Things To Do In Gothenburg, Sweden

Most visitors to Sweden either head to the capital Stockholm or they go in search of nature and the natural world in the National Parks or the many islands that make up the country’s coastline. Rarely do they take the time to visit other towns or cities such as Lund, Uppsala or in the case of this post, Gothenburg.

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city and is in fact the home to Scandinavia’s largest port. It is also renowned for hosting some of the largest annual events across the whole of Scandinavia including the Gothenburg Film Festival, the Gothia Cup as well as music festivals such as Way Out West and Metaltown. There is definitely something for everybody!

I have to say I really enjoyed my first time visit to Gothenburg. Whilst admittedly it is not as grand or aesthetically pleasing to the visitor’s eye as its bigger sister (Stockholm) it offers a pleasant ambience, a cosmopolitan feel and provides plenty to do for visitors, catering for all interests and ages.

Read on for my lists of things to see and do in Gothenburg.

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Explore Historic Haga

The central neighbourhood of Haga offers visitors a trip back in history where cosy shopping is plentiful and fika-breaks are strongly encouraged (!) Haga is essentially a district with 17^th century origins, where old buildings can still be seen lining the streets and the cobbled thoroughfares are filled with charming shops selling everything from interior design, fashion, second hand shops and specialist stores.

One of my personal favourite shops along Haga Nygata, the main shopping street, had to be the eclectic antique shop Fåfängan Antik. Selling everything from penny farthings and old leather trunks, to authentic world maps and classic signs, I’m sure that anybody could find something to their taste within its interior.

Don’t miss the fika/cinnamon buns at Café Husaren on Haga Nygata – they are said to be the largest cinnamon buns in the entire world!

Enjoy The Views From Skansen Kronan

When this hill fortress was completed and brought into service in 1698 it was equipped with 23 canons ready for battle. However, and I guess luckily, it was never actually attacked by enemies!

Nowadays the hill offers a popular vantage point across the city’s rooftops – that is, if you can manage the rather steep incline to the top!

Catch Of The Day In Feskekorka Fish Market Hall

From the outside you could be mistaken by the fish market’s design and assume it is actually a church. It was in fact purposely built this way so as to symbolise Gothenburg’s close to religious relationship with that which the sea provides.

Feskekorka is certainly an interesting place to wander through – I have to tell you, I have never seen such a large variety of different seafood, or if truth be told, so many ways of preparing the fish and deep water critters!

As up until this point in our Scandinavian tour we hadn’t tried many of the local specialties, we decided to treat ourselves to a small ‘selection’ of goodies. We opted for a pot of crayfish with garlic mayonnaise and a second pot of herrings with some sort of sweet berry – we were feeling very pleased with ourselves until we were hit with the price… the two pots came to 260SEK.. about £20!!

Indulge In Some Shopping Along Magasinsgatan

Everybody loves a bit of retail therapy so why not hit the city’s trendiest district and loosen those purse strings? If it’s refreshments, rather than fashion that you’re looking for, there are also plenty of food trucks stationed around the area – perhaps for an afternoon coffee or a bite to eat to tide you over until dinner!

Feast Your Eyes In Saluhallen (Market Hall)

Saluhallen was definitely my favourite of all the Scandinavian food halls that I visited during my trip, mostly due to its charm and old-style interior. The indoor market is home to around forty shops and eateries, each offering their own produce or particular cuisine. From oriental spices, coffee and cheeses, to fruit and pastries, Saluhallen offers access to delicacies from all over the world. Well worth a visit!

Say ‘Hi’ To Poseidon

At the top of Avenyn, Gothenburg’s main boulevard, is Götaplatsen, the city’s cultural hub. The square is enclosed by the Gothenburg Concert Hall, the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the Gothenburg City Theatre and the City Library. At the centre the imposing Poseidon statue oversees the daily hustle and bustle up and down the boulevard. Not the most attractive of faces but if you spent your life in the oceans maybe you would expect his features to be a little odd..

