Gothenburg is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Gothenburg?
You should plan to spend around $125 (kr1,363) per day on your vacation in Gothenburg. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $66 (kr718) on meals
- $18 (kr199) on local transportation
- $80 (kr869) on hotels
A one week trip to Gothenburg for two people costs, on average, $1,750 (kr19,082). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$875
kr9,541
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,750
kr19,082
-
One Month
Per person
$3,751
kr40,890
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,750
kr19,082
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,500
kr38,164
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,501
kr81,780
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Gothenburg cost?
A one week trip to Gothenburg usually costs around $875 (kr9,541) for one person and $1,750 (kr19,082) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Gothenburg on average costs around $1,750 (kr19,082) for one person and $3,500 (kr38,164) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Gothenburg will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Gothenburg on average costs around $3,751 (kr40,890) for one person and $7,501 (kr81,780) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Gothenburg expensive to visit?
Gothenburg is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
While Gothenburg can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $61 (kr641) per day, mid-range travelers spend $130 (kr1,363) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $233 (kr2,453) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Gothenburg.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Gothenburg is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Trieste or Hydra.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Gothenburg Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Gothenburg?
The average Gothenburg trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Gothenburg travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Gothenburg cost?
Gothenburg on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$18
(kr192)
|
$40
(kr434)
|
$73
(kr801)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(kr88)
|
$18
(kr199)
|
$34
(kr369)
|
|
Food 2
|
$29
(kr320)
|
$66
(kr718)
|
$119
(kr1,292)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6
(kr66)
|
$15
(kr168)
|
$39
(kr429)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-13
(kr48-145)
|
$10-30
(kr111-332)
|
$19-58
(kr212-635)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Gothenburg on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $61 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Gothenburg is home to plenty of hostels, including Slottsskogens Hostel, Backpackers Göteborg, and Linnéplatsens Hotel & Hostel. In hostels like these, you can snag budget-friendly dorm beds and enjoy a social environment, but be prepared for basic amenities.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Gothenburg will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $130 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Gothenburg is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Hotel Royal Gothenburg is a solid choice for families, while 5 ans Bed & Breakfast also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Gothenburg here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $233. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Bike Tour in Gothenburg with Pickup - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Gothenburg
Hotel prices in Gothenburg can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $90, while in peak season it jumps to an average of $168. Budget accommodations range from $62 to $230, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Gothenburg for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $80 (kr869). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $40 (kr434) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Gothenburg include:
- Hotel Eggers starting at $124
- Hotel Pigalle Gothenburg starting at $100
- Sankt Jorgen Park starting at $136
- Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Goteborg starting at $131
- Gothia Towers Hotel starting at $113
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during , will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Gothenburg
Unfortunately, Gothenburg does not provide a solid public transit network.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $18 (kr199) per person, per day, on local transportation in Gothenburg. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Gothenburg is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
kr199
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer for $54 details
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport for $143 details
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer for $108 details
How much does it cost to go to Gothenburg? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Gothenburg will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Gothenburg
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Gothenburg can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Gothenburg is $66 (kr718) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$66
kr718
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Gothenburg is around $68 (kr718) per person, with previous travelers spending from $30 to $123. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Gothenburg are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $20
- Lunch: $10 to $27
- Dinner: $20 to $48
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
The main restaurant street in town is Linnegatan. The main stretch of restaurants are between Jarntorget and Linneplatsen. Here you'll find plenty of different options that cater to those seeking both budget and more moderately priced dining options. You will find the best deals at lunch time, which is between 11:30 and 14:00. Popular budget options include pizza, Indian, Japanese, and a handful of very good vegetarian restaurants. There are also some good falafel stands around town.
