Gothenburg
Visited in July 2016
At a glance
- Country
- Sweden
- Region
- Gothenburg Municipality
- Population
- 674,529
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Göteborg Landvetter (GOT)
- Coordinates
- 57.71°N, 11.97°E
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Overview
Gothenburg is Sweden's second city and its biggest port, laid out by Dutch engineers in the seventeenth century with canals and broad avenues. It has a relaxed, friendly character and a famously good food scene built on west-coast seafood.
Trams rattle between leafy parks, cosy cafés and former shipyards. In summer, ferries carry locals to the car-free islands of the southern archipelago.
Things to see
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Photo: Photographer: Erik of Gothenburg, EVL., CC BY-SA 3.0 Haga
A cobbled district of wooden houses and cafés, famous for its oversized cinnamon buns.
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Photo: Albin Olsson, CC BY-SA 3.0 Liseberg
One of Scandinavia's biggest amusement parks, right in the city, with a Christmas market in winter.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0 Feskekôrka
A fish market housed in a building shaped like a Gothic church.
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Photo: Peder Severin Krøyer, CC BY 4.0 Gothenburg Museum of Art
Strong on Nordic art, at the top of the grand Kungsportsavenyn avenue.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: BIL, CC BY-SA 3.0 Slottsskogen
A large park with grassy slopes, ponds and a small zoo of Nordic animals.
Things to do
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Photo: Alexey Komarov, CC BY 3.0 Southern archipelago
Ride a local ferry to car-free islands such as Styrsö and Vrångö for swimming and rocky walks.
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Photo: Unknown photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0 Paddan canal boat
Low, flat boats squeeze under bridges along the old canals and out into the harbour.
Find tours -
Photo: Unknown photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0 Seafood
West-coast prawns, crayfish and oysters are a highlight; try a shrimp sandwich.
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Photo: Erik031, Public domain Universeum
A science centre with a rainforest, aquarium and hands-on exhibits, great with children.
Find tours
Where to stay
Inom Vallgraven
The old town inside the moat, central and walkable.
Hotels in Inom VallgravenLinné
Lively with bars and restaurants, near Haga and Slottsskogen.
Hotels in LinnéMajorna
Bohemian and laid-back, with cafés and flea markets.
Hotels in Majorna
Getting around
Trams are the best way around; buy tickets on the Västtrafik app. The centre is compact and walkable.
Flygbussarna airport buses reach the city centre in about 30 minutes, and trains from Stockholm take around three hours.
When to go
May to September brings long days and island-hopping weather, with the Way Out West music festival in August. Winter is grey and damp, but Liseberg's Christmas market adds sparkle.
Plan your trip to Gothenburg
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.