Gothenburg blends maritime charm, cultural richness, and centuries of history into one unforgettable Swedish destination. Gothenburg is Stockholm’s unassuming cousin. It might not be the most popular tourist destination, but for those seeking an authentic view into Swedish culture and lifestyle, Gothenburg offers visitors the perfect opportunity.
Things to do in Gothenburg, Sweden
1. Explore the city on the tram
Gothenburg’s main form of public transportation is its tram system. At first glance, it may seem like a rickety old train car that was pulled out of a 1960s movie set. The system runs throughout the city like clockwork, offering locals and tourists alike an easy way to get anywhere in the city – especially during bad weather.
The easiest way to utilize the transport system is to purchase a day pass or a week pass through the Västtrafik To Go App. Taxis and Ubers can be expensive in Gothenburg, so it’s a good idea to have the App ready on your phone. Believe me, once you see how easy it is, you won’t want to travel by car anyway!
2. Visit the Haga district
Wander through Gothenburg’s oldest neighborhood, with cobblestone streets, wooden houses, and cozy cafés. Originally a working-class area in the 1600s, Haga is now a charming enclave perfect for fika and vintage shopping.
Cafe Husaren: Hagga Nygata 28: this historic old coffee house offers visitors the chance to taste a selection of classic Swedish desserts. It is also home to the supersized Hagabullen, or “cinnamon bread” that has now become a social media staple. I opted for the princess cake and a delightful cup of tea during my recent visit.
3. Go Thrift Shopping
Don’t quote me on this, but Gothenburg must have one of the highest concentrations of thrift stores in Europe. The city is a treasure trove for thrifters, with a diverse range of stores catering to every taste. I am new to thrifting and did find a few hidden gems in Gothenburg, but in many stores, I found prices to be nearly as expensive as brand-new items. Here are a few stores that I would recommend:
- Beyond Retro: ARKADEN 7, Arkaden Shopping Center: Enter from the street level, but make your way downstairs to see the collection of retro treasures the store has to offer. The collections are very well labeled, but be prepared to spend some time searching. This store definitely gave off the “grandparents’ basement” smell for me, but there was some treasure to be found.
- Pop Boutique: Magasinsgatan 22: If you’re looking for a statement piece or have a bold sense of style, Pop Boutique could be your heaven. They have lots of inventory, but has a more streamlined focus on in-season styles compared to Beyond Retro. The styles were a little too eclectic for my taste, but I did enjoy searching for hidden gems here!
- Arkivet: Kungsgatan 65: I thoroughly enjoyed shopping in this store (no grandparent’s basement smell!). It was clean, sleek, and clearly well-maintained with fast-moving stock (no musty basement smell!). In my last few hours in Gothenburg, I finally found the pair of jeans I was looking for – a gorgeous pair of Sanne Alexandra Stockholm jeans. The best part? It was new, with tags still attached, and listed for about $20 USD, while the retail price was over $100 USD.
4. Interact with the World of Volvo
Explore the history of one of Sweden’s most successful global brands, headquartered in the city since 1927. The interactive museum in its current form opened in 2024 and gives visitors the chance to learn the company’s history through classic car displays and interactive design showcases.
5. Liseberg Amusement Park
One of Europe’s top-rated amusement parks, Liseberg offers thrilling rides, lush gardens, and seasonal events. The park features 42 rides, including 7 roller coasters, when it is in full season. The park also decorates for Halloween and Christmas, offering something for the entire family to enjoy. Be sure to check the website for opening dates and times.