Book a Flight to Gothenburg from €185

Älvsborg Fortress: take the boat from Gothenburg port and visit one of the best-preserved castles in Sweden. Situated on a tiny island, this impressive fortress was built to defend the city against Danish attack in the 1717-19 war. It was repeatedly besieged but never conquered, as you will no doubt be informed during the 30-minute boat tour. 
Address: boats depart from Lilla Bommen, 0046 31609670.
Skansen Kronan Fortress: a cylindrical 17th century fortress perched on a hill in the Haga district. It was built to defend Gothenburg against possible Danish attack from the south but its cannons never fired a shot. The granite-walled redoubt has operated as a prison, a private residence and a War Museum. Today it is a conference centre and a venue for private functions. The summit of the hill offers a stunning view of the city and the port.
Address: Skansberget, Linnéstaden, 0046 317113033, www.skansenkronan.se/

Gothenburg Art Museum: one of the city’s most important museums, it houses works of art from the 15th century to the present. Browse the excellent collection of works by Nordic artists, such as Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, and by great European masters like Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh. All works have been donated by private individuals and city residents. Visit the adjacent Hasselblad Centre, to see photography exhibitions as well as the annual Hasselblad Award exhibition dedicated to the winner of the prestigious prize.
Address: Götaplatsen/Avenyn, 0046 313683500, www.konstmuseum.goteborg.se/

Radio Museum: a thrilling journey through radio history, from the early 1900s to the present, for those who wax lyrical over old transistor radios as well as hi-tech Smartphone fans. Check out the vast array of exhibits and learn how the radio evolved. The collection includes everything from 1920’s collectors’ pieces and old ship wireless radios to amateur radio station equipment, built-in mobile phone radios and state-of-the-art satellite transmitters and receivers. Not to mention the portable army wireless radios weighing up to 16 kg, which radio operators not only had to carry on their backs but had to wind up to make them work!
Address: Anders Carlssons gata 2, 0046317792101, www.radiomuseet.se/

Universeum: nine thousand square meters of action-packed adventure at the largest science centre in Scandinavia in the heart of Gothenburg. In just a few hours, you can go on safari to a tropical rainforest, travel to outer space and swim with sharks in the deepest oceans, in a facility that combines wild fauna and flora with multimedia applications and an experiment workshop for people of all ages.
Address: Södra vägen 50, 004631335 64 50, www.universeum.se/

Aeroseum: the 1950’s bunker carved out of solid granite 30 meters below ground was a top secret Swedish Air Force base during the Cold War. Visit the Aeroseum and learn about the history of flight. Climb aboard the helicopter and experience what flying feels like on the flight simulator. 
Address: Holmvägen 100, 0046 31 558300 http://www.aeroseum.se/

Gothenburg Archipelago One of the most charming landscapes of the Scandinavian North. Stretching along the coast, the skärgård or Gothenburg Archipelago is a string of beautiful little islands, with very few permanent inhabitants. Cars are not allowed on many of the islands, which make them ideal for quiet walks, and bicycle rides. Other activities include swimming at the delightful white beaches, fishing and exploring the small fishing villages, picturesque lighthouses and landscapes of rare natural beauty.
Address: Take the ferry from Saltholmen for the southern islands and from Lilla Varholmen for the northern islands.

Wander through the city and discover hip boutiques, malls and shops with international brand names and intriguing creations by local fashion designers. Stroll around Kungsgatan, Vallgatan and Södra Larmgatan streets and continue your shopping spree in the trendy Magasinsgatan district, with the modern shops and chic restaurants.  

Visit the brick-red Kronhuset tucked away behind the central Gustav Adolf Square. One of the oldest buildings in the city, it was built in the 17th century as an army depot and, later, briefly housed the Swedish Parliament. Today, this historic building bustles with life and bohemian creativity and is full of art studios, cafes and cool shops, that sell everything from chocolate and glassware to vintage clothes and artsy ornaments.

The Haga Nygata pedestrian street in the quaint Haga neighbourhood, with the well-preserved wooden houses on both sides of the road, is home to small shopping jewels.

Whether you are looking for award-winning gourmet restaurants, street food, ethnic eateries or family bistro’s, when it comes to food Gothenburg has everything you could possibly want. The city’s cuisine is based on fresh local organic produce and simple Swedish husmanskost (everyday food), either cooked in the traditional manner or with some experimental tweaks.  

The restaurants along Rosenlund quay offer a large range of seafood from the Baltic: herring, salmon, lobster, shrimp, eels and caviar. Visit the hip Linné district and check out the smoked meat and sausage platters at restaurants with cutting-edge decor located along Linnégatan street. 

During the Christmas holidays most of the city’s bars and restaurants offer smorgasbord, a particularly reinforced celebratory buffet aimed at fighting off the severe cold. Pile your plate high with various delicacies, like pickled herring, Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes, Christmas ham (Julskinka), local cheeses, and wash it all down with some seasonal mulled wine.

Listen to local bands playing live music at the alternative bars around Järntorget Square, then take in a few jazz clubs and pubs in the Kungshöjd district for some Scandinavian beer and aquavit, and party the night away at the trendy night clubs near the classical Feskekôrka market.

Gothenburg’s calendar is full all year round with outgoing, open-air events.

• The Rose Party Despite the tongue-twister of a name, the Trädgårdsföreningen is a beautiful 19th century park located in the heart of the city. Apart from lush gardens and winding paths it has one of the largest rose gardens in Europe. In July, when roses are at their peak, a rose party is organised by the Garden Society of Gothenburg with exhibitions, sales, gardening seminars and live music. 
• Gothenburg Half Marathon Held every May since 1980, this international annual fixture is an opportunity for Swedish and foreign runners to test their endurance and strength in a 21,097.5 meter marathon. An enthusiastic crowd throngs to Slottsskogsvallen Stadium where many of the parallel music and sports events are held, such as the Lilla Varvet half marathon for children. 
• Way Out West Music Festival For three whole days and nights, 13-15 August, the biggest names of the Scandinavian and international music scene gather at Gothenburg’s Slottsskogen Park. Come and listen to jazz, indie pop, rock and ballads in an idyllic natural setting

Getting to and from the airport in Gothenburg

Aegean Airlines operates through Landvetter International Airport located 25 km east of the city. Gothenburg’s modern airport features cafes, restaurants and duty free shops selling clothes, electronics, souvenirs and books. Other amenities include banks, foreign exchange counters, a post office and free Wi-Fi.

The easiest way to get to Gothenburg from the airport is to take a Flygbussarna Airport Coach, which will take you to the city centre in 20 minutes, with various stops along the way, including at Nils Ericson and Korsvägen stations.

The Västtrafik city busses are also convenient. If you choose to go by taxi, ask about the fare beforehand because not all cab companies have a fixed price list.