Gothenburg - Gothenburg

Gothenburg (Swedish: Göteborg) is Sweden's second largest city with 570,000 inhabitants, and about 1 million in the metropolitan area. The city lies on Sweden's west coast, at the outlet of the Göta river. Gothenburg is Sweden's largest industrial city with companies such as the Volvo Group and Volvo Cars, as well as Scandinavia's largest port. While the port and factories employ fewer people, the city prides itself in hosting numerous national and international sporting and music events such as Gothia Cup, Partille Cup and Way out West. Gothenburg also has the Sweden's largest amusement park, Liseberg.

Understand

Statue of King Gustav II Adolf, who founded the city

Gothenburg is a fairly green city with parks and a large river bisecting the city. Built after being founded by royal decree in 1621 it was modeled after the Dutch city style, with plenty of canals. Gothenburg has many nicknames that allude to its canals such as "little London", "little Amsterdam", and "little Venice". Early on Gothenburg was famous for its port and trade and has prominently hosted the Swedish East-India Company. Due to its historically industrial character Gothenburg has had strong working class associations, being known for its friendly yet brusque "goa gubbar". This together with its large port has given rise to the moniker "Marseille of the North".

Today, with over 50,000 students in the city and two major universities it has a young side with plenty of bars and night-clubs. Gothenburg has a reputation for being a very friendly place, and more welcoming than Stockholm, the Swedish capital.

History

See also: Nordic history

Gothenburg is at the mouth of the river Göta älv. Lödöse, some 40 km (25 mi) upstream from Gothenburg was one of the largest cities in Sweden during the Middle Ages, and is considered a precursor to Gothenburg. During the Middle Ages the mouth of Göta älv was controlled by Sweden, while Bohuslän immediately north of it was Norwegian and Halland to its immediate south was Danish. The area thus became a tripoint of the three kingdoms. In order to consolidate Swedish control of the area, Älvsborg's fortress was constructed near modern-day Gothenburg. Several failed attempts were also made to build a city in the area.

The modern city of Gothenburg was built in 1621 by the Swedish king Gustav II Adolf. During the 17th century Sweden conquered Bohuslän and Halland, thus making Gothenburg the center of an expanded western Sweden. During this era the older Danish Älvsborg fortress was demolished. It was replaced by a new castle, ingeniously called New Älvsborg fortress, on an island in the mouth of the river. Gothenburg eventually became a major gateway into Sweden, and one of the busiest ports in the Nordic countries. As the largest port in Sweden Gothenburg became the seat of the Swedish East India Company in the 18th century, and a hub for American emigration in the 19th century. During this era the city also became heavily industrialized, particularly as a center for the Swedish shipbuilding industry. Its large port, strong trade community and proximity to Marstrand meant the city had a large Jewish and international community, with the first Jewish association forming before that of Stockholm.

With rising competition from foreign ship yards in the 1900s, many of the dry docks closed down in the 1970s. Much of the inner harbor area has changed from industrial ship building to high technology and education, representative of the general change in the city. Today Gothenburg has international sporting events, concerts, and conventions. Being an industrial center, Gothenburg has been politically dominated by the left-wing Social Democrats for many years.

Landshövdingehus on Klamparegatan around year 1900. All of this was demolished in the 1960s. Picture from Gothenburg Museum of History

In the 1960s with Sweden investing heavily in affordable housing with Miljonprogrammet large parts of the working class town was demolished. Much like parts of Södermalm in Stockholm, Masthugget was an entire district comprised nearly exclusively of small red-painted wooden houses, some of which had stone-laid ground floors, so called Landhövdingehus. Today such houses can only be found at Gathenhielmska kulturreservatet by Stigbergstorget in Majorna, as well as on some of the islands in the Gothenburg archipelago. Gothenburg is famous for its Landshövdingehus of which more upscale housing remains in Haga, Gårda and Majorna.

The "Guest Harbour" with the famous office building Lilla Bommen 1, jokingly referred to as the Lipstick building, in the background

People

The working-class history is easily visible, for example in the harbor area, especially on the northern riverfront of Hisingen and north of the city center on the southern riverfront in Gullbergsvass. Before the 1970s there were few fashion houses or posher cafeterias, but that has changed.

The Gothenburg dialect is associated with cheerfulness and witty, if pun-laden humour, with many humorists classically from Gothenburg, often of the "goa gubbar" (lit. "good guys") stereotype, working class and somewhat fat. The connection to Britain has been said to be behind the high frequency of the male given name Glenn.

Like Marseille in France there is some animosity towards the capital, with those who move there sometimes being called "traitors".

Climate

Like most of southern and coastal Sweden, the city is best visited during springtime as well as in the summer. The climate is temperate with mild winters and warm, but not hot summers. Because it is located on the west coast by the sea the climate is milder and rainier in the winter than Stockholm, but comparable to Copenhagen. Snow is not a given in winter, for real Scandinavian winter, visit Dalarna or Norrland.

In other words, May to September tend to have the most comfortable weather. From Midsummer to the end of July, many inhabitants leave the city, and some venues close for summer, making the city more dominated by tourists.

Tourist information

Gothenburg offers the Gothenburg City Card, which allows entry into many tourist attractions, grand houses, museums as well as offering free travel on trams and buses and free parking. Among attractions covered are Ringlinien vintage train, admission to Liseberg, Universeum, free travel with Paddan boat, boat trip to New Älvsborg Fortress, guided tour by bus, Museum of World Culture, Gothenburg Natural History Museum, Gothenburg City Museum, Gothenburg Art Museum, Röhsska Museum, Maritime Museum Aquarium, Medical History Museum, the Sports Museum, Maritiman, Casino Cosmopol, Gothenburgs utkiken, Guided tour of Gunnebo House, the Garden Society of Gothenburg, Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden, Röda Sten, Stinsen Sightseeing, Aeroseum, Volvo Museum, Mölndals Museum. This card is available to people's mobile phones, making it not only cost-effective and convenient.

In case official tourist information is unavailable, Gothenburgers are usually more than willing to help.

Get in

Landvetter is Sweden's second-busiest airport

By plane

The city's international airport, Landvetter, flies mainly to European cities. To fly in from other continents, you must connect at a larger airport offering intercontinental flights. Most carriers offer connecting intercontinental tickets.

There are two coffee shops, burger fast food service, and a newsagent land-side. Air-side you can find a few cafes, restaurants, bars, gift shops and duty-free shops. There is quite little shopping. Foreign exchange facilities are available on both sides of security. The airport provides free Wi-Fi.

Most of the major car rental companies have facilities opposite the airport exit. There is a hotel within walking distance (beyond the car rental facilities).

There is a Flygbussarna bus service from Landvetter into the city. It runs every 15–20 minutes, costs 95 kr one way (185 kr return) if you pay online (otherwise it is 10 kr extra). The journey takes approximately 20–30 minutes, during the day running every 15 minutes. It stops at several locations (first stop near Liseberg; final stop: the Nils Ericson Bus terminal which is next to the Central Train Station). The only method of payment for the ticket is by credit card. Free WiFi is available on the coach.

Taxis are expensive. To the city it takes about 25 minutes and costs between 520 kr and 560 kr. It is best to arrange fixed fare before getting in taxi.

Until 2014, the city was also served by another airport, called Gothenburg City Airport, so you can still find references to it. All flights from GSE have been moved to Landvetter.

