Heidi Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, awaits on the west coast of Sweden (Stockholm is on the east). While the towering cranes hint at its industrial and harbor roots, Gothenburg is surprisingly green. Nestled on the Göta Älv River with the sea nearby, water is a constant presence. Often overlooked for city breaks, Gothenburg promises a delightful surprise! It’s also a perfect starting point for exploring Sweden’s breathtaking nature.
Gothenburg has a connection to the Netherlands. Dutch colonists previously settled in the area, and when King Gustav II Adolf founded Gothenburg in 1621, he sought help from the Dutch (alongside Germans and Scots). The Dutch influence is evident in the city’s canals, modeled after Amsterdam, and their role in shaping the city plan. They were even seated in the early city government! Interestingly, Dutch was once an official language alongside Swedish.
Gothenburg takes sustainability seriously and was multiple times recognized as the world’s most sustainable city by the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI) and Lonely Planet (2021).
Gothenburg’s rich history, vibrant culture, stunning natural surroundings, and focus on sustainability combine for a unique city break. Whether you’re interested in history, a (sea)foodie, or an art enthusiast, Gothenburg has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and follow along on a weekend break to Gothenburg with this extensive city guide!
How to say Göteborg?
The pronunciation of Göteborg, Swedish for Gothenburg, can be tricky! Swedes say it like “Yuh-teh-bor-yuh.” We’ll just stick with the English Gothenburg.
Gothenburg: must-see sights and activities for your city break
My top 3 picks for Gothenburg? Easy! Haga district, the archipelago, and the city’s incredible seafood scene. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. On Take me to Sweden you’ll find a lot more tips for your Gothenburg trip. This complete city guide is a good start to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Inom Vallgraven: step back in time: Gothenburg’s Old Town
Start your Gothenburg adventure with a stroll through the charming, canal-lined Old Town. I explored Kronhuset and Kronhusbodarna, some of the city’s oldest buildings, during their Christmas market – a treasure trove of local crafts. (Perfect for picking up unique souvenirs! I bought my favourite pair of earrings here, a beautiful souvenir and cherished memory of my first city trip to Gothenburg.)
Head to Gustav Adolfs Torg, a famous square dominated by the town hall and the iconic Lion Stairs. Don’t miss the Gothenburg Cathedral and Saluhallen, the city’s bustling covered market, while you’re there.
The Haga district
Wander down Haga Nygata (“New Street”) and be transported to a different era. Here, you’ll find 19th-century “landshövdingehus” – traditional wooden houses with brick ground floors. Once a working-class neighbourhood, Haga is now a trendy district teeming with cosy cafes for fika (Swedish coffee breaks!), unique boutiques and cute shops . Haga Nygata is a must visit, but also don’t forget Hagabadet, a personal favourite.
Feskekôrka, paradise for foodies
Calling all seafoodies and architecture lovers! Feskekôrka, or “the Fish Church,” is a must-visit. This stunning fish market takes inspiration from a traditional Norwegian church. The building dates from 1874.
Gothenburg’s green spaces
Swedes love the outdoors, and Gothenburg is no exception. Nature is never far away, whether you’re exploring the city or venturing further afield. Here are some green havens to add to your itinerary:
Slottsskogen
This vast city park Slottsskogen on the outskirts boasts a petting zoo, a free animal park (spotting reindeer and seals in Gothenburg? You bet!), sprawling lawns for picnics or exercise, playgrounds, sports fields, eateries, and even forest. In summer, the park comes alive with the Way Out West festival.
Botaniska, a beautiful botanical garden
Prepare to be surprised by this garden bursting with plants and flowers (from all over the world) – even in early spring, there’s plenty to see at Gothenburg Botanical Garden. Don’t miss the rock garden, which winds its way up Håberget hill, rewarding you with stunning city and sea views at the top. Feeling adventurous? Continue your walk to Änggårdsbergen Nature Reserve.
Trädgårdsföreningen & Palmhuset
The beautiful park Trädgårdsföreningen, dating back to 1842, is a favourite among locals and visitors alike, especially on sunny days. Relax amidst thousands of roses, or grab a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing read.
My favorite place in the winter months was the Palmhuset. This gigantic greenhouse is home to many tropical plants. The ideal place to warm up on a cold winter day (or on a rainy day).
Jubileumsparken, for Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary
Jubileumsparken was built for Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary celebrations. This area near Frihamnen offers an outdoor pool, a funny, eco-friendly elephant-shaped sauna and many other things.
