Summer with the family

In Gothenburg there are lots of activities for kids of all ages – check out our summer guide filled to the brim with classics and new stuff. We also made a guide to restaurants that kids (and their parents) seem to be especially fond of.

During the pandemic, many have welcomed a four-legged family member to their homes, and of course we also have a guide to Gothenburg’s most dog-friendly places.

Fun attractions for kids in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is an absolutely fantastic city for children and families – all year round! Here we have collected the best experiences, attractions and activities for a fun stay.

Child-friendly cafés and restaurants in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a great place to visit with children! And while plenty of restaurants provide basics such as high chairs and children’s menus, there are some restaurants that kids (and their parents) just seem to love. Here is a selection of them but there are many more to discover.

Dog-friendly Gothenburg

Bring your doggie to Gothenburg. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés, hotels and cinemas going the extra mile for man’s best friend. Here we guide you and your dog to dog friendly places. Welcome!

The Gothenburg archipelago has plenty of experiences waiting for you this summer. Credit: Peter Kvarnström

Summer in the archipelago

No summer without cliffs, freshly caught seafood and salty swims, right? The Gothenburg archipelago offers unique summer experiences and we’ve listed some of the very best in our guide. Stay on one of the islands with the sea right outside your window, or choose a more central hotel and make a daytrip to the archipelago – getting there with public transport is very convenient.

Gems in the Gothenburg archipelago

Don’t miss a visit to the Gothenburg’s idyllic archipelago. Here you’ll find our best ideas on what to do by the sea, like fishing tours, locally brewed craft beer, Swedish fika in sunny gardens and salty swimming spots.

Getting to the Gothenburg archipelago

You’ll reach the car-free southern islands by ferry from boat terminal Saltholmen or from Stenpiren Travel Centre. To get to the northern islands you take the ferry from Lilla Varholmen on Hisingen. Both the northern and the southern archipelago are beautiful and well worth a visit. Here a few tips on how to get there.

Discover Gothenburg from the water with Let’s boat’s electric rental boats. Credit: Happy Visuals

Summer sightseeing

Paddan, Ocean Bus, Let’s Boat and Stinsen – in Gothenburg there are plenty of sightseeing tours to choose from. Read our guide and find the tour that’s right for you!

Prefer to explore the city on your own? Get a rental bike from Styr & Ställ and follow our route from the city centre and out to the Saltholmen ferry terminal.

The best summer sightseeing in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is an amazing sightseeing city! Cruise the canals in an electric boat, ride a bicycle through leafy boulevards or check out a kayak from a “kayakomat” and go on an adventure. Here are some of Gothenburg’s best summer attractions and sightseeing activities.

Bike to Saltholmen

See some of the nicest parts of Gothenburg on your way out to Saltholmen, a popular swimming spot. Large parts of the route run along the waterline but you will also experience the lovely Haga area, Slottsskogen city park and the charming Majorna district. This is a beautiful bike route with lots to offer. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and picnic basket!

Outdoor dining area at Hagabion. — Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at one of Gothenburg’s many outdoor bars this summer.

Summer bites and drinks in the sun

Gothenburg is famous for its warm and chilled-out atmosphere, and during the summer you get the best of it at the city’s lively outdoor bars and restaurants. Here you’ll find our guides to charming outdoor areas and rooftop bars with stunning views. There are also plenty of delis and parks for those who are up for a picnic!

Hot and sunny weather? Cool off with an ice cream from one of the city’s popular ice cream cafes – dominated by homemade ice cream and locally sourced ingredients.

Exterior of the Feskekörka building in Gothenburg. Sweden.

Outdoor bars and restaurants in Gothenburg

Gothenburg has plenty of lovely outdoor bars and restaurants where you can enjoy food, drinks and a vibrant atmosphere. Here are some of the best places to have a coffee, drink or dinner in the sun.

Rooftop bars in Gothenburg

Meals, drinks and conversations all taste a little better alfresco. Add a city view to the mix and the setting is complete! Here’s a guide to amazing rooftop bars in Gothenburg.

Picnic spots in Gothenburg

What better way to spend a sunny day than to go and have a picnic in the leafy parks, or at the top of a hill overlooking the city? Bring a blanket, fill a basket with your favourite food and drinks and head out to one of the many lovely picnic spots in and around Gothenburg.

Gothenburg’s top ice cream spots

You can’t beat a tasty ice cream. Good thing there’s plenty of ice cream to try while in and around Gothenburg. Let artisanal gelato seduce you or marvel at the creamy goodness of Gothenburg classics. Here are some of the great ice cream parlours in Gothenburg, but there are plenty more to discover.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is upperhouse-spa-pool-43.jpg — Upper House is one of the luxury spas in Gothenburg where you can relax this summer.

Summer indulgence

Boutique hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, exclusive wines, freshly caught seafood and luxurious spa experiences – in Gothenburg there are plenty of opportunities to indulge. In this guide we’ve listed lots of ways to pamper yourself this summer!

A luxurious stay in Gothenburg

Lonely Planet recently named Gothenburg the world’s best sustainable city to visit in 2021, so why not come here this summer and see for yourself? In Gothenburg, there are plenty of unique experiences that will make your summer remarkable. Here’s a guide to a great stay in Gothenburg.

Liseberg

Gothenburg’s classic amusement park, Liseberg, is not only the Nordics’ largest, but also Europe’s best in 2023. With many rides and experience attractions, hundreds of thousands of flowers, cuddly bunnies, food, drinks and entertainment, Liseberg offers activities for all family members.

Amusement park

Liseberg 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.

Gothenburg Culture Festival, in a hybrid format, was one of the many popular summer events in 2021. Credit: Julius Cederdahl

Summer events

During the summer there are plenty of events in Gothenburg, with something for every age and taste.

In our events calendar you’ll find even more options!

Music festival

Way Out West 2025

Slottsskogen city park

7Aug

Aug7

Drone photo of the area around Kungstorget which is full of visitors

Free and open to everyone

Gothenburg Culture Festival 2025

Gothenburg

28Aug

Aug28

Major events in Gothenburg 2025

Gothenburg 2025 offers a year filled with exciting events. With everything from film festivals and equestrian sports to music festivals and cultural highlights, there is something for everyone to discover. And also, Håkan Hellström is back at Ullevi!

Summer concerts in Gothenburg 2025

In the summer of 2025, Gothenburg will offer an unbeatable concert season. From Ullevi’s arena concerts to intimate club gigs and grand festivals. Top names, newcomers and iconic bands will take over the city’s stages for a musical summer filled with unforgettable moments.

Go City Gothenburg

Are you looking to visit multiple attractions during your visit to Gothenburg? The Go City Gothenburg pass can grant you access to some of the most sought-after attractions, while saving you up to 50% off the price of entry. Operating in over 30 cities worldwide, this product is dedicated to simplifying the way that you experience a city. Whether you’re looking to see Gothenburg via a Paddan Boat tour or want to delve into the immersive museums including the Universeum or Maritiman Ship Museum, Go City offers these attractions plus 25 plus other Gothenburg attractions all on one pass.

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