Main entrance to Centralstationen at night

By train

Göteborgs Centralstation is a large complex which includes a long-distance bus terminal

Highspeed trains of SJ and MTR connect with Stockholm in just over three hours. International train services are available to Oslo and to Copenhagen (via Malmö and the Öresund bridge), both in just under 4 hours. A daily night train connects with the northern Swedish cities of Luleå and Umeå. Most non-regional trains have free WiFi.

  • 2 Göteborgs Centralstation (tram Centralstationen/Drottningtorget or Nordstan). The main rail station in Gothenburg. Gothenburg Central Station (Q54326) on Wikidata Gothenburg Central Station on Wikipedia 

By bus

Several coach services operate in and out of Gothenburg including Eurolines, Flixbus, GoByBus, Vy Bus4You and Swebus Express. Nils Ericsson Terminalen, located in connection with the central station, is the most common bus stop. Västtrafik operates regional buses.

By ship

Stena Line operates ships to/from Denmark (Frederikshavn) and Germany (Kiel). The terminals are near the city centre. Tramway stops: Masthuggstorget (Frederikshavn), Chapmans Torg (Kiel).

DFDS is a cargo line with limited passenger capacity. They can take a small number of passengers (and their car) to Gothenburg from Belgium (Ghent).

There are also passenger boats cruising down the river, some all the way from Stockholm through Göta Kanal (by Rederi Göta Kanal)

By car

European roads E6, E20 and E45 pass through Gothenburg. If you come by car from Stockholm, you should take E4 to Jönköping, and then national road 40.

Approximate distances and travelling time:

  • to Malmö (E6/E20 south): 300 km, 3 hours
  • to Oslo (E6 north): 320 km, 4 hours
  • to Stockholm (40 east, E4): 500 km, 4 hours and 40 minutes
  • to Copenhagen (E6/E20 south): 317 km, 3 hours and 30 minutes

Parking in Gothenburg can be difficult and expensive, as free parking is rarely found. Prices per hour vary between 7 zones and can be as high as 30 kr per hour. Free parking for tourists is however included in the Gothenburg City Card, if you happen to own one.

Gothenburg has implemented a congestion charge (trängselskatt) for the central area. However, for Swedish rental cars the cost is commonly already included in the daily fee.

57°42′7″N 11°58′12″E
Map of Gothenburg

Get around

Public transportation within Gothenburg (and the west of Sweden) is operated by Västtrafik and consists of trams, buses and ferries. You can find more information about tickets and a journey planner on their homepage.

Public transport in Gothenburg can be fairly slow: For example, to cross one side of the city to the other (20 km) can take up to an hour. It can be a good idea to look up alternative routes, with some of the express buses being considerably faster, and it sometimes being possible to save many minutes by walking a few hundred meters to a tram-stop located on a different line. Inside the central area, transport is fairly rapid, as the tram tracks generally are separated from normal car lanes.

The local transport company (Västtrafik) has removed maps from just about all the tram stops; be prepared and have a map ready before you get there. The phone app or web site is very handy when wanting to find routes, but will not ask you to walk any distance in order to save time — for this Google maps is better.

Västtrafik's ticket system

You cannot buy tickets from the driver on any buses in Gothenburg area, but they are available onboard countryside buses or regional trains and in machines on trams in the Västtrafik system.

Tourist Ticket

Tourists and others planning to travel everyday are advised to buy a 1- or 3-day ticket. A blue card called the Västtrafik card is charged with ticket information. They are bought at Västtrafik's service centres or from seven-eleven or Pressbyrån or some other stores. They cost 100 kr (1 day) or 200 kr (3 days) inside Gothenburg (as of Jan 2020). A tourist card is available from the tourist office which is valid as a tram/bus ticket and for museum entrance fees, etc. Longer period tickets (30 or 365 days) can be loaded onto a västtrafik card.

Single ticket

If you only travel occasionally, you can either buy tickets at 7-Eleven, the Västtrafik "Tidpunkten" customer service centers, the Pressbyrån shops, from the blue ticket machines on the trams - which accepts coins or major credit cards, online via the Travel planner, or via a phone app if you have a Swedish credit card. During daytime the cost is 30 kr for an adult within the city zone (27 kr with app ticket).

Prepaid card(Pay-as-you-go)

If you will be travelling more often it might be a good idea to buy a prepaid västtrafik card that also gives a discount. This card can be charged with any amount at a time until the card contains a maximum of 1500 kr. In addition you must pay a 50 kr deposit which can be used in part to pay for your trip, but if any of the deposit money is used, another trip cannot be made until you recharge the card again. If you return the card to a Västtrafik service center the deposit will be refunded to you.

If you travel within one zone a fixed price is deducted from your card, which is 27 kr for an adult within the Gothenburg zone. If you travel across a zone border the journey will be more expensive. With the exception of the southern part of tram no. 2 or 4 (all stops from Krokslätts Torg to Mölndals Centrum) the entire tram system lies within the Gothenburg municipality.

The card is used by touching it to one of the card readers in the vehicle when you board. If you intend to travel in more than one zone you must press the button on the card reader before touching in and also touch the card to the reader when exiting the vehicle (otherwise, you will be charged for a journey to the terminal destination of the bus/tram). For tourists it's recommended you always touch in and out with the button as the system will then always deduct the correct amount and you will not have to bother about the zones.

The Västrafik card can be bought from Västtrafik's service centres or from most convenience stores.

You can change freely between buses, ferries and trams 90 minutes after you first used your ticket. If you traveled in more than one zone the 90 minutes time will count from the time you disembarked in the last zone. When travelling between zones, remember to always touch in and touch out on each separate vehicle - otherwise you will be charged for each as separate journeys.

It might seem easy to get on one of the buses or trams without a valid ticket, but if a biljettkontrollant (ticket controller) would find out, you will be charged with a fee of 1200 kr.

Smartphone app: Västtrafik has an app called "Västtrafik To Go", in which both single tickets and passes can be bought. It requires however a Swedish credit card.

By tram

Gothenburg has a famous network of trams, covering most of the city. With over 150 km the Gothenburg tram is the largest light rail network in Scandinavia.

The network consists of 12 tram lines, 1 to 11 and 13, and every line except no 8 passes through the main tram stop Brunnsparken ('Well Park'). It is located one tram stop or a 2-minute walk from the train station, Centralstationen. The trams runs approximately every 8–10 minutes during daylight and twice every hour at night, at weekends the trams run every 15–30 minutes. Notice that not all lines runs nighttime.

This and the Paddan boats (operating from Kungsportsplatsen) is the best way to see the city as they run above ground at a comfortable yet quick pace.

By bus

Trams are the most efficient way to travel within the city centre, but if you're planning to go further you might need to go by bus. Bus lines heading in the same direction often departs from the same part of the city. There is no real equivalent to the large central tram and bus stop Brunnsparken—most others are divided into several "smaller" hubs, which you often reach by tram.

By ferry

Two ferry services run across the river; Älvsnabben is the regular ferry service with traffic every 30 minutes, and Älvsnabbare that only run between Rosenlund and Lindholmspiren (free of charge) during work hours. Besides transport, this can be a good way to see the city from the river.

Ferries to the southern archipelago run from Saltholmen, with three different lines: Vrångö line, Brännö Rödsten line and the less trafficated Förö line. The service runs once an hour or less.

Styrsöbolaget run the ferry services under licence of Västtrafik - you can still use the city public transport ticket. On their homepage can you find time tables and more information about the islands.