Lindholmen and Eriksberg, across the river
Don’t miss out on the ‘other side’ of Gothenburg on your city break. Hop on the Älvsnabben ferry from Stenpiren to Lindholmen (it’s free for this part of the ferry) and take a stroll all the way to the iconic crane at the old Eriksberg shipyard. This riverside path offers stunning views across Gothenburg and you’ll find a few cafes, restaurants and little boutiques along the way. In winter, it’s a cracking spot to catch a beautiful sunset. In summer, you’ll see plenty of locals soaking up the sunshine on the waterfront. And don’t forget to snap a picture of the picturesque boathouses in Lindholmsdockan harbour!
Stunning views on the city
- Skansen Kronan sits on the fringes of the Haga district. This 17th-century fortress perches on a hill called Risåsberget, offering stunning views across the city and even a glimpse of the water. The climb’s a bit of a slog, but the reward is definitely worth it. The first time I went, it had just snowed! I can still picture us clinging to the railings for dear life as it was so slippy. In summer, you can relax on the terrace with a drink or a snack, all while taking in the uninterrupted 180° view of the city. If you’re keen to explore inside Skansen Kronan, be sure to check their website as opening times are a bit hit and miss.
- For an architectural oddity, look no further than Lilla Bommen. This white and red building on the banks of the Göta Älv River has earned the rather apt nickname “the lipstick”. Be ready for phenomenal views from up top.
- If you’re after a more classic viewpoint, head to Utsikstornet (the viewing tower) in Slottsskogen park. It offers panoramic cityscapes.
- And for something truly unique, check out Cuckoo’s Nest. This rooftop bar boasts city views you can enjoy from the comfort of a jacuzzi! They also serve up delicious food (and even have rooms if you fancy an overnight stay – check out my accommodation tips for more on that).
Gothenburg from the water
Keep your eyes peeled for the Paddan tour boats as you wander along Gothenburg’s canals. These bright red vessels whisk you around some of the city’s top sights in under an hour, all while providing a fascinating commentary on Gothenburg’s history and culture.
Speaking of iconic vessels, Gothenburg boasts a few ships that are simply part of the city’s history. Near Lilla Bommen, you’ll find the majestic Barken Viking, the largest sailing ship ever built in Scandinavia, dating back to 1906. In this grand dame of the seas you’ll now find a unique hotel and restaurant.
Across the water, docked in all her glory, is the Götheborg of Sweden, a meticulously crafted replica of an 18th-century East Indiaman. To delve deeper into her fascinating story, head over to their website.
And finally, no exploration of Gothenburg’s maritime heritage would be complete without a mention of the Stena Line ferry terminal. These ferries connect Gothenburg with the German city of Kiel, keeping the city’s strong port tradition alive.
Liseberg for themepark enthusiasts
If you like dizzying rollercoasters, then Liseberg is your place. The amusement park first opened in 1923 and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.
What you often see in Sweden is that you have different types of entrance tickets. They distinguish between all-in-one tickets that also give you access to all attractions, an entrance ticket that only provides access to the park, and a ‘Ride Coupon’ which is actually a ticket for a single attraction. So it takes a little calculation to estimate what is most affordable for you, but I think it is a good solution so that you as an accompanying adult do not have to pay the full price.
Liseberg isn’t just about heart-stopping rides. They also regularly host concerts featuring well-known Swedish and international artists.
Come December, Liseberg transforms into a winter wonderland! Millions of twinkling lights adorn the park, and the largest Christmas market in Gothenburg sets up shop. To delve deeper into the festive magic of Liseberg Christmas, check out this article.
Must visit musea in Gothenburg
Gothenburg caters to all interests with its diverse range of museums. Here are a few highlights:
- World of Volvo: For car enthusiasts, a visit to Gothenburg wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the new World of Volvo exhibition and conference center which opened in April 2024.
- Gothenburg Museum of Art: Calling all art lovers! This museum boasts an impressive collection, including Nordic works alongside masterpieces by artistic giants like Rubens, Van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt, and Picasso.
- Modern Art Gems: For a dose of contemporary art, head to Röda Sten Konsthall and Röhsska museet. (These are both still on my to-visit list, so stay tuned for future updates!)
- Science Fun for All Ages: Families with children will love Universeum, a science museum packed with interactive exhibits.
- Natural History and Trains: The Naturhistoriska museum (Natural History Museum) and the Railway Museum are also great options for families, offering fascinating insights into the natural world and the history of transportation.
Discover the surroundings of Gothenburg
TOP – island hopping in the Gothenburg archipelago
Off the coast of Gothenburg there are some lovely, rocky islands that are also part of Greater Gothenburg. They’re usually divided into the North and South Isles. The ferry to the North Isles leaves from Lilla Varholmen and takes you across to Hönö. You can then island-hop across bridges to Öckerö, Fotö and Hälsö. The South Isles are car-free, with ferries leaving from Stenpiren and Saltholmen. Check the Västtrafiken app (see below, public transport) for ferry times to plan your island hopping adventure. Be prepared to wait for the next ferry if it’s busy, and don’t miss the last boat back!
