Is Gothenburg worth visiting in Sweden?
As I wandered the streets of Gothenburg listening to Swedish conversations, and watching the locals enjoy fika time..
I was introduced to a different way of life..
Gothenburg is an awesome city to explore!
If you are planning a visit to Sweden soon and are wondering whether Gothenburg is worth visiting, then keep reading, as I have written about what you can expect from ‘Lilla London’.
I headed over to Gothenburg in winter time and still had an amazing time in the quirky city.
Uncovering the traditional, modern, and secret areas of the city, made Gothenburg a very interesting destination.
Gothenburg is definitely worth visiting!
Let’s find out why.
The iconic Gothenburg trams.
Why visit Gothenburg?
There are hundreds of cities in Europe, so why choose Gothenburg?
An abundance of cheap flights is a great starting point; as with Ryanair operating out of Landvetter Airport, there are bargain prices available form all over Europe, making the city an awesome last minute city break destination.
There is much more to the Scandinavian city for visitors to enjoy though, starting with a different way of living!
To experience the Swedish way of life.
The first thing I noticed (other than seafood everywhere), was the little English spoken in Sweden.
The Swedes have their own language, and way of living, which involves less stress, and more balance!
Fika time every day is a prime example of how the locals take time out of their hectic lives to spend time with friends and families over a coffee and sweet treat - More on this later though!
I learned a famous Swedish saying from a local in a cafe in Haga, and it was ‘lagom’, which means ‘just the right amount’.
She was explaining how the locals strike the right work-life balance in Gothenburg, which I had actually already noticed, as the parks were busy, despite it being winter, and the cafes were full of locals.
A fish and shellfish van in Gothenburg.
As Gothenburg is a port city, there is a very strong emphasis on seafood throughout the city, with shellfish food vans, the ‘Feskekôrka’ (well renowned fish market), and highly rated seafood restaurants dotted around the city.
You can expect the freshest of dishes also, with the local fishermen supplying many of the restaurants.
The Gothenburg Fish Market.
Learn about the city’s rich maritime heritage.
Gothenburg’s maritime history goes back as far as the 17th century when the city was first established as a port city and trade hub.
As one of the busiest ports in Scandinavia, Gothenburg has been a place of importance for fishing, global trade, and shipbuilding over the centuries.
You can learn much of the city’s maritime history through visiting the museums in Gothenburg.
‘Göteborgs Maritima Centrum’ is one of the world’s largest floating ship museums, where you can explore historic vessels that played significant roles in Sweden's maritime past.
Another popular spot is the ‘Maritime Museum and Aquarium’, located at ‘Stigbergstorget’ in the ‘Majorna’ district.
I noticed the maritime influence throughout the history as the city proudly displays it through its architecture, culture, and cuisine today.
Gothenburg Port.
Explore the natural beauty of the region.
Gothenburg is known for its famous Archipelago, which has countless islands, lush parks and forests that offer a tranquil escape from urban life, along with very quirky architecture.
Göteborgs skärgård has two main areas; the Southern Archipelago and the Northern Archipelago, both of which offer visitors a different unique charm.
I recommend that you take the guide cruise tour, as it is very reasonable for Sweden prices, and the locals teach the history of the natural beauty spot in a very fun way.
The green spaces in the city are ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics, especially in summer months.
The city’s many parks are a big positive influence on the stress free life which many of Gothenburg’s residents adopt.
A summer visit will offer you the best of the nature spots in the city.
The city's famous archipelago.
Best time to visit Gothenburg.
Gothenburg is a very interesting city, which, along with the cheap available flights, makes the city worth visiting all year round,
Realistically if you want a sunny trip with warm weather and longer days, you only have around 3-4 months in Sweden.
The summer months are the best time to visit Gothenburg to enjoy its outdoor activities to their fullest.
Here is a break down of different vibes through the year:
Spring (March to May).
Average temperatures still range on the cooler side, typically from 2°C to 7°C, with regular frosty mornings, and unpredictable weather.
The blossoming of nature in the city’s parks after the cold winter months is one of the main features of a Spring trip to Gothenburg.
Seeing the locals and tourists fill the green spaces in the city is a nice aspect of this time of year.
