See also: Nordic history, Swedish Empire

Gothenburg is at the mouth of the river Göta älv. Lödöse, some 40 km (25 mi) upstream from Gothenburg was one of the largest cities in Sweden during the Middle Ages, and is considered a precursor to Gothenburg. During the Middle Ages the mouth of Göta älv was controlled by Sweden, while Bohuslän immediately north of it was Norwegian and Halland to its immediate south was Danish. The area thus became a tripoint of the three kingdoms. In order to consolidate Swedish control of the area, Älvsborg's fortress was constructed near modern-day Gothenburg. Several failed attempts were also made to build a city in the area.

The modern city of Gothenburg was built in 1621 by the Swedish king Gustav II Adolf. During the 17th century Sweden conquered Bohuslän and Halland, thus making Gothenburg the centre of an expanded western Sweden. During this era the older Danish Älvsborg fortress was demolished. It was replaced by a new castle, ingeniously called New Älvsborg fortress, on an island in the mouth of the river. Gothenburg eventually became a major gateway into Sweden, and one of the busiest ports in the Nordic countries. As the largest port in Sweden Gothenburg became the seat of the Swedish East India Company in the 18th century, and a hub for American emigration in the 19th century. During this era the city also became heavily industrialized, particularly as a centre for the Swedish shipbuilding industry. Its large port, strong trade community and proximity to Marstrand meant the city had a large Jewish and international community, with the first Jewish association forming before that of Stockholm.

With rising competition from foreign ship yards in the 1900s, many of the dry docks closed down in the 1970s. Much of the inner harbour area has changed from industrial ship building to high technology and education, representative of the general change in the city. Today Gothenburg has international sporting events, concerts, and conventions. Being an industrial centre, Gothenburg has been politically dominated by the left-wing Social Democrats for many years.

In the 1960s with Sweden investing heavily in affordable housing with Miljonprogrammet large parts of the working class town was demolished. Much like parts of Södermalm in Stockholm, Masthugget was an entire district comprised nearly exclusively of small red-painted wooden houses, some of which had stone-laid ground floors, so called Landhövdingehus. Today such houses can only be found at Gathenhielmska kulturreservatet by Stigbergstorget in Majorna, as well as on some of the islands in the Gothenburg archipelago. Gothenburg is famous for its Landshövdingehus of which more upscale housing remains in Haga, Gårda and Majorna.

The working-class history is easily visible, for example in the harbour area, especially on the northern riverfront of Hisingen and north of the city centre on the southern riverfront in Gullbergsvass. Before the 1970s there were few fashion houses or posher cafeterias, but that has changed.

The Gothenburg dialect is associated with cheerfulness and witty, if pun-laden humour, with many humorists classically from Gothenburg, often of the "goa gubbar" (lit. "good guys") stereotype, working class and somewhat fat. The connection to Britain has been said to be behind the high frequency of the male given name Glenn.

Like Marseille in France there is some animosity towards the capital, with those who move there sometimes being called "traitors".

Like most of southern and coastal Sweden, the city is best visited during springtime as well as in the summer. The climate is temperate with mild winters and warm, but not hot summers. Because it is located on the west coast by the sea the climate is milder and rainier in the winter than Stockholm, but comparable to Copenhagen. Snow is not a given in winter, for real Scandinavian winter, visit Dalarna or Norrland.

In other words, May to September tend to have the most comfortable weather. From Midsummer to the end of July, many inhabitants leave the city, and some venues close for summer, making the city more dominated by tourists.

• Tourist Office, ☏ +46 313 68 42 00, turistinfo@goteborg.com. (updated Jun 2024)
  • 57.7042511.970191 Kungsportsplatsen Tourist Office, Kungsportsplatsen 2 (about ten minutes walk from Nordstan). M–F 09:30–18:00 Sa 10:00–15:00. (updated Sep 2017)
  • 57.709311.96882 Nordstan Tourist Office, Nordstadstorget (next to the central train station), turistinfo@goteborg.com. M–F 10:00–20:00 Sa Su 10:00–18:00. (updated Sep 2017)

Gothenburg offers the Go City Pass, which allows entry into many tourist attractions, grand houses, and museums for 684 kr/adult or 464 kr/child (6–15 years old) (June 2024). Among attractions covered are Ringlinien vintage train, admission to Liseberg, Universeum, free travel with Paddan boat, boat trip to New Älvsborg Fortress, guided tour by bus, Museum of World Culture, Gothenburg Natural History Museum, Gothenburg City Museum, Gothenburg Art Museum, Röhsska Museum, Maritime Museum Aquarium, Medical History Museum, the Sports Museum, Maritiman, Gothenburgs utkiken, Guided tour of Gunnebo House, the Garden Society of Gothenburg, Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden, Röda Sten, Stinsen Sightseeing, Aeroseum, Volvo Museum, Mölndals Museum. This card is available on your mobile phone.

Gothenburgers are usually more than willing to help with directions.

57.6612.2911111 Landvetter Airport (GOT  ^IATA) (25 km (16 mi) east of the city). Gothenburg's main airport. It is served by about 30 airlines, including SAS, Norwegian Ryanair and Wizz Air, who offer the most connections.  

The city's international airport, Landvetter, serves mainly flights from other European cities, the exception being a seasonal flight by SAS from New York-Newark. Otherwise, to fly in from other continents, you must connect at a larger airport offering intercontinental flights. Most carriers offer connecting intercontinental tickets.

There are two coffee shops, burger fast food service, and a newsagent land-side. Air-side you can find a few cafes, restaurants, bars, gift shops and duty-free shops. There is quite little shopping. Foreign exchange facilities are available on both sides of security. The airport provides free Wi-Fi, but charging stations and power sockets are not in abundance.

Most of the major car rental companies have facilities opposite the airport exit. There are two hotels: Scandic is located adjacent to the terminal building and Landvetter Airport Hotel is within walking distance beyond the car rental facilities.