For me, the Gothenburg archipelago is always the best part of a city break in Gothenburg. It’s close by but feels like a whole different world. As a sealover at heart, this is where I truly unwind. It’s brilliant for swimming, kayaking, walking, or simply soaking it all up. I can’t wait to explore more of the islands and the charming, authentic fishing villages. For instance, Snorklingsleden is still on my bucket list, and I’d also love to do some diving (shipwrecks or otherwise) here. And then there’s the Bohuslän archipelago with a whopping 8,000 islands to discover. So much to see!
Kvarnbyn, Mölndal
A lovely spot are the Kvarnbyn waterfalls near Gothenburg, just outside Mölndal. The City Museum there has won awards and is definitely worth a look too. One thing I’m really keen to do is see the waterfalls frozen – that’s on my bucket list!
Gunnebo Slott
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Gunnebo Slott. This magnificent 18th-century mansion and its exquisite gardens will transport you to a bygone era of opulence and grandeur. Imagine strolling through the manicured lawns, admiring the ornate fountains, and feeling like royalty yourself.
The beautiful nature and many hiking trails
For all you keen walkers out there, Gothenburg’s a dream! The area boasts a fantastic selection of hiking trails and nature reserves. There’s Estadalens nature reserve, Delsjön, Kuststigen, Bohusleden – you name it, they’ve got it. I’m actually in the midst of planning a hike along the Gotaleden myself. It’s a 70km route that takes you all the way from Gothenburg to Alingsås.
Tours near Göteborg worth doing
Hotspots for fashionista’s and design lovers
Gothenburg’s got some fantastic shopping! The main streets to hit up are around Magasinsgatan, Vallgatan, Östra & Södra Larmgatan, Kungsgatan and Fredsgatan. There’s lots of different shops to explore.
For those who love a big shopping centre, go to Nordstan and Arkaden near the station – perfect if you’re a shopaholic or for those rainy days.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, Haga’s the place to go. It’s packed with little independent boutiques, so you can find some real gems there.
In addition to the well-known chains such as Åhléns, Lindex, H&M,… Gothenburg is home to a wide range of boutiques and design concept stores. My favorite shops include Rum 21, Emma & Malena, Artilleriet, Grandpa,…
TIP: look for the gigantic thermometer on the corner of Kyrkogatan, near Gothenburg Cathedral.
Restaurants in Göteborg: my personal tips
When I think of Sweden’s west coast, I naturally think of the delicious seafood and fresh fish you can eat there. I am a real seafoodie: fresh oysters, gravad lax, mussels, lobster, shrimps and catch of the day. Below I share a few addresses I would like to recommend. If you have more tips, be sure to share them in the comments!
For me Långgatorna are the places to be for a lovely dinner or a drink in the evening. One of the restaurants I always recommend is the cosy Byns Bistro. Nearby, Barabicu is also highly recommended. You’ll also find restaurants and bars around Avenyn.
For a quick, affordable bite, I’d recommend the food trucks around Magasinsgatan or Saluhallen. Here you can sample local delicacies, buy specialities to take home and enjoy a tasty but affordable lunch. Another budget tip is the Condeco chain or Max Burgare.
No city break in Sweden without the popular fika, the famous Swedish coffee break! Fika is an experience not to be missed. In Gothenburg you will find plenty of places to go for a good coffee and a tasty treat. Da Matteo in Magasinsgatan is one of those popular spots. For a classic fika, go to Konditori Brogyllen.
And you will also find fika haven in Haga district. Hebbe Lelle, Café Kringlan and Café Husaren are popular amongst tourists with their cosy interior and delicious pastries. Tip: don’t believe all bloggers and Instafamous people praising the large hagabullar. Personally I think they are rather dry compared to the smaller, normal kanelbullar.
Hotels in Gothenburg: my recommendations
For a city break in Gothenburg, I would choose a hotel in the city centre. You walk outside your hotel and immediately feel the city vibes. Those looking for budget-friendly accommodation don’t have to look outside the city either. Below are some of my recommendations where I have either already stayed myself or would definitely consider for my next visit to Gothenburg:
During my first city break in Gothenburg, I slept at Hotel Riverton. To this day, it is my favourite hotel in Gothenburg. I still remember the soft bedding, the perfect pillows and the view over the water. Breakfast was sublime. The icing on the cake was the wellness area and the jovial staff.
For families with children, I would recommend Hotel Heden.
- Check here for prices and availability
- Read my review on Hotel Heden.
If you are travelling by car and prefer not to park in the city centre, the Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel near Lindholmen comes highly recommended.
