15 best things to do in Gothenburg

What is it? One of Gothenburg’s most famous landmarks, home to Europe’s largest oyster bar, draft schnapps and a 28-metre fish counter. Feskekörka has attracted fish and seafood lovers since 1874 and is a go-to food destination with west coast vibes.

Why go? Feskekörka reopened in 2024 after an extensive renovation and now draws visitors with three restaurants, a bar, an oyster bar and an outdoor terrace dubbed ‘pråmenaden’ by locals. The architecture is striking, with windows overlooking the canal, light wooden beams in the ceiling and a wave-shaped bar winding through the hall. Don’t miss the fish soup at Haldis Kök and the smoked prawns at Lilla Åstols Rökeri.

Don’t miss: Tempted by another market hall? Stora Saluhallen is home to several excellent lunch spots such as Bar Bulot, Hasselssons Macklucka and the wine bar Wine Mechanics.

Fisktorget 4, Gothenburg. Open daily, exact hours vary. Check https://www.feskekorka.se/ for more info. Expect to pay just over 270 SEK for a fish soup at Haldis.

What is it? Gothenburg is often referred to as Sweden’s beer capital and its beer culture stretches far back in time. As early as the 18th century, beer was exported around the world by the Swedish East India Company, and today microbreweries have become a hallmark of the city. There are now around 40 local craft breweries in Gothenburg offering tastings, brewpubs and tours.

Why go? Get to know Gothenburg’s gastronomy through its drinks. Among the industrial buildings and shipyards on Ringön you’ll find breweries such as Vega, Ivans Pilsnerbar and Två Feta Grisar, all with unique settings, craft beer and large sunny outdoor terraces. O/O Bar in Majorna is a local favourite, and in the up-and-coming district of Gamlestan you’ll find Spike Brewery, whose taproom is open to visitors at weekends.

Don’t miss: Not a fan of beer? The Nordics’ first urban winery, Wine Mechanics, offers fun wine tastings, and Gothenburg’s first distillery, Ego Distillers, hosts gin workshops and cocktail classes.

Expect to pay around 80–120 SEK for a craft beer.

What is it? Salt-sprayed rocks, fresh seafood, charming fishing villages and sea swims. Leave the city behind for a day trip to Gothenburg’s archipelago. Take tram 9 or 11 to Saltholmen and hop on a ferry for island-hopping in the southern archipelago. Or head north, where car ferries connect the islands – perfect for a road trip or cycling excursion.

Why go? The archipelago is Gothenburg’s ace up its sleeve. Visit Vrångö for beautiful cliff swims, Styrsö with its newly opened Kusthotell, and Brännö, where the iconic quay dances still live on as a beloved tradition. In the northern archipelago, enjoy a sauna with uninterrupted horizons on Fotö, soak up the restaurant scene in Hönö Klåva and hike through heathland and pebble fields on unspoilt Rörö.

Don’t miss: The Gothenburg Archipelago Trail, part of the longer Coastal Path, winding through the northern islands. The trail is 35 km long and makes for a great spring or autumn activity if you want to experience the archipelago on foot.

Ferries to the northern archipelago are mainly operated by the Swedish Transport Administration. See timetables and more at https://www.trafikverket.se/resa-och-trafik/farjetrafik/. The southern islands are car-free, with boat services run by Västtrafik. Use the same ticket as for trams and buses in Gothenburg. Tap your card or buy via the Västtrafik To Go app.

What is it? Magasinsgatan offers great vibes, vintage shopping and relaxed courtyard hangouts. The street runs between Vallgraven and Lilla Torget and is a must-visit, especially when the sun is out.

Why go? For its easygoing, down-to-earth atmosphere. Sit down with a coffee and a bun from roastery Da Matteo on the outdoor terrace, then browse the interior design shops in the area such as Grandpa, Artilleriet and Norrgavel. Fiskbar 17 serves one of the city’s best prawn sandwiches, and the surrounding streets offer great vintage shopping.

Don’t miss: Floramor & Krukatös – a hidden gem just behind Magasinsgatan. This small plant and flower shop is a leafy oasis in historic premises, with perhaps the city’s most charming courtyard.

Address Floramor & Krukatös: Kaserntorget 8, Inom Vallgraven. Open Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00. Shorter hours on Saturdays and Sundays.

What is it? A stone’s throw from the train station lies one of Gothenburg’s green oases. Trädgårdsföreningen was founded in 1842, during a period when interest in horticulture was booming across Europe and garden societies were popping up everywhere.

