Gothenburg is to Stockholm what Stutterheim is to Fjällräven. Just as good – some may say even better – but less well known, and that’s exactly its allure. The country’s quintessential second city, it comes with all the charm, just without the crowds. Known for its environmental efforts (it’s been voted the world’s most sustainable destination three years on the trot), you’ll find you’re doing the planet a favour just by planning a trip here. The city is eminently walkable too. So, once you have hopped off your three-hour train from Stockholm (again, paving the way for streamline sustainability) you’ll be ready to hit its canal-lined, cobblestone streets in search of our favourite things to do in Gothenburg.
- History in Haga
- Adventure in the Archipelago
- Thrill-Seeking at Liseberg
- Fika and Food in Magasinsgatan
- Museum Hopping
History in Haga
Characterised by its car-free, cobblestone streets, low wooden houses and grand stone buildings, Haga has seen it all. It was Gothenburg’s first suburb and in its four-century long history has undergone myriad makeovers, from a working-class warren in the early 1900s to a hedonistic hippie hangout in the seventies. Now it is not only the city’s premier fika spot, but also the perfect place to delve into local history. Instead of just metaphorically stepping back in time, march up the hundred steps to Skansen Kronan, a 17th century fortress known for its sweeping views that’s well worth the workout. Or, if you prefer to keep things casual, wander along the verdant Hagaparken (Haga Park), where statues of Swedish greats like Raoul Wallenberg, who saved tens of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust, stand proud.
Adventure in the Archipelago
It’s unlike us to write a blog on things to do in Gothenburg and suggest leaving the city entirely. But when a 20-island-strong archipelago is waiting on your doorstep, it would be rude not to take the detour. Plus, you’ll need somewhere to break in your new Stutterheim rain jacket and Fjällräven backpack. From Gothenburg’s pier, hop on the 20-minute ferry to Styrsö or sail further afield to Brännö, Vrångö and Vinga. In Styrsö, it’s all about views atop the archipelago’s highest point, Stora Rös. Brännö is where you head for salty and salubrious swim spots and tiny Vinga is where you head for complete silence along its quaint car-free lanes to huddled hamlets. And if that’s not enough, on all islands are a smattering of chic restaurants, bars and boutique shops where you can expand your Scandi wardrobe.
Thrill-Seeking at Liseberg
You’ll probably hear Liseberg before you see it. Being one of Europe’s leading amusement parks, Liseberg offers everything from a jolly Ferris wheel and flying teacup rides to an exhilarating three second, 116-metre vertical drop rollercoaster, aptly named ‘AtmosFear’. It is also home to the city’s biggest entertainment venues. Catch big name bands at its Stora Scenen stage and small low-key artists and dance troops at its intimate pavilion, Polketten. It is at Christmastime though that Liseberg really dazzles with things to do in Gothenburg. Illuminating the park with five million fairy lights, it becomes a true winter wonderland complete with market stalls, Christmas smorgasbord (also known Julbord), ice displays from Swedish Lapland and visits from Father Christmas himself.
Fika and Food in Magasinsgatan
Leaving Gothenburg without indulging in a morning’s fika in Magasinsgatan is like going to Brighton and not having fish and chips on its pier. Start the day in Da Matteo, a favourite fika spot among Magasinsgatan locals, for a coffee and a chitchat in its cosy courtyard before hitting its stylish streets for a spot of window shopping. Home to Swedish-born brands such as Acne and Velour and chic homeware brands like Grandpa (that makes even IKEA look outdated), you’ll find it tough to leave empty handed. This is a neighbourhood known for its food too. Whether it be Spanish style pintxos, creamy Italian raviolis or refreshing al fresco cocktails, Magasinsgatan has them all.
Museum Hopping
You need only read the title of our best museums in Gothenburg blog to know that Sweden’s second city isn’t short of them. In fact it’s home to over 17. But that’s where the fun begins – deciding where to start. Petrol heads should make a bee line for the Volvo Museum, which proudly displays 800 square metres of century-old cars, engines and machines, while art aficionados should begin at the Gothenburg Museum of Art. In fact, even if you aren’t an art appreciator, seeing Monet’s Water Lillies series or Van Gogh’s Olive Trees in the flesh are sure to unearth your inner aesthete –especially if you are joined by one of our knowledgeable guides too.