By taxi

Taxi rip-off alert:never step into a Swedish taxi without checking the yellow price sign on the rear window first! Taxi drivers are legally allowed to charge rip-off prices as long as they are stated clearly on the sign. The taxi to the left is twice as expensive as the one to the right, and there are cases where tourists have been charged around 30,000 kr for a trip to the airport! The price tag should say around 300 kr for a cab.

There are several taxi companies, for example Taxi Göteborg (031-650000), Taxi Kurir (031-272727) and Minitaxi (031-140140). Initial fare from 35 kr, and then from 10 to 14 kr/km. Every taxi must have comparing prices well visible according to law, and it's often placed in the side window. No 1 is daytime, no 2 is rush hour and no 3 is for night time service, and then you see the initial fare, price per hour, price per kilometre and comparing prices for a typical journey.

Prices between companies vary. For the above-mentioned larger companies the visible comparing price is about 300-350 kr. Dubious taxi operators take about double the price, so make sure to compare before you enter.For longer travels, negotiate a fixed price. To the airport it should be around 500 kr from the city center.

Illegal taxis, called "svarttaxi", are operating, particularly during Friday and Saturday nights. They are generally cheaper, but using them is not advised, particularly for women or drunk passengers, since muggings and rapes have occurred involving illegal taxis.

  • Cabonline. Offers TaxiKurir, Taxi 020, Sverigetaxi and TOPCAB taxis. Fixed price on all trips. (updated Aug 2020)
  • Uber Gothenburg. (updated Jul 2020)
  • Bolt Gothenburg. (updated Jul 2020)
  • Jip. Smart phone app offers address based routing and calculates price according to them. (updated Feb 2021)

By bicycle

Gothenburg city bikes

Gothenburg has a nice network of bicycle paths, reaching all parts of the city. You can buy network maps at the tourist information centres, and you can find an online version

You can bring your bike on the ferries, on some trains but not on trams or buses. The service is free on Älvsnabben but costs 10 kr on the ferries in the southern archipelago.

You can rent a bike from Cykelkungen or if you are staying at a hostel they can often provide it for you.

In the most central parts there are an automated loan bike system Styr & Ställ, registration of 25 kr for 3 days an reserving an amount on your credit card they are free to use as long as you use for only 30 minutes and then replaced in another place. You can then take a bike again 2 minutes later. An real-time map showing how many bikes and free parking slots are available at each station can be downloaded from allbikesnow.

By foot

With a compact city centre most sights are easily reached by foot, and it's a nice way to get around.

Popular walks around the city include the nature reserve around the lake Delsjön, the park Slottsskogen, the botanical garden, on any of the islands in the southern archipelago, or in the neighborhood Haga.

See

Notable buildings

  • 1 Gothenburg Cathedral, Västra Hamngatan. Built in 1815. Gothenburg Cathedral (Q1236650) on Wikidata Gothenburg Cathedral on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
  • 2 Christinae Church (German Church), Norra Hamngatan. Built in 1748. German Church (Q877360) on Wikidata German Church, Gothenburg on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
  • 3 Crown House (Kronhuset), Postgatan. Built in 1643-1655, and briefly home of the Swedish Parliament. It houses Göteborgs Musik, and the surrounding buildings are now cafes and crafts workshops. It is Gothenburg’s oldest still-standing non-religious building. (updated Dec 2017)
  • 4 Feskekôrka, Rosenlundsgatan. Tu-F 10:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-15:00. The indoor Fish Market, called "Feskekôrka" (Fish Church) because of the shape of the building and Gothenburgers mythical devotion to fish, is by the canal near the harbor. Feskekörka (Q3820291) on Wikidata Feskekôrka on Wikipedia (updated Dec 2017)
  • 5 Guldhedstornet, Dr. Sven Johanssons backe 1, ☏ 46 31 - 82 00 09. May till October. At 130 meters above sea-level this is the highest point and the highest café in Gothenburg. Sitting inside with a panorama view, or outside on the balcony, you get a view of the downtown, the old and new harbors, the Göta Älv River, the sea (Kattegat), the archipelago, the suburbs and the hilly, forested areas surrounding the city. 
  • 6 Haga (Close to Skansen Kronan). A city district with picturesque wooden houses from the 19th century. Don't forget to explore the more bohemian Långgatan streets (Första, Andra, Tredje and Fjärde Långgatan) nearby. Haga (Q1538271) on Wikidata Haga, Gothenburg on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
  • 7 Oscar Fredrik Church, Värmlandsgatan. The largest and most well decorated church. Built 1893. Oscar Fredrik Church (Q606334) on Wikidata Oscar Fredrik Church on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
The Skansen Kronan is positioned atop a steep hill in Haga
  • 8 Skansen Kronan (Crown Keep). A hilltop fortification, southwest of the city center, built in the 17th century. In the 19th century it served as a prison, and now houses a military museum. Its twin Skansen Lejonet (Lion Keep) unfortunately finds itself in the middle of a railroad and industrial area but guided tours are held the first and third Sunday of every month. Crown Redoubt (Q1570303) on Wikidata Skansen Kronan on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
  • 9 Skanskaskrapan (Läppstiftet), Lilla Bommen, ☏ 46 31156147. Jul-Aug: daily 11:00-16:00 (lift goes several times per hour); rest of the year: M-F 11:00-15:00 (lift goes every hour). Informally called "the lipstick" by the local, it features a viewing platform at 86 metres, which offers great views over the city. 40 kr, children 5-15 years: 20 kr, family: 100 kr. Lilla Bommen (Q1164109) on Wikidata Lilla Bommen (building) on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)

