City Guide
Gothenburg is Sweden's second city, on the west coast: smaller and more relaxed than Stockholm, known for its food scene, canals and the car-free islands of its southern archipelago.
Best for
Remote workers who want a relaxed city with nature close by
Best months
May to September
Cost per day
Roughly €140–€230 including a mid-range hotel
Internet
Excellent, both WiFi and mobile internet
Less suited if you want a big city or travel in winter, when it is dark, windy and wet.
Sweden has some of the best internet in Europe, and Gothenburg is no exception. EU roaming covers you on your normal mobile plan, and almost everything is paid by card or phone.
Mindpark
A coworking space with a desk day pass around SEK 250.
Cafés in Haga and Linnéstaden are made for fika and fine for a few hours of work outside the lunch rush.
Linnéstaden and Haga
Charming, walkable streets with wooden houses, cafés and restaurants.
Centre and Avenyn
The main boulevard with shops, restaurants and culture, close to the station.
Eriksberg and Lindholmen
Modern waterfront areas across the river, with a ferry to the centre.
Stays I list in Gothenburg:
A rough week for one person with a mid-range hotel, excluding travel:
Stay
€600–€1,000
For a hotel room with a desk
Food
€200–€320
Lunch deals are good value
Coworking
€100–€130
For five day passes
Transport
Around €55
For a week on a 1-day and two 3-day tickets (SEK 625), as Gothenburg has no 7-day pass
May–Jun
Long, light days; Midsummer in late June
Jul–Aug
The warmest months, perfect for the archipelago
Sep
Still pleasant, with the first autumn colours
Oct–Apr
Dark, windy and wet
Gothenburg Landvetter airport is about 30 minutes from the centre by airport bus. Trains to Stockholm take about three hours.
The trams are the easiest way around, and the same ticket works on the ferries to the southern archipelago.
Sweden is part of the EU and Schengen. EU citizens only need a valid ID card or passport. If your employer is in another EU country, ask about an A1 certificate, which confirms you stay in your home country's social security system.
Take the tram and ferry to the car-free islands of the southern archipelago
Eat fresh seafood at the Feskekôrka fish market
Walk through Slottsskogen park
Visit the Liseberg amusement park on a summer evening
Enjoy fika in Haga, famous for its giant cinnamon buns
Yes, especially in summer. Internet is excellent and the city is relaxed and easy to live in.
Gothenburg for a smaller, relaxed city with a strong food scene; Stockholm for a big city and the archipelago.
Gothenburg is part of my Sweden guide, next to Stockholm. Compare it with other cities in my Europe guide.