Summer (June to August).
Gothenburg truly comes alive during the warmer months with festivals, outdoor activities, and warm evenings.
Summer temperatures in Gothenburg usually range from 15°C to 22°C, which is warm enough to dine outside and catch a suntan.
The summer months are ideal for exploring the Gothenburg Archipelago, as you can take ferries to various islands, enjoy swimming, kayaking, and hiking, or simply relax on the beaches.
Quirky architecture can be found throughout Gothenburg.
Autumn (September to November).
Autumn brings the fall foliage to Gothenburg.
Parks such as Slottsskogen and the Botanical Garden are bright as the leaves fall to the floor.
The temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C with shorter days, and with fewer crowds, the cafes make a great place to escape the rainfall and chilly snaps.
Winter (December to February).
Winters in Gothenburg are cold, very cold!
I visited in February, so I missed the festivities in Gothenburg, however, if you are planning on visiting the Swedish city during November and December, you will get to experience Gothenburg’s Christmas markets, particularly the ones at Liseberg and Haga.
Average winter temperatures drop to around 0°C (32°F), which means exploration around the freezing city will require you to wrap up well.
On my way up to Skansen Kronan.
Is Gothenburg safe?
Cities in Scandinavia are generally considered much safer than other parts of Europe.
I found Gothenburg to live up to its reputation, with the culture of the city reflecting one of trust.
I felt safe walking the city alone during the day and night, and the locals were all very welcoming towards me.
The public transport system is based on a trusting society and I found it to run flawlessly, almost too perfect!
As with any city, you should always be aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas or late at night, but overall, Gothenburg offers a secure and welcoming environment for visitors.
A popular sculpture in the city is the knotted gun sculpture which promotes peace and non-violence.
It was erected in 1993 by Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd following the assassination of John Lennon, and has been a symbol for Gothenburg ever since.
The Knotted gun sculpture.
Is Gothenburg expensive?
I found Gothenburg to be very expensive relative to other European cities that I have visited, however, this is expected in Scandinavia as a whole.
Here is a brief overview of approximate costs the port city:
Accommodation.
These prices (per room) are based on central locations near the Haga District.
Hostels - £20-£35 (bed) per night.
Mid-range hotels - £70-£120 per night.
Luxury hotels - £170 + per night.
Dining.
This estimation is based on dining in the Haga area of Gothenburg, and visiting several central bars in the evening.
Fast food - £10 approximate for many meals.
Mid-range restaurants - £18-36 per person for a full meal, including drinks.
Coffee - £3-£4- at cafes or coffee vans, with a slight mark up in popular fika cafes.
Beer - £6-£8 for a pint of local beer at central bars.
The menu in a mid-range restaurant in the Haga District.
Travel around the city.
I found that traversing Gothenburg to be reasonable and very efficient.
Public transport day pass - £8 per day approx.
Taxis/Uber - £10-£20 to travel across the city.
Activities.
Free activities are available throughout Gothenburg, such as visiting Skansen Kronan, wandering around Haga, and enjoying the parks and street art in the city.
Museums - £5-£20 range for the city’s museums.
Archipelago cruise - £30 for a guided experience.
I recommend that you purchase a Gothenburg Go City All-Inclusive Pass which covers over 20 attractions in the city.
I found that using the digital app to enter different landmarks across the city was easy and efficient.
You can purchase one now before you arrive and activate it at the first attraction you visit.
An awesome tram cafe.
What to do in Gothenburg.
Here are some awesome options to add to your Gothenburg itinerary:
Visit the famous Haga District.
If you want to feel the essence of Gothenburg, then a visit to one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods is a must, with the 17th century district being famed for its cobblestone streets and colourful wooden buildings.
When I first entered the Haga District I found the architecture to offer a very quirky and distinct vibe, and although the area is old, it felt very modern.
A unique juxtaposition when you know the history of the area.
The entrance point to the Haga District.
Café culture is the biggest draw to the Haga area, with over twenty cafes in the vicinity all offering a different unique charm to make your fika experience memorable.
Haga is very welcoming to international visitors, and many locals and café staff speak English, making it a popular starting point as they get to grips with Swedish culture.
