Gothenburg (Göteborg) – Sweden’s vibrant west coast city

The compact city – Gothenburg’s cultural attractions

Despite being Sweden's second-largest city, Gothenburg is easy to explore on foot. Stroll around 17th-century Gothenburg in Haga, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, known for its well-preserved wooden houses, cobblestone streets and cosy cafés.

Avenyn, Gothenburg's main boulevard, is lined with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. At its southern end lies Götaplatsen, the city's cultural hub, where the Gothenburg Museum of Art, Gothenburg Concert Hall and Gothenburg City Theatre surround the iconic Poseidon Fountain, featuring Carl Milles' famous sculpture of the sea god Poseidon.

Another icon that has shaped Gothenburg’s skyline for over a century is Liseberg, Scandinavia’s largest amusement park. Combining thrilling rides with open-air concerts as part of its Live Liseberg programme, it remains one of Sweden’s most popular attractions. The park is also transformed for seasonal celebrations such as Halloween and Christmas, drawing visitors from across the country.

Music has long been part of Gothenburg’s identity. From summer festivals and intimate club gigs to performances at Ullevi, Sweden’s largest outdoor arena, Gothenburg has established itself as one of Sweden’s leading music destinations.

Three museums and experiences not to miss

• Gothenburg City Museum: Discover Gothenburg's 400-year history through exhibitions spanning from the city's founding in 1621 to the present day.
• World of Volvo: Located in the birthplace of Volvo Cars, this experience centre explores the history, design and innovation behind one of Sweden’s most iconic brands, including a unique collection of heritage vehicles.
• Röhsska Museum: Sweden’s only museum dedicated to design and craft, featuring collections ranging from historical objects to contemporary Scandinavian design and fashion.

Gothenburg’s natural wonderland – right on your doorstep

Nature is never far away in Gothenburg. From leafy parks and nature reserves to sea swimming and island adventures, the city offers year-round access to outdoor experiences. Slottsskogen, Gothenburg's beloved city park, combines open green spaces, natural woodland and walking paths, while the Gothenburg Botanical Garden is home to one of Europe's largest collections of plants and flowers.

Another popular outdoor meeting place is Jubileumsparken, created as part of Gothenburg's 400th anniversary celebrations. Located on the waterfront, the park offers free activities for all ages, including a public sauna and three swimming pools, one of which is open year-round.

Looking to swap city streets for sea views? Gothenburg's archipelago is closer than you might think. The Gothenburg region is home to more than 7,600 islands, islets and skerries, 20 of which are inhabited. Many of the inhabited islands can be reached by public transport directly from the city centre, making it easy to combine a city break with island-hopping adventures. Divided into a northern and southern archipelago, the area offers everything from fishing villages and coastal hiking trails to swimming spots and seafood restaurants.

3 hiking trails in and around Gothenburg

• Gotaleden: This 99-kilometre trail connects Gothenburg and Alingsås, often referred to as Sweden’s fika capital. The first stage starts in central Gothenburg and leads through the Delsjön Nature Reserve.
• Pilgrimsleden Göta Älv: Follow this historic 120-kilometre pilgrimage route along the river Göta Älv, from Masthugg Church in Gothenburg through several green areas within the city, all the way to Vänersborg.
• Göteborgs skärgårdsled: Stretching 27 kilometres across the islands of Hönö, Fotö, Öckerö and Hälsö, this archipelago trail forms part of Kuststigen, often described as West Sweden’s most scenic hiking trail.

On the menu – Gothenburg food and drink hotspots

If there's one place to enjoy seafood in Sweden, it's Gothenburg. A testament to the city's love affair with fish and shellfish is Feskekörka – literally "the Fish Church" – an iconic fish market hall that has served locals and visitors since 1874. Today, it remains a go-to destination for fresh seafood, with fishmongers, seafood counters and restaurants under one roof.

Beyond its seafood heritage, Gothenburg has developed a vibrant food scene, ranging from six Michelin-starred restaurants to innovative neighbourhood eateries and traditional cafés. Around the trendy Magasinsgatan district, you'll find a mix of food trucks, speciality coffee shops and restaurants that reflect Gothenburg's contemporary food culture. And no visit to Gothenburg is complete without a fika. Head to Café Husaren in Haga to try the famous 'Hagabullen', a giant cinnamon bun that has become a local institution.

5 restaurants to try in Gothenburg

• Fiskekrogen: A much-loved Gothenburg institution known for its generous shellfish platters and classic seafood dishes.
• Vrå: A Japanese-inspired restaurant celebrated for its innovative approach to Nordic seafood.
• Human: Modern Nordic cuisine with a focus on seafood, vegetables and seasonal ingredients.
• Natur: A modern take on traditional Swedish ‘husmanskost’, complemented by an excellent selection of natural wines.
• Tavolo: A lively New York-Italian restaurant set in a converted industrial heritage building.

Gothenburg’s craft beer and urban wine

Gothenburg has earned a reputation as one of Europe's leading craft beer destinations, with a thriving community of breweries, taprooms and beer pubs spread across the city. One of the best-known names is Stigbergets, whose award-winning beers have helped put Gothenburg on the international craft beer map. Their brewery and taproom in the former industrial district of Ringön regularly host events and attract beer enthusiasts from near and far.

Wine lovers should head to Gamlestaden, a former industrial area that has evolved into one of Gothenburg's emerging food and culture districts. Here you'll find Wine Mechanics, Sweden's first urban winery, where visitors can enjoy wine tastings and dinner at the on-site Winery Pub. The winery is also one of the organisers behind the annual Slakthuset Block Party, celebrating the area's growing food, drink and culture scene.

Accommodation in Gothenburg

From boutique hotels in the city centre to spa retreats in the archipelago and countryside, Gothenburg offers accommodation for every type of traveller.

• Hôtel Eggers: One of Sweden's oldest hotels, combining historic charm with modern comfort in a landmark building next to Gothenburg Central Station.
• Clarion Hotel Draken: Gothenburg's tallest hotel, featuring the city's highest sky bar and built around the historic Draken cinema, which continues to host concerts, shows and live events.
• Jacy'z Hotel & Resort: A 100-metre-tall skyscraper offering stylish rooms, a pool club, restaurants and cocktail bars inspired by international city resorts.
• Kusthotellet Styrsö: An elegant spa hotel on Styrsö in Gothenburg's southern archipelago, surrounded by fishing villages, coastal cliffs and scenic walking trails.
• Hjortviken Country Club: A lakeside retreat 25 minutes from Gothenburg, featuring pools, restaurants, bars and a deliberately unplugged atmosphere where music takes centre stage instead of television.

Travelling with children

Gothenburg is a great destination for families. While Liseberg is often the main draw, there are plenty of other attractions where children can learn, play and explore.

Universeum: Explore everything from tropical rainforests and ocean life to space and technology. The science centre is also home to Sweden’s largest visualisation dome, offering immersive 360-degree experiences.

Alfie Atkins Cultural Centre (Alfons Åbergs Kulturhus): A creative space inspired by one of Sweden’s most beloved children's book characters, featuring play areas, storytelling and activities designed for younger children.

Maritime Museum and Aquarium (Sjöfartsmuseet): Discover adventurous stories from the sea and explore aquariums featuring Nordic marine life and Europe’s largest collection of live corals.

Paradox Museum: An interactive museum filled with optical illusions, surprising visual effects and hands-on installations that challenge your perception of reality.

Activate Nordstan: A technology-driven gaming and activity centre where physical challenges meet digital experiences, including climbing, problem-solving and laser tag. Particularly popular with older children and teenagers.