Shopping, dining and spa during Easter
Trendy shopping and vintage finds
Gothenburg is full of shopping opportunities, whether you’re looking for fashionable boutiques or unique vintage bargains. On the street Magasinsgatan, design, fashion, and interiors blend seamlessly with cosy cafés, making it the perfect spot for a break between shopping. Here, you’ll find everything from Swedish fashion brands to small, creative concept stores. For those who love second-hand and vintage, there is a wide range of shops scattered across the city.
Stroll around the cobbled streets of the charming quarter Haga
Haga is one of Gothenburg’s oldest districts, renowned for its charming, cobbled streets and well-preserved merchant houses. The main street, Haga Nygata, runs through the area and is lined with small, independent shops and delightful cafés. Here, you can wander among speciality stores like Soap & Tvaga and Liten Karin or stop by Café Husaren to indulge in the famous Haga bun – a freshly baked cinnamon bun the size of a plate.
Haga is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Gothenburg. The pedestrian street Haga Nygata is lined with well-preserved houses, many in the characteristic Gothenburg style called “landshövdingehus” with one floor in brick and the rest in wood. Today they house plenty of independent shops and cafés.
Explore the city’s culinary gems
The range of restaurants is constantly on the move, with new gems popping up and old favourites continuing to deliver. Here you will find everything from elegant, starred restaurants to small, charming holes in the wall – perfect for both connoisseurs and curious food lovers. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner, innovative flavours, or a whole new dining experience, there’s always something to discover. In addition, new restaurants and bars are constantly popping up that contribute to the city’s dynamic food scene.
Join us on a gastronomic journey through Gothenburg – from the city’s star restaurants and white tablecloths, to hidden gems, small hole-in-the-wall places and classic establishments.
The Gothenburg restaurant scene is certainly alive and well, and new eateries are added frequently. Here are some restaurants and bars that recently opened or are just about to open.
Are you in the mood to eat something really delicious from the Asian cuisine? Here are some of the Gothenburg restaurants serving Japanese, Thai, Chinese or something in between.
Relax at a spa
If you’re looking to unwind this spring, you’ll find plenty of relaxing spa options in Gothenburg. Travelling with children? Arken Hotel & Art Garden Spa offers family spa experiences over Easter. Located by the sea and rocky coastline at Gothenburg’s harbour, it’s a peaceful retreat.
Spa hotel certified with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel
Arken Hotel & Art Garden Spa is a spa hotel that combines relaxation, nature and proximity to the sea. It offers a mobile-free spa experience, seasonally inspired food and a family spa during the school holidays – just 15 minutes from central Gothenburg.
5 star spa
A luxurious spa high above the city with breathtaking views of Gothenburg, soothing pools, saunas and treatments. Relaxation right in the city centre.
Eco-certified hotel
Relaxed elegance, inspired by 1960s Las Vegas, and a pool club 100 metres up in the air.
Hotel in the Gothenburg archipelago
Hotel located on Styrsö in Gothenburg’s southern archipelago.
Luxurious Hjortviken and Kusthotellet’s spa in the archipelago, classics like Hagabadet and the sauna in Frihamnen – Gothenburg has something for every type of spa enthusiast. Whether it’s a party with friends at Jacy’z pool club, quality time with the whole family at Nääs Fabriker, or simply enjoying a sauna – we have the list.
Experiences for the whole family this Easter
Easter fun at Kaninlandet in Liseberg
At the end of March, the Liseberg bunnies invite you to “Spring in Kaninlandet”. Expect cuddles for all ages and lots of fun on child-friendly rides like Flygis, Cyklonen and the classic spinning teacups.
Amusement park
There is something for everyone at Liseberg, where you’ll find the most fun in Scandinavia. Forty-two rides and attractions offer thrills, spills and laughter for kids and grown-ups.
