First time in Gothenburg? Here is what you can’t miss!

New Nordic cuisine

Sweden is known for its exceptional wild game and seafood, and Gothenburg is no exception. The city is near the North Atlantic Ocean, and its location allows restaurants to serve the freshest fish and shellfish in Sweden. With six Michelin-starred restaurants, Gothenburg has truly earned its gastronomic reputation. Dine at any of them, and you are sure to satisfy your culinary senses.

Many of the city’s restaurants follow the New Nordic Cuisine style of cooking. The focus is on local, natural and seasonal ingredients. Where can you go to find the best fresh ingredients? Gothenburg’s famous fish market, Feskekörka, or ‘fish church’. The market is inside an historic church building and has been a landmark ever since 1874.

The Swedish have a tradition they call Fika. There isn’t so much of a translation into words, rather a meaning or feeling. Fika involves taking a coffee break, eating something sweet and chatting with friends. It is as common during the Swedish workday as sending emails. In Gothenburg, there are many cosy cafés where you can enjoy Fika.

Gorgeous Gothenburg hotels

If you are looking to live like a rock star or find a more calm, quiet getaway, Gothenburg’s hotels deliver.

As mentioned on its website, “A playful resort is rising”. Jacy’z Hotel & Resort is set to open in 2022. The skyscraper has earned landmark status in Gothenburg. The 28-story hotel claims it is ‘all meetings all play’ and offers world-class meeting rooms. There is a Miami-inspired pool club on the 27th and 28th floors, offering amazing views of the city. Jacy’z features three in-house restaurants offering a variety of dishes. Its sky bar and Social Dinner Club will provide Los Angeles vibes.

In the heart of Gothenburg lies the Hotel Bellora. The hotel is on Kungsportsavenyn, the city’s main boulevard. Though Bellora is seven stories high, it maintains a boutique hotel feeling. A 1960s Italian theme runs throughout the building, giving it a stylish atmosphere. Bellora has its own restaurant and basement nightclub. The hotel targets guests who are looking for a laid-back atmosphere.

Looking for a calmer experience? Check out Sankt Jörgen Park Resort, just a 15-minute drive outside the city. The resort features an award-winning spa, 18-hole golf course and much more. If relaxation is what you are looking for, you are sure to find it here. The resort has a Scandinavian design, with exciting architecture and colourful art. The suites are cleverly named and each has a different theme. Rooftop terraces and a stunning open-plan bathroom areas provide a modern twist. The Resort has four restaurants on the premises, meaning you don’t have to go far to enjoy a delicious meal.

Gothenburg Film Festival

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second-largest city and boasts something for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover, film fanatic or history, you will find what you are looking for here.

Film lovers should schedule their trip for January, when the annual Gothenburg Film Festival takes place. It is Scandinavia’s leading film festival, with more than 155,000 visitors a year. The festival is one of the biggest cultural events in Sweden. As many as 450 films from 80 countries are screened during the 11-day festival. There is also a children’s film festival in October and an outdoor film festival in August.

Gothenburg - a green city

Green spaces abound in Gothenburg. The city has several parks and gardens for fans of flora. Slottsskogen Park is one of the most popular places to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The park hosts music festivals and organised races, and is also home to one of Sweden's oldest zoos. The zoo is open year round and admittance is free. Slottsskogen is a mix between planned park and natural forest. This combination makes it the perfect place for picnicking, exercising and more!

Another popular green space is the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, home to 16,000 species of plants. Experience its fascinating Rhododendron Valley, Japanese Dell and Rock Garden. Greenhouses showcase 4,000 different species and cultivars, including 1,500 orchids. The garden is huge at 430 acres. Most of the area is a nature reserve, where you find the arboretum. New greenhouses and a visitor centre are set to open in 2026.