Why go? Because it’s the perfect leafy stroll in central Gothenburg. Large lawns and slopes down to the canal invite picnics, while the park’s rose garden and palm house attract visitors with thousands of roses and tropical plants. Don’t miss a coffee break at Rosenkaféet, now run by Ahlströms Konditori (Gothenburg’s oldest bakery), or a visit to Grindstugan for troubadour evenings in summer.

Don’t miss: The Botanical Garden and Slottsskogen for two more green destinations.

The main entrance is on Södra Vägen near Central Station, but there are several other entrances. The park is open daily and free to visit. Entry to the Palm House is also free, though tickets may be required for events and performances.

What is it? Volvo holds a special place in Gothenburg’s heart and now also has a 4,500-square-metre interactive exhibition. This mushroom-shaped car museum opened in 2024 next to Liseberg and is an exciting meeting place for all ages.

Why go? This is a museum worth visiting, even if you’re not particularly interested in cars. World of Volvo takes you on a journey through time where nostalgia meets innovation and the future. Try operating a real excavator, feel the wind in a wind tunnel or interact with art installations. Don’t miss the special exhibition ‘In Case of Emergency’, featuring flashing blue lights and historic fire engines, as well as dinner concerts at Ceno Brasserie.

Don’t miss: The playful driving school for children aged 6 to 12, where they can get behind the wheel of Volvo vehicles. Expect realistic city environments and real electric vehicles designed after Volvo’s latest models – in child size.

Lyckans torg 1. Open daily from 10:00 onwards. Entry from 250 SEK for adults, or a family ticket for two adults and three children for 640 SEK.

What is it? Former dockside streets now home to bars, cafés and outdoor terraces, drawing crowds for relaxed socialising and lively nightlife. Långgatorna consists of four streets, with Andra and Tredje Lång the most popular.

Why go? There’s something for everyone here – from classic pubs to bohemian cafés and laid-back theatre bars. Start the evening at Brasserie Draken, whose rooftop bar offers stunning city views. Take the lift down to the cultural bar Folk next door and enjoy a couple of oysters with natural sparkling wine before heading on to bistro Taverna Averna, whose walls are covered in artworks by over 300 local artists.

Don’t miss: The cocktail bar is great, but the best view in the city is actually from the bathroom at Brasserie Draken. Take the lift to floors 33–34 and wash your hands with the city as your backdrop.

Brasserie Draken, Clarion Hotel, Olof Palmes Plats 2, Masthugget. Opening hours vary, closed Sundays. Check the website for more info.

What is it? Climb the steps up Skansberget for a journey back to 17th-century Gothenburg. Here, the Skansen Kronan fortress rises above the city with beautiful views over Haga’s red rooftops. The fortress is no longer open for drop-in visits, but you can book a private tour or come here for a picnic in the greenery.

Why go? For a taste of Gothenburg’s history. Walk through Haga, one of the city’s oldest districts, then continue up to Skansen Kronan for an atmospheric history lesson. Haga charms with its car-free cobbled streets and traditional wooden houses, while Skansen Kronan is the landmark offering sweeping views.

Don’t miss: Pick up top-quality pastries from Borgskogs on your way up. The vanilla bun with browned butter melts in your mouth, the onion croissant draws locals from all over, and the soft serve with pistachio and browned butter cake speaks for itself.

Borgskogs is at Nordenskiöldsgatan 18. Open Tue–Fri 10:00–15:00 and some Saturdays.

What is it? Once a traditional working-class area, Majorna has become the city’s cultural hotspot. The area around Stigbergstorget is a hub for live music, cosy bars, restaurants and clubs.

Why go? For a lively, local nightlife centred around live music. Grab a beer at Fyrens ölkafé before heading down the stairs to Bengans record shop – a meeting place for music lovers with an impressive vinyl selection. This is also a venue for regular live gigs, with icons like David Bowie having played here over the years. Utopia Jazz offers intimate jazz performances in a cosy setting that feels like your second living room. Musikens Hus and Oceanen are two more cultural hubs in the area.

Don’t miss: Download the ‘Stigberget Live’ app to easily find concerts, clubs and events in the area.

Stigbergstorget, Majorna. Get here by tram 3, 9 or 11.

What is it? The place for anyone curious about maritime history and everything you could want to know about the seven seas – above and below the surface. Sjöfartsmuseet Akvariet offers something for all ages, with several exhibitions and one of Europe’s largest aquariums for living corals.

Why go? Gain deeper insight into the sea that has shaped Gothenburg for centuries and discover stories from sailors, shipyard workers and merchants who have lived here for generations. Learn about the Swedish East India Company, let children explore the ‘Stora blå’ exhibition where all senses are engaged, and try steering a large vessel in the ship simulator.