Museums

  • 10 Aeroseum, Holmvägen 100. At Säve Depå, is an aircraft museum in a former military underground Air Force base. It's located on the Hisingen bypass (Hisingeleden), at the opposite side of the airstrip to Gothenburg City Airport. Also home of the annual Göteborg Aero Show and other events. Air Force Museum (updated Nov 2019)
  • 11 Gothenburg Art Museum (Göteborgs Konstmuseum), Götaplatsen, ☏ 46 31 368 35 00. Housed in a magnificent edifice flanked by the theater and concert hall, it features a world-class collection of Nordic art (40 kr, people up to 25 years free). The adjacent Hasselblad Center periodically holds public exhibitions. The Art Hall (free entrance) features contemporary art. Gothenburg Museum of Art (Q1992004) on Wikidata Gothenburg Museum of Art on Wikipedia (updated Mar 2021)
  • 12 Gothenburg City Museum (Göteborgs Stadsmuseum), Norra Hamngatan 12, ☏ 46 31-368 36 00. Covers the history of the city and region from prehistoric times to the present, with emphasis on the 19th-century Swedish East India Company, which was once housed in the building. 40 kr, people under 25 free. City Museum of Gothenburg (Q3107846) on Wikidata Museum of Gothenburg on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
Entrance to the Universeum
  • 13 KA 4 Museum and the Fort of Oskar II. Irregular opening hours. A museum at the former Coast Artillery Regiment at Käringberget. 
  • 14 Maritiman (Between GöteborgsOperan and Kajskjul 8). Packhuskajen 8½. "The world's biggest floating museum of ships" consists of 19 boats of all sizes. The biggest attraction is the former military destroyer Småland. 100 kr, children (5-15) 50 kr, family 270 kr, students & senior citizens 70 kr. Maritiman (Q3293750) on Wikidata Maritiman on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
  • 15 Maritime Museum and Aquarium, Karl Johansgatan 1-3 (Stigbergstorget, Majorna), ☏ 46 31-368 35 50. Explains the maritime history of Gothenburg, West Sweden and of the fishing industry; has models of sailing ships. There is a lookout, in pillar of the "Seamans wife", just by the museum where you can view the harbour. 
  • 16 Gothenburg Natural History Museum (Göteborgs Naturhistoriska Museum), Slottsskogen (Linnéplatsen), ☏ 46 10441 44 00. Tu-Su 11:00-17:00. The oldest museum in Gothenburg includes a stuffed blue whale and is situated in Slottsskogen. 40 kr, under 25 years free. Gothenburg Museum of Natural History (Q848411) on Wikidata (updated Nov 2019)
  • 17 Swedish Ship Götheborg, Pir Fyra 2, ☏ 46 31-779 34 50. A reconstruction of the mid-18th century east indiaman Götheborg. 120 kr. 
The Volvo Museum is about more than just cars and trucks
  • 18 Volvo Museum, Arendal Skans (Hisingen), ☏ 46 31 664814. Tu-F 10:00-17:00; Sa Su 11:00-16:00; public holidays: closed. Yes of course, in the home town of Volvo you can view the past and present models of the Swedish car. 60 kr, children 6-12 years 25 kr, children below the age of 6 free, family 120 kr. Volvo Museum (Q3329393) on Wikidata Volvo Museum on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
  • 19 Museum of World Culture (Världskulturmuseet), Södra Vägen 54 (Liseberg). Tu Th F 12-:00-17:00; W 12:00-20:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:0. A cultural counterpart to the science-oriented Universeum, it's a museum of ethnography and anthropology, with a thoroughly contemporary approach. There are regular special events such as concerts, films, and lectures. Free entrance to some of the museum's exhibits. 40 kr (annual pass), free for people under the age of 19 years. Museum of World Culture (Q378377) on Wikidata Museum of World Culture on Wikipedia 
  • 20 The Röhsska Museum, Vasagatan 37-39, ✉. Tu W 11:00-18:00, Th 11:00-20:00, F-Su 11:00-17:00, closed on Good Friday, 1 May, 6 June, Midsummer’s Eve, Midsummer Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s day. The national museum of Swedish design and applied art. Adult 60 or, under 25 or with the Gothenburg Pass free. Röhsska Museum (Q3107443) on Wikidata Röhsska Museum on Wikipedia (updated Mar 2021)
  • 21 Gothenburg Radio Museum, Anders Carlssons gata 2 (Götaverkens industriområde), ☏ 46 31-779 21 01. Radiomuseet, Göteborg (Q3330070) on Wikidata (updated Nov 2019)
  • 22 Röda Sten, Röda Sten 1 (Tram 3 or 9 to Vagnhallen Majorna, then walk), ☏ 46 31-12 08 16. Tu-Su 12:00-17:00; W 12:00-19:00. Edgy art hall in an old industrial furnace station covered in graffiti. 40 kr/20 kr/free. 
  • 23 Universeum, Södra Vägen 50 (Liseberg), ☏ 46 31-335 64 50. A new museum focusing on the environment with an indoor rainforest, experiment workshop, etc. Adult 175 kr, under 3 years free, 3-16 years 120 kr, family 545 kr. Universeum (Q388667) on Wikidata Universeum on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
Botanical Garden in June

Parks and gardens

  • 24 Botaniska Trädgården (Botanical Gardens), Carl Skottbergs gata 22, ☏ 46 31 741 11 00. 9AM-sundown. Built in 1923, the botanical gardens has an area of 175 hectares and was selected as the most beautiful garden in Sweden in 2003. It contains a rock garden, arboretum and green houses, along with a restaurant and café. Don't miss the rare Easter Island tree. Free entrance, except for the greenhouse. Gothenburg Botanical Garden (Q956772) on Wikidata Gothenburg Botanical Garden on Wikipedia 
  • 25 Slottsskogen (tram stop Linnéplatsen). A big English garden close to the Botanical Garden and a popular spot for relaxing and picnics. Within the park you'll find the Museum of nature history, an observatory, a mini golf course, and a child zoo. In the zoo, you can also pay a visit to the quintessential Swedish animal: the älg, also known as moose. Slottskogen is famed for its valley with over 60 kinds of Azalea that blooms during early summer. The museum and the zoo don`t have an entry fee. Slottskogen can be very crowded with people going for a barbecue in Summer. On the night before the 1st of May, there is usually a big bonfire in the park, which is worth watching. Slottsskogen (Q3288521) on Wikidata Slottsskogen on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
  • 26 Trädgårdsföreningen. A picturesque garden in the city centre with a very nice collection of roses awarded with three stars in the Guide Michelin. No entrance fee during off season, otherwise 20 kr. Trädgårdsföreningen (Q3141469) on Wikidata Garden Society of Gothenburg on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)

Do

  • 1 Liseberg. The biggest amusement park in all of Scandinavia, with lots of different rides for all ages. Be sure to try Balder, the wooden roller-coaster. Liseberg is the number one attraction, by number of visitors, in Sweden. Liseberg (Q1413270) on Wikidata Liseberg on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
  • 2 Paddan, Kungsportsplatsen. The tourist boats run in the city canals and in the harbour. Paddan (Q10614896) on Wikidata (updated Nov 2019)
  • 3 Delsjön Canoeing (Delsjön Kanotcentral), Alfred Gärdes väg 110 (Only 6 km South East of the city center). In summer, you can go canoeing in or walking around the lake Delsjön. It can be a good way to experience nature. 
  • Lisebergslinjen. A vintage tram line that runs during summer from the central station to Liseberg. Adults 20 kr, children 10 kr, small children free. 
  • Börjessons. Does tourist boat tours in the archipelago every day in the summer and is very popular. 
  • Southern Archipelago. For a low price one can visit the islands in the southern archipelago with regular passenger boats. These islands are car free and very picturesque. The boats go from the tram stop "Saltholmen". It is difficult to park there. Tram tickets are valid on the boat too.
  • Charter a Sailing YachtsBoats.com or yachtbooker.com give you independent information on how to find a yacht charter in Gothenburg.

Concert and entertainment venues

Events

  • The Cortège. Every year students from Chalmers University organize the carnival parade on Walpurgis Night (30 April). The parade starts at Gibraltargatan next to the campus, proceeds via Läraregatan, Viktor Rydbergsgatan, Kungsportsavenyn, Vasagatan, Aschebergsgatan back to the campus and takes about 2 hours. During about a week before the parade, the students construct the different vehicles on campus next to Gibraltargatan. Free.
  • Every year in February, the town is invaded by cinema buffs for the annual Gothenburg Film Festival. The festival, which is growing every year, is now one of the major Scandinavian movie festivals.
  • Julstaden (the Christmas celebration), takes place in December. The city centre is filled with Christmas lights and various activities. The event has become a popular tourist attraction.
  • Gothenburg Culture Festival (Kulturkalaset) takes place annually in August. City-festival featuring musical performances, a wide array of foreign food booths and lots and lots of beer. Massive public drunkenness and under-aged intoxication has made the city council consider to cancel the whole thing. If you stay off the absolute city-centre like the Avenue (Avenyn) you may find interesting parties and activities though.
  • Volvo Rendezvous for Owners & Members (VROM) — an annual meeting for Volvo enthusiasts.
  • Gothenburg's Pride festival is West Pride.
  • Göteborg Aero Show — Sweden's major annual air show, attracting tens of thousands spectators every year.
  • Way Out West — a yearly music festival held in Slottskogen, usually in August.
  • Göteborg International Biennial for Contemporary Art (GIBCA). It's held every second year usually in November, the next one will be in 2019.

