rooftop bar.

Tours to do in Gothenburg

Hop on hop off bus and boat.

One of the best ways to see Gothenburg without having to bother with public transport is to purchase a Hop on Hop off bus and boat tour ticket .

Not only can you get off and jump back on the buses at several destinations around the city during a 24 hour period, but boats are also included on the route so you can take in a relaxing tour down the canals of Gothenburg and see some of the islands in the Gothenburg Archipelago.

Walking tour

Gothenburg is a compact, walking-friendly city so there’s really no better way to get to know the place. A local, knowledgeable guide is the best way to learn about Gothenburg’s history and all the main attractions as well as some secret spots.

The Paddan tour

Gothenburg’s past as a port city is very important to its history. So, what better way to learn about how the waterways and harbour helped shape the Gothenburg you see today than by travelling through its 17 th century bridges and canals.

Day Trips from Gothenburg

The island of Vinga is one of the furthest islands off the coast of Gothenburg. There are fantastic views of the ocean from Vinga as well as the other islands in the area.

There is a lighthouse you can visit, lots of places to walk around and a guide will provide an informational talk as you sail out to the island, too.

Torpa Stenhus Castle

There are some fantastic castles in Sweden and Torpa Stenhus Castle is one of the best. It was built in the 15 th century and is situated on a beautiful lake surrounded by breath taking countryside.

And during the festive period, the castle is beautifully decorated for the season and hosts a Christmas fair selling handcrafted festive souvenirs and treats.

One of the best day trips from Gothenburg Sweden you can book around Christmas time is to the nearby small town of Äskhult.

This little village has been wonderfully preserved in its 17 th and 18 th century state so all the buildings and cafes are authentic to the time period and there are also some footpaths that allow you to explore more of the countryside.

During Christmas, everything is decorated with a festive theme and there’s a stop off at a confectionery factory and shop during this tour so you can pick up some Christmas gifts.

Recommended tours in Gothenburg

• Gothenburg Private Walking Tour
• 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Bus and Boat
• Gothenburg Pass
• The Paddan Tour
• Gothenburg – Tasting of Swedish west coast food
• Best of Gothenburg Photography and Sightseeing Tour
• Luxury Christmas-lunch at fairytale like Thorskog Grand Manor House

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.

Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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Why Sweden’s Second City—Gothenburg—Is a Must-Visit

By Matilde Wergeland

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Sweden’s second-largest city is often overshadowed by the capital, Stockholm. But the popularity of Gothenburg—birthplace of Volvo (and Alicia Vikander), home to Michelin-star restaurants, picturesque architecture, sophisticated bar culture, renowned galleries and art museums, and designer shops—has exploded in the last few years. Being the the second city allows Gothenburg the freedom to be more relaxed than her older sibling, a feeling that’s aided by the refreshing sea air. When you come for a visit, wind your way down the cobblestone streets or take one of the charming blue and white trams (though almost everything is walkable) as you peruse these Gothenburg gems.

Strömmingsluckan and Beijing 8

Restaurants During the last several years, Gothenburg’s restaurant scene has grown by leaps and bounds. One of the brightest stars would have to be Toso , a pan-Asian pearl in the heart of the city, known for its ingenious cocktails and eclectic menu. Other notable favorites include dim sum spot Made in China , which is revered for its steamed buns; Beijing8 , the place to revel in divine dumplings; and Moon Thai Kitchen , with cuisine that’s part Thai and part Swedish.

By Margaux Anbouba

By Alexis Bennett Parker

By Audrey Noble

Sjömagasinet and Cyrano

The legenary Sjömagasinet is the place to go for updated takes on traditional Swedish cuisine. For Swedish seafood on the fly, fried herring at the food truck Strömmingsluckan , in the heart of trendy street Magasinsgatan, will tickle anyone’s taste buds. For burger lovers who prefer turf over surf, a few doors down, the Barn offers wallet friendly, high-quality hamburgers, as well as mouthwatering sides like sweet potato fries and truffle mayonnaise. If there is such a thing as upscale fast food, Cyrano , with its wood-fired pizzas, seems to have found the formula.

Kafé Magasinet and Juicekällan

Cafes Gothenburg’s first cafe was established around 1770, and today, the city offers several hundred places to partake in a traditional Swedish fika (a cup of coffee accompanied by a small snack). Step into the old world of fika at Brogyllen , where one can enjoy handmade sandwiches and one of the heavenly pastries. The winner of 2015’s Cafe of the Year competition was Da Matteo , famous for its sourdough bread and cinnamon buns.

One traditionally associates fika with sweet treats, but some cafes are putting a healthy spin on the snack. Kafé Magasinet serves salads, acai bowls, and raw food cakes. If a liquid munch is all you desire, stop at Juicekällan . Its creative blends of organic juices and smoothies will make you a regular in no time. If all you dream of is your next cup of coffee, the Italian hole-in-the-wall Bar Centro is your spot.

Drinks If you plan on exploring Gothenburg by night, a glass of bubbly in the lush and romantic outdoor garden at Champagnebaren Forssén & Öberg is a delightful way to start your evening. In need of a stiffer adult libation? Puta Madre ’s bar offers the largest selection of tequila in Scandinavia (327 different choices, to be precise). Before hitting the sheets or painting the town red, order a cocktail at the outdoor Bar Himmel , steps from most of the night clubs on the boulevard Avenyn.

