This Swedish coastal city is home to Europe's largest botanical garden, a historic fish market built like a church, and the Liseberg amusement park. Locals enjoy fika in the 19th-century Haga district.
Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, stands out for its maritime heritage and lively cultural scene. Known for its friendly locals and a lot of green spaces, the city combines its industrial past with modern innovation.
In the heart of Gothenburg, the Avenyn is the main street filled with restaurants and shops, leading to the Götaplatsen square, where the Gothenburg Museum of Art has an impressive Nordic art collection. The city's enthusiasm for culture is further shown in its several festivals like Way Out West, which attracts music fans from around the world.
The historical side of Gothenburg is well-kept in the Haga district, with wooden houses from the 19th century. Here, visitors enjoy Sweden's fika culture – taking a coffee and pastry break. For a more in-depth look at local history, the Maritiman museum displays maritime life with a collection of ships open for visitors.
Gothenburg's dedication to nature is seen in the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, one of Europe's largest, with about 16,000 plant species. Visitors often relax at Slottsskogen, a large park that has a zoo and natural history museum. The Liseberg Amusement Park, with its rides and games, offers fun for the whole family, while the Universeum offers an interactive science experience.
The city's food scene is significant, especially for those who love seafood, who head to the Feskekôrka, an indoor fish market that looks like a church. Traditional Swedish dishes are easy to find, and Gothenburg also welcomes a range of international cuisines.
When visiting Gothenburg, it's smart to use the effective public transport network. Buying a Gothenburg City Card can give unlimited travel and free entry to many attractions. Weather-wise, the best times to visit are late spring to early fall.