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.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Gothenburg on a budget!

  • 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.
Day 2

Exploring the city center

  • 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.
Day 3

An island adventure

  • 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.
Day 4

A day with the outdoor

  • 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.
Day 5

Farewell to Gothenburg

  • 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.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Gothenburg by plane is to fly into Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, the city's main airport, which is located 25 kilometers from the city center. There are multiple airlines that operate flights to Gothenburg, including SAS, Ryanair, and Norwegian.

Car

If you are traveling by car, you can reach Gothenburg via the E6 highway, which runs along the west coast of Sweden. The journey from Stockholm to Gothenburg takes approximately 6-7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Train

There are several train stations in Gothenburg, but the main station is Gothenburg Central Station. If you are traveling from outside of Sweden, you may need to take a train to Copenhagen, Denmark and then transfer to a train to Gothenburg. This journey takes approximately 4-5 hours and is operated by SJ, the Swedish national railway company.

Boat

While there are no direct passenger services to Gothenburg by boat, it is possible to take a ferry from Kiel, Germany to Gothenburg's neighboring city of Frederikshavn, Denmark. From there, you can drive or take a train to Gothenburg.

Bus

Buses are also a popular way to get to Gothenburg, and there are several bus companies that operate services to the city from destinations throughout Sweden and Europe. The main bus station in Gothenburg is Nils Ericson Terminalen, which is located next to the central train station.

Destination

Gothenburg

Welcome to the city where the streets are as clean as the locals' conscience after a night of heavy drinking. Gothenburg, where the seafood is fresh and the people are fresher.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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4-Day Romantic Getaway to Gothenburg, Sweden

A romantic trip to Gothenburg, Sweden promises a blend of fascinating culture and scenic waterways. Some of the top experiences include exploring the historic district of Haga, taking a leisurely stroll in the botanical gardens, or touring the impressive Gothenburg Art Museum. Whether you want to savor the steady stream of cafes and restaurants or immerse in the tranquil nature, Gothenburg is a perfect getaway for couples wanting a romantic escape.