There is a Flygbussarna bus service from Landvetter into the city. It runs every 15–20 minutes (during the pandemic it is adapted to the reduced flight schedules so check the website for the current timetable), costs 119 kr one way (238 kr return) if you pay online (otherwise it is 139 kr and 249 kr respectively). The journey takes approximately 20–35 minutes. It stops at several locations (first stop near Liseberg; final stop: the Nils Ericson Bus terminal which is next to the Central Train Station). The only method of payment for the ticket is by credit card. Free Wi-Fi is available on the coach.

Taxis are expensive. To the city it takes about 25 minutes and costs between 520 kr and 560 kr. It is best to arrange fixed fare before getting in taxi.

Gothenburg City Airport (GSE) closed in 2014.

SJ high speed trains run hourly and VR trains every two hours from Stockholm Central station, taking just over 3 hours via Södertälje, Katrineholm and Skövde. Since May 2021, Flixtrain used to run three trains a day from Stockholm, taking 3 hr 30 min, but they seem to be not operating as of November 2024. These have very low "teaser" fares but a likely off-peak real fare is €17 single. Look on the Flix website as these trains may not be shown on others, for instance Deutsche Bahn.

Trains from Oslo take 4 hours and are run by VY. Trains run from Copenhagen city and airport hourly by the Oresundstag, taking 4 hours via Öresund bridge-tunnel, Malmö, Lund, Helsingborg and Halmstad. The fare from Copenhagen Central station is 590 SEK, while it might be a little less if one changes onto an SJ train at Malmö or Lund. Regional trains also run from Jönköping via Falköping, and from Stockholm via Örebro. Travel from northern Swedish cities involves changing in Stockholm.

• 57.708811.97332 Gothenburg Central railway station (Göteborgs Centralstation), Drottningtorget 5 (Tramway stop: Drottningtorget  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11 ). The city's main railway station is within a modern complex with Forex money exchange, ATMs, fast food outlets, car hire desks and First Hotel. Left luggage lockers are downstairs by the toilets. The mall north side leads into the bus station. Lots more facilities in the city block west across the street. (updated Jul 2023)

Coach lines to Gothenburg include Eurolines, Flixbus, GoByBus, Vy Bus4You and Swebus Express^{[dead link]}. The bus station is Nils Ericsson Terminalen on the north side of the central railway station. Västtrafik operates regional buses.

Stena Line operates ships to/from Denmark (Frederikshavn) and Germany (Kiel). The terminals are near the city centre. Tramway stops: Masthuggstorget  3  6  9  11  (Frederikshavn), Chapmans Torg  3  6  9  (Kiel).

DFDS is a cargo line with limited passenger capacity. They can take a small number of passengers (and their car) to Gothenburg from Belgium (Ghent).

There are also passenger boats cruising down the river, some all the way from Stockholm through Göta Kanal (by Rederi Göta Kanal)

European roads E6, E20 and E45 pass through Gothenburg. If you come by car from Stockholm, you should take E4 to Jönköping, and then national road 40.

Approximate distances and travelling time:

• to Malmö (E6/E20 south): 300 km, 3 hours
• to Oslo (E6 north): 320 km, 4 hours
• to Stockholm (40 east, E4): 500 km, 4 hours and 40 minutes
• to Copenhagen (E6/E20 south): 317 km, 3 hours and 30 minutes

Parking in Gothenburg can be difficult and expensive, as free parking is rarely found. Prices per hour vary between 7 zones and can be as high as 30 kr per hour. Free parking for tourists is however included in the Gothenburg City Card, if you happen to own one.

Gothenburg has implemented a congestion charge (trängselskatt) for the central area. However, for Swedish rental cars the cost is commonly already included in the daily fee.

You cannot buy tickets from the driver on any buses in Gothenburg area, but they are available onboard countryside buses or regional trains and in machines on trams in the Västtrafik system.

• Tourist Ticket

Tourists and others planning to travel every day are advised to buy a 1- or 3-day ticket. A blue card called the Västtrafik card is charged with ticket information. They are bought at Västtrafik's service centres or from Seven-Eleven or Pressbyrån or some other stores. They cost 115 kr (24 hours) or 230 kr (72 hours) inside Gothenburg's zone A which includes the archipelago (as of Aug 2023). A tourist card is available from the tourist office which is valid as a tram/bus ticket and for museum entrance fees, etc. Longer period tickets (30 or 365 days) can be loaded onto a västtrafik card.

Single ticket

If you only travel occasionally, you can either buy tickets at 7-Eleven, the Västtrafik "Tidpunkten" customer service centres, the Pressbyrån shops, from the blue ticket machines on the trams – which accepts coins or major credit cards, online via the Travel planner, or via a phone app if you have a Swedish credit card. During daytime the cost is 41 kr for an adult within the city zone (34 kr with app ticket).

Prepaid card (Pay-as-you-go)

If you will be travelling more often it might be a good idea to buy a prepaid västtrafik card that also gives a discount. This card can be charged with any amount at a time until the card contains a maximum of 1500 kr. In addition you must pay a 50 kr deposit which can be used in part to pay for your trip, but if any of the deposit money is used, another trip cannot be made until you recharge the card again. If you return the card to a Västtrafik service centre the deposit will be refunded to you.

If you travel within one zone a fixed price is deducted from your card, which is 34 kr for an adult within the Gothenburg zone. If you travel across a zone border the journey will be more expensive. With the exception of the southern part of tram no. 2 or 4 (all stops from Krokslätts Torg to Mölndals Centrum) the entire tram system lies within the Gothenburg municipality.

The card is used by touching it to one of the card readers in the vehicle when you board. If you intend to travel in more than one zone you must press the + button on the card reader before touching in and also touch the card to the reader when exiting the vehicle (otherwise, you will be charged for a journey to the terminal destination of the bus/tram). For tourists it's recommended you always touch in and out with the + button as the system will then always deduct the correct amount and you will not have to bother about the zones.

The Västrafik card can be bought from Västtrafik's service centres or from most convenience stores.

You can change freely between buses, ferries and trams 90 minutes after you first used your ticket. If you travelled in more than one zone the 90 minutes time will count from the time you disembarked in the last zone. When travelling between zones, remember to always touch in and touch out on each separate vehicle - otherwise you will be charged for each as separate journeys.

