Escape the rain in Universeum Science Centre’s tropical rainforest.

Culture and fun combined

The museums of Gothenburg are superb, and you could easily spend a whole day at many of them. If you’re travelling with kids, try the Universeum Science Centre or the Museum of World Culture right next door. Both are huge hits with kids, and while the Universeum Science Centre does charge an entrance fee, the Museum of World Culture is free!

And you should definitely check out the Gothenburg Museum of Art, it has one of the finest collections of art in Northern Europe.

Children looking at an aquarium at Universeum in Gothenburg.

Science museum

Universeum

Welcome to 9,000 m2 of adventure

Art museum

Gothenburg Museum of Art

Art collections from the 15th century up until today.

Facade of the Museum of Gothenburg.

Museum

Museum of Gothenburg

The story of Gothenburg from ancient times up until today.

Credit: Frida Winter

Shopping – a different kind of splash

Another favourite when it rains tends to be shopping, and in Gothenburg you’re almost spoilt for choice when it comes to indoor shopping malls. Choose between the iconic and department store Nordiska Kompaniet, the largest shopping centre in the city Nordstan or try the slightly smaller Arkaden.

Whatever you choose, you’re never far away from the city centre and it’s easy to walk between the different malls, hopefully without getting soaked!

The entrance to NK.

Department store

NK – Nordiska Kompaniet

One of Sweden´s most famous department stores.

Shopping centre

Nordstan

Large shopping mall close to the central station.

Inside the mall.

Shopping mall

Arkaden

More than 20 fashion and design stores.

Credit: Mika Aberra/Studiografen

Treat yourself to a Swedish fika

Museum- and shopping tours demand a fair bit of walking, so make sure you give yourself some time to relax and recharge. There’s no better way to do that than to sit down at one of the many cosy cafés around the city! The Swedish “fika” culture is alive and well in Gothenburg and you’ll find everything from traditional pastries and lattes to raw food snacks and pour over coffee.

Swedish Fika in Gothenburg

The Swedish tradition ”fika” (meaning to take a break, sit down with a friend for a cup of coffee and some baked goods) has become a world-wide sensation. And for good reason. Visit the cafés in Gothenburg and see for yourself why the concept of “fika” is so cherished in Sweden.

Café and wine bar

Bar Centro

Bar Centro in Gothenburg is a café and wine bar with high-quality espresso, selected wines and a well-thought-out food menu in a lively but relaxed environment.

Market with restaurants and specialist food shops

Stora Saluhallen market hall

Stora Saluhallen is located in the heart of central Gothenburg and has been a bustling food market since the 19th century. Today, it is home to delicatessen traders, restaurants, wine bars, and specialist shops.

Credit: Peter Kvarnström

Thrilling VR worlds or a relaxing spa day

When it rains sideways it is nice to recharge your batteries indoors. Maybe by going to a spa, like Hagabadet Drottningtorget, where exercise, spa treatments and baths offer relaxation. If you’d rather spend your rainy day exploring new worlds, VR World Göteborg offers exciting games and thrilling experiences through virtual reality.

Spa & gym

Hagabadet

An iconic oasis in the heart of Haga, with a focus on quality of life. Enjoy warm baths, yoga, saunas and training in a historic setting from 1876.

Two people are laughing together while one of them is wearing a VR headset in a room with blue lighting.

VR-arcade

VR World Gothenburg

Explore new worlds through virtual reality.

Credit: Ulf Celander

The world’s best city when it rains

On average, it rains every third day in Gothenburg. That’s why the city aims to become one of the best cities in the world when it comes to dealing with downpour. Not only by utilising clever techincal solutions, but also by taking advantage of the unique experiences that rain can offer. One example is the rain playground in the park Renströmsparken. The project Rain Gothenburg is part of the Gothenburg 2021 400th anniversary celebration.

Playground

The Rain Playground

A playground that’s even more fun to visit when it’s raining.