Sport events

  • Once a year during July, football playing youths from more than 50 countries take part in Gothia Cup, the world's biggest football tournament with over 1,000 teams. The final rounds are held at the Ullevi stadium, one of the largest in the Nordic countries.
  • Göteborgsvarvet. A half a marathon (21 km) which is run in May in central Gothenburg once a year, with more than 30,000 participants. 
  • Football: the city has four professional soccer teams. In Allsvenkan, the top tier, are BK Häcken (playing at Bravida Arena) and IFK Göteborg (at Gamla Ullevi Stadium). In Superettan the second tier are Örgryte IS and GAIS (both also at Gamla Ullevi). Gamla Ullevi is also the home stadium of the Sweden women's national team.
  • At Scandinavium hockey stadium the local team Frölunda Indians plays games every week during season.
  • On occasion you can see wrestling in different locations in Gothenburg.

Learn

While the Gothenburg University or Chalmers University of Technology generally require longer stays to partake in their courses, if you want to do a shorter course, for example a language course or pottery course there are a few options:

  • Medborgarskolan
  • Folkuniversitetet
  • Vuxenskolan
  • Sensus

Buy

Gothenburg hosts most of the types of shopping that is available internationally. Swedish design goods and local specialties can be found at some places. The main shopping districts and malls are:

1 Arkaden (Tram/bus stop Brunnsparken). If you cannot find your favourite retail store at Nordstan, it is probably at the Arkaden. 

2 Nordstan, Nordstadstorget (Tram and bus stops Nordstaden, Brunnsparken or Lilla Bommen). Opens every day at 10:00, closes 20:00 during the week or 18:00 on weekends, closes only for Midsummer, parking garage open 24/7. Gothenburg's largest shopping centre with 180 stores is just outside the Centralstation, to which it is linked by an underground tunnel. Walkways also link the centre to Lilla Bommen and the Opera. Inside you will find the usual mix of convenience stores (including a Systembolaget), global retail formats, including Espirit, H&M and Yves Rocher, as well as an outlet of the Swedish department store chain Åhléns City and some popular Swedish shopfronts such as Hemtex or Nilson Shoes. The centre also hosts a Tourist Information stand in its middle. 

3 Avenyn (Kungsportsavenyn), Kungsportsavenyn. Ranging between Kungportsplatsen with Kopparmärra, the statue of king Karl IX, to Götaplatsen with the statue of Poseidon and the Gothenburg art museum: Avenyn and Kungsportsplatsen hosts a variety of shops that cater to most wants. Quite a few restaurants lie along the street as well, and it is the main tourist street, where in the summers few Gothenburgers will be found, apart from at the tram stations and by the Gothenburg city library at the Götaplatsen end. (updated Dec 2017)

4 Inom vallgraven, Fredsgatan, Kungsgatan, Vallgatan, Östra Hamngatan (Tram/bus stops Brunnsparken, Kungsportsplatsen, Domkyrkan). Gothenburgs major retailers outside Nordstan and a number of out of city-center malls lie around these four streets in the area Inom Vallgraven. Some interesting shops lie off the beaten track, but for general shopping these are the main locations. (updated Dec 2017)

Swedish design

5 Acne, Magasinsgatan 19. While a Stockholm design studio there is a smaller shop in Gothenburg. A larger outlet store can be found south of the city in Freeport Outlet in the Kungsbacka suburb. More interestingly the Acne store is in the same house as Artilleriet. (updated Dec 2017)

6 Nudie Jeans Vallgatan, Vallgatan 15. Nudie Jeans is a Gothenburg based design house specializing in jeans. Made to last, and with a number of repair shops in the city and elsewhere they are a good buy when in Gothenburg. This shop lies close to the very picturesque Victoriapassagen which hosts cafés and some smaller shops. (updated Dec 2017)

Unique finds

7 Saluhallen, Kungstorget. A charming indoor food hall. 

8 Victoriapassagen. One of several "passageways" between major shopping streets, this one is the most picturesque, with a café, a hipster bakery, a bookbinder and some other shops. (updated Dec 2017)

9 Bengans (Tramstation Stigbergstorget). Stigbergstorget 1. A big, famous Swedish record store with lots of records, old and new, in all kinds of genres. You will find something to buy here, no matter if you're a record collector, hipster, or chart music fan. They also have a cafe. Don't confuse it with Bengans City, which while a record store is not at all the same thing. If you like records or just atmosphere it's worth leaving the city centre for. (updated Dec 2017)

10 Artillerigården, Magasinsgatan 17. A small square with building repurposed from old factories around, it hosts some of the cities hipper shops, such as Artilleriet and Grandpa. Strömmingsluckan is a must if you are here at lunch-time. It also hosts a number of other food trucks. Ragtime are two high quality second-hand shops nearby. (updated Dec 2017)

11 Haga Nygata, Haga Nygata. Haga is a unique part of town, well worth visiting for other things than shopping, but if you are looking for unique things to buy, this is where to go. Several Swedish fashion shops as well as a hatmaker, many antique-shops and other "odd" shops such as an olive oil store make Haga an ideal place. On fall Sundays the square hosts a farmer's market, and in December each weekend hosts a Christmas market. Apart from in December the area is a little bit less hectic than the other shopping areas. (updated Dec 2017)

12 Antikhallarna, Västra Hamngatan 6. Originally a bank, these "halls" hosts 10 shops specializing in various antiques. There is everything from certified ancient Egyptian and Greek statues to stamps and silver spoons. A very nice café lies here as well. (updated Dec 2017)

13 World Report, Torggatan 13. Without a doubt the weirdest shop in town. A tiny little antique shop filled to the brim with books and oddities from weird trips around the world. In one of the rooms a 10 foot anaconda scin hangs from the roof, which the manager insists he "cannot legally sell". Open very irregularly. (updated Dec 2017)

Book-shops

While few shops cater to English readers, there are two with somewhat more than the average business bestsellers:

14 Sci-fi Bookshop (Tram/bus stop Domkyrkan). Plenty of merchandise and a café on the ground floor, but the basement has a rather large section for books. Not everything is science fiction, fantasy, or manga either, and more than half is in English. With Swedes being generally very good at English, this book-shop caters to young Swedes who read anything in English. (updated Dec 2017)

15 The Book Corner, Rosenlundsgatan 3 (A short walk from tram stations Grönsakstorget or Hagakyrkan). The largest truly multilingual bookshop in town, with a rather decent selection of English titles, but also in French, German, Italian and Spanish as well as some other smaller languages. (updated Dec 2017)

Upscale

16 NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Östra Hamngatan 42. Stockholm's famous upscale department store has branched out to Gothenburg, bringing in premium brands such as Paul Smith, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Dior, YSL and Prada and equally well-known Swedish brands - for instance the crystal manufacturers Orrefors and Kosta Boda. Situated just opposite Arkaden, the NK also features an upscale-ish cafe and sushi restaurant. 