It might seem easy to get on one of the buses or trams without a valid ticket, but if a biljettkontrollant (ticket controller) would find out, you will be charged with a fee of 1500 kr.

Smartphone app

Västtrafik has an app called "Västtrafik To Go", in which single tickets, 1- or 3-day tickets, and period tickets can be bought. It is also a fully functional travel planner that can suggest when walking or cycling is a good or better alternative. It is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Gothenburg does have a commuter railway operated by Västtrafik and regional trains are part of the Västtrafik pay-per-ride ticket system. It has an hourly schedule on most lines.

Gothenburg has a famous network of trams, covering most of the city. With over 150 km the Gothenburg tram is the largest light rail network in Scandinavia.

The network consists of 12 tram lines, 1 to 11 and 13, and every line except no 8 passes through the main tram stop Brunnsparken ('Well Park'). It is located one tram stop or a 2-minute walk from the train station, Centralstationen. The trams runs approximately every 8–10 minutes during daylight and twice every hour at night, at weekends the trams run every 15–30 minutes. Notice that not all lines runs nighttime.

This and the Paddan boats (operating from Kungsportsplatsen) is the best way to see the city as they run above ground at a comfortable yet quick pace.

• Gothenburg tram and Stombuss network maps are available online.

Trams are the most efficient way to travel within the city centre, but if you're planning to go further you might need to go by bus. Bus lines heading in the same direction often departs from the same part of the city. There is no real equivalent to the large central tram and bus stop Brunnsparken—most others are divided into several "smaller" hubs, which you often reach by tram.

Two ferry services run across the river; Älvsnabben is the regular ferry service with traffic every 30 minutes, and Älvsnabbare that only run between Rosenlund and Lindholmspiren (free of charge) during work hours. Besides transport, this can be a good way to see the city from the river.

Ferries to the southern archipelago run from Saltholmen, with three different lines: Vrångö line, Brännö Rödsten line and the less trafficated Förö line. The service runs once an hour or less.

Styrsöbolaget run the ferry services under licence of Västtrafik - you can still use the city public transport ticket. On their homepage can you find time tables and more information about the islands.

There are several taxi companies, for example Taxi Göteborg (031-650000), Taxi Kurir (031-272727) and Minitaxi (031-140140). Initial fare from 35 kr, and then from 10 to 14 kr/km. Every taxi must have comparing prices well visible according to law, and it's often placed in the side window. No 1 is daytime, no 2 is rush hour and no 3 is for night time service, and then you see the initial fare, price per hour, price per kilometre and comparing prices for a typical journey.

Prices between companies vary. For the above-mentioned larger companies the visible comparing price is about 350-380 kr (and 400 kr at max). Dubious taxi operators take about double the price, so make sure to compare before you enter.

For longer travels, negotiate a fixed price. To the airport it should be around 500 kr from the city centre.

Illegal taxis, called "svarttaxi", are operating, particularly during Friday and Saturday nights. They are generally cheaper, but using them is not advised, particularly for women or drunk passengers, since muggings and rapes have occurred involving illegal taxis.

• Cabonline. Offers TaxiKurir, Taxi 020, Sverigetaxi and TOPCAB taxis. Fixed price on all trips. (updated Aug 2020)
• Uber Gothenburg. (updated Jul 2020)
• Bolt Gothenburg. (updated Jul 2020)
• Jip. Smart phone app offers address based routing and calculates price according to them. (updated Feb 2021)

Gothenburg has a nice network of bicycle paths, reaching all parts of the city. You can buy network maps at the tourist information centres, and you can find an online version

You can bring your bike on the ferries, on some trains but not on trams or buses. The service is free on Älvsnabben but costs 10 kr on the ferries in the southern archipelago.

You can rent a bike from Cykelkungen or if you are staying at a hostel they can often provide it for you.

In the most central parts there are an automated loan bike system Styr & Ställ, registration of 90 kr for 30 days and while reserving an amount on your credit card they are free to use as long as you use for only 60 minutes and then replaced in another place. You can then take a bike again 2 minutes later. A real-time map showing how many bikes and free parking slots are available at each station can be downloaded from allbikesnow.

• Bicycle planner

With a compact city centre most sights are easily reached on foot, and it's a nice way to get around.

Popular walks around the city include the nature reserve around the lake Delsjön, the park Slottsskogen, the botanical garden, on any of the islands in the southern archipelago, or in the neighborhood Haga.

• 57.7045411.965281 Gothenburg Cathedral (Göteborg Domkyrkan), Kyrkogatan 28. Built in 1815, in the centre of old city (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.706711.964872 Christinæ Church (Deutsche Kirchengemeinde Göteborg), Norra Hamngatan 16. Built in 1748. (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.7078911.963683 Crown House (Kronhuset), Postgatan. Built in 1643-1655, and briefly home of the Swedish Parliament. It houses Göteborgs Musik, and the surrounding buildings are now cafes and crafts workshops. It is Gothenburg’s oldest still-standing non-religious building. (updated Dec 2017)
• 57.7010111.95784 Feskekôrka, Rosenlundsgatan. Tu-F 10:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-15:00. The indoor Fish Market, called "Feskekôrka" (Fish Church) because of the shape of the building and Gothenburgers mythical devotion to fish, is by the canal near the harbour. (updated Dec 2017)
• 57.69844111.9563515 Haga (Close to Skansen Kronan). A city district with picturesque wooden houses from the 19th century. Don't forget to explore the more bohemian Långgatan streets (Första, Andra, Tredje and Fjärde Långgatan) nearby and to visit the Haga Church (Hagakyrkan). (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.696611.94726 Oscar Fredrik Church (Oscar Fredriks kyrka), Värmlandsgatan. The largest and most well decorated church. Built 1893. (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.6960211.95537 Skansen Kronan (Crown Keep), Leijonsparres Väg 15 (Skansberget). A hilltop fortification, south-west of the city centre, built in the 17th century. In the 19th century it served as a prison, and now houses a military museum. Its twin Skansen Lejonet (Lion Keep) unfortunately finds itself in the middle of a railroad and industrial area but guided tours are held the first and third Sunday of every month. (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.7133511.967318 Skanskaskrapan (Läppstiftet), Lilla Bommen, ☏ +46 31156147. Jul-Aug: daily 11:00-16:00 (lift goes several times per hour); rest of the year: M-F 11:00-15:00 (lift goes every hour). Informally called "the lipstick" by the local, it features a viewing platform at 86 metres, which offers great views over the city. 40 kr, children 5-15 years: 20 kr, family: 100 kr. (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.70972211.9388899 Karlatornet, Lodjursstråket 1, Lindholmen. The tallest building in the Nordic countries at 247 metres, and it is visible from many parts of Gothenburg. (updated Aug 2024)

