Gothenburg Holidays

Gothenburg is Sweden’s laid-back second city – a coastal gem packed with hipster cafés, quirky culture, and enough Scandi cool to fill your Instagram grid twice over.

Highlights

• 🎢 Home to Liseberg, Scandinavia’s biggest amusement park – rollercoasters, music festivals, and twinkly lights galore.

• 🦐 Seafood heaven – think shrimp sandwiches, oyster platters, and Michelin-starred fish dishes.

• 🛍️ Scandi shopping central – from big-name Swedish brands to indie boutiques.

• 🚋 Super easy to get around – hop on a tram and explore effortlessly.

Getting around

Getting from A to B in Gothenburg is a breeze. The city’s tram network is legendary – it’s clean, reliable, and actually kind of fun to ride (especially the older retro ones). You can grab a day pass to use on trams, buses, and ferries, which means you can zigzag your way from the city centre to the coast without breaking a sweat. Coming in from the airport? Landvetter Airport is just 25 minutes away by shuttle bus. Simple, smooth, and oh-so-Swedish.

Things to do for families in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is brilliant for a family city break – it’s basically one giant playground. Top of the list? Liseberg, of course. This iconic theme park is a rollercoaster-filled wonderland with everything from gentle kiddie rides to white-knuckle thrills. It’s even more magical in winter when it transforms into a twinkling Christmas market. If your crew loves animals, head to Universeum, a science centre meets rainforest experience complete with sharks, sloths, and interactive exhibits. There’s also Slottsskogen Park, a huge green space with a zoo, pony rides and plenty of picnic spots for chilling out between adventures.

Things to do for couples in Gothenburg

Looking for a romantic city break that’s cool without trying too hard? Gothenburg’s got you. Stroll hand-in-hand through the charming Haga district – a cobbled, car-free wonderland of cute shops and cafés (don’t miss the Hagabullen, a cinnamon bun the size of your head). Fancy a sunset moment? Head to the Skansen Kronan hill for panoramic views over the city, then wander down to the harbour for dinner by the water. If you’re feeling fancy, a dinner cruise through the southern archipelago is chef’s kiss. Or take it slow with a couple’s spa session at Hagabadet, a beautiful old bathhouse that’s pure Scandi zen.

Things to do for groups in Gothenburg

Whether you’re here on a mate-cation or a cheeky stag/hen do, Gothenburg’s got the goods. Start with a boozy brunch at Kafé Magasinet or Café Santo Domingo, then hop aboard a paddan boat tour – it’s sightseeing with laughs and low bridges to duck under (mind your head). Got some thrill-seekers in your group? Go wild at Liseberg or test your puzzle-solving skills in an escape room. By night, dive into Gothenburg’s buzzing bar scene – think Brewer’s Beer Bar for craft brews and sourdough pizza, or Yaki-Da for dancing until late in a house-party-style venue spread across multiple floors.

Things to do for foodies in Gothenburg

Let’s just say – if you like seafood, this is your city. Gothenburg’s location on the west coast means the fish is fresher than fresh. Kick things off at Feskekôrka (“Fish Church”), a legendary indoor market where you can sample oysters, shrimp and smoked salmon straight from the source. For a sit-down splurge, book a table at Sjömagasinet or SK Mat & Människor – both are Michelin-starred and utterly divine. Fancy something low-key? Try a shrimp sandwich (räkmacka) at any café – a Swedish classic that hits the spot every time. Oh, and vegetarians/vegans aren’t left out – Gothenburg’s packed with creative, plant-based restaurants like Blackbird and Natur.