Gothenburg

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers an easy way of getting around Gothenburg and exploring the city at your leisure. It combines the structure of a guided tour but the freedom and flexibility of independent travel. You'll have unlimited access to the bus for over 24 hours. So, you can stop wherever you like along the route. Enjoy the views while learning about the city's history from the onboard commentary.

As the city's oldest ‘suburb,’ Haga stands as a small town in its own right, offering a nostalgic and enchanting experience for visitors. Strolling through Haga's narrow, cobbled streets evokes a sense of time travel, transporting you back at least a hundred years. Its traditional wooden buildings house a plethora of cosy cafés, pubs, and quaint shops, where you can peruse books, crafts, and locally-made knitwear. Haga is also home to the magnificent 17th-century fortress Skansen Kronan, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Towering over the Haga neighbourhood, in central Gothenburg's southern part, you can find one of the city's two remaining forts. It was built in 1698 to protect Gothenburg from possible Danish attacks, which fortunately never happened. Although there is no access inside the fort, it's still worth your time since the view over the city is spectacular from the hill where it's beautifully located.

Kungsportsavenyen, Gothenburg's main boulevard, mostly known as Avenyn, is not only a centre for entertainment, but this upscale neighbourhood also offers exclusive boutiques and clothing stores. It stretches from the Kungsportsbron bridge to Götaplatsen situated near the Museum of Art, the City Theatre, the Concert Hall, and the Poseidon statue. Avenyn is lined with shops, cosy cafés, renowned restaurants, and popular bars. It gets extra lively here in the summer when holidaymakers enjoy the bar and restaurant life, spilling onto the terraces, giving the atmosphere a very electric yet relaxing feel.

The Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen) is considered to be among the best-preserved 19th-century parks in Europe. Stroll around, take a break, and enjoy the peace and quiet in the middle of the city, just a stone's throw from the central station. For the children, there is a very popular playground with swings, slides, and winding paths.

The Gothenburg Botanical Garden is one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe with a strong emphasis on horticulture. Here you will find 16,000 different species in the greenhouses and beautifully arranged garden rooms. This is the perfect place to experience the change of seasons, which is typical for Sweden. Every season has its own setting within the Gothenburg Botanical Garden. On site, there is also a shop, café and a full-service restaurant.

Experience the history and adventures of the Swedish ship Götheborg, the world's largest ocean-going wooden sailing ship, which sailed three times to Asia and sank outside of Gothenburg in 1745. Come on board this replica of the original Götheborg, where guides, dressed in 18th-century costumes, tell the story of the harsh life on board the ship, the expeditions of today, and the tremendous art of shipbuilding.

The Hasselblad Foundation is an exceptional hub for photography in the Nordic region. Within the Hasselblad Center, they showcase three significant exhibitions each year, including the prestigious annual Hasselblad Award Winner exhibition. Situated within the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the Hasselblad Center serves as a focal point for photography enthusiasts and artists alike.

Only 21 years after Gustav II Adolf founded the city of Gothenburg, he began the construction of Kronhuset. This historic structure stands as one of the city's oldest buildings, dating back to the mid-17th century. Originally designed as a storage facility for military uniforms and equipment, Kronhuset now serves as a concert venue and crafts centre. Situated behind Gustav Adolf Square, it also features charming small shops and a delightful café for visitors to enjoy.

The Gothenburg Museum of Art houses one of the most prominent art collections in Northern Europe. Its galleries feature renowned masters like Rembrandt, Picasso, and van Gogh, alongside the creations of contemporary artists such as Charlotte Gyllenhammar, Lina Selander, and Cajsa von Zeipel. The museum's collection primarily focuses on Western art spanning from the 15th century to the present day, with a special emphasis on Nordic art.

The Gothenburg Cathedral, also known as the Gustavi Domkyrka, is a significant religious landmark in the heart of Gothenburg, with its origins tracing back to the 19th century. The cathedral's striking architecture, featuring a combination of Gothic and neoclassical elements, captivates visitors. The Gothenburg Cathedral plays an integral role in the local community, hosting religious services, concerts, and cultural events. However, the current church is actually the third iteration, as both previous cathedrals were destroyed by fires in 1721 and 1802. The third and current cathedral was completed in 1815, with the tower added in 1825. Over the years, extensive restorations and renovations have taken place, ensuring the preservation and continued grandeur of this historical site.

Step on board on a boat for a trip to Gothenburg’s most westerly outpost — the lighthouse Vinga. The beautiful island offers a unique natural setting with fantastic waters for swimming. The Swedish singer and composer Evert Taube grew up here when his father was the lighthouse keeper from 1890 onward. Today, their house is a museum and you can join a guided tour for a fascinating glimpse into early 19th-century life.