• 57.770611.880810 Aeroseum, Holmvägen 100. At Säve Depå, is an aircraft museum in a former military underground Air Force base. It's located on the Hisingen bypass (Hisingeleden), at the opposite side of the airstrip to Gothenburg City Airport. Also home of the annual Göteborg Aero Show and other events. (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.696811.98026611 Gothenburg Art Museum (Göteborgs Konstmuseum), Götaplatsen, ☏ +46 31 368-35-00. Housed in a magnificent edifice flanked by the theatre and concert hall, it features a world-class collection of Nordic art (60 kr, people up to 20 years and students with ID free). The adjacent Hasselblad Center periodically holds public exhibitions. The Art Hall (free entrance) features contemporary art. (updated Jul 2022)
• 57.7063211.9634612 Gothenburg City Museum (Göteborgs Stadsmuseum), Norra Hamngatan 12, ☏ +46 31 368-36-00. Covers the history of the city and region from prehistoric times to the present, with emphasis on the 19th-century Swedish East India Company, which was once housed in the building. 40 kr, people under 20 and students free. (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.67473311.85234213 KA 4 Museum and the Fort of Oskar II. Irregular opening hours. A museum at the former Coast Artillery Regiment at Käringberget. 
• 57.709311.960714 Maritiman (Between GöteborgsOperan and Kajskjul 8). Packhuskajen 8½. "The world's biggest floating museum of ships" consists of 19 boats of all sizes. The biggest attraction is the former military destroyer Småland. 100 kr, children (5-15) 50 kr, family 270 kr, students & senior citizens 70 kr. (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.69911611.9321915 Maritime Museum and Aquarium (Sjöfartsmuseet Akvariet), Karl Johansgatan 1-3 (Stigbergstorget, Majorna), ☏ +46 31 368-35-50. Explains the maritime history of Gothenburg, West Sweden and of the fishing industry; has models of sailing ships. An aquarium in the basement, consisting of an "OceanLab" for visitors, a main tank with sharks and kinds of small fishes and some small tanks with coral, jellyfish and starfish. There is a lookout just by the museum, on the top of the pillar of the "Seamans wife", where you can view the harbour, but it is not open every day. 
• 57.690211.9495616 Gothenburg Natural History Museum (Göteborgs Naturhistoriska Museum), Slottsskogen (Linnéplatsen), ☏ +46 10-441-44-00. Tu-Su 11:00-17:00. The oldest museum in Gothenburg includes a stuffed blue whale and is situated in Slottsskogen. 40 kr, under 20 years and students (with valid ID) free. (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.7007711.91888917 Swedish Ship Götheborg, Pir Fyra 2, ☏ +46 31 779-34-50. A reconstruction of the mid-18th century east indiaman Götheborg. 120 kr. (updated Nov 2024)
• 57.68996411.99726918 World of Volvo, Lyckholms Torg 1. An exhibition centre for Volvo Cars and Volvo Group (the commercial vehicle brand).  
• 57.694711.9891519 Museum of World Culture (Världskulturmuseet), Södra Vägen 54 (Liseberg). Tu Th F 12-:00-17:00; W 12:00-20:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:0. A cultural counterpart to the science-oriented Universeum, it's a museum of ethnography and anthropology, with a thoroughly contemporary approach. There are regular special events such as concerts, films, and lectures. Free entrance to some of the museum's exhibits. 40 kr (annual pass), free for people under the age of 19 years.  
• 57.6999511.973520 The Röhsska Museum, Vasagatan 37-39, info@rohsska.se. Tu W 11:00-18:00, Th 11:00-20:00, F-Su 11:00-17:00, closed on Good Friday, 1 May, 6 June, Midsummer’s Eve, Midsummer Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s day. The national museum of Swedish design and applied art. Adult 60 or, under 25 or with the Gothenburg Pass free. (updated Mar 2021)
• 57.7085711.94487521 Gothenburg Radio Museum, Anders Carlssons gata 2 (Götaverkens industriområde), ☏ +46 31-779 21 01. (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.68918711.9015822 Röda Sten, Röda Sten 1 (Tram 3 or 9 to Vagnhallen Majorna, then walk), ☏ +46 31 12-08-16. Tu-Su 12:00-17:00; W 12:00-19:00. Edgy art hall in an old industrial furnace station covered in graffiti. 40 kr/20 kr/free. 
• 57.6957911.9883323 Universeum, Södra Vägen 50 (Liseberg), ☏ +46 31 335-64-50. A new museum focusing on the environment with an indoor rainforest, experiment workshop, etc. Adult 175 kr, under 3 years free, 3-16 years 120 kr, family 545 kr. (updated Nov 2019)

• 57.68288111.95038924 Botanical Gardens (Botaniska Trädgården), Carl Skottbergs gata 22, ☏ +46 31 741-11-00. 9AM-sundown. Built in 1923, the botanical gardens has an area of 175 hectares and was selected as the most beautiful garden in Sweden in 2003. It contains a rock garden, arboretum and green houses, along with a restaurant and café. Don't miss the rare Easter Island tree. Free entrance, except for the greenhouse.  
• 57.68649811.9419325 Slottsskogen (tram stop Linnéplatsen). A big English garden close to the Botanical Garden and a popular spot for relaxing and picnics. Within the park you'll find the Museum of nature history, an observatory, a mini golf course, and a child zoo. In the zoo, you can also pay a visit to the quintessential Swedish animal: the älg, also known as moose. Slottskogen is famed for its valley with over 60 kinds of Azalea that blooms during early summer. The museum and the zoo don`t have an entry fee. Slottskogen can be very crowded with people going for a barbecue in Summer. On the night before the 1st of May, there is usually a big bonfire in the park, which is worth watching. (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.705211.974926 Trädgårdsföreningen. A picturesque garden in the city centre with a very nice collection of roses awarded with three stars in the Guide Michelin. No entrance fee during off season, otherwise 20 kr. (updated Nov 2019)

