Gothenburg

As the second largest city in Sweden, Gothenburg is a city not only diverse in activity, but also busy with history. Take advantage and learn as much as you can, whether you’re strolling through the city’s many museums or botanical garden. Try to cook when you can because their restaurants tend to be pricy.

Typical Costs

• Hostel Prices: Like else where in Sweden, hostels are expensive. You’ll pay an average of $30 USD a night for a dorm room. There is also a fee for bed linen.
• Budget Hotel Prices: Hotels are pricey, and even the budget hotels can cost quite a bit more in this city. Expect to spend $70 USD a night here.
• Average Cost of Food: Restaurants are pricey so expect to spend about $25 USD per person for an entrée there. If you want McDonalds, the price is the same as in the US. If you’re staying in Gothenburg for a while, cook your own food and save on costs. (chicken breast is $5 USD, liter of milk is $2.50 USD)
• Transportation Costs: Buy a prepaid bus/tram card. It is the easiest way to get around the city, and the cheapest as well.

Top Things to Do

• Go shopping on the “Avenyn” – Plan a day of shopping on Gothenburg’s main street. Stores and restaurants are in all price ranges, giving you a lot of flexibility when it comes to activities and budget.
• Visit the Botaniska Tradgarden – As Gothenburg’s Botanical Garden, it offers a very scenic day for the budgeting traveler. See 12,000 plant species, a Japanese garden and places to sit down and rest. A small entrance fee is required.
• Visit the Skansen Kronan – As a fortress built in the 1600’s, it now houses a military museum. An interesting day excursion to learn about some of Gothenburg’s history.
• See Slottsskogen – You can visit Gothenburg’s Natural History Museum, a zoo, and a family animal park. The park is also home to the city’s oldest observatory. Best of all? It’s free!
• Visit quaint Haga - As the oldest area of Gothenburg, it once was the neighborhood of the working class. Now you can enjoy their cobblestone streets, quaint restaurants and cafés and antique shops.
• The Gothenburg Opera - Whether this is your thing or not, the Opera House is gorgeous and an important monument of the city. Although some tickets are pricy, you can find last minute ticket deals.
• Liseberg - The biggest amusement park in all of Scandinavia, with lots of different rides for all ages. Be sure to try Balder, the new wooden roller-coaster. This park is fun for all ages, from childrens’ carousels to fast roller-coasters. Concerts by popular artists provide musical entertainment, and beautiful exotic flowers give this place a colorful background.
• The Swedish Ship Götheborg - A reconstruction of the mid-18th century east indiaman Götheborg. During summer 2010 the ship is open for visits at Stenpiren close to the city center.
• The Wheel of Gothenburg – This ferris wheel consists of 42 gondolas and has a height of 60 meters. The ride lasts for 15 minutes and you’ll get good panoramic views of the city and area.

Budget Tips

• Take the free walking tours - This will save you a ton of money, and the opportunity to visit some of the most unique neighborhoods of Gothenburg that a guided tour will not give you. Go at your own pace, stop at a café for lunch and enjoy the city’s sights.
• Cook your own food - Gothenburg can be expensive, and especially when eating out. Almost every hostel has a self-serve kitchen, so take advantage of it. Go to the local supermarket, buy some unique meats and cheeses, and whip up dinner at a fraction of any restaurant’s price.