The 11 essential things to do in Göteborg

Are you going to Sweden? Step southwest to visit Gothenburg and make an appointment with the cosmopolitan culture in Swedish.

Göteborg, pronounce “yeutaibory”, is Sweden’s second city. It has nearly 500,000 inhabitants. Located in the south-west of the country, it is ideally located near equidistance between Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen. What makes it a cultural hub that it is very interesting to discover.

Sweden is, for a large part of travellers, one of the most beautiful countries to see. If you are lucky enough to visit Göteborg, prepare for your suitcases. There are a lot of things to see, do, eat. The growing reputation, the preserved nature and the animation of everyday life make this Scandinavian destination irresistible in the warm heart.

1. Falling to the Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts of Göteborg is designed for you. It is a good idea for lovers of art, photography and design. It has the most fabulous Scandinavian art collection of the late 19th century. But you can find some works of painters internationally recognized as Picasso or Rubens.

Located place Götaplatsen. Open Monday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. The museum closes at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; at 8:00 pm on Wednesday, and at 5:00 pm on Friday, Sunday and during school holidays. The entrance costs 40 SEK (Swedish courts), or 3,70 €. It’s free for under 25 years.

2. Conquer the district of Haga

This district with the looks of cinema studio is a rather touristic place because for several decades, it has become diametrically transformed. Indeed, in the 1970s and 1980s, many buildings were destroyed, redundanting its lost nobility letters to the neighbourhood. Today, it’s a very popular place, in daytime and very lively nightlife, with original, vintage or eco-friendly shops. The main street, Haga Nygata, is very busy and Järntorget Square is the place where the afterworks take place, very fashionable in Sweden.

3. Enjoy skybar of the Gothia Towers

Enjoy excellence in the heart of Gothia Towers. They are three, and located in the middle of the city. These are prestigious buildings that house a 5-star hotel, an international-class restaurant, a spa, and a swimming pool on the 19th floor! On the 23rd floor, the bar-restaurant Heaven 23 offers wines, cocktails and original drinks... All with stunning views of the city of Göteborg, especially at dusk. Obviously, you can also eat there. Whether you prefer tapas or input-plat-dessert services, a very rich menu will be made available to you. Here's how to discover a chic aspect of the life of Gothemburgers!

4. Discover the botanical garden of Palmhuset

The Palmhuset botanical garden is the largest in Sweden. This is the ideal place to reconnect with nature. It is a very well-kept garden that tells the history of botany in Sweden. It really makes it possible to enjoy the bucolic atmosphere, sweeping between flowery parterres and cut bushes. We could believe in the gardens of Versailles, but with a very refined touch, worthy of the Scandinavian.

5. Visit Göteborg from the canals

Göteborg is not crossed by channels like Venice. On the other hand, it is quite possible to visit it from the water on the Gotha Canal. The visits, commented from boats named paddan , you will learn a lot about the city and the construction of the canal. You will walk under the many low bridges, and from one centre of interest to another. A memorable ride! It will cost you between 180 and 220 SEK (between 17 and 20 €) per person.

6. Have fun in the Liseberg amusement park

The Liseberg amusement park is located in the city centre, at the foot of the Gothia towers. Opened in 1923, this park is now the largest in Scandinavia, with nearly three million annual visitors. Discover many attractions, including some with strong sensations, as well as scenes of shows. Theatre, concerts, dance courses will be offered. Little more: their access is included in the entrance ticket to the park! Also, at Christmas parties, the park is transformed. It becomes a giant Christmas market and has a magnificent winter magic, between fairytale and tradition.

7. Dinner in an international class restaurant

Göteborg is considered the culinary capital of Sweden. With its 4 starred restaurants, it has become, over the years, the gastronomic destination of the country. It is also known for the quality of its seafood and fish. They are fished most often in its archipelago: the local, the Swedish know! Don’t hesitate to stop for a chic and gourmet break, because you will not be disappointed.

8. oxygenate in Slottsskogen Park

Although the city is not worth Beijing in terms of urban pollution, it is your good to oxygenate a bit. Slottsskogen Park embodies the lungs of Göteborg, with 137 hectares of protected natural areas. It is true that the city offers plenty of greenery, but this park has the particularity of sheltering a zoo. This zoo offers visitors to discover Gotland ponies, long-haired goats. And also penguins, fed daily, publicly, at 2:30. In the summer there is a festival, the Way Out West, the City’s Symphony Orchestra performed for free. You can also pick strawberries, blueberries, play beach volleyball or watch the planets from the park’s observatory.

9. Explore the Gothenburg Archipelago

Visiting Göteborg without taking the day to visit its archipelago is a mistake! This cluster of granite islets is one of the main centres of interest in the city. Indeed, due to its splendor and unexpected formation, the Gothenburg Archipelago is quite interesting. The islands that compose it offer typical activities: hiking, swimming, beaches and northern landscapes. You can reach the archipelago from the city centre, tram and ferry. Note, the tram ticket you will use will be valid for the ferry!

10. Expect its subs in the shopping streets

Nothing like shopping in the streets of Gothenburg to feel a little Swedish. Vallgatan, Södra Larmgatan or Shopsgatan are very shopping streets in which you will find all kinds of shops. From ecological ready-to-wear to vintage, to Swedish design and cultural memories, there are for all tastes.

11. Relax around a “fika”

The “fika” in Sweden is a national institution. This is the coffee break, sometimes accompanied by cake, or a sandwich. Swedish people love fika. Moreover, almost all of the troquets and restaurants offer. Enjoy the practice, and offer a fika in the heart of Haga, for example. You can also enjoy it to taste one of Sweden’s sweet specialties: kanellbulle (brioche with cinnamon).

How to go to Göteborg

By plane

To get to Sweden, the easiest and fastest is the plane. Indeed, the destination is only two hours away and Landvetter Airport is only 30 minutes away from the city centre. These are daily flights that serve Landvetter from France. And, to get an idea of the best prices, we recommend our partner Ulysses . In two times three movements, taste Swedish life!

By car

A little longer than the plane, the car. From Paris, cross three countries, drive 1,500 kilometers for nearly 17 hours. This can be a way to visit Europe, step by step. Indeed, the path passes through Belgium, Germany and Denmark. Nevertheless, be careful, because access to the city is made through a mandatory toll. In addition, parking can be expensive at the day. Prefer to park outside and access the city by public transport: bus, tram...

By train

The train trip is possible, but requires a sacred organization. Nearly 20 hours of transport with many changes, at times at night, depending on departure. This allows you to visit Göteborg on foot. It is a city that is accessible and adapted to the pedestrian life: the network of public transport is well connected.

Where to stay in Göteborg

Like any big city, Göteborg has plenty of opportunities to stay there. You can first consider it renting rooms or apartments via Airbnb . Count on average 50 € for one night. Then there are them Classic hotels that you will find everywhere in town, without difficulty. Especially in the Haga district, where a perfect mix of calm moments and nightlife will animate your stay. We advise you to choose a hotel in the centre, in order to fully enjoy the wealth of Göteborg. It would be a shame to pass by what the cosmopolitan population of the city has to bring to you. Otherwise, for those looking for a little originality, there is the floating hotel Salt ' Sill. This eco-friendly hotel with modern and wooded architecture will offer you an experience that comes out of the ordinary. The decoration is faithful to the idea that Scandinavia is already very fashionable in France. The structure offers its guests some activities, such as crustacean fishing, traditional cooking classes or herring specialties.