Gothenburg is Sweden’s second-largest city, and it’s full of fun places to discover, from peaceful parks to cobblestone streets with shops and restaurants. It’s also easily accessible, whether you’re coming on the train from Copenhagen or arriving at the port via a ferry which you can book with Ferryscanner. That accessibility makes it an excellent destination for a day trip, and we’ve put together a list of things to do if you’re spending one day in Gothenburg.
Visit Haga
Haga offers that typical European charm you find in many cities around Europe, but with a gothic twist. The neighborhood is a great place to do a spot of window shopping, thanks to the antique, boutique, interior design, and pop-up galleries on offer. There’s even a tattoo parlor, just in case you want to mark your Gothenburg adventure permanently.
Gothenburg City Museum
Gothenburg began its life as a Viking settlement before becoming a commercial port and attractive city with almost a million visitors each year. You can learn all about its transformation at Gothenburg City Museum and other cultural spots like the Museum of Art with its six floors featuring collections of Nordic art from 1900.
Slottsskogen
Located in the city center, Slottsskogen is a 137-acre park where you can take five and relax during the day. Why not grab a picnic and soak up the peaceful vibes in this charming park? There’s even a small zoo on site where you can kick it with little penguins and seals. The park is a staple of the city – it first opened in the 17th century.
Universeum
Universeum is a public science center and museum. Experience something a little different with a visit here, whether you’re exploring the rainforest, admiring the huge aquarium, or seeing various exotic animals and plants.
Take in the views at Skansen Kronan
Skansen Kronan is a 17th-century fortress perched above the city. It’s a great place to visit for a slice of Gothenburg’s history and is equally appealing as a place to see scenic sights in the city. Climb the cobbled pathways that lead you to the top, where you can take a pic of two of the panoramic views of Gothenburg for the gram.
Dine at the restaurants
Gothenburg has plenty of tasty restaurants for you to sample. And being a port city means there are loads of places to try seafood, such as Feskekörka, an indoor fish market known as “the fish church”. You can also try Zamenhof with its three restaurants, a classic cocktail bar, and craft beer options.
Spending the day in Gothenburg
Stockholm might get all the attention in Sweden, and Copenhagen is known as the gem of Scandinavia, but Gothenburg is a destination that should be on your list. It’s filled with charming buildings, plenty of history and landmarks, and parks. Even if you’re just here for one day, you can expect an experience that lasts a lifetime as you discover the magic of Gothenburg.