17 ABCD (ABCD Fashion), Västra Hamngatan 19. With another shop in Stockholm, ABCD hosts collections from major European and international designers such as Givenchy, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. The interior of the store is pretty and is reminiscent of an old bank vault. For men and women. Doorbell. (updated Dec 2017)

18 Jo-Yan (Boutique Jo-Yan), Södra Hamngatan 59, ☏ 46 31 15 23 33. Probably the most upscale shop in the city, with women's clothing from Valentino, Kenzo, Max Mara, Armani. Doorbell. (updated Dec 2017)

Eat

Raggmunk: Potato, wheat pancake with fried pork belly and lingonberries

The main restaurant street in Gothenburg is Linnégatan running from Järntorget to Linnéplatsen. It has a high concentration of good restaurants of all kinds in the low to moderate price range.

Most restaurants offer lunch menus ranging 90-130 kr, mostly they are served between 11:30 and 14:00.

Budget

  • 1 Andrum, Östra Hamngatan 19A. Tasty and healthy vegetarian/vegan buffet. 
  • 2 Bombay Palace, Södra Vägen 19. Serves tasty Indian food in a good atmosphere. Seating arrangement is not so good, but the food will leave you happy. A 3-course meal could cost 150-180 kr (without alcohol). 
  • 3 Feskekôrka, Fisktorget 4. The fish market is not only a nice tourist attraction, but all fishmongers offer fantastic fish dishes to take away at low low prices (50-60 kr). Make sure you try the fish soup sold at the last booth, under the restaurant. 
  • 4 Gourmetkorv, Nordstadstorget, ☏ 46 31 13 62 33, ✉. 10:00-20:00 mostly. "Korv" means "sausage" in Swedish and this restaurant has them in abundance. There are 13 different choices of sausage, and these are served as portions with potato salad or mashed potato, and your choice of mustard. The service is very fast, your order should be ready in less than fifteen minutes. No table service, you have to carry your food to your table yourself. The most central location of the restaurant is on the second floor of the shopping centre Nordstan, but there are also other locations in the city. You can also buy sausages, potato salad, sauerkraut and mustard by the kilogram to take home with you. 80 to 120 kr. (updated May 2017)
  • 5 Govindas, Timmermansgatan 8. 11:30-15:00. They speak German (natively), English, and Swedish. 80 kr. (updated Aug 2015)
  • 6 Café Hängmattan, Karljohansgatan 16. Vegetarian buffet. 85 kr for the buffet. (updated Aug 2015)
  • 7 Japan Shop, Kungsgatan 9C. Small, unassuming place with good, cheap sushi. Mains 50-75 kr. 
  • 8 Grillköket Jonsborg på Avenyn (at the corner of Kungsportavenyn and Engelbrektsgatan, across the street from the Elite Park Avenue Hotel). Make a stop here for some traditional Gothenburg street food. The Halv Special is a hot dog served on a grilled bun topped with a mound of mashed potatoes. This dish can be topped with shrimp salad. 
  • 9 Kastells Pizza, Kastellgatan 15 (Take Tram 2 from Centralstationen towards Högsbotorp and get off at Brunnsgatan. Alternatively, take Tram 6 from Centralstationen towards Kortedala and stop at Olivedalsgatan). Excellent kebab offering massive amounts on the cheap. Kebabrulle (kebab roll) is strongly recommended. Pizzas are very good, large enough for two people to share. Staff is very friendly, but speaks little English and only accepts cash (no cards). 50-100 kr, Kebabrulle 65 kr. 
  • 10 Maharani, Första Långgatan 4. Indian food in a cozy atmosphere. Starters for 30-40 kr and main courses for about 110 kr. 
  • 11 Sunset Falafel, Erik Dahlbergsgatan 4 (1 street west of Vasaplatsen). Classic falafel place. Used to have a mobile stand on Kungstorget. There are more falafel places around the city but far from all make good ones. 45 kr for falafel (the cities cheapest). (updated Aug 2015)

Mid-range

  • 12 The BARN, Kyrkogatan 11, ☏ 46 31-352 49 49, ✉. W-Th 17:00-23:00; F Sa 17:00-01:00; Su 14:00-00:00. Another fancy hamburger restaurant with a farmer concept. Main courses for 98-169 kr. 
  • 13 Beijing 8, Magasinsgatan 3, ☏ 46 31-701 08 08, ✉. M-Th 11:00-21:00; F 11:00-22:00; Sa 12:00-22:00. Modern dumplings place with minimalistic design. Located on what may well be Gothenburg's hippest street right now. 
  • 14 Berzelius Bar & Matsal, Södra Vägen 20, ☏ 46 31-16 00 30. Good restaurant and bar serving traditinal Swedish food. (updated Sep 2015)
  • 15 Enoteca Signore, Vasaplatsen 4, ☏ 46 31-13 06 02. Serves fantastic pasta in various flavours. Cosy. 
  • 16 Fiskekrogen, Lilla torget 1, ☏ 46 31 10 10 05. Sea food (updated Sep 2015)
  • 17 Holy Cow, Södra Vägen 77, ☏ 46 31-20 45 09, ✉. M-Th 17:00-22:00; F 17:00-23:00; Sa 13:00-23:00; Su 13:00-21:00. Fancy hamburger restaurant with a farmer concept. Main courses for 85-189 kr. 
  • 18 Lilla Torgets Vinkrog. Lilla Torget 3. Cozy atmosphere in an old (wine?) cellar. Serves house-baked bread with the meals. 
  • 19 Nonna (Former Etc. Grande), Kungsgatan 12, ☏ 46 31-13 25 95. Serves fantastic pasta in various flavours. 
  • 20 Pasta Etc., Mölndalsvägen 15, ☏ 46 31-40 67 20. Kapellgatan 12. Italian. Main courses for 78-185 kr. 
  • 21 Pasta , Södra Vägen 2, ☏ 46 31-16 56 00. Reasonable Italian food. (updated Sep 2015)
  • 22 Dinner 22, Södra Vägen 22, ☏ 46 31 81 10 55. Serves and excellent reindeer steak. Very good service. (updated Oct 2017)

Splurge

  • 23 Restaurang 28 , Götabergsgatan 28, ☏ 46 31-20 21 61. Earned a star in the Michelin Guide Rouge. 
  • 24 Restaurang Sjömagasinet, Adolf Edelsvärdsgata 5, ☏ 46 31-775 59 20. Excellent (and pricey!) fish restaurant at Klippan. Earned a star in the Michelin Guide Rouge. 
  • 25 Thörnströms kök, Teknologgatan 3, ☏ 46 31-16 20 66. Excellent international cuisine, despite the comparatively low prices (main courses at 200-250 kr). 
  • 26 Koka, Viktoriagatan 12, ☏ 46 31 701 79 79. Individual interpretations of regional food. Fixed 3-, 5-, or 7-course menu. (updated Oct 2017)

Drink

In the summertime there are outdoor serving along Avenyn and Linnégatan.

You can pick up the free Nöjesguiden and Djungeltrumman magazines in various stores to read more about Gothenburg's nightlife. They are only available in Swedish though.

