Best things to do in Gothenburg

Experience a range of excitement, from thrill rides to live events and holiday markets, at Liseberg Amusement Park, one of the most popular amusement parks in Scandinavia. This park is home to the Balder, a famous wooden-tracked roller coaster, as well as arcade games, a haunted hotel, and lots of other rides, including two water rides. Young children will want to try the kiddie rides, like the tea cups, bumper cars, and dragon boats. If you're looking for something more relaxing, enjoy quiet gardens, take in a show or concert, or, if the season's right, visit the park's Christmas market.

Walk the cobblestoned streets of Haga, the city's oldest neighborhood, which has experienced a renaissance in recent years. This quarter was founded in the 17th century, though most of its character and historical architecture reflects its roots as a 19th-century working-class district. After becoming a famous hippie hangout in the 1970s, this area was renovated in the 1980s. Today this trendy neighborhood boasts lovely wooden houses, boutique shops, and locally owned cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Scandinavia’s largest center for science, Universeum presents six major interactive exhibits specifically geared toward children and young adults. Since this public center opened in 2001, it has offered a number of opportunities to foreign visitors and Swedish students, including the chance to debate with Nobel Prize winners and professors. Its seven floors boast various sections focused on different aspects of science, from crime investigation to rainforest ecosystems and Swedish marine life. The site is known for its massive aquariums and the hand-on experiments throughout the museum.

One of Europe's top botanical gardens, Gothenburg Botanical Garden includes a renowned rock garden. This oasis of plant life was inaugurated in 1923 during the city of Gothenburg's 300th anniversary. At about 175 hectares (430 acres), it is one of the largest gardens on the continent and makes up much of Anggarden, a Swedish nature reserve with an arboretum. View 16,000 species of plants presented in diverse exhibitions throughout the site, such as the Japanese garden and rhododendron valley. Take a guided tour with the app ”Botaniska" for a more interactive journey through a world of biodiversity and beauty.

Discover a car-free oasis just outside of Sweden's second-largest city at Southern Gothenburg Archipelago, the popular island chain off of Gothenburg. Spend time on the beach relaxing, fishing, boating, and kayaking, or explore charming villages by foot. Visit one of the nine larger islands, such as Styrso and Branno, or discover smaller and lesser-known options. Remember, however, that you can travel only by ferry, electric car, scooter, or bike. The islands gets quite crowded in the summer.

In addition to parkland, Slottsskogen offers sites such as a zoo and Swedish heritage area. The park was founded in 1876, during the development of the 17th-century city of Gothenburg. The popular zoo features native animals, and the historical zone is full of small Swedish cottages typical of different regions. Take in the natural surroundings at this 137 hectare (339 acre) park by exploring open spaces or hiking one of its many trails. Stroll through the English-inspired landscaping or play a game at one of the park's many sports fields.

One of the best-preserved 19th-century parks in Europe, Horticultural Gardens (Tradgardsforeningen) welcomes visitors with flower beds, woodlands, lawns, and an impressive rose garden with over 4,000 plants and 1,900 species. Stroll the grounds, dotted with delicate glass greenhouses that feature expansive windows and fine white lines. Stop in the palm house for a tropical retreat among exotic plants. Founded in 1842, the park was built to promote the spread of horticulture; it features both native and foreign plants.

Take a journey through the history of aviation inside the underground hangars of Aeroseum. Located inside the top-secret Cold War-era bunker that's now open to the public you'll find more than 50 aircraft, engines, and models from various time periods. See everything from gliders and helicopters, to commercial airplanes and jet fighters. Get inside the cockpit for a closer experience of the planes, and test your own flying skills on the flight simulator. You can take a guided tours at no additional cost. They are usually in Swedish, but the museum can arrange tours in other languages upon request.

Not just a place for car aficionados, Volvo Museum tells the history of one of Sweden's most internationally recognized brands. This museum houses every Volvo model produced since the 1920s, as well as concept cars and larger vehicles. Learn about the heritage and values of this company in the city where it was created. Aside from historical and modern automobiles, the museum also offers a number of other exhibits, including a display of Volvo founders Gabrielsson's and Larson's joint desk from the early 20th century.

Maritiman keeps your curiosity afloat with a collection of 15 moored museum boats. Experience life at sea without ever leaving the harbor aboard the largest warship in Scandinavia, the Jagaren Småland destroyer. Climb ladders through cargo ships, lightships, a port ferry, and tow boats on this floating maritime museum. Go below the water to explore the submarine HMS Nordkaparan. The site offers an app and audio guide for download, or you can opt for a guided tour given by a former veteran. Stop by the cafe for traditional Swedish waffles with whipped cream and jam to end your authentic maritime experience.