As mentioned before, the Avenyn (Kungsportsavenyn) is also lined with plenty of restaurants for all tastes and budgets. Being a major city, Gothenburg has options catering to those with international tastes as well as visitors looking to sample the local flavors. Some Swedish specialties to try while visiting include inlagt sill (or pickled herring, once a staple for fishing communities on the inlets and archipelagoes of western Sweden), Snaps (a local alcoholic beverage that compliments the herring), oysters (and other seafood, always fresh!), the Christmas Table or Julbord (a buffet with traditional items like herring, smoked salmon, cured meats, and stuffed eggs), coffee and cinnamon buns, and chocolate with sea salt.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Gothenburg
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Gothenburg typically cost an average of $15 (kr168) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
kr168
Gothenburg is a city with many beautiful parks and gardens. The Botanical Gardens (or Botaniska Tradgarden), built in 1924, is one of the country's best, containing a rock garden, arboretum, and green houses, as well as a restaurant and cafe. It is located near Slottsskogen, a large English garden and popular spot for daytime activity and picnics. Some features within the park include the Museum of Natural History, an observatory, a mini golf course, and a children's zoo. The Horticultural Gardens (or Tradgardsforeningen), located in the city center, is also well-visited with a beautiful collection of roses.
As far as history goes, Skansen Kronan is a hilltop fortification, located southwest of the city center that built in the 17th century. It has been used as a prison, military museum, and today houses a restaurant and conference facility. Other architectural sights in the city include Gothenburg Cathedral, Christinae Church, Crown House (built in 1643-55, and once home to the Swedish Parliament), and the Oscar Fredrik Church.
Gothenburg's museums are another way to experience the local history, art, and culture. Some of the most popular include the Aeroseum (an aircraft museum in a former military underground Air Force base), the Volvo Museum, the Universeum (a public science center featuring an indoor rainforest habitat), and the Gothenburg Fine Art Museum (or Goteborgs Konstmuseum). The Museum of World Culture, the Maritime Museum, the Maritiman (world's largest floating museum of ships), and the Gothenburg Natural History Museum are also well-visited.
Activities around town include visiting, Liseberg, which is the largest amusement park in Scandinavia, taking a Paddan tourist boat on the city canals, going canoeing on Lake Delsjon, going out on a sailing yacht, visiting the Coteborg Opera House, or enjoying the view from Guldhedstornet, which is the highest point and the highest cafe in the city.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Gothenburg. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Historical Walking Tour in Restaurant and Bars in Central City for $33 details
- Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game for $7 details
- After Dark in A Guided Nightlife Tour for $260 details
Nightlife Budget in Gothenburg
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $20 (kr221) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Gothenburg per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$20
kr221
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Traveling in Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.
The climate in Gothenburg is oceanic and the temperatures are relatively mild given the city's northern location. It is effected by the Gulf Stream, which keeps the temperatures moderate throughout the year. Summers have average highs of about 20 degrees Celsius and winters are cold and windy with temperatures hovering around freezing. Snow is common between the months of December and March and can sometimes occur during either November or April or even as early as October or as late as May. During the summer there are about 18 hours of sunlight and only 6 and half hours of sunlight during the shortest days in December.
Neighborhoods & Around
Boroughs in Gothenburg include Norra Hisingen, Angered, Ostra Goteborg, Vastra Hisingen, Lundby, Majorna-Linne, Centrum, Orgryte-Harlanda, Vastra Goteborg, and Askim-Frolunda-Hogsbo.
Kungsportsavenyn, better known as the Avenyn, is Gothenburg's main boulevard. Stretching from the bridge Kungsportsbron by the canal to the Gotaplatsen public square and heart of the city, the beautifully landscaped avenue is lined with plenty of opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Another interesting neighborhood to visit is Haga, a city district with picturesque wooden houses from the 19th century. The more bohemian Langgatan streets (Forsta, Andra, Tredje and Fjarde Langgatan) located near Haga are also fun to explore. The street is renowned for its many restaurants, bars, galleries and record shops. Fairly unknown to tourists, this neighborhood usually attracts creative types looking for a more authentic experience away from the commercial bustle.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.