Adventure and discovery at Universeum
Easter in Gothenburg is a great time to visit the science centre Universeum. Go on a rainforest safari, travel into space, try exciting experiments, solve tricky maths puzzles and explore the human body. In Wisdome, Sweden’s largest visualisation dome, you can enjoy fascinating 3D films for all ages.
Science museum
Welcome to 9,000 m2 of adventure
Easter excursions to castles and fortresses
The impressive ruins of Bohus Fortress, just north of Gothenburg, are a popular destination for families and are featured in the TV adaptation of Ronja the Robber’s Daughter.
At Gunnebo House, stroll through beautiful gardens, and enjoy an organic lunch or fika in the spring sunshine at Gunnebo Kaffehus och Krog. At Tjolöholm Castle, traditional Easter celebrations await, with fun-filled activities for both children and adults.
Fortress
An over 700 year old fortress north of Gothenburg.
18th-century estate just outside Gothenburg
Tudor-inspired castle
Just south of Gothenburg, Tjolöholms Slott offers British elegance, flourishing gardens, coastal scenery and events all year round.
Illusions, games and experiences in Nordstan
Activate Nordstan offers a high-energy activity centre where kids and adults move between interactive game rooms featuring climbing, puzzles and digital challenges. Just around the corner is Paradox Museum Gothenburg, an experience-based museum filled with optical illusions and mind-bending rooms that spark curiosity.
Activity centre
Activate Nordstan is an interactive game and activity centre in Gothenburg where physical and digital challenges meet in exciting game experiences.
Museum
A museum of fascinating paradoxes, illusions and interactive experiences.
Easter at Gothenburg’s museums
Don’t miss the chance to explore exciting exhibitions during the Easter weekend in Gothenburg. Gothenburg’s museums offers free admission for children and young people under 20. Please note that museums are closed on Mondays, Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Art exhibition
Exhibition: design as a survival strategy
Sights & Attractions
Shows, theatre and concerts
Gothenburg offers a vibrant spring performing arts season, with theatre, music and family-friendly shows during Easter and the Easter holidays, from contemporary plays to concerts and live performances for both children and adults. Check our event calendar for what’s on.
Nature, parks and the sea
Spring in Gothenburg’s parks
Easter is a wonderful time to visit the Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen) and the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, as nature slowly awakens and spring flowers begin to bloom. Located a short walk from the Central Station, the Garden Society features the Rosenkaféet café and lunch spot, as well as a popular playground.
The Botanical Garden borders the Änggårdsbergen nature reserve, perfect for hours of leisurely walking. Watch spring unfold and soak up the sun at the restaurant’s outdoor terrace.
19th century park
Environmentally certified park
Soak up the sun and sea breezes in the archipelago
Gothenburg’s archipelago is a year-round destination, and Easter is no exception. Several operators help visitors explore this stunning island world. Book a one-hour seal safari with Kastor Boat Trips, for instance.
On Easter Saturday evening, head out to Vrångö where the traditional Easter bonfire is lit, a celebration that brings together locals and visitors to welcome spring with breathtaking views across the sea. While there, join Vrångö’s own skipper for an unforgettable archipelago tour out to the rugged beauty of the lighthouse islet Tistlarna.
Salty swims, smooth rocks and the sea as far as the eye can see. The Gothenburg archipelago is a place for both tranquillity and activities, just a short journey from the city centre. Here you will find everything you need to know before heading out to the archipelago.
Whether you want to visit car-free swimming islands or explore the range of services on the larger islands, there are several easy ways to get out into the Gothenburg’s archipelago.
Getting to and around Gothenburg
Getting here
Gothenburg is easily reached by train, bus, plane or car. The Central Station is located right in the city centre, within walking distance of shopping, restaurants and hotels.
You can travel to Gothenburg in a number of ways. We have gathered useful information for getting here from around the world.
Getting around
Trams, buses and ferries make it quick and easy to get around the city and out to the islands. Spring is a great time to discover Gothenburg by bike – many attractions are located close together.
We’ve gathered information on tickets, apps, maps and much more that you as a visitor might find useful when travelling in Gothenburg.