Gothenburg Travel & Vacation Guide

Explore one of the Cold War’s most top-secret defence facilities, located in a 1950's subterranean hangar 30 metres below the rock surface. Aeroseum is an aviation discovery centre packed with fascinating experiences for people of all ages. Visitors can explore, experience, and experiment in the 22,000-square-metre subterranean hangar. Exhibits include Draken and Viggen warplanes, civil aircraft, helicopters, engines and more.

Kungsportsavenyen, Gothenburg's main boulevard, mostly known as Avenyn, is not only a centre for entertainment, but this upscale neighbourhood also offers exclusive boutiques and clothing stores. It stretches from the Kungsportsbron bridge to Götaplatsen situated near the Museum of Art, the City Theatre, the Concert Hall, and the Poseidon statue. Avenyn is lined with shops, cosy cafés, renowned restaurants, and popular bars. It gets extra lively here in the summer when holidaymakers enjoy the bar and restaurant life, spilling onto the terraces, giving the atmosphere a very electric yet relaxing feel.

Step on board on a boat for a trip to Gothenburg’s most westerly outpost — the lighthouse Vinga. The beautiful island offers a unique natural setting with fantastic waters for swimming. The Swedish singer and composer Evert Taube grew up here when his father was the lighthouse keeper from 1890 onward. Today, their house is a museum and you can join a guided tour for a fascinating glimpse into early 19th-century life.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers an easy way of getting around Gothenburg and exploring the city at your leisure. It combines the structure of a guided tour but the freedom and flexibility of independent travel. You'll have unlimited access to the bus for over 24 hours. So, you can stop wherever you like along the route. Enjoy the views while learning about the city's history from the onboard commentary.

Built in 1874, the indoor fish market hall Feskekôrka looks like a Neo-Gothic church but is actually a paradise for seafood lovers. Besides a marketplace, they also offer several lunch restaurants and takeaway shops that serve all kinds of fish and seafood. It is conveniently located in the city centre and popular among locals and tourists alike.

The Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen) is considered to be among the best-preserved 19th-century parks in Europe. Stroll around, take a break, and enjoy the peace and quiet in the middle of the city, just a stone's throw from the central station. For the children, there is a very popular playground with swings, slides, and winding paths.

Experience the history and adventures of the Swedish ship Götheborg, the world's largest ocean-going wooden sailing ship, which sailed three times to Asia and sank outside of Gothenburg in 1745. Come on board this replica of the original Götheborg, where guides, dressed in 18th-century costumes, tell the story of the harsh life on board the ship, the expeditions of today, and the tremendous art of shipbuilding.

Just a short boat ride away from the city, the Gothenburg Archipelago is a delightful experience that allows you to immerse yourself in nature's beauty with its pristine islands, picturesque landscapes, and sparkling blue waters. Explore charming fishing villages, enjoy leisurely walks along scenic trails, and indulge in delicious seafood. The archipelago is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and swimming.

Located right at the top of Gothenburg's main boulevard, Avenyn, Bar Himmel is the city's largest open-air restaurant and bar. Boasting fantastic views of the bustling boulevard below, this vibrant establishment is a must-visit during the summer months. Open only during this time, Bar Himmel offers a prime location and an inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to soak up the sun, savour a delightful beverage, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Gothenburg.

Formerly a secret underground bar called Baño (accessible only through the neighbouring Puta Madre), Basque is today a lively San Sebastian-style cidreria and pintxos bar. It boasts over 250 types of beer, authentic Basque cider, plus a variety of tapas.

Casino Cosmopol is a popular entertainment destination in Gothenburg. It features a wide range of games, including table games like roulette, blackjack, and poker, as well as an array of slot machines. Guests can indulge in fine dining at the casino's restaurant and enjoy live entertainment events throughout the year.

Crowbar is a cosy pub and restaurant located in central Gothenburg, offering a good selection of beers and cocktails, along with some hearty pub grub in a rustic, modern, and welcoming setting.

This famous American chain restaurant is located on the sunny side of Gothenburg's main boulevard, Avenyn. The four-floor venue features a nightclub, restaurant and bar that offers live music, shuffleboard tables, burgers, and American classics. If you're in the dance mood, choose one of the two dance floors and dance to some of the best modern or classical hits.

With over 20 types of draught beer and 100 varieties of bottled beer from Sweden and beyond, Jerntorgets Brygghus is a haven for beer enthusiasts. The atmosphere is always vibrant, filled with locals who gather to enjoy their favourite brews. During the summer, patrons can bask in the lively ambience by sitting outside and soaking up the energetic atmosphere of Järntorget Square. Alongside the impressive beer selection, Jerntorgets Brygghus also offers typical pub grub to accompany the drinks. However, as the night progresses, the pub can get quite rowdy, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a spirited and lively evening out.

Locatelli is the ultimate destination for the in-crowd who loves to have a good time, thanks to its unbeatable combination of unique cocktails, tasty Italian cuisine, and a prime location on the bustling main boulevard, Avenyn. As the summer season arrives, Locatelli takes the excitement to the next level by hosting a weekly summer club featuring an array of DJ acts.

With its assortment of bars, dance floors, roulette tables, and a sought-after rooftop terrace, Lounge(s) has got everything you need for a fun night out in Gothenburg. The dance floor is a hotspot, regularly featuring a range of talented DJs who keep the energy high and the party going until the wee hours of the morning.

Arkaden is a compact shopping mall nestled in the heart of Gothenburg's main shopping street. With over 20 shops, it is a haven for fashion enthusiasts, design lovers, and those seeking unique home decor items.