- Check here for prices and availability
- Read my review on Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel
More accommodation in Gothenburg, Sweden:
Booking.comPrefer camping? Find all info on (wild) camping in Sweden here.
Practical info city break Gothenburg
How to get to Gothenburg?
Train
From Copenhagen you can travel to Gothenburg by train in 3 hours. There is also a good train connection between Stockholm and Gothenburg. You can easily book your train trip via Omio.
By car to Gothenburg
From mainland Europe you can drive over the bridges or take a ferry from Germany or Denmark.
Tip: Travelling to Sweden by ferry Kiel – Gothenburg? Then combine your round trip with a city trip in Gothenburg.
Bus
You can also take the long-distance bus to Sweden or travel to Gothenburg from another Swedish city. Check here for exclusive offers from FlixBus.
By plane + from airport to Gothenburg city centre
If you are flying to Gothenburg, there are several daily flights from many airport hubs to Gothenburg Landvetter.
From Gothenburg Landvetter, I usually choose the bus from Flygbussarna. The bus runs several times an hour and gets you to the city centre (Nils Ericson Terminal) in half an hour. Tip: buy your ticket H/T in advance in the app, which is the cheapest option. Another, but more expensive, way to get from the airport to the city centre is by taxi.
Check here for the cheapest airfare to Gothenburg, Sweden.
Getting around in Gothenburg
On city trips, I usually choose to do as much as possible on foot. You see more that way, in my opinion. But public transport in Gothenburg is well organised with trams, buses and ferries.
Public transport in Gothenburg: Västtrafik
For your stay in Gothenburg it is interesting to download the local transport company’s app Västtrafik To Go (Android, iOs) that serves the city and the whole region. The region is divided into 3 zones: A, B and C. The fare within the zone is the same. A different fare applies when travelling from one zone to another.
Getting around Gothenburg by bike
In Gothenburg and Mölndal (a small town south-east of Gothenburg), you can rent bikes via Nextbike’s Styr och Ställ. Register on the website, download the app and off you go. You borrow a bike from one of the 130 staging points, scan the QR code with your app and you will be sent a code to unlock the bike. Good to know: you can reserve bikes 15 minutes in advance and you can rent up to 4 bikes on 1 account.
Renting a bike or mountain bike for a longer period of time? Then take a look here for a list of providers. And on this website you will find a handy planner for those who want to get around Gothenburg by bike during your city break.
It is also impossible to discover the city without electric scooters. Voi and Tier, among others, operate in Gothenburg.
By car in Gothenburg
I did find it challenging to get around Gothenburg by car. The contrast with driving outside the city could hardly be greater. No, in Gothenburg you are better off taking public transport, cycling or walking.
Anyone driving in or out of the city centre pays a so-called congestion tax. This is done automatically, based on your number plate, when you pass at certain points and they send the payment request to your home address. Depending on the time of day, the cost is between SEK 9 and SEK 45, with a maximum of SEK 60 (about €6) per day.
Parking in Gothenburg (+ tips for the electric car)
Parking in Gothenburg can be tricky. Most places have paid parking. You can tell by the sign P-avgift. You can pay with most bank cards at the machines (which can also be operated in English) or download in advance the app Parkering Göteborg. After registering, you can follow the instructions in the app. In that app you can also search for parking spaces and even specifically look for parking spaces where you can charge electrically during your city break Gothenburg.
Paying for charging your electric car is also done through the app. Note: you will need a type 2 contact charging cable. Another app for charging your electric car is Göteborg Energi.
With the mobilhome or caravan, you are not allowed to park just anywhere. Find more info here.
Good to know for your city break in Gothenburg
- Packing tips for your city trip to Gothenburg? This ultimate packing list for Sweden will get you started!
- Useful things to know before travelling to Sweden.
- Useful links to book your trip to Sweden: click here.
When is the best time to visit Gothenburg?
In my opinion the weeks before Christmas and spring/summer are the best times to travel to Gothenburg. Butut I haven’t been to Gothenburg in all the months of the year, so it’s just from a personal perspective.
At Christmas, Gothenburg transforms into a true Christmas town (Julstaden Göteborg in Swedish). You can read all about Christmas in Gothenburg here (in Dutch) and here I have compiled an overview of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Gothenburg for you. My personal favourites are the Haga Christmas market and the Singing Christmas Tree.
For culture lovers, late October, with Kulturnatta, can be the best travel time. Besides numerous extra activities, a lot of museums and cultural houses are open for free. Often, you can also take a unique look behind the scenes.
Gothenburg on a budget – money saving tips for your city break in Sweden
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While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this travel guide, information can sometimes change. If you spot anything that’s not quite right (or no longer the case), please do let us know.