Style by Mouche

Shops The upscale and popular shopping gallery Nordiska Kompaniet , or NK, has a little bit of everything, from beauty products to housewares. Nearby is Grace , a small store with a wonderfully curated selection of both international brands and Scandinavian designers. Mouche’s the Apartment , a concept store with panache, looks more like a Parisian home and carries a multitude of fashion-forward brands.

Artilleriet and Hotel Pigalle

If you’re looking for something to spruce up your home, enter Artilleriet at your own risk, as your mind will race to find space at home for the scented candles, high-quality kitchenware, printed cushions, and exclusive bed linens. Another design temple is Tinna , which carries the quintessential Swedish brand Svenskt Tenn , as well as famous designs by Josef Frank and Skultuna. Looking for the quirky side of Swedish design? Peruse Antikhallarna , Gothenburg’s antique arcade filled with tiny, charming stores bursting with antique jewelry, vintage stamps, and china.

Indoor food markets are aplenty in Gothenburg. Saluhallen is full of vibrant food stands and restaurants. Directly across the way is another of Gothenburg’s favorites, Aldardo , which predominantly offers Italian delicacies like fresh handmade pasta, aged Parmesan cheese, and antipasti. Bring your shopping day to a close at the flower shop Floramor & Krukatös and grab a bouquet of peonies.

Hotels The Clarion Hotel Post is the perfect mix of old and new. The hotel is housed in an old post office building and offers a splendid rooftop pool, a spa, and two excellent restaurants. Dorsia Hotel , known for its avant-garde interior, also offers a wonderful menu in its restaurant. Hotel Pigalle , a luxury boutique hotel, transports you to turn-of-the-century Paris, while her sister hotel, Hotel Bellora , located blocks away, feels transported from the 1960s Italian Riviera, complete with a rooftop bar that’s been named as one of the world’s best.

Places to Visit To recharge your battery after all the shopping, fika, and restaurants, spend an afternoon at Hagabadet , an exclusive spa located in the picturesque district Haga. If you prefer nature instead, take a stroll among blossoming flowers and lush trees in the park Trädgårdsföreningen , one of Europe’s most well-preserved parks from the 17th century.

Not many shutterbugs would say no to a visit to the photo exhibitions at the Hasselblad Foundation at Gothenburg Museum of Art in Götaplatsen, which features both established international photographers as well as young Swedish artists. For more design and art experiences while in town, head to Röda Sten Konsthall for inspiring exhibitions and workshops. Don’t forget to leave a mark on the graffiti wall, the only legal place for graffiti in Gothenburg.

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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 · April 9, 2021

Why Visit Gothenburg Sweden? A Guide To The Best Sustainable City Escape

Gothenburg is one of those cities that you fall in love with as soon as you arrive. It is the slower, more friendly big Swedish city. You will find cafes on every corner and parks spanning most of the land. Gothenburg is located on the South West coast of Sweden and known for its big harbour and industrial past. Although in recent years it has established itself as a centre for art and culture. It is the perfect destination for anyone wanting a city escape mixed with a little island life. It is a place for slow and sustainable travel, with eco-friendly transport, green hotels and a simple way of life. I admit, I may be a little biased. I have lived here for almost a year now and am totally in awe. In my opinion, everyone should visit this Gothenburg at least once, and I hope to persuade you why.

How to visit Gothenburg

Depending where you are coming from there are a few ways to get to Gothenburg! If you are flying, the best way is to fly into Göteborg Landvetter. The airport is located about 20 minutes drive away from the city. If you are coming from elsewhere in Sweden or Europe there are train and bus options! Most connections go right to Gothenburg Central Station. Trains from here run regularly to Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen as well as other major Swedish cities ! There are also a lot of bus routes, run by Flixbus, that stop off in Gothenburg. This is usually the cheapest way to travel but the trip usually takes quite a bit longer!

When to visit Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a beautiful place to visit all year around. The summer is the best time for island hopping and exploring the coast. The winter seasons brings Christmas markets and cosy vibes to the city and sometimes snow. In the spring Gothenburg transforms and the surrounding nature is covered in wild-flowers. In the autumn it is a beautiful tone of orange, and as the colder weather sets in the it becomes a hub for cosy indoor meet-ups. The temperature in the winter can be anywhere between -15 and 10 depending on the year. In the summer it can get up to about 34 degrees. The spring can be unpredictable and can come early, or there can still be snow in April. The autumn season is usually quite long and the cold weather doesn’t set in until about October.

My favourite time of year in Gothenburg is late spring and early summer. This is a time where the weather is usually best and the flowers are all in bloom. The islands are all opening up for the summer season and the city is a hive of summer activities.

Why you should visit Gothenburg

Experience the “lagom” swedish lifestyle.

One of the best things about Gothenburg is the pace of life. Everything is much slower in this city compared to bigger cities such as Stockholm. The city lends itself to letting you really letting you slow down feel in the moment. It is a great destination for those who enjoy “slow travel”. You can fill most days with strolls in beautiful gardens followed by coffee or soup as a cosy café. Although there is not so much “to do” in Gothenburg, there is a lot to experience. The sights are why you visit Gothenburg, but the way of the city is what makes you fall in love with it!