Kungsportsavenyn, commonly known as Avenyn, stretches from the Kungsportsbron bridge by the canal to Götaplatsen, where you’ll find the Museum of Art, the City Theatre, and the Concert Hall. This bustling boulevard hums with activity all day until late, attracting visitors and locals alike. Home to a wide range of shops, boutiques, and department stores, on Avenyn, you can find both local and international brands, including fashion, accessories, home decor, and more. The side streets have a lot to offer as well, especially the ones towards the Vasa neighbourhood. Smaller independent shops and restaurants are also found along Södra Vägen. The neighbourhood surrounding Avenyn also boasts an impressive selection of museums, each accompanied by its own delightful museum shop. The Gothenburg Museum of Art is a haven for art enthusiasts, housing an extensive collection of books on arts and design. Meanwhile, Röhsska presents a carefully curated range of design items and prints, sure to captivate those with an eye for aesthetics.

Bräutigams has been making chocolates and marzipan for over 140 years. They use only top-quality ingredients, and everything is made by hand and with recipes and knowledge that have been treated within the family for five generations. Definitely worth a stop if you have a sweet tooth.

Few other neighbourhoods have as many different shops as the city centre. Nordstan, Arkaden, the department store NK, and Kungstorget with the Market Hall are all great places to shop. From the latter, follow the three parallel pedestrian streets: Södra Larmgatan, Vallgatan and Kungsgatan to Magasinsgatan. Stroll along the first two and browse Swedish fashion brands like Tiger of Sweden or Filippa K, but also small independent shops featuring interior design, home decor, and kitchen items. Don't miss the "secret" lane Victoriapassagen, between Vallgatan and Södra Larmgatan. Kungsgatan features mostly Scandinavian high street brands while Magasingatan is the home of many Swedish brands like Velour and Acne, but also interior design and vintage fashion.

Located south of the city (about 15 minutes from central Gothenburg), Frölunda Torg is a large shopping centre featuring around 200 shops that offer everything from fashion, home decor and sporting goods to cosmetics and electronics. In between shopping, take a break and head over to one of the cafés or restaurants inside the mall.

The historic neighbourhood of Haga offers a unique shopping experience with a focus on independent retailers and local artisans. Here, you’ll find a wide range of products including fashion, accessories, home decor, vintage items, handicrafts, and much more. And a shopping spree is not complete without a proper coffee break, and Haga is perfect for the occasion with its many cafés and bakeries lined along Haga Nygata.

Hede Fashion Outlet is a shopping centre, located less than 20 minutes from Gothenburg, featuring a wide selection of high-end shops and boutiques, including Adidas, Calvin Klein, Filippa K, Guess, Hugo Boss, Le Creuset, Lexington, Levi's, Norrøna, and Tommy Hilfiger—all at outlet prices.

Located near the city centre, Kompassen is a compact outdoor mall boasting around 20 shops, encompassing both international brands and local designers, with a focus on youthful fashion trends. As you explore the mall, you'll find a handful of cosy cafés and restaurants nearby, inviting you to take a well-deserved break and indulge in tasty treats or a hot cup of coffee.

Gothenburg experiences the beauty of all four seasons. The city showcases a stunning display of yellow-red hues during the autumn, while its winters, although cold, offer a milder climate compared to northern Sweden. As spring arrives, the city awakens from the darkness of winter, basking in the slow return of light. Summer, on the other hand, is a season of long, sunlit evenings, making it a favourite time for tourists to visit. From May to September, Sweden shines at its best. During this peak season, visitors from all over the world flock to Gothenburg to revel in the extended daylight and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. The city comes alive with a plethora of musical and cultural events that captivate both locals and tourists. Additionally, the picturesque archipelago is also perfect to explore on a warm summer day.

Sweden can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE, and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

The Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport (GOT) is an international airport located approximately 20 kilometres southeast of Gothenburg. The airport offers convenient access to the city centre, with a travel time of around 20 minutes. For easy transportation to and from the airport, the Flygbussarna bus service is available. The buses operate directly outside the terminal building, providing a 25 to 30-minute journey to the city centre. The final stop is the Nils Ericsson Terminalen, the main bus station in central Gothenburg. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. For those interested in renting a car, car rental companies are also represented here.

Gothenburg offers easily accessible and reliable public transportation through Västtrafik, which operates buses, trams, and ferries. A convenient feature is that you can use the same ticket for all three modes of transportation. Tickets can be purchased at Västtrafik sales outlets, kiosks like Pressbyrån and 7-Eleven, or grocery stores. For seamless ticketing, the Västtrafik To Go app offers a simple solution for purchasing single, period, and day tickets. Additionally, Gothenburg is a bicycle-friendly city, with well-maintained bicycle paths encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore the city on two wheels.

There are several taxi companies operating in Gothenburg. You have the option to book a cab by calling directly, flag one down on the street, or go to designated taxi stops located throughout the city, such as Centralstationen, Kungsportsplatsen, and Kungsportsavenyn. Here are a couple of taxi companies in Gothenburg: Taxi Göteborg +46 31 65 00 00 Minitaxi 140140 Göteborg +46 31 14 01 40 Ride-sharing apps, such as Uber, are also commonly used and provide a cheaper alternative.

220 Volt AC/50 Hz

In Gothenburg, some of the main pharmacy chains include Apoteket (the largest pharmacy chain in Sweden with several branches across Gothenburg), Kronans Apotek, LloydsApotek, and Apoteksgruppen.

Stamps can be bought in kiosks and Pressbyrån shops and at the Post Centres that are to be found in some grocery stores. The mailboxes in Gothenburg are yellow and are scattered around the city. One can be found in the shopping centre Nordstan.