Gothenburg is the second-largest city in Sweden and the main hub of the Swedish west coast. It’s a perfect combination of a city and a small town: the variety of restaurants, museums, activities and accommodations is world-class, but the city is compact and charms visitors with its laid-back atmosphere. In this post I’m going to introduce you to my top 5 things to do in Gothenburg.
My Pick: Top 5 Things To Do in Gothenburg
I’m originally from Finland, but I’ve been living in Gothenburg since 2019. During my time here I’ve gotten to know the city from both a resident and a visitor perspective. I started working in a hotel reception right after moving here, which served as a crash course into tourism in Gothenburg.
I’ve noticed that Finns are not very familiar with West Sweden, so I’m glad to share these tips with you. It was hard to pick only the top five, but I had to keep this post at reasonable length. I hope you enjoy this list!
Liseberg – the Icon of Gothenburg
Liseberg is the number one attraction in Gothenburg! Opened in 1923, today it is the largest amusement park in Northern Europe. Liseberg offers a variety of rides, attractions and other program like concerts and theater. The park has three seasons: summer, Halloween and Christmas – and the latter two are famous for their stunning decorations. Definitely worth visiting!
Charming Haga
Haga is one the oldest parts of Gothenburg. The cosy neighbourhood is characterized by its architectural style, numerous cafés and small boutiques. The Swedes love their “fika” (coffee breaks) and Haga is the perfect place to get into the spirit! Visitors must try at least the enormous cinnamon buns known as “hagabulle”.
At the northern end of Haga you will find Hagabadet, a charming day spa located in a beautiful 19th century building. At the southern end, the skyline is dominated by Skansen Kronan, an old fort from the 17th century on top of a hill.
Slottsskogen – the Central Park of Gothenburg
Gothenburg has many green areas, but Slottsskogen is the most famous one. There are lots of things to do and see (just look at the list below), and the park is also home to many events. When the weather is good, the locals head to Slottsskogen to enjoy the nature and meet friends. The many activities include the following:
- Large grass and forest areas
- Cafés and restaurants
- Zoo (free admission!)
- Azalea valley
- Playgrounds
- Minigolf course
- Disc golf course
- Volleyball courts
- Outdoor gym
- Public fruit garden (you are welcome to pick fruits for free)
- Observatory
Architecture – experience 400 years of history
Gothenburg is a great place for walking tours as the city is quite compact in size. Take a walk and experience 400 years of history through architecture! Gothenburg was founded in 1621, and the oldest residential buildings are from mid-17th century. Since then the city has obviously expanded, and you can see layers of different styles, techniques and milestones in the architecture.
Admire the beautiful turn-of-the-century houses, check out the cranes along the Göta River reminding of shipbuilding history or go see the modern and playful buildings in Lindholmen Science Park – and these are just a few examples! Goteborg.com has an excellent guide for architecture in Gothenburg.
The canals and the archipelago
Gothenburg is located on the west coast at the mouth of the Göta River, and the maritime location has shaped the city in many ways. Shipbuilding used to be the main industry, and the Port of Gothenburg is still the largest in Scandinavia. In the city centre, you will notice the many canals build by the Dutch.
To experience the maritime Gothenburg, go on a guided boatsightseeing tour, learn about the Swedish East India Company and the 18th-century ship replica Götheborg or visit the Maritiman Museum’s collection of vessels with both military and civilian affiliations.
Another essential part of Gothenburg is the archipelago. In summer, the islands are full of life and visitors, but during the winter time they are a great place to get away from the city and enjoy the quiet peace by the sea.
I hope these tips will inspire you to visit Gothenburg some day. It’s a fantastic city with a lot to offer and a great alternative to Stockholm and Copenhagen!