Read my Local’s guide to Gothenburg’s food scene to find some of the best cafes and restaurants to slow down in!

Visit Gothenburg’s Beautiful Archipelago

West Sweden has so many beautiful islands, all covered with red and white weatherboard house and small fishing villages. Gothenburg is a great hub to visit many of these islands as those in the archipelago are close enough for a day trip. A few islands are even close enough to see on the same day via an island hopping ferry! Although, if you are really taking in the Gothenburg lifestyle then you should probably take it slow and visit one at a time! Hönö, Öckerö, Marstrand, Dyrön are only a few of the many islands you can visit! If you are feeling a little more adventurous why not take a day trip up from Gothenburg to visit Smögen . This is one of the coastlines most popular summer islands and only a few hours north of the city.

The islands are what makes Gothenburg such a great summer destination. It gives you the connectivity of a city break with the possibility to see a much more magical side of Sweden! For more island tips see my guide on the West Coast !

Gothenburg is a city of hidden gems

Something I have noticed about travel in Gothenburg, and travel in Sweden in general, is that it is not very well publicised. It can be really difficult to find places to go and things to see. Most of the time this means that people can miss out on what really gives the city life!

For example, in Gothenburg you will likely not hear about the cosy waffle cottage located by Skansen Kronan. A place where you can go on a cold autumn day for a waffle and coffee prepared on an old iron stove and drink it with a view that looks out over the entire city. Even living here a year I have only just started to discover so many of these places! The charm in this is that one of the best ways to see the city is to stumble into the unknown with little plan and just see what you find! Maybe you will stumble across the remains of the old city wall located in an underground carpark, or maybe you stumble inland and find the beautiful Nääs Slott . The magic of the unknown is why you should visit Gothenburg.

The world class seafood

The seafood in itself is one reason why you should visit Gothenburg. Located on the West Coast with such little proximity to the sea, Gothenburg is known to have Sweden’s best seafood. Here you can visit some of the best seafood restaurants in the world and taste some traditional West Coast dishes. This includes shrimp sandwiches, crayfish parties and freshly caught muscles. Fiskekrogan, Sjöbaren and Sjömagasinet are all known to be world class seafood restaurants, their menus all based on Swedish cuisine with a little twist.  

The size of the Gothenburg

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city but compared to many other major cities across the world it is still relatively small. Why should this make you want to visit Gothenburg? Because it’s small size adds to the local feeling of the city, as a traveller gets to know their way around within a few days. If you are staying centrally, you will likely know your way around the central areas after a weekend, and will probably be able to navigate most of the tram lines after a week!

The size of the city and the great public transport system means that it is really easy to get from one place to another! Most of the time you will find it is just as fast to walk as it is take the tram, although the tram is always a much nicer way to travel after a long day out on an island. After being in the city for only a few days you start to feel like a part of it which is one of the things I love most about Gothenburg. It is a major city, but it feels like nothing more than a town!

Sustainable travel and eco-friendly lodging

Did you know that Lonely Planet awarded Gothenburg “Best Sustainable City Stay 2021”? The city is well known for its sustainable initiatives, aiming to be fossil free by 2030. It is also the first city in the world to offer sustainability grants to businesses that implement more sustainable practices! This also includes restaurants and hotels that source in ecologically grown produce and run mainly on green energy! 95% of the hotels in the city are environmentally driven. This means that even if you do not vouch to stay in an “eco-lodge”, you are most likely still staying in a sustainable accommodation!

Not only is the city great for green energy, but there are a lot of restaurants that focus on serving ecologically driven menus, as well as those that serve vegan and vegetarian menus! Restaurant Natur focuses on serving Swedish dishes with a twist, only using locally grown ingredients and serving natural and biodynamic wines. Here is a great article from Visit Sweden with 10 sustainably driven restaurants in Gothenburg that you have to visit!

Budget friendly attractions

As I may have said before, Gothenburg is not known for its sights. There are no iconic buildings like the Turning Torso in Malmö or the Royal Palace in Stockholm, however, Gothenburg does have some pretty amazing historical sites that you should visit! One of the top reasons why you should visit Gothenburg is that it is a great budget city escape compared to most other cities in Sweden. Skansen Kronan and Feskekörka are just two historical sites that are free to visit! There are also many beautiful gardens such as Trädgårdsföreningen with its big Palm House, the Botanical Gardens, and Slottskogen with it’s small zoo, that are free to walk around!

Of course there are paid attractions as well, but they balance out in price when you mix them with a few of the free ones! This includes Liserberg Amusement Park, Universeum and its tropical zone, and Upper House Spa with their pool that overlooks the city. In themselves these are attractions that prove why you should visit Gothenburg on your next city escape!

I hope this post has inspired you to visit Gothenburg! If you need some more inspiration remember to check out my other blog posts! And let me know what you think of the city, or this post, in the comments!

As always, don’t hesitate to ask any questions!

