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.
2. Gothenburg’s museums
With the museum card for SEK 130 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 65.
The Gothenburg Museum of Natural History and the art gallery Göteborgs Konsthall both have free admission for everyone, and the Museum of World Culture has free entry for everyone up to the age of 19 (an annual pass for all the country’s world culture museums costs SEK 140).
All the museums also have program activities, guided tours and workshops, keep an eye out in the events calendar.
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 43 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
