12 Best Things to Do in Gothenburg: A Local’s Guide for 2026

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Scandinavia or a seasoned traveler, there is something about Gothenburg that just pulls you in. While Stockholm is the regal “Venice of the North,” Gothenburg is the cool, creative, and incredibly laid-back sibling on the West Coast.

I’ve been living in and exploring Sweden for nearly three decades now, and Gothenburg is where I always find myself returning when I need a mix of salty sea air, world-class dining, and that unmistakable “Göteborg” warmth.

Ready to discover the heartbeat of the West Coast? Here are my 12 absolute favorite spots in Gothenburg that you simply cannot miss.

1. Magasinsgatan: The trendsetter’s hub

If you want to feel the pulse of modern Gothenburg, head straight to Magasinsgatan. This cobbled neighborhood is the city’s creative epicenter. It’s where historic warehouses have been transformed into independent boutiques and some of the best coffee shops in the country.

Whenever I’m here, my first stop is always Da Matteo. They have their own roastery and sourdough bakery right on the square. Sitting outside with a flat white, watching the locals on their designer bikes, is the ultimate Gothenburg experience. Don’t leave without stepping into Artilleriet – it’s widely considered one of the best interior design shops in Europe.

2. Haga: Stepping back in time

Haga is the oldest neighborhood in the city, and honestly, it feels like a movie set. The streets are lined with “landshövdingehus” – traditional wooden houses with a stone first floor. It’s charming, picturesque, and the perfect place to get lost for an afternoon.

But let’s be real: You’re here for the fika. Café Husaren is home to the “Hagabullen,” a cinnamon bun so large it’s practically its own food group. After you’ve conquered the pastry, check out Haga Trätoffelfabrik for authentic Swedish clogs and leather goods that will last you a lifetime.

3. Linnégatan and the Långgatorna

While Haga is for the tourists (in a good way!), Linnégatan is where the locals hang out. This wide boulevard and the intersecting “Long Streets” (Andra Långgatan, etc.) are packed with personality. It’s a bit grittier, a bit more bohemian, and full of life.

For dinner, I always recommend Hello Monkey for incredible Asian fusion or Hos Pelle if you want to try “husmanskost” – traditional Swedish home cooking. In the summer, the sidewalks turn into one giant open-air café. It’s the best place in the city to grab a craft beer and just watch the world go by.

4. Slottsskogen: The green heart of the city

Need a break from the pavement? Slottsskogen is our version of Central Park, but with a Swedish twist. It’s huge, lush, and perfectly maintained. It’s the place where Gothenburgers go to run, picnic, or just stare at the trees.

The coolest part? The free zoo. You can see majestic elks (the kings of the forest), Gotland ponies, and even seals and penguins. If you have kids with you, they will lose their minds at Plikta, a massive adventure playground that is arguably the best in Sweden.

5. Feskekörka: The Reborn Fish Church

You can’t visit a coastal city like Gothenburg and not eat seafood. Feskekörka, or the “Fish Church,” is an architectural icon from 1874 that looks exactly like a place of worship – but for shrimp and salmon.

The best part? After a massive multi-year renovation, it’s back and better than ever. Whether you grab a bag of fresh prawns to eat by the canal or sit down for a refined lunch at Restaurant Gabriel, the quality is unbeatable. It’s the freshest catch you’ll find in Scandinavia, hands down.

6. The early morning fish auction

For the true enthusiasts who don’t mind an early alarm, Sweden’s largest fish auction is a sight to behold. Located in the fishing harbor, this is where the city’s top chefs bid on the morning’s catch.

It starts at 6:30 AM (Tuesday to Friday), and the energy is electric. It’s not a “tourist show” – it’s a real, working auction. Watching the crates of shimmering fish change hands at lightning speed gives you a deep appreciation for the maritime heritage that built this city.

7. Rosenkaféet: A rose-filled escape

Inside the Trädgårdsföreningen (The Horticultural Society), you’ll find Rosenkaféet. It’s a nineteenth-century building surrounded by one of the most beautiful rose gardens in the world.