  • The Bishops Arms. A chain of English pubs. In Gothenburg there are three located at Kungsportsavenyn 36, Västra Hamngatan 3 and Järntorget. Good selection of beer on tap and fine single malt whiskey. A bit pricier than other pubs. 
  • 1 Dancin Dingo (DD Pub & Restaurang), Kristinelundsgatan 16. Australian pub on a street parallel to Avenyn. "Let's put another shrimp on the barbie!" 
  • 2 Kellys, Andra Långgatan 28. Cheap beer. Lots of vegan food. Mixed crowd of middle-aged regulars and young people. 
  • 3 King's Head, Andra Långgatan 32A, ☏ 46 31-24 20 40. On this street well known for its cheap pubs and porn stores, this pub is an alternative for those who wants to spend time in a little more sophisticated environment. The clientele is more well adjusted in this place. Beer 32 kr. 
  • 4 Heaven 23, Mässans gata 22 (Gothia Towers at Korsvägen). one of the finest bars in town if you want cocktails and a nice view. 
  • 5 Jamesons Pub, ☏ 46 31-18 77 70. Kungsportsavenyn 32. Swedish pub with live music. 
  • 6 Rockbaren, Lorensbergsgatan 7 (located in a parallel street to Avenyn, just across from Dancin Dingo). A traditional rock bar 
  • 7 The Rover, Andra långgatan 12 (close to Järntorget). A freehouse known for its knowledgeable staff. Specializes in Swedish micros on tap and US micros on bottle. Has Gothenburg's second largest selection of whisky (according to local newspaper G.P.), including the Swedish brand "Mackmyra". 
  • 8 Sejdeln, Andra Långgatan 28. When Kellys is packed Sejdeln is a perfectly adequate option, it's right next to Kellys and has even cheaper beer and roughly the same clientele. 
  • 9 Steampunk Bar, Kungsgatan 7, ☏ 46 31-361 88 08, ✉. M-Th 16:00 - late, Fr 16:00 - even later, Sa 14:00 - even later, Su 16:00 - a little earlier than late. Scandinavia's first Steampunk-themed restaurant and bar. Has one of Gothenburg's widest selections of drinks, gin & tonic, as well as a unique atmosphere. (updated Jun 2019)
  • 10 Tre Små Rum, Kristinelundsgatan 4, ☏ 46 31-181904. M-Sa 16:00 -. The top priority is the well-selected beers both draft and bottled, in combination with carefully selected jazz that flows from the speakers 
  • 11 Ölhallen 7:an, Kungstorget 7, ☏ 46 31 136079. One of the best places for good beer, and the only traditional "Beer-hall" left in the city. It is situated next to Saluhallen 
  • 12 Ölrepubliken, Kronhusgatan 2B. A good selection of beers on tap with a bias toward British and Belgian beers, this pub is an excellent alternative to the mid centre locations. Found not far from Kronhusbodarna a couple of hundred meters from Nordstan. 

Clubs

There are several different clubs in Gothenburg, with a wide array of music styles.

  • 13 Gretas, Drottninggatan 35. The biggest gay nightclub in the city, with 2 dance floors playing schlager, pop, 1980s, 90s and disco downstairs, house and r'n'b upstairs. 
  • 14 Haket, Masthuggstorget/Första Långgatan 32. Indie pop/goth. Often arranges theme nights, with music, videos and even drinks featuring a certain artist. Hosts Monochrome, a long-running Goth club the first Saturday every month. Haket is also a restaurant and bar, with an excellent selection of microbrewed beers. 
  • 15 Lounge, Kungsportsavenyen 5. Trendy bar and night club. 
  • 16 Nefertiti, Hvitfeldtsplatsen 6, ☏ 46 31-711 40 76. House, jazz, northern soul. 
  • 17 Port du soleil, Nya allén 11 (@Trägårn), ☏ 46 761998124. May-Aug: Tu F Sa 21:00-03:00. Great really professional summer-club with house music. 
  • 18 Sticky Fingers, Kaserntorget 7, ☏ 46 31-7010717. Kaserntorget 7. Young rock fans flock to Sticky Fingers for live bands and clubs. 
  • 19 Trädgår'n, Nya allén 11, ☏ 46 31-10 20 80. EBM & Synthpop, house. 

Cafés

Gothenburg has a vast array of cafés practically everywhere. In the district Haga (near Järntorget) you can find a lot of nice cafés. It is quite normal to get a free re-fill if you buy filter coffee (bryggkaffe in Swedish).

  • 20 Bar Centro, Kyrkogatan 31. Small Italian-style espressobar, takes coffee very seriously. 
  • 21 Ethels, Linnégatan 72. A charming family-run café that also offers warm sandwiches and soup. 
  • 22 Guldhedens vattentorn, Dr. Sven Johanssons backe 10 (Take Tram 10 to Doktor Sydows gata, or a bus 42, 52 to Syster Estrids gata). During January and February only open on Saturday and Sunday. A little nice café placed on top of an old water tower. You get a good view of Gothenburg and around. 
  • 23 Café Husaren, Haga Nygata 28 (Located in the Haga district in a street with lots of other nice cafes). This cafe is famous for its tasty, giant kanelbullar (cinnamon buns). You can easily share one of these with three or four people. Or, if you don`t care about diabetes, you can eat one for lunch or dinner. 
  • 24 [formerly dead link]Café Skåne, Nämndemansgatan 1, Mölndal, ✉. Su-F 24 hr, closed Sa. The antithesis of a trendy cafe with affordable prices and large sandwiches to fill you up. A coffee costs €1.5. 
  • 25 Språkcaféet (lit. "The language café"), Esperantoplatsen 7-9. Nice café with language evenings Mondays to Thursdays (17:30 – 21:00) with opportunities to learn Swedish, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic and many other popular languages. You must buy for 45 kr before you can participate in the language groups. (updated May 2019)

Sleep

Clarion Hotel Post, formerly the Central Post Office Building

Budget

Many Youth Hostels only offer their lowest prices to members of STF or IYHF. The Tourist Bureau just off Avenyn organises an excellent private home B&B service. Great Living, ☏ 46 31-12 06 21. Private accommodation. The owners can profit from their home, even when they are away, and companies and individuals can gain access to a different type of accommodation during their visit. All apartments are located in the central of Gothenburg. 

  • 1 Lisebergsbyn, Olbersgatan 9 (2.5 km from Liseberg amusement park). The prices start at 345 kr (one time entry to Liseberg included during summer) but they are a lot higher during peak months. 
  • 2 Slottsskogens Youth Hostel, ☏ 46 31-42 65 20. Check-in: 14 18, check-out: 11. Vegagatan 21. Open 24 hr. Popular among travellers. Free Internet. Prices start at 195 kr for dorm beds. Situated in the lively Linnéstan - an area with a lot of pubs, restaurants, cafés etc. Tram stop: Olivedalsgatan (tram 1,2,6 and 13). The backpackers section is clean and modern. All beds in dorms have lockers under the bed, and some beds have curtains around them for privacy. Arrive early if you want one of these since beds aren't assigned - when you check in you just go and grab any free bed in the dorm. Sheets and towel are an extra 65 kr. Breakfast is quite nice - fairly standard buffet style with bread, cheese, meats, cereal, muesli, coffee, juice etc. But it is a bit expensive at 70 kr. 

