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 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.
All the museums also have program activities, guided tours and workshops, keep an eye out in the events calendar.

Museum

Museum of Gothenburg

The story of Gothenburg from ancient times up until today.

Design and crafts museum

The Röhsska Museum

Museum of Design and Craft

Visual art

Gothenburg Museum of Art

Art collections from the 15th century up until today.

Museum

Göteborg Natural History 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

Göteborgs Konsthall

Exhibitions of Swedish and international contemporary artists.

Maritime museum

The Maritime Museum and Aquarium

An adventure for the whole family!

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.

Getting around in Gothenburg

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.

Park

Slottsskogen City Park

A large park and recreation area in the city.

Spring flowers in the city park The Garden Society in Gothenburg, Sweden.

19th century park

The Garden Society of Gothenburg

A beautiful garden located in the heart of the city.

Park

Gothenburg Botanical Garden

Welcome to one of Europe’s largest and best botanical gardens.

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

Nature area with swimming, hiking and snorkeling trails.

Nature reserve

Änggårdsbergen Nature Reserve

Beautiful nature reserve a short walk from Gothenburg city centre.

Nature area

Delsjön

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.

Live music in Gothenburg

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.

Second hand shops in Gothenburg

There are many opportunities for a second hand steal in Gothenburg, whether it’s antiques, clothes or furniture you’re looking for. Here are some of our top picks from the city’s eco-friendly, unique and affordable second-hand and vintage shopping options.

The island Donsö in the southern archipelago of Gothenburg.

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.

The Gothenburg archipelago – unique experiences year-round

The Gothenburg archipelago is amazing and there are so many islands for you to discover. Walk along winding trails near the sea, through quaint fishing villages and experience beautiful nature reserves.

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