Step back in time - Gothenburg’s Haga district

To experience the Gothenburg of old, head to its old town, the Haga District. The area is within walking distance of the city centre. Here, cobblestone streets are surrounded by brick warehouses and 19th century wooden homes. The area is today known for its coffee shops and upscale restaurants. Haga is also home to some excellent shopping. There is truly a place for everyone. Options include a soap boutique, toy shops, and interior and antique shops. Locals consider Haga to be one of the city's hippest neighbourhoods. It has a real hometown feel, as you won’t find any hotels there.

Gothenburg museums

Gothenburg is home to many fascinating museums, with everything from a radio museum to a fishing museum. One of the most popular is the Gothenburg Art Museum. It is a leading museum of Nordic art and is home to a collection that includes art from the 15th century to the present. The museum exhibits works by major international artists including Munch, Picasso, and Monet.

As you may well know, Sweden is famously the home of renowned carmaker Volvo, and the Volvo Museum is located in the outskirts of Gothenburg. Here, you will find iconic car models and groundbreaking innovations and prototypes. The museum takes you on a journey through the company’s history with over 100 exhibits on display.

Paddan - see Gothenburg from the water

A unique way to see the city is from its moats and canals. Paddan sightseeing boats take you past many famous sights. The guide on board presents Gothenburg’s history as you take in the scenery. The Paddan Sightseeing tours have been creating memorable experiences since 1939. The boats are flat-hulled and have a low profile. They pass under several bridges, some of which are so low that you will have to duck to make the clearance. During the Christmas season, you can also see the Christmas market in combination with the boat tours. The special Christmas tour starts with mulled wine and gingerbread cookies. In a city with a strong maritime spirit, a trip on the Paddan is an absolute must.

Incredible thrills in Gothenburg

If you are a bit of a thrill seeker, you should visit the Liseberg amusement park. The park is in the heart of the city and is open at three times of year: summer, Halloween and Christmas. Liseberg is one of the most popular attractions in Sweden, with three million visitors a year. Here, you can enjoy more than 40 rides and attractions, a variety of games and concerts, and plenty of restaurants and cafés. The newest edition is a ride called the Valkyria. It is Europe’s longest vertical drop roller coaster. There is something for all ages at Liseberg.

Fantastic excursions in Gothenburg

If you are looking for something more relaxing, plan a trip to the Gothenburg archipelago. Gothenburg has a northern and southern archipelago made up of 20 islands. A visit to the islands is a perfect way to unwind away from the bustling city. You can visit many of the islands on a single day trip. If you have more time, it is well worth staying overnight. Each of the islands offers something unique. Some have lighthouses, while others offer fishing trips. Check them out and see where you want to spend a day relaxing.

Climate in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is on the south-western coast of Sweden, just by the strait that separates Denmark and Sweden and has a temperate climate. The ocean current makes for a milder climate. It rains a considerable amount, averaging 100 cm a year. March is the driest month, and August is the wettest.

It gets cold in the winter months. Temperatures average below 0℃ 100 days a year. In the summer, the average temperature is about 14℃. Though it gets warmer with an average of 15 days when the temperature is above 25℃.

From late May until late July, white nights occur. The sun sets, yet it never gets completely dark, even at midnight. If you are a warmer weather person, the best time to visit is during the summer, from June to August. Keep in mind, you will likely experience some rain and cooler nights.

Insider tips on Gothenburg

The international airport is Landvetter (GOT), located 20 km south-east of the city centre. You can take the airport shuttle bus into the city centre. It takes between 25 and 30 minutes and leaves from outside the terminal building. Taxis and rental cars are also available. There are also train connections to other Scandinavian cities, with railway connections to Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen.

Walking Tours are available if you want to experience the city on foot. Gothenburg Walking Tours is a popular choice.

Gothenburg has an visitor discount card called the Go City Gothenburg Pass. You can buy a 1, 2, 3, or 5 day card that gives you free admission to more than 25 top attractions. Buying a 3-day card will save you almost 50% on attractions.

Swedish is the main language, but everyone speaks English. Many signs display both languages. Don't hesitate to ask a local if you are wondering about anything. Swedish people are friendly and helpful.