• 57.6969311.979264 Göteborgs konserthus (Concert Hall), Götaplatsen, ☏ +46 31 726-53-10. The concert hall is home of the Göteborgs Symfoniker (Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra) which is the National Orchestra of Sweden and offers regular concerts there. (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.6972811.980115 Göteborg Stadsteater (City Theatre), Götaplatsen 4, ☏ +46 31 708-71-00. 
• 57.7109211.964156 GöteborgsOperan (Opera House), Christina Nilssons Gata, ☏ +46 31 10-80-00. By Lilla Bommen is the modern opera house of Gothenburg where great operas are performed regularly. (updated Nov 2019)
• 57.6981811.980067 Lorensbergsteatern, Berzeliigatan 4. (updated Nov 2019)

• The Cortège. Every year students from Chalmers University organize the carnival parade on Walpurgis Night (30 April). The parade starts at Gibraltargatan next to the campus, proceeds via Läraregatan, Viktor Rydbergsgatan, Kungsportsavenyn, Vasagatan, Aschebergsgatan back to the campus and takes about 2 hours. During about a week before the parade, the students construct the different vehicles on campus next to Gibraltargatan. Free.
• Every year in February, the town is invaded by cinema buffs for the annual Gothenburg Film Festival. The festival, which is growing every year, is now one of the major Scandinavian movie festivals.
• Julstaden^{[dead link]} (the Christmas celebration), takes place in December. The city centre is filled with Christmas lights and various activities, such as the market at Haga Nygata. The event has become a popular tourist attraction.
• Gothenburg Culture Festival^{[dead link]} (Kulturkalaset) takes place annually in August. City-festival featuring musical performances, a wide array of foreign food booths and lots and lots of beer. Massive public drunkenness and under-aged intoxication has made the city council consider to cancel the whole thing. If you stay off the absolute city-centre like the Avenue (Avenyn) you may find interesting parties and activities though.
• Volvo Rendezvous for Owners & Members (VROM) — an annual meeting for Volvo enthusiasts.
• Gothenburg's Pride festival is West Pride^{[dead link]}.
• Göteborg Aero Show — Sweden's major annual air show, attracting tens of thousands spectators every year.
• Way Out West — a yearly music festival held in Slottskogen, usually in August.
• Göteborg International Biennial for Contemporary Art (GIBCA). It's held every second year usually in November, the next one will be in 2019.

• Once a year during July, football playing youths from more than 50 countries take part in Gothia Cup, the world's biggest football tournament with over 1,000 teams. The final rounds are held at the Ullevi stadium, one of the largest in the Nordic countries.
• Göteborgsvarvet. A half a marathon (21 km) which is run in May in central Gothenburg once a year, with more than 30,000 participants. (updated Oct 2023)
• Football: the city has four professional soccer teams. In Allsvenskan, the top tier, are BK Häcken (playing at Bravida Arena) and IFK Göteborg (at Gamla Ullevi Stadium). In Superettan the second tier are Örgryte IS and GAIS (both also at Gamla Ullevi). Gamla Ullevi is also the home stadium of the Sweden women's national team.
• At Scandinavium hockey stadium the local team Frölunda plays games every week during season.
• On occasion you can see wrestling^{[dead link]} in different locations in Gothenburg.

• 57.71543511.71029240 Hästeviks badplats. (updated May 2021)

• 57.7028311.9628435 Acne, Magasinsgatan 19. While a Stockholm design studio there is a smaller shop in Gothenburg. A larger outlet store can be found south of the city in Freeport Outlet in the Kungsbacka suburb. More interestingly the Acne store is in the same house as Artilleriet. (updated Dec 2017)
• 57.70359111.9644836 Nudie Jeans Vallgatan, Vallgatan 15. Nudie Jeans is a Gothenburg based design house specializing in jeans. Made to last, and with a number of repair shops in the city and elsewhere they are a good buy when in Gothenburg. This shop lies close to the very picturesque Victoriapassagen which hosts cafés and some smaller shops. (updated Dec 2017)

• 57.7035211.967867 Saluhallen, Kungstorget. A charming indoor food hall. 
• 57.70332211.9654088 Victoriapassagen. One of several "passageways" between major shopping streets, this one is the most picturesque, with a café, a hipster bakery, a bookbinder and some other shops. (updated Dec 2017)
• 57.69917411.9339639 Bengans (Tramstation Stigbergstorget). Stigbergstorget 1. A big, famous Swedish record store with lots of records, old and new, in all kinds of genres. You will find something to buy here, no matter if you're a record collector, hipster, or chart music fan. They also have a cafe. Don't confuse it with Bengans City, which while a record store is not at all the same thing. If you like records or just atmosphere it's worth leaving the city centre for. (updated Dec 2017)
• 57.70306411.96230710 Artillerigården, Magasinsgatan 17. A small square with building repurposed from old factories around, it hosts some of the city’s hipper shops, such as Artilleriet and Grandpa. Strömmingsluckan is a must if you are here at lunch-time. It also hosts a number of other food trucks. Ragtime are two high quality second-hand shops nearby. (updated Dec 2017)
• 57.69816611.95887111 Haga Nygata, Haga Nygata. Haga is a unique part of town, well worth visiting for other things than shopping, but if you are looking for unique things to buy, this is where to go. Several Swedish fashion shops as well as a hatmaker, many antique-shops and other "odd" shops such as an olive oil store make Haga an ideal place. On fall Sundays the square hosts a farmer's market, and in December each weekend hosts a Christmas market. Apart from in December the area is a little bit less hectic than the other shopping areas. (updated Dec 2017)
• 57.70514111.96330212 Antikhallarna, Västra Hamngatan 6. Originally a bank, these "halls" host 10 shops specializing in various antiques. There is everything from certified ancient Egyptian and Greek statues to stamps and silver spoons. A very nice café lies here as well. (updated Dec 2017)
• 57.70839511.96528413 World Report, Torggatan 13. Without a doubt the weirdest shop in town. A tiny little antique shop filled to the brim with books and oddities from weird trips around the world. In one of the rooms a 10 foot anaconda skin hangs from the roof, which the manager insists he "cannot legally sell". Open very irregularly. (updated Dec 2017)

