With its young, dynamic population and its pretty setting on the Göta älv River, Gothenburg is fast becoming one of northern Europe’s most popular alternative destinations. The largest port in the Nordic countries and Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg boasts a lively nightlife, a great choice of attractions and a fantastic variety of cultural festivals and events. The ideal destination for visitors who want to experience an authentic slice of Swedish life, Gothenburg has a lot to shout about.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Gothenburg
Avenyn – Gothenburg’s main boulevard, Avenyn is home to many of the city’s shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Busy from the early morning until late at night, the district is the place to go if you’re planning an al fresco lunch, meal out or late night party.
Haga – One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Gothenburg, Haga is also one of the city’s most characterful. Haga Nygata, the main pedestrian street in the district, is lined with traditional wooden houses, many of which are home to independent shops and cafes.
Magasinsgatan – One of the trendiest parts of Gothenburg, Magasinsgatan is the place to go for artisan coffee, local fashion brands and hipster shops. Street food is also very popular in the district, with a number of food trucks dishing up national and international specialities.
Vasastan – The home of many of Gothenburg independent art galleries as well as the city’s university, Vasastan is a great destination for visitors who want to discover new artists and experience one of the liveliest parts of town. A good selection of bars and restaurants makes Vasastan a great choice for an alternative evening out.
Things to See in Gothenburg
Gothenburg has a number of impressive sights to see, with both natural and man-made landmarks found across the city. Within Gothenburg, one of the most famous sights in Skansen Kronan, a 17th century fort built on top of a steep hill in the city’s centre. The wooden houses of the Haga district are well worth seeing during your time in the city, as is the fish market – known in Swedish as the ‘fish church’ – which is located close to the city’s canal. The most famous natural attraction in the city is the Archipelago of Gothenburg. This collection of beautiful islands can be accessed by ferry from Gothenburg, giving visitors the chance to see some of the area’s natural beauty and experience island life.
Things to Do in Gothenburg
Gothenburg is a great destination for nightlife, shopping and culture with a fantastic choice of shops, bars, restaurants, museums and galleries across the city. The Gothenburg Art Museum, the Museum of World Culture, the Universeum and the Volvo Museum are among the city’s most popular places for culture, while holidaymakers visiting in January can attend the Gothenburg Film Festival, the biggest in Scandinavia. The city is also home to Liseberg, the biggest amusement park in Scandinavia, and Hammarkullen, the largest carnival in the Nordic countries.