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April 14, 2021 at 9:20 am

I myself grew up and still lives in Gothenburg and this was such a nice post to read, i feel like everything you said is accurate and it even inspired me to look around more and explore the city! I feel like so often we start to take the things for granted in the city we grow up in, but this really inspired me to stop doing that and appreciate the city more! Love <3

April 14, 2021 at 10:05 am

Thank you so much! My partner often says the same thing – he has lived in Gothenburg his whole life and has seen more of it in the last year that ever before! I am so happy to have inspired you! I have a lot of posts to write in the next few weeks about some things we have been doing so I hope you will come back and read them for some ideas <3

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Gregarious, chilled-out Gothenburg (Göteborg) is the quintessential 'second city': understatedly hip and unexpectedly vibrant. Neoclassical architecture lines its tram-rattled streets, locals sun themselves beside canals, and there's always an interesting cultural or social event going on.

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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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The Gothenburg travel guide

Welcome to Gothenburg, the perfect city to visit with the sea just around the corner. Here we have collected all the best tips for you who are a tourist in Gothenburg. Charming neighborhoods, the best restaurants, the most cozy hotels and all the tips on things to do when you visit Gothenburg.

Hotels in Gothenburg

Charming Boutique hotels or modern large hotels with pulse. In Gothenburg there are all different types of hotels. Here we have compiled all of Gothenburg’s best hotels.

Restaurants in Gothenburg

Gothenburg as a food city vibrates. With ambitious restaurateurs and resourceful chefs, world-class food is created. We recommend everything from the simplest burger to the taste sensation of your life. See all the best restaurants in Gothenburg.

Things to do in Gothenburg

Swimming, sports, museums, amusement parks, excursions. The breadth of activities in Gothenburg is enormous. Here we give tips on everything fun to come up with in Gothenburg.

Gothenburg Travel Guide

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Of all the cities in southern Sweden, the grandest is the western port of Gothenburg. Designed by the Dutch in 1621, the country’s second largest city boasts splendid Neoclassical architecture, masses of sculpture-strewn parkland and a welcoming and relaxed spirit. The cityscape of broad avenues, elegant squares, trams and canals is not only one of the prettiest in Sweden, but also the backdrop to Scandinavia’s biggest seaport, making the city a truly cosmopolitan destination. There is a certain resentment on the west coast that Stockholm wins out in the national glory stakes, but Gothenburg’s easier-going atmosphere – and its closer proximity to western Europe – makes it first choice as a place to live for many Swedes. Talk to any Gothenburger and they will soon disparage the more frenetic lives of the “08-ers” – 08 being the telephone code for Stockholm.

Avenyn and around

Liseberg and around, the old town and the harbour, along rosenlundskanalen, slottskogsparken.

At the heart of the city is the historic old town : this is the best place to start your sightseeing, although Gothenburg’s attractions are by no means restricted to this area. Tucked between the Göta River to the north and the zigzagging Rosenlundskanalen to the south, the old town’s tightly gridded streets are lined with impressive facades, interesting food markets and a couple of worthwhile museums, most notably the Stadsmuseum and, up by the harbour, the Maritiman , a repository of all things nautical. Just across the canal that skirts the southern edges of the old town is Trädgårdsföreningen park, in summer full of colourful flowers and picnicking city dwellers.

Heading further south into the modern centre, Avenyn is Gothenburg’s showcase boulevard, alive with flashy restaurants and bars. However, it’s the roads off Avenyn that are the area’s most interesting, with alternative-style café-bars and some of Gothenburg’s best museums, including the Konstmuseum (Art Museum) further south on Götaplatsen. For family entertainment day or night, the classic Liseberg Amusement Park , just to the southeast of the Avenyn district, has been a meeting place for Gothenburgers since the 1920s.

In Vasastan, a small district to the west of Avenyn, crammed with intricately decorated late nineteenth-century apartment buildings and peppered with appealing little cafés, you’ll find the Röhsska Museum of applied arts. Vasastan stretches west to Haga , the old working-class district, now a haven for the trendy and moneyed. Haga Nygatan, the main thoroughfare, leads on to Linnégatan, the arterial road through Linné . Fast establishing itself as the most vibrant part of the city, it’s home to the most interesting evening haunts, with new cafés, bars and restaurants opening up alongside long-established antique emporiums and sex shops. Further out, the rolling Slottskogsparken park is an alluringly pretty place to sunbathe.

Brief history

Founded on its present site in the seventeenth century by Gustav II Adolf, Gothenburg was the Swedes’ fifth attempt to create a centre free from Danish influence. The Danes had enjoyed control of Sweden’s west coast since the Middle Ages, and extracted extortionate tolls from all vessels entering the country. Sweden’s medieval centre of trade had been 40km further up the Göta River than present-day Gothenburg, but to avoid the tolls it was moved to a site north of the present location. It wasn’t until Karl XI chose the island of Hisingen, today the site of the city’s northern suburbs, as the location for Sweden’s trading nucleus that the settlement was first called Gothenburg.

