Culture and fun combined
Gothenburg is home to many fascinating museums, several of which you could easily spend an entire day exploring. Universeum is often a favourite with younger visitors, while both the Gothenburg Museum of Art and the Museum of Gothenburg offer exhibitions that appeal to visitors of all ages.
At the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, the whole family can discover life both above and below the surface of the sea, with everything from maritime stories and historical artefacts to aquariums filled with fascinating fish and other marine life.
For those interested in design, the Röhsska Museum is another excellent option, with a focus on design, fashion and crafts.
Science museum
Universeum is Sweden’s national science centre and one of Gothenburg’s most popular attractions, with ten floors packed with experiences for curious minds of all ages. Step into the rainforest, discover life beneath the surface, experiment with technology and travel far into space, all under one roof.
Art museum
Gothenburg Museum of Art is home to one of Northern Europe’s finest art collections. Here, Nordic masterpieces are displayed alongside works by Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso and Chagall, complemented by a varied programme of temporary exhibitions, guided tours and activities.
Museum
The story of Gothenburg from ancient times up until today.
Maritime museum
Explore the world of the sea, above and below the surface. The Maritime Museum and Aquarium offers exhibitions, aquariums and activities all year-round.
Design and crafts museum
From Swedish design history to bold and innovative creations The Röhsska Museum is a place where design, crafts, architecture and fashion come together.
Shop indoors
Another favourite way to spend a rainy day is shopping, and Gothenburg has several large indoor shopping centres. Nordstan, NK and Arkaden are all conveniently located within easy walking distance of one another in the city centre. Here, you’ll find everything from major high-street chains to well-known brands in fashion, interiors and beauty.
As the shopping destinations are so close to one another, it’s easy to move between them and combine a day of shopping with a coffee break or lunch in central Gothenburg.
Department store
One of Sweden´s most famous department stores.
Shopping mall
More than 20 fashion and design stores.
Shopping centre
Large shopping mall close to the central station.
Stop for a coffee
Between museum visits and shopping, it can be nice to sit down and take a break over coffee. Gothenburg has a thriving café culture, with something to suit most tastes. Enjoy an espresso at Bar Centro, discover speciality coffee and freshly baked treats at da Matteo, or take a seat at the classic Brogyllen by the canal. Close to Götaplatsen, you’ll also find Viktors Kaffe, a family-run café with a focus on carefully crafted coffee and ingredients from local producers.
Stora Saluhallen, the city’s historic market hall, is another great option when the rain sets in. Browse delicacies and ingredients from around the world, sit down for lunch at one of the restaurants, or simply take a break and soak up the atmosphere.
Café and wine bar
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.
Kafé, bageri & rosteri
da Matteo on Magasinsgatan combines a café, bakery and coffee roastery. Discover specialty coffee, food, pastries and a lively meeting place in Gothenburg.
Café and bakery
Family-owned Brogyllen has been serving artisanal pastries in Gothenburg since 1962. Visit the classic café on Västra Hamngatan with a view of the canal.
Coffee bar
Coffee bar with craft coffee, delicious pastries and light lunches.
Market with restaurants and specialist food shops
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.
Experiences and relaxation
When the rain is coming down sideways, there’s nothing better than heading indoors to recharge your batteries. Perhaps with a visit to Hagabadet, where pools, saunas, yoga and treatments offer a relaxing escape from the rain.
If you’d rather spend a rainy day doing something a little more playful, head to Paradox Museum Gothenburg. Here, you’ll find interactive experiences, fascinating paradoxes and illusions that challenge both your mind and your senses.
Spa & gym
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.
Museum
A museum of fascinating paradoxes, illusions and interactive experiences.
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
A playground by Näckrosdammen where rainwater becomes part of the fun, with puddles, climbing equipment, swings and a slide. This playground is even more fun to visit when it’s raining!