Gothenburg things to do include visiting Liseberg, Scandinavia’s largest amusement park, and trips to the islands in the Gothenburg archipelago.

Visit Liseberg Amusement Park

The Liseberg is the largest amusement part in the whole of Scandinavia and has huge variety of rides. Live entertainment is also offered including concerts. Liseberg is open only during the summer months from May to August, and on weekends in April and September and October. In December it opens for special Christmas events. You can get to Liseberg by tram no. 5.

Go to the Castle Forest

Slottsskogen, or “castle forest” in Swedish, has several attractions for the whole familiy. There is an old observatory, Naturhistoriska Museet or Natural History Museum, the family-friendly animal park Djurgårdarna and a kids’ zoo. There is also minigolf and frequent concerts. The park is free to enter and is a good spot for a picnic. Trams 1, 2, 7 and 8 go to Slottsskogen.

Go Island Hopping in the Archipelago

The Gothenburg Archipelago has hundreds of islands with endless beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Take a ferry from Gothenburg and go on a day trip, or go island hopping from one beautiful island to another. No cars are allowed on the islands and there are enough islands and beaches so that everyone can find a quiet corner for a picnic.

Sightseeing and Shopping on “the Avenue”

Gothenburg’s main shopping street is The Kungsportsavenyn (or as locals call it, "Avenyn"). Shops, restaurants and cafes line this avenue between the old town and the Götaplatsen square. This is also the center for Gothenburg’s nightlife. 

Check out Gothenburg’s Museums

Visitors who are into museums should check out Gothenburg’s wide variety of good museums. Many of them can be found in the center of the city along the Avenyn. One of the most interesting is the Gothenburg Art Museum, or Konstmuseum, with its fascinating collection of Scandinavian 19th century art. The museum is inside an impressive neoclassical building on the Götaplatsen square.

Älvsborgs Fästning Fortress and Gunnebo Castle 

The Älvsborgs fästning is a 17th century fortress located on a picturesque island, and a great daytrip destination. The island is a half an hour trip on a boat and the sea views of the archipelago are beautiful. The island is a nice place to spend half a day exploring the fortress and the pretty church. Daily tours around the island and the fortress are also offered. Don’t forget to pack a picnic.

Another great daytrip destination is the Gunnebo castle, an 18th century neoclassical-style castle just outside Gothenburg.