Over the ensuing centuries, the British, Dutch and German traders who settled here during left a rich architectural and cultural legacy. The city is graced with terraces of grand merchants’ houses featuring carved stone, stucco and painted tiles. The influence of the Orient was also strong, reflecting the all-important trade links between Sweden and the Far East, and is still visible in the chinoiserie detail on many buildings. This trade was monopolized for over eighty years during the nineteenth century by the hugely successful Swedish East India Company , whose Gothenburg auction house, selling exotic spices, teas and fine cloths, attracted merchants from all over the world.

Running all the way from Rosenlundskanalen southeast to Götaplatsen is the wide, cobbled length of Kungsportsavenyn. Known more simply as Avenyn , this “avenue” teems with life and is Gothenburg’s showiest thoroughfare. The ground floor of almost every grand old nineteenth-century home has been converted into a café, bar or restaurant, which the young and beautiful inhabit whilst sipping overpriced drinks and posing at tables that, from mid-spring to September, spill out onto the street. Avenyn is arguably one of the best places in the city for people-watching, and no visit to Gothenburg is complete without a stroll down it.

At the southern end of the avenue is Götaplatsen, modern Gothenburg's main square, centred on a vast statue of Poseidon and flanked to the east and west by the Stadsteatern (Theatre) and Konserthuset (Concert Hall) respectively, and to the south by the fascinating Konstmuseum , which contains a fine collection of international art from various periods.

Konstmuseum

Behind Poseidon stands Götaplatsen’s most impressive attraction, the superb Konstmuseum , its massive, symmetrical facade reminiscent of the fascist architecture of 1930s Germany. This is one of the city’s finest museums, and it’s easy to spend half a day absorbing the diverse and extensive collections, the highlights of which are picked out below. A delightful little park, Näckrosdammen , lies just behind the museum; with its late-spring rhododendrons and big, duck-filled pond, it’s a lovely place for a stroll.

Hasselblad Center

On the ground floor, to the left of the ticket desk, the Hasselblad Center contains excellent exhibitions of contemporary photography. Displays are temporary and aim to showcase the work of internationally renowned photographers as well as those from up-and-coming Nordic artists.

European and Swedish collections

The Konstmuseum’s collections of European art date from fifteenth to the seventeenth centuries and fill a total of six rooms. Pride of place is taken by Rembrandt’s Knight with Falcon , although Rubens is also well represented with works such as Adoration of the Magi on display. Elsewhere, you’ll find paintings by the celebrated masters of French Impressionism and artists closely linked to them: Monet, Gauguin, Renoir and Cézanne, for example. Look out, in particular, for Van Gogh’s Olive Grove, Saint Rémy from 1899 which is widely considered to be one of the artist’s most powerful works in terms of vitality and expression. Collections of Swedish art are dominated by Alexander Roslin who is represented by a portrait of French aristocrats and a group portrait of the well-to-do Grill family.

Fürstenberg Galleries

Best of all, and the main reason to visit, are the Fürstenberg Galleries on the top floor, which celebrate the work of some of Scandinavia’s most prolific and revered early twentieth-century artists; well-known works by Carl Larsson, Anders Zorn and Carl Wilhelmson reflect the seasons and landscapes of the Nordic countries, and evoke a vivid picture of Scandinavian life at that time. Paintings to look out for include Larsson’s Lilla Suzanne , which touchingly depicts the elated face of a baby and is one of his most realistic works; Anders Zorn’s Bathers , flushed with a pale pink summer glow and exemplifying the painter’s feeling for light and the human form; and the sensitive portraits by Ernst Josephson, most notably his full-length portrait of Carl Skånberg – easily mistaken for the young Winston Churchill. The Danish artist Peter Kroyer’s marvellous Hip Hip Hooray again plays with light, and a couple of works by Hugo Birger also deserve your attention. One depicts the interior of the original Fürstenberg Gallery, while his massive Scandinavian Artists’ Breakfast in Paris , dominating an entire wall, puts some faces to the artists’ names – a pamphlet in the room will help identify them. Also worth a look is an entire room of Larsson’s bright, fantastical wall-sized paintings.

The city’s oldest working-class suburb is Haga ; once so run-down that demolition was on the cards, today it’s one of Gothenburg’s most enjoyable quarters. The transformation took place in the early 1980s, after someone saw potential in the web of artisans’ homes known as “governor’s houses”, distinctive early nineteenth-century buildings constructed with a stone ground floor and two wooden upper storeys.

Haga is now a miniature version of Greenwich Village, with well-off and socially aware 20- and 30-somethings hanging out in the style-conscious cafés and shops along its cobbled streets.

Haga Nygatan

There are a couple of good cafés along Haga's main thoroughfare, Haga Nygatan , which is really somewhere to come during the day, when there are tables out on the street and the atmosphere is friendly and villagey – if a little self-consciously fashionable. Apart from the boutiques, which sell things like Art Deco light fittings, calming crystals and nineteenth-century Swedish kitchenware, it’s worth noting the intervening apartment buildings; these red-brick edifices were originally almshouses funded by the Dickson family, the city’s British industrialist forefathers who played a big part in the success of the East India Company – Robert Dickson’s name is still emblazoned on the facades.

