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Gothenburg on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun

Explore Gothenburg without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Gothenburg is a charming city located on the western coast of Sweden. For those on a limited budget, there are plenty of free or affordable activities to enjoy, such as exploring the beautiful parks, strolling along the colorful Göteborgs Konstmuseum, or taking a ferry ride around the scenic archipelago. Food and drink can also be inexpensive, with options ranging from street food to traditional Swedish cuisine.

Travel plan

• Check-in at Slottsskogen Hostel, a one-of-a-kind hostel in a green park setting.
• Head to Feskekôrka, a fish market housed in a 19th-century Gothic church, for fresh seafood.
• Wander around Haga, a charming area with cobblestone streets and colorful wooden houses, and grab a traditional Swedish fika at Cafe Husaren.
• Visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art, which houses works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt and Picasso (admission is free).
• End the day by taking a sunset stroll along the waterfront promenade on the Göta Älv river.

• Start the day by taking a tram to the central station and admiring its grand architecture.
• Walk down Avenyn, the main boulevard with plenty of shops and cafes, to the Gothenburg City Museum (admission is free).
• Visit the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, home to over 16,000 different species of plants and a beautiful rose garden.
• Treat yourself to some authentic Swedish cuisine at Kometen, a local favorite for meatballs and lingonberry sauce.
• Finish the evening by watching a movie at the charming Pustervik cinema.

• Take a ferry to the nearby islands of Styrsö or Hönö (a round trip ticket is only 80 SEK).
• Rent a bike to explore the island's scenic paths and beaches.
• Stop at the charming cafes and boutiques in the islands' small town centers.
• Visit the Vinga Lighthouse, a picturesque spot with panoramic views of the sea.
• Return to Gothenburg and have dinner at Saluhallen, a bustling food market with a variety of options.

• Start the day with a morning run or yoga session in Slottsskogen Park, which also has a free zoo and botanical garden.
• Head to Delsjön, a nature reserve with hiking trails, lakeside picnic spots and swimming pools.
• Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the calm waters of the lake.
• Have a picnic lunch with a view at one of the many scenic spots.
• End the day by attending a free outdoor concert in the park (if available) or simply taking a leisurely stroll.

• Visit the Maritiman Museum, an open-air maritime museum featuring a collection of floating vessels (admission is 140 SEK).
• Take a guided tour of the Volvo Museum, which showcases the history of the iconic Swedish car brand (admission is 130 SEK).
• Have a final meal at Kajskjul 8, a restaurant offering classic Swedish dishes and stunning views of the harbor.
• Visit Trädgårdsföreningen, a beautiful park with an elegant greenhouse and berry gardens.
• End the day by taking a final stroll around the city center and enjoying the lively street performers.