While few shops cater to English readers, there are two with somewhat more than the average business bestsellers:

• 57.70383911.96244714 Sci-fi Bookshop (Tram/bus stop Domkyrkan). Plenty of merchandise and a café on the ground floor, but the basement has a rather large section for books. Not everything is science fiction, fantasy, or manga either, and more than half is in English. With Swedes being generally very good at English, this book-shop caters to young Swedes who read anything in English. (updated Dec 2017)
• 57.7009711.95893615 The Book Corner, Rosenlundsgatan 3 (A short walk from tram stations Grönsakstorget or Hagakyrkan). The largest truly multilingual bookshop in town, with a rather decent selection of English titles, but also in French, German, Italian and Spanish as well as some other smaller languages. (updated Dec 2017)

• 57.705811.969616 NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Östra Hamngatan 42. Stockholm's famous upscale department store has branched out to Gothenburg, bringing in premium brands such as Paul Smith, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Dior, YSL and Prada and equally well-known Swedish brands – for instance the crystal manufacturers Orrefors and Kosta Boda. Just opposite Arkaden, the NK also features an upscale-ish cafe and sushi restaurant. 
• 57.70318411.96387717 ABCD (ABCD Fashion), Västra Hamngatan 19. With another shop in Stockholm, ABCD hosts collections from major European and international designers such as Givenchy, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. The interior of the store is pretty and is reminiscent of an old bank vault. For men and women. Doorbell. (updated Dec 2017)
• 57.70693411.97188818 Jo-Yan (Boutique Jo-Yan), Södra Hamngatan 59, ☏ +46 31 15 23 33. Probably the most upscale shop in the city, with women's clothing from Valentino, Kenzo, Max Mara, Armani. Doorbell. (updated Dec 2017)

• 57.70105411.9576811 Feskekörka, Fisktorget 4. The fish market is not only a nice tourist attraction (see legacy food markets), but all fishmongers offer fantastic fish dishes to take away at low prices (50–60 kr). Make sure you try the fish soup sold at the last booth, under the restaurant. (updated Jun 2024)

• 57.7080711.9670713 Andrum, Östra Hamngatan 19A, ☏ +46 31-13 85 04, andrum.veg@gmail.com. Tasty and healthy vegetarian/vegan buffet. (updated Aug 2023)
• 57.7007411.9768414 Bombay Palace, Södra Vägen 19. Serves tasty Indian food in a good atmosphere. Seating arrangement is not so good, but the food will leave you happy. A 3-course meal could cost 150-180 kr (without alcohol). 
• 57.70276611.96395715 Gourmetkorv, Södra Larmgatan 6, ☏ +46 31 13-62- 33, info@gourmetkorv.se. 10:00-20:00 mostly. "Korv" means "sausage" in Swedish and this restaurant has them in abundance. There are 13 different choices of sausage, and these are served as portions with potato salad or mashed potato, and your choice of mustard. The service is very fast, your order should be ready in less than fifteen minutes. No table service, you have to carry your food to your table yourself. There are several locations in the city. You can also buy sausages, potato salad, sauerkraut and mustard by the kilogram to take home with you. 80 to 120 kr (May 2017). (updated May 2022)
• 57.697911.930816 Café Hängmattan, Karljohansgatan 16. Vegetarian buffet. 85 kr for the buffet (Aug 2015). (updated May 2022)
• 57.70437911.9627617 The BARN, Kyrkogatan 11, ☏ +46 31-352 49 49, info@thebarn.se. W-Th 17:00-23:00; F Sa 17:00-01:00; Su 14:00-00:00. Another fancy hamburger restaurant with a farmer concept. Main courses for 98-169 kr. 
• 57.70451511.9618218 Beijing 8, Magasinsgatan 3, ☏ +46 31 701-08-08, magasinsgatan3@beijing8.se. M-Th 11:00-21:00; F 11:00-22:00; Sa 12:00-22:00. Modern dumplings place with minimalistic design. Located on what may well be Gothenburg's hippest street right now. 
• 57.69847111.98242219 Berzelius Bar & Matsal, Södra Vägen 20, ☏ +46 31 16-00-30. Good restaurant and bar serving traditional Swedish food. (updated Sep 2015)
• 57.69992811.96963220 Enoteca Signore, Vasaplatsen 4, ☏ +46 31 13-06-02. Serves fantastic pasta in various flavours. Cosy. 
• 57.7055611.96132521 Fiskekrogen, Lilla torget 1, ☏ +46 31 10-10-05. Sea food (updated Sep 2015)
• 57.69366311.98952722 Holy Cow, Södra Vägen 77, ☏ +46 31 20-45-09, info@holycowburgers.se. M-Th 17:00-22:00; F 17:00-23:00; Sa 13:00-23:00; Su 13:00-21:00. Fancy hamburger restaurant with a farmer concept. Main courses for 85-189 kr. 
• 57.7053311.9617623 Lilla Torgets Vinkrog. Lilla Torget 3. Cozy atmosphere in an old (wine?) cellar. Serves house-baked bread with the meals. 
• 57.70325411.95949524 Nonna (Former Etc. Grande), Kungsgatan 12, ☏ +46 31 13-25-95. Serves fantastic pasta in various flavours. 
• 57.6946611.9729425 Pasta Etc., Mölndalsvägen 15, ☏ +46 31 40-67-20. Kapellgatan 12. Italian. Main courses for 78-185 kr. 
• 57.69951411.98022826 Pasta +, Södra Vägen 2, ☏ +46 31 16-56-00. Reasonable Italian food. (updated Sep 2015)
• 57.6983411.98285727 Dinner 22, Södra Vägen 22, ☏ +46 31 81-10-55. Serves and excellent reindeer steak. Very good service. (updated Oct 2017)
• 57.69344411.95293428 Karlson's Garage & Bar, Linnégatan 54, ☏ +46 31 42-11-15. Swedish food and beer. Good service. Especially known for Köttbullar (Swedish meatballs) and fried baltic herring. (updated Aug 2023)

