Island Hopping and a Historic Theme Park: Top 5 Things to Do in Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second-largest city. It features a lively cultural atmosphere and is the gateway to the scenic nature of the Gothenburg archipelago. This post lists some of the top things to do in Gothenburg, Sweden!

Gothenburg is also a great destination for sustainable travel – it led the Global Destination Sustainability Index every year from 2016 to 2021.

Top things to do in Gothenburg

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Gothenburg!

Take a stroll down Avenyn, Gothenburg’s main boulevard

Avenyn, formerly known as Kungsportsavenyn, is the most famous street in Gothenburg. It is an excellent place to get a feel of the city, grab a bite to eat, or go shopping. Avenyn reaches from the Rosenlund Canal to Götaplatsen, a public square that contains the iconic Poseidon statue and the location of the Gothenburg Museum of Art, City Theatre, and the Concert Hall.

Visit the Museum of Gothenburg 

The Museum of Gothenburg has lots of fascinating attractions that tell the story of Gothenburg’s rich history. The museum also contains the only exhibited Viking ship in Sweden, called Äskekärrsskeppet.

Explore Slottskogen Park

Slottsskogen Park contains a natural forest and a zoo and is open all year round. This is a great place to go with kids or to get away from the busy city life for a bit.

Do some island hopping in the Gothenburg archipelago

One of the most popular day trips in Gothenburg is a visit to the Gothenburg archipelago! The archipelago consists of 22 scenic islands off the west coast of Sweden. The northern part of the archipelago can be seen by car (via a car ferry), but the southern part is car-free and the ferry only takes passengers traveling by foot.

See the city by Ferris wheel at Liseberg amusement park

Liseberg is a 100-year-old theme park located right in the middle of Gothenburg! In addition to amusement park rides, it features gardens, a sculpture park, and several hotels, bars, and restaurants.

Where to stay in Gothenburg

Slottsskogens Hostel is conveniently located right next to Slottskogen Park and is a great option for backpackers and budget travelers.

If you are looking for something a bit more upscale and unique, Dorsia Hotel & Restaurant has a lot of character and is very well-reviewed.

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There is so much to see in Gothenburg! I hope this post gives you some ideas for your trip there. Enjoy your time visiting this beautiful city in Sweden!

For more to do in Sweden, check out my post on the top things to do in Stockholm.

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