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.
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.
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.
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.
Kaninlandet is open every weekend in March and over the Easter holidays (from March 28 to April 12) it’s open every day!
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.
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.
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.
Easter at Gothenburg’s museums
Don’t miss the chance to explore exciting exhibitions during the Easter weekend in Gothenburg.
At Gothenburg Museum of Art, alongside permanent collections featuring works by Carl Larsson, van Gogh and Monet, visitors can explore the temporary exhibition Body: Ideal, Gaze, Freedom, which delves into body ideals from past to present through various artistic expressions.
At the Röhsska Museum of Design and Craft, visitors can discover Swedish design classics. The temporary exhibition We Will Survive explores the prepper movement.
Free admission for children and young people under 20 at Gothenburg’s museums. Please note that museums are closed on Mondays, Good Friday and Easter Monday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