If you visit in July or August, the scent of thousands of blooming roses is almost intoxicating. It has a very “old-world” vibe that feels worlds away from the city noise. It’s my go-to spot for a quiet afternoon tea when the sun is out.

8. Röda Sten Art Centre: Urban edge

Located right under the massive Älvsborg Bridge, Röda Sten is a former boiler house turned contemporary art space. The contrast between the industrial architecture and the cutting-edge art inside is fantastic.

The view from here is spectacular, overlooking the harbor entrance where the big Stena Line ferries pass by.

Pro tip: Take the Älvsnabben ferry from Lilla Bommen or Stenpiren to get here. It’s included in the public transport ticket and offers the best “mini-cruise” view of the city for little money.

9. Heaven 23: Cocktails with a view

For a touch of glamour, head to the Gothia Towers. On the 23rd floor, you’ll find Heaven 23, a sky bar that offers a 360-degree view of the city. You can see the rollercoasters of Liseberg Amusement Park twinkling below you.

You have to try their legendary King Size Prawn Sandwich. It’s a Gothenburg institution. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it for the view and the sheer amount of hand-peeled shrimp? Absolutely.

Gothia Towers Hotel

Check availability for your dates and stay in the heart of the action

10. Ramberget: The grandest panorama

While the view from Heaven 23 is stylish, the view from Ramberget on the island of Hisingen is legendary. At 87 meters above sea level, it gives you a complete panoramic view of the harbor, the city center, and the archipelago beyond.

I love coming here at sunset. You can drive all the way to the top, but the walk up through Keillers Park is beautiful if you have the energy. Bring your binoculars – you can see all the way to the islands on a clear day.

A new landmark on the horizon: Karlatornet

If you look out from Ramberget today, you can’t miss the soaring silhouette of Karlatornet (see the image at the top of this page). Standing at 246 meters with 74 floors, it is now officially the tallest building in Scandinavia. While the residential part is already complete, 2026 is a massive year for visitors.

The exciting part? The skyscraper’s public observation deck, Gothenburg View, is scheduled to open in June 2026. Located on the 69th floor (220 meters up!), it will feature a glass balcony for the brave and a sky bar. If you’re visiting earlier in the spring, the tower’s high-altitude restaurant, EXO, is slated to open its doors in March 2026.

11. The southern archipelago: Island hopping

The Gothenburg archipelago is a world of its own – thousands of islands with smooth granite cliffs and charming fishing villages. The southern islands are completely car-free, making them incredibly peaceful. They provide a magnificent experience even in winter.

Grab a ferry from Saltholmen (accessible by tram) and head to Vrångö for nature trails, Styrsö for a classic village feel, or Brännö for a bit of island culture. In the summer, the “dance on the dock” at Brännö Brygga on Thursday nights is the stuff of Swedish legends.

The city’s northern archipelago can be reached by car and free car ferries.

12. Marstrand: The sailing capital

A bit further north (about 45 minutes by bus) lies Marstrand, the playground of the Swedish elite and sailing enthusiasts. It’s a stunning island crowned by the massive Carlsten’s Fortress, which once served as a prison for the legendary thief Lasse-Maja.

The island is a mix of high-end yachts, historic wooden villas, and rugged coastal paths. I highly recommend the guided tour of the fortress – the history is fascinating, and the views from the ramparts are some of the best in West Sweden.

Planning your Gothenburg trip

Best time to visit: June to August for the archipelago and long days, or December for the magical Christmas markets at Liseberg.
Getting around: The tram system is world-class. Use the “Västtrafik To Go” app for easy tickets.
See the city from the water: You haven’t truly seen Gothenburg until you’ve ducked your head under the “cheese slicer” bridge on a Paddan canal boat. These open-top boats tour the 17th-century moats and the harbor, giving you a unique perspective on the city’s history. Book your classic Paddan canal tour here and skip the line at the kiosk
Where to stay: I recommend staying near the Central Station or Gothia Towers for the best access to everything.
Top rated Gothenburg hotels: Check out the best-rated hotels in Gothenburg and book your stay

Conclusion

The best part? No matter how many times I visit these spots, they never get old. There’s a soul to Gothenburg that you just have to feel for yourself.