To the west of Haga, the cosmopolitan district of Linné is named after the botanist Carl von Linné, who created the system for classifying plants used the world over. To get here, turn south off Haga Nygatan into Landsvägsgatan, which joins up with Linnégatan – the main thoroughfare. In recent years, so many stylish cafés and restaurants have sprung up along the main drag that Linné is now considered Gothenburg’s “second Avenyn”, although without the attitude; the street is lined with Dutch-inspired nineteenth-century architecture, tall and elegant buildings interspersed with steep little side roads. However, it’s the main roads leading off Linnégatan, prosaically named First Long Street (Första Långgatan), Second Long Street (Andra) and so on up to Fourth (Fjärde), that give the area its real character; the not-very-long Second and Third streets contain a mix of dark antique stores, basement cafés and sex shops.

On the right as you head up Linnégatan away from Järntorget is the forbidding building at no. 9 (at the corner of Fjärde Långgatan and Linnégatan) where King Oskar II had his private royal apartment – and his women. Directly opposite is a modern apartment block that’s worth a second glance; it replaced a property whose republican owner so hated both the monarchy and the morals of the king that he had a run of colourful ceramic panels depicting the devil installed, facing the royal apartment. Sadly, the Gothenburg propensity for doing away with its own past meant the “devil building”, as it was known, has now been demolished, but two of the grotesque panels have been incorporated into the new apartment block.

Southeast of Avenyn is the Liseberg Amusement Park , alive both during the day and at night throughout the summer. In its shadow to the south is one of Gothenburg’s most engaging museums, Universeum , particularly fascinating for children, while the absorbing Världskulturmuséet is just next door.

Liseberg Amusement Park

Just a few minutes’ walk southeast from Götaplatsen, Liseberg Amusement Park is a riot of party lights and bubblegum-pink paintwork. Opened in 1923, this is Scandinavia’s largest amusement park, and with its flowers, trees, fountains and clusters of lights, it’s great fun for adults as well as children, and leagues away from the neon and plastic mini-cities that constitute so many theme parks around the world. The old and the young dance to live bands most evenings, and although the park is louder and more youth-dominated at night (especially on Saturdays), it’s all good-humoured. Pride of place at Liseberg goes to its two roller coasters: “Kanonen”, which reaches its top speed just two seconds after being fired bullet-like from its start point, before plummeting 24m at a ninety-degree angle; and the equally hair-raising Balder, a wooden construction that’s twice been voted the best of its kind in the world – travelling at up to 90km per hour, it includes a seventy-degree drop.

Christmas market

If you’re around between mid-November and late December, head for Liseberg's enjoyable Christmas market , where stalls selling handicrafts and presents are lit by around three million fairy lights. This being Sweden, the commercialism is remarkably low-key, and the pervasive smell of glögg (mulled wine), roasted almonds and freshly made waffles adds to the enjoyment. This is also a good place to sample the traditional Swedish julbord , a Christmas smorgasbord full of hams, cheeses and heavenly cakes (booking required for the julbord , t 031 40 02 00).

The old town is divided in two by the Stora Hamnkanalen , to the north of which is the harbour , where the impressive shipyards make for a dramatic backdrop. The streets south of the canal stretch down to Rosenlundskanalen and the excellent Stora Saluhallen. Straddling the Stora Hamnkanalen is the stately main square, Gustav Adolfs torg , a good starting point for sightseeing around the old town; you can easily see the whole area in a day.

Gustav Adolfs torg

At the centre of Gustav Adolfs torg , a copper statue of Gustav II Adolf points ostentatiously to the spot where he reputedly declared: “Here I will build my city.” This isn’t the original German-made statue of the city founder however: that one was kidnapped on its way to Sweden and, rather than pay the ransom demanded, the Gothenburgers commissioned a new one.

On the western edge of Gustav Adolfs torg stands the Rådhuset , which isn’t a town hall as the name suggests, but has housed the criminal law courts since 1673. The dull Neoclassical facade is dramatically improved by an extension designed by the ground-breaking Functionalist architect Gunnar Asplund in 1937.

Lilla Bommen harbour

At the riverside Lilla Bommen harbour Gothenburg’s industrial decline is juxtaposed with its artistic regeneration to dramatic visual effect. To the west, beyond the harbour, redundant shipyard cranes loom across the sky, making a sombre background to the industrially themed bronze and pink-granite sculptures dotted along the waterfront.

Walking west along the quay, it’s just a couple of minutes to Maritiman , the city’s engaging maritime museum, which comprises nineteen boats, including the 1915 lightship, Fladen , a submarine and a freighter which once sailed regularly from Gothenburg across the North Sea to the east coast of England, each giving a glimpse of how seamen lived and worked on board. The most impressive ship is a monstrous naval destroyer, Småland , which saw active service until 1979. There’s a rather good café on another of the ships, the ferry Dan Broström , with outdoor seating available on the upper deck.

