1. Free events and festivals
Several events in Gothenburg are free – including everything at the Science Festival in April and Gothenburg’s Culture Festival in September, and most of the happenings during Culture Night (Kulturnatta) in the autumn.
More free events can be found in the free admission category of our events calendar.
Our Events Calendar is updated daily and is very popular! It presents a rich selection of events in and around Gothenburg.
2. Gothenburg’s museums
With the museum card for SEK 140 you have an unlimited number of visits to the following museums throughout the year: Museum of Gothenburg, Röhsska Museum of Design and Crafts, Maritime Museum and Aquarium and Gothenburg Museum of Art.
Students and anyone under the age of 20 enter for free and a onetime entrance for adults costs SEK 70.
The art gallery Göteborgs Konsthall has free admission for everyone, and the Museum of World Culture as well as the Natural History Museum have free entry for everyone up to the age of 19.
Please note that the art gallery is closed due to its relocation from Götaplatsen to Slakthuset in Gamlestaden. It will reopen in 2026.
All the museums also have program activities, guided tours and workshops, keep an eye out in the events calendar.
Museum
The story of Gothenburg from ancient times up until today.
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.
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
Collections of animals from all over the world. See the world’s only mounted blue whale and a huge African elephant, birds and fish from the entire planet and much more.
Contemporary art gallery
Exhibitions of Swedish and international contemporary artists.
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.
3. Budget sightseeing on the river
A ferry ride is a great way to see the harbour and new neighbourhoods along the banks of the river Göta älv. The public service ferry Älvsnabben is running a frequent service between Lilla Bommen, Eriksberg and Klippan with several stops along the way. The ticket costs 44 SEK (the same as for bus and tram). Some ferries have seats on the rooftop and this is where you enjoy the best view. The ferry Älvsnabbare, between Stenpiren and Lindholmen, runs a free service on weekdays.
We’ve gathered information on tickets, apps, maps and much more that you as a visitor might find useful when travelling in Gothenburg.
4. Explore the local parks and gardens
The parks and gardens of Gothenburg, including Slottsskogen, the Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen) and the Gothenburg Botanical Gardens, have plenty to offer. Families with children will particularly enjoy Slottsskogen with its exciting playground Plikta and free zoo, featuring farm animals, seals, elks and more.
Gothenburg’s largest city park
Slottsskogen is a place for relaxation, recreation, and outdoor life – a wonderful spot for everything from jogging to cosy picnics.
19th century park
A historic park in central Gothenburg with thousands of roses, tropical plants in the Palm House, cafés, a playground and year-round greenery.
World-class botanical garden
The Gothenburg Botanical Garden is one of Europe’s largest and most important botanical gardens, with 20,000 unique plants and world-class garden areas. With its exhibitions, programs, café and shop, the garden is one of West Sweden’s most popular visitor attractions.
There’s even more nature to experience if you visit the natural areas in and around Gothenburg. Go snorkelling at Stora Amundön, go for a walk in the beautiful nature reserve Änggårdsbergen or go grilling in Delsjön at the designated grilling spot.
Nature area
Stora Amundön is a seaside nature reserve in southern Gothenburg, with rocky bathing spots, small sandy beaches, walking trails, a snorkelling trail and varied coastal nature.
Nature reserve
Änggårdsbergen is a hilly nature reserve close to central Gothenburg, with walking trails, heathland and wetlands. It is known for its spring display of wood anemones, and viewpoints towards the city and the sea.
Nature area with swimming spots
The Delsjö area is a vastly beautiful nature area, where you can find the continuous lakes Stora and Lilla Delsjön.
5. Free music and entertainment
Many bars and pubs offer live music regularly, sometimes completely free of charge. Check out our guide to live music and find your way to the respective organiser. Also keep an eye on the University of Stage and Music (Artisten, Fågelsången 1, behind Götaplatsen), which from time to time invites you to free or very affordable concerts.
Jazz, pop, punk or blues? Gothenburg’s live venues have something for everyone. The following spots offer gigs with free admission – or with an entrance fee but no need to book in advance.
6. Sustainable shopping for unique items
There are many shops and thrift stores where you can find second hand and vintage clothes and items in Gothenburg, regardless of whether it is antiques, retro or interior design that you are looking for. In our guide you will find gems among the city’s eco-friendly, unique and wallet-friendly shopping.
Shopping
Gothenburg is a paradise for vintage lovers, offering everything from upscale antique shops to large second-hand department stores scattered all across the city, in neighbourhoods like Linnéstaden, Majorna and around the street Magasinsgatan in the city centre. You’ll find it all here, from Forum, the largest vintage and design department store in the Nordics, to carefully curated pieces at Juno Juno and Aplace. If you’re after affordable gems, shops like Björkåfrihet and Pop Boutique are well worth a visit.
7. Explore the archipelago
A great budget-friendly day trip goes to the southern part of the Gothenburg archipelago. It is within easy reach by tram and ferry, and you only need one ticket to go the whole way from the city centre. Once there, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, picturesque villages and rugged nature. The islands in this part of the archipelago are car-free and suitable for long walks or bike tours – and in summer of course perfect fo beach life. Take your pick from islands like Brännö, Styrsö or Vrångö, and don’t forget to bring a well-filled picnic basket.
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.