• 57.69819611.97399829 Restaurang 28+, Götabergsgatan 28, ☏ +46 31 20-21-61. Earned a star in the Michelin Guide Rouge. 
• 57.6916511.90916230 Restaurang Sjömagasinet, Adolf Edelsvärdsgata 5, ☏ +46 31 775-59-20. Excellent (and pricey!) fish restaurant at Klippan. Earned a star in the Michelin Guide Rouge. 
• 57.69410611.97771131 Thörnströms kök, Teknologgatan 3, ☏ +46 31 16-20-66. Excellent international cuisine, despite the comparatively low prices. 
• 57.6985411.96550632 Koka, Viktoriagatan 12, ☏ +46 31 701-79-79. Individual interpretations of regional food. Fixed 3-, 5-, or 7-course menu. (updated Oct 2017)

There are several different clubs in Gothenburg, with a wide array of music styles.

• 57.70562211.96743813 Gretas, Drottninggatan 35. The biggest gay nightclub in the city, with 2 dance floors playing schlager, pop, 1980s, 90s and disco downstairs, house and r'n'b upstairs. 
• 57.69908811.94218714 Haket, Masthuggstorget/Första Långgatan 32. Indie pop/goth. Often arranges theme nights, with music, videos and even drinks featuring a certain artist. Hosts Monochrome, a long-running Goth club the first Saturday every month. Haket is also a restaurant and bar, with an excellent selection of microbrewed beers. 
• 57.70123311.97327415 Lounge, Kungsportsavenyen 5. Trendy bar and night club. 
• 57.70127711.96173216 Nefertiti, Hvitfeldtsplatsen 6, ☏ +46 31 711-40-76. House, jazz, northern soul. 
• 57.702311.9927217 Port du soleil, Nya allén 11 (@Trägårn), ☏ +46 761998124. May-Aug: Tu F Sa 21:00-03:00. Great really professional summer-club with house music. 
• 57.7026911.9618618 Sticky Fingers, Kaserntorget 7, ☏ +46 31 701-07-17. Kaserntorget 7. Young rock fans flock to Sticky Fingers for live bands and clubs. 
• 57.70446411.97577219 Trädgår'n, Nya allén 11, ☏ +46 31 10-20-80. EBM & Synthpop, house. 
• Pustervik, Järntorgsgatan 12-14 (Järntorget, tram 3 or 9). Rock, indie and folk. Both local and international bands. (updated Jan 2023)

Gothenburg has a vast array of cafés practically everywhere. In the district Haga (near Järntorget) you can find a lot of nice cafés. It is quite normal to get a free re-fill if you buy filter coffee (bryggkaffe in Swedish).

• 57.70542811.97004320 Bar Centro, Kyrkogatan 31. Small Italian-style espressobar, takes coffee very seriously. 
• 57.69159311.95273921 Ethels, Linnégatan 72. A charming family-run café that also offers warm sandwiches and soup. 
• 57.68027311.96993122 Guldhedens vattentorn, Dr. Sven Johanssons backe 10 (Take Tram 10 to Doktor Sydows gata, or a bus 42, 52 to Syster Estrids gata). During January and February only open on Saturday and Sunday. A little nice café placed on top of an old water tower. You get a good view of Gothenburg and around. 
• 57.69843711.95989123 Café Husaren, Haga Nygata 28 (Located in the Haga district in a street with lots of other nice cafes). This cafe is famous for its tasty, giant kanelbullar (cinnamon buns). You can easily share one of these with three or four people. Or, if you don`t care about diabetes, you can eat one for lunch or dinner. 
• 57.6562712.01951124 Café Skåne, Nämndemansgatan 1, Mölndal, cafeskane@telia.com. Su-F 24 hr, closed Sa. The antithesis of a trendy cafe with affordable prices and large sandwiches to fill you up. A coffee costs €1.5. 
• 57.7024111.9557325 Språkcaféet (lit. "The language café"), Esperantoplatsen 7-9. Nice café with language evenings Mondays to Thursdays (17:30 – 21:00) with opportunities to learn Swedish, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic and many other popular languages. You must buy for 45 kr before you can participate in the language groups. (updated May 2019)

Many Youth Hostels only offer their lowest prices to members of STF or IYHF. The Tourist Bureau just off Avenyn organises an excellent private home B&B service.

• Great Living, ☏ +46 31 12-06-21. Private accommodation. The owners can profit from their home, even when they are away, and companies and individuals can gain access to a different type of accommodation during their visit. All apartments are located in the central of Gothenburg. 
• 57.70388912.030061 Lisebergsbyn, Olbersgatan 9 (2.5 km from Liseberg amusement park). The prices start at 345 kr (one time entry to Liseberg included during summer) but they are a lot higher during peak months. 
• 57.6924911.94792 Slottsskogens Youth Hostel, ☏ +46 31 42-65-20. Check-in: 14+18, check-out: 11. Vegagatan 21. Open 24 hr. Popular among travellers. Free Internet. Prices start at 195 kr for dorm beds. Situated in the lively Linnéstan – an area with a lot of pubs, restaurants, cafés etc. Tram stop: Olivedalsgatan (tram 1,2,6 and 13). The backpackers section is clean and modern. All beds in dorms have lockers under the bed, and some beds have curtains around them for privacy. Arrive early if you want one of these since beds aren't assigned - when you check in you just go and grab any free bed in the dorm. Sheets and towel are an extra 65 kr. Breakfast is quite nice – fairly standard buffet style with bread, cheese, meats, cereal, muesli, coffee, juice etc. But it is a bit expensive at 70 kr. 
• 57.7368112.02923 Kvibergs Vandrarhem - Hostel, Lilla regementsvägen 35, ☏ +46 31 43-50-55, info@vandrarhem.com. A family run hostel since 1995 that offers free WiFi and parking. A breakfast buffet is served every morning. Room in different sizes and cottages with 5 beds. Access to a kitchen 24h and TV in all rooms and cottages. Surronding the hostel is a large garden with grass for the kids to run around. (updated Aug 2023)