Stadsmuseum

The Stadsmuseum is Gothenburg’s biggest museum. It is located in the Ostindiska Huset, which housed the offices, goods store and auction house of the enormously influential Swedish East India Company . Envious of the major maritime nations, two Gothenburg-based industrialists, Colin Campbell and Niklas Sahlgren, set up the firm in the early eighteenth century. Granted the sole Swedish rights to trade with China in 1731, the company monopolized all Swedish trade with the Far East for over eighty years, on condition that the bounty – tea, silk, porcelain, spices and arrack (an East Indian schnapps used to make Swedish punch) – had to be sold and auctioned in Gothenburg. As a result, Chinese influence pervaded Gothenburg society, and wealthy financiers adorned their homes and gardens with Chinese motifs. By 1813, unrest caused by the French Revolution and competition from British and Dutch tea traders meant that profits slid, and the company lost its monopoly. The headquarters, however, remain an imposing reminder of the power and prestige the company – and Gothenburg – once had.

Elsewhere in the museum, other main exhibits focus on Gothenburg’s Viking past and include the impressive remains of the Äskekärr longboat, a trading vessel dating from around 900 which was found 30km up the Göta River from present-day Gothenburg. There’s also a breathtaking collection of medieval triptychs from churches across western Sweden, as well as a thorough account of the founding of Gothenburg in 1621 and its development through the centuries.

Following the zigzagging Rosenlundskanalen that marks the southern perimeter of old Gothenburg – a moat during the days when the city was fortified – makes for a fine twenty-minute stroll, past pretty waterside views and a number of interesting diversions.

The stretch along Stora Nygatan is the most scenic; to one side are Neoclassical buildings all stuccoed in cinnamon and cream, and to the other is the green expanse of Trädgårdsföreningen park.

Kungsportsplatsen and Stora Saluhallen

Continuing west from Trädgårdsföreningen park, you’ll pass Kungsportsplatsen , in the centre of which stands a useful landmark, a sculpture known as the “Copper Mare” – though it’s immediately obvious if you look from beneath that this is no mare. A few minutes further on, and one block in from the canal at Kungstorget, stands Stora Saluhallen , a pretty, barrel-roofed indoor market built in the 1880s. Busy with shoppers perusing the forty-odd stalls and shops and full of atmosphere, it’s a great place to wander, as is the market outside.

Trädgårdsföreningen park

Well-groomed Trädgårdsföreningen park contains a number of attractions, the most impressive of which is the 1878 Palmhuset (Palm House); designed as a copy of London’s Crystal Palace, and looking like a huge English conservatory, it contains a wealth of very un-Swedish plant life, including tropical, Mediterranean and Asian flowers.

Elsewhere in the park is the Rosarium , which, with nearly three thousand varieties of rose, provides a myriad of colours throughout the year; in summer it hosts lunchtime concerts and a special children’s theatre (details are available at the tourist office).

Just north of the main entrance to the park, across the canal, is Kungsportsplatsen, in the centre of which stands a useful landmark, a sculpture known as the “Copper Mare” – though it’s immediately obvious if you look from beneath that this is no mare.

Slottskogsparken is a huge, tranquil expanse of parkland with farm animals and birdlife, including pink flamingoes in summer. On its south side are the impressive Botaniska Trädgården , a vast glasshouse akin to London’s Kew Gardens, which, at almost two square kilometres, are the biggest in Europe. The gardens hold some sixteen thousand species of plants; highlights are some of Sweden’s biggest orchids, the summer flower plantations and the adjoining arboretum.

Having explored the city centre, don’t miss the opportunity to wander into the Vasastan district, where the streets are lined with fine nineteenth-century and National Romantic architecture, and the cafés are cheaper, more laidback and much more charismatic than those in the centre. The area also boasts Gothenburg’s collection of applied arts, the Röhsska Museum , and several fine university buildings.

Along Vasagatan , the main street through the district, and parallel Engelbrektsgatan to the south, you’ll come across solid, stately and rangy buildings that epitomize Gothenburg’s nineteenth-century commercial wealth and civic pride. White-stuccoed or red-and-cream brick facades are decorated with elaborate ceramic tiles, intricate stone-and-brick animal carvings, shiny metal cupolas and classical windows. With the detail spread gracefully across these six-storey terraces, the overall effect is of restrained grandeur. Many of the houses also have Continental-style wrought-iron balconies; it’s easy to imagine high-society gatherings spilling out into the night on warm summer evenings. In contrast, interspersed among all this nineteenth-century swagger are some perfect examples of early twentieth-century National Romantic architecture, with rough-hewn stone and Art Nouveau swirls in plaster and brickwork; look particularly at the low-numbered buildings along Engelbrektsgatan.

Röhsska Museum

The excellent Röhsska Museum is Sweden’s main museum of design, fashion and applied arts and an aesthetic Aladdin’s cave, with each floor concentrating on different areas of decorative and functional art, from early-dynasty Chinese ceramics to European arts and crafts from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Most arresting is the first floor, which is devoted to twentieth-century decor and features all manner of recognizable designs for domestic furniture and appliances from the 1910s to the twenty-first century – enough to send anyone over the age of 10 on a giddy nostalgia trip.

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Haga, Gothenburg, Sweden (ISO 100, 95 mm, f /4, 1/500 s)

A Tour of Gothenburg: Sweden's 2nd Largest City

The port city of Gothenburg lies on Sweden's western coast, just south of Norway, and north of Denmark. As a great alternative to Stockholm, Gothenburg boasts much natural green space (Seminarieparken, Slottsskogen, Palm House/Horticultural Gardens) with excellent attractions (Liseberg, Haga), and great city views (Skansen Kronan, Röda Sten Konsthall, Stenpiren).