Enjoy The Tranquillity In The Trådgårdsföreningen

Take the opportunity to relax in the green oasis of Gothenburg’s Garden Society, one of the best-preserved 19^th century parks in Europe. It is hard to believe that you are in the heart of the city, just to the side of busy Avenyn. With woodlands, undulating lawns and plenty of colourful flowers, as well as accommodating a tropical Palm House, it’s certainly a little pocket of quiet and somewhere to unwind in the picturesque surroundings.

Whilst wandering through the gardens, we were accompanied by some sweet little sparrows searching out tit-bits in the borders and along the paths. There must have been hundreds in total!

Near the end of our evening stroll we came across the lovely rose garden located in the north-eastern part of the park. This seemed to be one of the most populated areas, probably due to its sweet smelling aromas and the fact that an inviting open air cafe offers somewhere for guests to sit back and relax with an evening refreshment.

Take In The View From The Heights Of Lilla Bommen

Widely referred to as The Lipstick or the Lego House, Lilla Bommen is an 86 metre high building to the side of the marina. Although most of the 22 floors are used as offices, it is possible to whizz up to the highest floor which has a great view across the city and further out to the harbour and the coast in the distance.

Immediately below could be seen a tall ship with its masts pointing skywards and people sitting on the top deck enjoying a beer in the sunshine.

Have A Drink Aboard The Barken Viking

 Moored in the Lilla Bommen torg marina is the Barken Viking, an old windjammer which has been transformed into a floating hotel and restaurant. Even if you are not a guest of the hotel, you are still welcome to enjoy the deck top bar and take in the views from a unique perspective on the water.

Intrigued by the ship, we climbed aboard and headed up to the top deck for a drink and to rest our tired feet.

Do remember that the deck-top bar only takes card payments.

Be thrilled at Liseberg Amusement Park

Last but definitely not least is Scandinavia’s greatest amusement park – Liseberg. The park offers over forty different rides and attractions, games, dancing and plenty of food as well as hundreds of flowers. You would easily be able to spend a whole day enjoying what the park has to offer – from gentle carousels to adrenaline pumping rollercoasters.

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If you still have time to spare, do not fear because I have not exhausted the list of things to do quite yet..

Step into one of Gothenburg’s many Museums

From art and culture, to nature, and maritime history, Gothenburg offers its visitors world-class museums which house a vast collection of impressive pieces. Possibilities include the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the Universeum Science Centre and the Maritime Museum and Aquarium. Do remember that many museums are closed on Mondays.

Experience Gothenburg’s vibrant food scene

From Michelin-starred cuisine to trendy fusion eateries and urban street food-trucks, Gothenburg has it all. Using the produce the region has to offer, chefs cook up a storm to produce creative foodie concepts. Great suggestions include Barabicu, Familjen or for those with looser purse strings, Michelin-star Bhoga.

Explore the Islands of the Archipelago

The wonderful thing about Gothenburg is its proximity to the beautiful Swedish coastline. Close enough for a day trip, but far enough away to escape the stress and chaos of the city, the archipelago offers plenty to discover. With over twenty islands to explore you’ll find charming villages, amazing nature and endless beaches, stretching for miles.

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So whether you head to Gothenburg for the food, the stunning coast and islands, or perhaps one of the many festivities, you are certain to be warmly welcomed and embraced by its people, the friendly culture and a rather more laid-back lifestyle. Everything needed for a city break, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities, and the perfect place to experience an urban lifestyle which retains its link with the surrounding geography; blending town and countryside, old and new, tradition and new-age.

 So what do you make of Gothenburg? Would you consider adding it to your list of places to visit? Maybe you’ve already been and could add some suggestions of things to do to my list? Do let me know in the comments below.

** With thanks to Göteborg & Co for providing a Göteborg City Card which allowed me to travel about the city and visit many of the attractions across Gothenburg**