Mid-range

  • 3 Hôtel Eggers, Drottningtorget, ☏ 46 31-333 44 40, fax: 46 31-333 44 49. Located right by the train station, with nearly 150 years of history. 
  • 4 Hotel Gothia Towers, Mässans gata 24. Scandinavia’s largest hotel, with good quality rooms and four popular bars and restaurants. Gourmet restaurant Heaven 23 is on the 23rd floor with an unbeatable view of Gothenburg. Try their huge shrimp sandwich! Basic rooms have a reasonable size with well laid out furniture, contain fridge, kettle, cloths iron and small but practical work desk. Suites are of very good class and size. Standard breakfast in a canteen like room (as opposed to the restaurants) has a reasonably large choice but of basic quality and staff do not clear tables very often. 
  • 5 Hotel Poseidon, Storgatan 33. A family owned, 49-room hotel perfectly located in the city center. Trams stop a block away at Vasaplatsen and the popular Kungsportsavenyn is just a few blocks in the other direction. Wireless internet is included as well as a great breakfast. 
  • 6 Hotel Riverton, Stora Badhusgatan 26, ☏ 46 31-750 10 00. Hotel, restaurant and Sky bar with a beautiful view of the harbour. Close to the Casino. Shopping and restaurants just around the corner. 
  • 7 Hotel Royal, Drottninggatan 67. A classy, centrally located hotel that was founded in 1852. 
  • 8 Scandic Europa, Köpmansgatan 38 (200 m from Göteborg Centralstation, 250 m from Brunnsparken tram interchange), ☏ 46 31 751 65 00, fax: 46 31 751 65 11, ✉. Large modern hotel belonging to a major Scandinavian chain, attached to the Nordstan shopping centre. Standard rooms range from 18–20 m² and are efficiently laid out. Breakfast, wireless internet, a mini-fridge, and air conditioning are included. 
  • 9 Hotel Waterfront, Klippan 1, ☏ 46 31-720 22 00, ✉. A modern hotel with all services and facilities, and is located at the entrance to the Port of Gothenburg a bit outside of the city centre but easily accessible through tram or ferry. (updated Dec 2015)
  • 10 Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel, Lindholmspiren 4, ☏ 46 31 383 40 00, ✉. Quality rooms but standards one not large. Good buffet breakfast and reasonable restaurant and bar. (updated Oct 2017)

Splurge

  • 11 Avalon Hotel, Kungstorget 9, ☏ 46 31-7510200. Located near the city center and meters from Kungsportplatsen. 
  • 12 Clarion Collection Hotel Odin, Odinsgatan 6 (350 m from Göteborg Centralstation), ☏ 46 31 745 22 00, fax: 46 31 711 24 60, ✉. Four-star hotel in a modern tower. Rooms are air-conditioned, include breakfast and dinner buffets, and have reliable high-speed wireless internet. Superior rooms have a full kitchenette (utensils at a surcharge), and hot drinks are available in the lobby. Some rooms have a large balcony overlooking the river. Single rooms are 23-24 m², doubles 30–35 m² with two single beds. From 1400 kr. 
  • 13 Clarion Hotel Post, Drottningtorget 10 (On the square just south of the central station.), ☏ 46 31-619050, ✉. This former post office, with 500 rooms, including three suites this is one of the biggest hotels in the city. Includes high-end restaurants, own spa, rooftop pool and even home-brewed beer. They also have a hugely popular bar for after-work entertainment. Just don't expect a quiet lobby! Prices start at 1200 kr on weekends and 1600 kr weekdays. 
  • 14 Elite Park Avenue Hotel, Kungsportsavenyn 36-38, ☏ 46 31-7271000. 
  • 15 Elite Plaza Hotel, Västra Hamngatan 3, ☏ 46 31-7204000. Five-star hotel, noticed for being popular with visiting rock stars. 
  • 16 Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Södra Hamngatan 59, ☏ 46 31-7585000, ✉. 

Stay safe

Most crimes against tourists are crimes of opportunity, such as pick-pocketing, bicycle theft, auto theft and auto vandalism. Pickpockets converge in Gothenburg during the summer months so beware. As always, do not leave valuable items in your car or in a cloakroom, and watch your bag in crowded places. Most shops and all major taxi companies accept credit and debit cards, so there is no need to carry a lot of cash.Downtown Gothenburg is plagued by illegal taxis by night, and they are considered very unsafe, especially for women. Check the taxi rate, which should be on a yellow window sticker; the preferred price should be in the range of 300-350 kr. Generally speaking, crime rates in Gothenburg are quite low from an international perspective.

Respect

People of Gothenburg, as with Swedes in general, are relatively tolerant to the behavior and statements of outsiders.

Most native people are patriotic for their hometown, and appreciate even the simplest compliment to the city. As in most second cities, comparisons with the country's capital are less popular.

A controversial current event is the construction of Västlänken, a rail tunnel.

Cope

  • The Local, local English-language newspaper.
  • Mailboxes Etc., Cheap place in town to print PDF's - handy e.g. for boarding passes or bus tickets

Religious services

Protestant churches:

  • Smyrna international, Hagakyrkogata 2. Celebration 15.00 (in English). Iranian meeting Thursdays 17:30.

Roman Catholic churches:

  • Kristus Konungen, Parkgatan 14. Holy mass: Sa 11:30, 16:30 (Spanish), 18:00, 19:00 (Polish); Su 9:30, 11:00, 13:00 (Polish), 16:00 (Croatian), 19:00; M-F 08:00, 11:30, 18:00.

Church of the Anglican community:

Mosques:

  • Nasir Moskén, Tolvskillingsgatan 1. Sweden's first mosque built in 1975. (ahmadiya)
  • Bellevuemoskén, Generalsgatan 2A.
  • Göteborgs Moské, Myntgatan 8. This newly built mosque, with its beautiful cross between Islamic architecture and modern design, is a must go to for architectural fans.

Go next

  • Near Gothenburg is the beautiful Gothenburg archipelago. Here you can enjoy nature, have great views over the islands, swim in the ocean, buy ice cream and maybe eat at the restaurants on Brännö, Styrsö or Vrångö. The ferry terminal in Saltholmen which connects to the islands is easily reachable by tram from Gothenburg city center. There's a resident population on most islands, so ferries run all year.
  • Älvsborgs fortress (Älvsborgs fästning) from the 17th century was built on an island to protect the city from being attacked from the sea. Tourist boats Stromma make the trip regularly during summer.
  • Vinga - the last outpost before the sea and the place where Evert Taube (a famous Swedish poet) grew up.
  • Gunnebo House and Gardens, in the neighbouring municipality of Mölndal, is a large 18th-century wooden mansion built in the neo-classical style with Rococo interiors set in a Baroque park. There is a restaurant, a gift shop, guided tours and annual markets in the autumn and at Christmas.
  • Tjolöholm Castle, in Kungsbacka municipality south of Gothenburg, is an anachronistic Tudor castle built in the years around 1900 for the Scottish-Swedish merchant and factory-owning family Dickson, one of Gothenburg's many generous donors (they founded Gothenburg's first public library and built decent homes for the families of their factory staff).
  • Suburban Gothenburg: Alingsås, Lerum, Härryda, Mölndal and Partille
  • Bohuslän region with its scenic coastline landscapes is easily reachable by Västtrafik buses and trains, the company also operating the public transport in Gothenburg.
  • Denmark: Frederikshavn on the northern tip of Denmark has daily ferry connections operated by Stenaline. Depending on the ferry, the ride takes between 2 and 3 hours. The ferry itself can also be attraction in its own right, as you get good views of the Gothenburg Archipelago, and you will see a lot of Scandinavians going crazy because of the duty-free alcohol sale on the boat. Copenhagen can also be easily reached by bus.
Routes through Gothenburg
Malmö ← Lindome ← S Tabliczka E6.svg N → Kungälv → Oslo
merges with Tabliczka E6.svg until Malmö ← SW Tabliczka E20.svg NE → Alingsås → Stockholm
FrederikshavnDenmark ← Ferry.png ← W Tabliczka E45.svg N → Trollhättan → Karlstad
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