• 57.70811.972234 Hôtel Eggers, Drottningtorget, ☏ +46 31 333-44-40, fax: +46 31-333 44 49. Located right by the train station, with nearly 150 years of history. 
• 57.6975111.989425 Hotel Gothia Towers, Mässans gata 24. Scandinavia’s largest hotel, with good quality rooms and four popular bars and restaurants. Gourmet restaurant Heaven 23 is on the 23rd floor with an unbeatable view of Gothenburg. Try their huge shrimp sandwich! Basic rooms have a reasonable size with well laid out furniture, contain fridge, kettle, cloths iron and small but practical work desk. Suites are of very good class and size. Standard breakfast in a canteen like room (as opposed to the restaurants) has a reasonably large choice but of basic quality and staff do not clear tables very often. 
• 57.7001311.969966 Hotel Poseidon, Storgatan 33. A family owned, 49-room hotel perfectly located in the city center. Trams stop a block away at Vasaplatsen and the popular Kungsportsavenyn is just a few blocks in the other direction. Wireless internet is included as well as a great breakfast. 
• 57.7037511.956537 Hotel Riverton, Stora Badhusgatan 26, ☏ +46 31 750-10-00. Hotel, restaurant and Sky bar with a beautiful view of the harbour. Shopping and restaurants just around the corner. 
• 57.7063411.972248 Hotel Royal, Drottninggatan 67. A classy, centrally located hotel that was founded in 1852. 
• 57.70791111.9700339 Scandic Europa, Köpmansgatan 38 (200 m from Göteborg Centralstation, 250 m from Brunnsparken tram interchange), ☏ +46 31 751-65-00, fax: +46 31 751 65 11, europa@scandichotels.com. Large modern hotel belonging to a major Scandinavian chain, attached to the Nordstan shopping centre. Standard rooms range from 18–20 m² and are efficiently laid out. Breakfast, wireless internet, a mini-fridge, and air conditioning are included. 
• 57.708211.9780810 Scandic Crown, Polhemsplatsen 3 (200 m from Göteborg Centralstation behind the Clarion Hotel Post), ☏ +46 31 751-51-00, crown@scandichotels.com. Similar to its older sister Scandic Europa this one has a spa with sauna and jacuzzi on its top floor at no extra fee. The restaurant offers a breakfast buffet with lots of items to choose from and has a limited menu in the evening. Quiet well designed rooms and friendly helpful staff. (updated Sep 2021)
• 57.69051311.90749411 Hotel Waterfront, Klippan 1, ☏ +46 31 720-22-00, info@novotel.se. A modern hotel with all services and facilities, and is located at the entrance to the Port of Gothenburg a bit outside of the city centre but easily accessible through tram or ferry. (updated Dec 2015)
• 57.70795411.94082812 Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel, Lindholmspiren 4, ☏ +46 31 383-40-00, info.riverside.gothenburg@radissonblu.com. Quality rooms but standards one not large. Good buffet breakfast and reasonable restaurant and bar. (updated Oct 2017)

• 57.7040111.9681913 Avalon Hotel, Kungstorget 9, ☏ +46 31 751-02-00. Located near the city center and meters from Kungsportplatsen. 
• 57.7090311.9791314 Clarion Collection Hotel Odin, Odinsgatan 6 (350 m from Göteborg Centralstation), ☏ +46 31 745-22-00, fax: +46 31 711 24 60, cc.odin@choice.se. Four-star hotel in a modern tower. Rooms are air-conditioned, include breakfast and dinner buffets, and have reliable high-speed wireless internet. Superior rooms have a full kitchenette (utensils at a surcharge), and hot drinks are available in the lobby. Some rooms have a large balcony overlooking the river. Single rooms are 23-24 m², doubles 30–35 m² with two single beds. From 1400 kr. 
• 57.7080611.9751115 Clarion Hotel Post, Drottningtorget 10 (On the square just south of the central station.), ☏ +46 31 61-90-50, reservations.post@choice.se. This former post office, with 500 rooms, including three suites this is one of the biggest hotels in the city. Includes high-end restaurants, own spa, rooftop pool and even home-brewed beer. They also have a hugely popular bar for after-work entertainment. Just don't expect a quiet lobby! Prices start at 1200 kr on weekends and 1600 kr weekdays. 
• 57.6984111.9784916 Elite Park Avenue Hotel, Kungsportsavenyn 36–38, ☏ +46 31 727-10-00. 
• 57.7051111.9628117 Elite Plaza Hotel, Västra Hamngatan 3, ☏ +46 31 720-40-00. Five-star hotel, noticed for being popular with visiting rock stars. 
• 57.7069811.9727618 Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Södra Hamngatan 59, ☏ +46 31 758-50-00, info.scandinavia.gothenburg@radissonblu.com. 

Protestant churches:

• Smyrna international, Hagakyrkogata 2. Celebration 15.00 (in English). Iranian meeting Thursdays 17:30.

Roman Catholic churches:

• Kristus Konungen, Parkgatan 14. Holy mass: Sa 11:30, 16:30 (Spanish), 18:00, 19:00 (Polish); Su 9:30, 11:00, 13:00 (Polish), 16:00 (Croatian), 19:00; M-F 08:00, 11:30, 18:00.

Church of the Anglican community:

• St. Andrews church^{[dead link]}, Hvidfeltsplatsen 2

Mosques:

• Nasir Moskén, Tolvskillingsgatan 1. Sweden's first mosque built in 1975. (ahmadiya)
• Bellevuemoskén, Generalsgatan 2A.
• Göteborgs Moské, Myntgatan 8. This newly built mosque, with its beautiful cross between Islamic architecture and modern design, is a must go to for architectural fans.