Don’t miss: A visit to the classic café Kampanilen from the 1930s just nearby. This might be where you’ll find Gothenburg’s best semla.

Sjöfartsmuseet Akvariet, Karl Johansgatan 1–3. Open Tue–Sun (closed Mon), with late opening until 20:00 on Wednesdays. Adult ticket 75 SEK, under 20s and students enter free.

What is it? The island of Vinga attracts visitors with its historic lighthouse setting, smooth rocks and uninterrupted views at the outer edge of Gothenburg’s archipelago. Take a day trip from Lilla Bommen or Hönö for a memorable experience.

Why go? Vinga has long been an important landmark for maritime navigation and is one of Sweden’s most famous lighthouse sites. It’s also where troubadour Evert Taube spent his childhood, as his father was the lighthouse keeper. Join a guided tour to climb the lighthouse, visit the beacon and learn more about Taube’s childhood home in the small museum.

Don’t miss: Vinga’s maritime carvings, believed to have been made by passing sailors. These shields, compass roses and dates can be seen carved into the rock on the path from the harbour to the lighthouse.

During the 2026 summer season, from 22 June to 23 August, guided tours run daily 11:00–12:00. The beacon, lighthouse and museum are open daily 10:00–12:00 and 13:15–16:00.

What is it? Did you know one of northern Europe’s leading fine art museums sits at the top of Avenyn? Discover works by masters such as Picasso, Rembrandt and Van Gogh, or enjoy modern installations by contemporary artists.

Why go? Gothenburg Museum of Art houses 70,000 works – from 15th-century collections to contemporary art. It has also been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide, meaning it’s rated ‘worth a journey’ – something I completely agree with.

Don’t miss: For a regular cultural boost, the ‘museum card’ is a smart option. It gives you unlimited visits for a year for just 150 SEK, valid at Gothenburg Museum of Art, Röhsska Museum, Gothenburg City Museum and Sjöfartsmuseet Akvariet.

Götaplatsen 6, Centrum. Entry: 75 SEK or 150 SEK with the museum card.

What is it? One of Majorna’s most charming hubs, filled with authentic and creative restaurants, bars and cafés. Mariaplan has a relaxed yet lively pace, with places you’ll want to return to again and again.

Why go? Because it’s so laid-back and local. Drop in for a Neapolitan pizza and a glass of natural wine at Robb, try some of the city’s best fish and chips with parmesan and herb-topped fries at Hasselssons, or tuck into tacos at Hermanos. The Italian Enoteca Maglia is a place you won’t want to leave – and the list goes on.

Don’t miss: Say ‘sausage’ three times. And don’t miss a stop at the iconic Korv Kiosk for a sausage and chocolate milk. The kiosk has stood in the same spot since the mid-20th century and was named Gothenburg’s best hot dog stand in 2025. And yes, the name is, and should be, written as two words.

What is it? A Gothenburg classic worthy of its name, the Delsjön area with Stora and Lilla Delsjön offers scenic walking trails, sandy beaches and jetties, fishing and canoe rentals. The lakes can be reached from several directions, for example via Skatås Fitness Centre or the stops Welandergatan or Töpelsgatan.

Why go? Stora and Lilla Delsjön feel like wilderness, despite being so close to the city that you can get here by tram. Stop by the artisan bakery Lilla Sur on the way for some of the city’s best buns, or grab coffee at Bar à Kaffe near the Töpelsgatan stop. Lace up your walking shoes and take the 7.5 km loop around Stora Delsjön.

Don’t miss: Pizza, natural wines and family-style vibes at Oizo in Kålltorp – a perfect stop if you’re in the area.

The closest stop for the Delsjön nature area is Töpelsgatan, served by tram 5.

What is it? Writing a guide to Gothenburg without mentioning Sweden’s best amusement park would be a crime. Since 1923, Liseberg has delivered thrills and experiences for all ages – and it does so brilliantly.

Why go? Step into a world of thrilling rides, spinning wheels of fortune and playful attractions. Celebrate Christmas or Halloween with impressive decorations, enjoy atmospheric summer concerts and check into the playful Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel, complete with a slide and pony carousel in the lobby.

Don’t miss: The Oceana water world, set to open in early 2027, promising high-speed rides and relaxing oases in a water park said to be inspired by Gothenburg’s history.

During peak season, from Midsummer week in June to mid-August, Liseberg is open daily. The park opens at 11:00 and usually closes at 22:00 or 23:00 depending on the day. An all-in-one ticket with entry and unlimited rides costs from 365 SEK. Children under 110 cm enter free. Concerts at the Main Stage often require a separate ticket of 75 SEK in addition to park entry.