I found the Haga walking tour to be very informative as we learned about the history behind the timber houses, boutique shops, and Skansen Kronan which overlooks the whole area.
Map of the Haga District.
Visit the largest amusement park in Scandinavia.
If you are visiting between the months of April and October, you should consider heading over to the century old amusement park.
Liseberg is located centrally in Gothenburg, and remains one of the most popular and iconic amusement parks in Scandinavia, attracting visitors from all over the world.
In summer time, Liseberg is the ideal family activity, with a mix of thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, and live entertainment.
Liseberg looks spooky in winter time.
The city’s historical landmarks paint a picture.
If you are observant as you walk around Gothenburg visiting the famous spots, you will unravel significant points in the city’s history.
Here are a few of the historically important landmarks you must visit:
Skansen Kronan.
The impressive fortress has stood high above the city for hundreds of years, positioned to protect the port from Danish attacks, amongst others.
Climbing up the steep stairs to reach Skansen Kronan is well worth it for the stunning panoramic views of Gothenburg.
My favourite part of the fortress is its iconic gold crown.
Gustav Adolfs Torg.
This famous square in the centre of Gothenburg is named after the city’s founder ‘King Gustav II Adolf,’
A historical highlight in the square is a statue of the king pointing to where the city would be built, and the architecture in the vicinity reflects Gothenburg's historic and administrative importance.
Skansen Kronan.
Gothenburg Cathedral.
Gothenburg Cathedral is located in the heart of the city and dates back to 1633, though the current building was completed later, in the early 19th century after multiple fires destroyed earlier structures.
Göta River Bridge.
This bridge is an integral part of the infrastructure of Gothenburg following its construction in 1939.
It connects the central part of the city to Hisingen, Gothenburg's largest island, and offers stunning views of the river and the cityscape.
Traditional Swedish activities to enjoy in Gothenburg.
I immersed myself in authentic Swedish culture by experiencing these fun activities in the city as I explored.
Enjoy fika like a local.
You can enjoy fika like a local by taking part in this beloved Swedish tradition during your visit to Gothenburg.
Fika involves taking a break to enjoy coffee and a sweet treat, which is an integral part of daily life in Sweden, contributing towards lower work-stress levels.
Gothenburg is full of cosy cafés, also known as ‘konditori’, where you can indulge in a traditional fika experience.
Locals enjoying fika in the Haga District.
Head to the historic Haga district and treat yourself to a ‘kanelbulle’ (cinnamon bun) or a ‘kladdkaka’ (gooey chocolate cake) with a freshly brewed coffee.
I loved just browsing the cakes and other sweet treats in the different cafes - It was heaven for my sweet tooth!
The most popular places during my experience were Café Husaren, Café Kringlan, and Café Hebbe Lelle, all located in the Haga District and they all had both locals and International tourists enjoying their ambience.
Fika is a great fun introduction to Swedish culture!
A beautiful cake stall.
Learn Gothenburgs’ history through street art.
You will find colourful street art all over the city, as it compliments the quirky decor, and modern urban theme in the Swedish city.
The most famous street art mural is located down by the canal, which is a 250 metre long stretch of art which follows Gothenburg’s long history chronologically, showcasing the major events in the city’s history.
‘INSTITUT FOR URBAN KUNST’ were behind the masterpiece, and they consist of several Danish artists.
I noticed the mural is split into 8 chapters, starting with the Sandarna culture who inhabited the area more than 10.000 years ago.
How to travel around Gothenburg.
I found travelling around Gothenburg to be easy and convenient, as the city has a very well-developed public transportation network, and it is pretty compact, with plenty of pedestrianised areas.
Here are your different options to travel around Gothenburg.
The iconic trams.
Gothenburg is famous for its trams, which are one of the most popular ways to get around the city.
The tram network covers most areas, including the city centre, suburbs, and major attractions.
The iconic blue and white trams can be spotted all over the city, and they run frequently, usually every 5-15 minutes during the day, however, less frequently at night.
I purchased my tickets through the ‘Västtrafik To Go’ app, but you can also use the ticket machines located at the stations.
There are trams are everywhere.
Walking and cycling.
The culture in Sweden focuses heavily on exercise and sustainability.
