Jump to:
- Introduction
- Accomodation
- Food
- Getting Around Gothenburg
- Things to Do in Gothenburg on a Budget
- Final Thoughts – Gothenburg on a Budget
Introduction
We’ve been wanting to visit the Nordics for a while, however the reputation of high prices has always held us back. So when we finally booked a trip to Sweden, we were determined to prove it doesn’t have to break the bank.
We decided to visit Gothenburg and surprisingly ended up spending only £60 per day per person including accommodation! In this blog post, we share exactly how we did it and how to spend a weekend in Gothenburg on a budget.
While on this trip, we also managed to visit Copenhagen. We have a Copenhagen on a Budget guide from our time there.
Accomodation
Accommodation can definitely be the highest expense of the trip! However, Gothenburg can be pretty affordable if you’re willing to stay slightly outside of the centre. We found a great deal for Comfort Hotel Panorama. For only £50 per night we had a comfortable room with a private bathroom. There is also a gym and access to relaxation facilities such as a hot tub and sauna. It was perfect for chilling after a full day of travelling. The price also included breakfast that kept us full for hours when we explored the city the next day.
When travelling to Gothenburg on a budget, there are also some ways to get free accommodation if you’re flexible with dates. Couchsurfing is one of the solutions where you get to stay in a local’s home which is great for exploring the city. You can also use Trusted HouseSitters where you look after someone’s pets in exchange for free accommodation.
Food
Eating out in Sweden can be expensive, especially if you’re dining out multiple times a day. Luckily, Gothenburg has plenty of convenient options for grabbing affordable food on the go.
Shops such as 7-eleven, Coop and Lidl offer a wide range of ready to eat meals. They are typically priced around £3-£5.
We went to Lidl to grab some lunch, as it has a great selection of bakery items, ready made salads and sandwiches. We spent only £5 in total for both of us which is less than what you might pay for a single drink in a restaurant!
If you fancy a nice meal out, we really recommend Am Thuc Viet. We had a delicious and very filling Pho there for £14 which is very reasonable for Sweden.
Getting Around Gothenburg
Gothenburg is a very walkable city so you can get around on foot to visit most places. If you need to get further, there are frequent and affordable buses and trams. You can check the estimated fare on the official transport site. Expect to pay around £3 for a 15-minute journey.
Uber is also available and we paid £10 for a 15-minute journey from our hotel to the centre. It’s definitely a good option if you’re in a rush. There are also electric scooters that you can rent on Lyme app but we haven’t tried it ourselves.
Things to Do in Gothenburg on a Budget
Gothenburg has a lot of free or very affordable attractions that you can explore even on a very tight budget. Below are some of them:
Trädgårdsföreningen (The Garden Society): Free
The Garden Society is one of the best preserved 19th century parks in Europe, and it’s completely free to explore. We were very impressed with the beautiful rose gardens, peaceful walking paths and the stunning Palm house, filled with exotic plants. It’s also located right in the centre, so you can easily walk there.
Maritiman: £12 per Person
Maritiman is a floating maritime museum where you can explore historic naval ships, submarines, and even see a destroyer right on the waterfront. It’s fun and affordable, and it lets you have a closer look at Sweden’s history. One of the highlights includes climbing through the narrow submarine passages which makes the experience feel far more interactive than a typical museum visit. The entrance on normal days cost £12 per person. However, they also have special event days with guided tours where the price goes up to around £14 per person.
Gothenburg Cathedral: Free
Gothenburg Cathedral is another great free attraction to explore when travelling to Gothenburg on a budget. It was built in the 19th century, and it features elegant neoclassical architecture, bright interiors, and a calm atmosphere. It’s also located right in the centre, so it’s a very easy spot to add when walking around the city.
Gothenburg Botanical Garden: Free
Gothenburg Botanical Garden is one of Europe’s largest botanical gardens, and another great free spot to visit. When entering the gardens, you will be greeted with peaceful woodland trails, colorful flower beds and rare exotic plants.
Stora Saluhallen (The Market Hall): Free
Stora Saluhallen is Gothenburg’s historic indoor market hall and a great place to experience local food without needing a big budget. The market opened in the 19th century, and today it’s packed with small vendors selling Swedish cheeses, baked goods, delicious treats and affordable meals. They are also great at catering to different dietary requirements – we saw plenty of vegan or gluten-free options.
Final Thoughts – Gothenburg on a Budget
We hope this guide convinced you that travelling to Gothenburg can be pretty affordable! With a bit of planning, staying slightly outside of the centre, and making the most out of the free attractions, your trip can be very cheap without missing out on experiencing the city.
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