How a millennial Lyft driver used the gig to travel to all 50 states, launch a food blog, and get started on a book

• Kreskin J. Torres, a Lyft driver, has traveled across all 50 states, documenting his dining experiences.
• Torres is working on a book, an app called Rideshare Foodies, and is organizing a national potluck.
• He said gig driving is just temporary and has helped him achieve his larger goals.

Kreskin J. Torres, 35, has eaten his way through all 50 states — including Alaska and Hawaii. His ticket to doing so? Driving for Uber and Lyft .

The Army veteran and Baltimore native has documented his dining on his blog Rideshare Foodie . After seven years, he's learned the most profitable times of day to drive, the best locations to find riders in each city and the optimal strategies for maximizing tips .

"You just got to work smarter, not harder," Torres said. "From my experience, I've been in every state, so I know how every city works now."

At the same time, he's been able to pursue his foodie passions. Torres is now working on a book called "Taste of the States," his recommendations app called Rideshare Foodies, and planning a series of events to honor dishes from various states and their history.

While driving for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft can be a flexible way to earn money for people like Torres who have more than one hustle, it can also be a recipe for burnout. Among the dozens of drivers Business Insider has spoken with over the past few months, many are already dreaming of what's next — starting a business or finding new modes of employment .

And that's Torres' main career advice for those considering it. After all, he's not planning to do the job forever, as he hopes to transition away, though it helped him jump-start new paths for his future.

"Do not make this the end all be all," Torres said, noting how Uber and Lyft have threatened to pull out of Minneapolis. "When it started, it was advertised as a gig, a side hustle."

Traveling the country as a gig driver

As a veteran, he said this job has been relatively stress-free and helpful for not feeling lonely, a similar sentiment he's heard from veterans with PTSD.

"I enjoy meeting and connecting with different people and getting to see different places," Torres said.

He decided to spend his next few years on the road using driving to fund his adventures and to meet locals who could point him to the best restaurants and experiences.

"The great thing is you get to learn about different cities and how everything operates," Torres said.

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He moved to San Antonio , though he works mainly around the more-profitable Austin area, and has explored the South and Southeast.

While he doesn't make much money from his blog, he said driving has allowed him to try everything from Navajo tacos in Arizona to biscuits in chocolate gravy in Arkansas to huckleberry swirls in Montana. Driving has led him to some of his favorite restaurants like I693 Red Zone Grill in Jackson, Mississippi; Strawberry's BBQ in Holcomb, Missouri; and Rice & Roll by Xing Xing in Wichita.

Learning the most profitable places and times to drive

Torres noticed he would get more profitable rides driving around suburbs, airports, and sports stadiums, locations coveted by drivers as they get more tips and sometimes elevated fares.

He learned New Year's will always be profitable , though rides slow down around February before picking up in mid-March. It's led him to be more methodical about the types of rides to take, as well as planning when to save more of his earnings and when to splurge a little on food and travel.

"After seven years, I'm a lot more experienced. It depends on the time of the season, so I usually can do a lot more business in college towns," Torres said. "I would visit a city, see what they're known for, a little history behind it."

Torres was making enough to comfortably travel the country, though he's always been careful since he said passengers are sometimes confused by his out-of-state license plate. He also faced a permanent deactivation from Uber last year over a dispute over the color of his car.

He doesn't have a wife or kids, nor does he have an apartment, as he mainly lives out of his car to save money. He acknowledges that growing competition on the road and lower earnings could put a greater dent in savings for people with families or permanent residences.

Torres has transitioned to driving full-time for Lyft , and he typically is online for 12 hours a day but only actively drives five to six hours in between waiting around airports.

He said he's increasingly put himself in his passengers' shoes to determine the best places and times to drive — he likely won't put in the effort to drive during rain, and he's more likely to do later trips around concert venues or bars.

To continue supporting his travels, he said he sometimes does airport rides at 3 or 4 a.m., as well as rides between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. during the morning rush. He also said being online around noon is fruitful for corporate workers, while 3 p.m. is right when schools let out. He usually tries not to drive around evening rush hours but sometimes resumes later at night.

He also devotes more time to driving between Wednesday and Sunday, when rides are more frequent, whether for "whiskey Wednesdays" or Friday afternoon happy hours. This is also when he can best network with passengers and hear their stories, as he said he occasionally gets to drive famous people.

Torres said drivers should consider this a short-term opportunity while working toward long-term goals. As he eases off the app, he has his eyes set on more international travel in the coming months. He's also investing more time in his food app, a local recommendation tool that functions like a Facebook group in which people ask questions about, for example, the best bartender in the area or where to go for particular dishes. It has launched on Android and set to be released on Apple by the summer.

"The most positivity that you can get out of it, do whatever you can and get the most out of it," Torres said. "The next few months will probably be my last time doing this because I'm focusing on other things, so I always had a plan for the things I was going to do."

Are you a ride-hailing driver who's struggling to pay bills or has had recent success? Have you recently pivoted to a new career from driving? Reach out to  [email protected] .

Watch: How truck driving became one of the worst jobs in the US

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