In Gothenburg, you will find walking between attractions is very scenic and enjoyable, or if you prefer to cycle, you won’t have to go far to find a rental place at a cheap cost.
Other forms of transport are very forgiving towards cyclists in the city.
Taxis and Uber.
Although this is a more costly option, you won’t struggle to find a taxi or Uber driver anywhere in the city, during the day or night.
Central Station offers rail and bus transport options.
Car rental.
Although it is unlikely you will require a car in the centre of Gothenburg, many visitors also head over to the Bohuslän coast, or further into the Swedish countryside.
Renting a car is a reasonable expense if you are travelling in a group, and it will increase your flexibility in and around the city.
Getting to the city from Landvetter Airport.
Gothenburg Landvetter Airport is located 13 miles from the centre of the city making it a straightforward journey with several options:
Flygbussarna Airport Coach.
I opted for this popular and convenient option, with one of the buses being ready to depart as I left the exit in the airport. The service runs every 15-20 minutes at a cost of around 115 SEK (£9) one way.
The bus will take you right into the centre of the city and drop you off at Central Station.
Taxis and Uber are other options from the airport but will cost you more than double the cost of the bus if you are travelling solo.
The bus from the airport.
Where to stay in Gothenburg?
I recommend that you book your accommodation in the Central area of Gothenburg, as it is located within walking distance of the port area and Haga District.
Here is the hotel that I opted for, and I really enjoyed my stay:
Hotell Heden - BW Signature Collection.
I booked the standard queen room for my stay in the city.
The hotel had everything I needed for a comfortable stay including a large breakfast, luggage room, and even a gym and sauna.
If you are travelling on a budget you are in luck, as there is a reasonably priced supermarket over the road from the hotel, along with a really nice Italian place, which was relatively cheap.
Visiting with children in summer months? Liseberg is only a short walk away for your family.
This highly rated hotel is very popular in the summer, so make sure you check your dates now.
A popular hotel in the city.
My travel tips for Gothenburg.
Here are the travel tips which will make your Gothenburg trip trouble free and very memorable:
Pack warm clothes - even in summer!
Whichever time you visit Gothenburg, there will probably be a breeze, so I recommend that you pack warm clothes, just in case!
The weather in Sweden can be unpredictable, all year round!
Purchase a day pass on public transport.
If you plan to visit several attractions in one day, or are staying on the outskirts of Gothenburg, you will save money by purchasing a day pass.
Book some activities in advance.
Gothenburg is an expensive city, so any savings go a long way.
Booking some activities in advance is a great way of saving cash, along with spreading the cost of your trip.
Be curious and adventurous.
I found Swedish culture to be very unique, including the cuisine.
It is easy to revert to dishes you know, but my tip is try something new and completely different to what you are used to eating. I enjoyed a beautiful seafood dish which I would not have tried in other destinations.
The same principle applies to your activities, try something fun and adventurous.
Don’t take too much cash with you.
The culture in Gothenburg is moving away from cash, so you will experience some problems in certain places if you want to use cash.
I would recommend carrying a small amount of cash, but to use your card for the majority of your purchases.
A symbol of the city.
Frequently asked questions about Gothenburg.
Is Gothenburg a walkable city?
I found the city to be very walkable and I found walking between the attractions in the city warmed me up during a cold visit in February. There are many pedestrianised zones inside the compact centre of the city.
Is Gothenburg a safe city?
Yes, the Swedish port city is deemed a very safe city to visit or live in.
Is Gothenburg cashless?
As with much of Sweden, Gothenburg is increasingly moving towards a cashless society.
While cash is still accepted in some places, the trend is towards electronic payments. In several restaurants I dined in, the waiters refused cash.
I found this to be unique to Sweden, and very rare in Europe.
Is Gothenburg bike friendly?
Yes, Gothenburg has a cycle friendly culture which actively encourages it, with significant development into bike lanes, and many bike rental options available.
The flat terrain and scenic parks/canal makes the city a pleasure to cycle through.
Is Gothenburg cold?
Yes, Gothenburg experiences a temperate climate with relatively mild, but often cool weather, especially compared to more southern parts of Europe.
Unless you visit in the height of summer, you should pack warm clothing.
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