New Year’s in Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg is a coastal city in western Sweden where we spent New Year’s during a winter trip. We weren’t trying to see everything or move around constantly. We wanted a city where we could walk most places, stay close to where we were staying and let the days unfold without a packed plan. Gothenburg did not disappoint.
Even around New Year’s, the city felt active without being overwhelming. Restaurants were open, streets were busy and there was plenty going on. But it never felt chaotic. Gothenburg isn’t a place that pushes you to rush from sight to sight. It works better when you stay local, walk a lot and don’t try to force too much into each day.
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Getting Around Gothenburg
We stayed a few tram stops outside the city center, near the World of Volvo. The tram stop was right outside our door, which made getting around simple. We used the tram every day and never felt like we were missing anything by not staying right in the center.
Gothenburg’s tram system is easy to use and well connected. It runs often and goes everywhere we needed to go, including Haga and back toward the center. For this trip, relying on public transport made more sense than trying to walk long distances, especially over New Year’s.
Haga
We went to Haga more than once during the trip. It’s easy to reach by tram and compact enough that you don’t need a plan once you arrive. We spent time walking through the neighborhood, stopping for coffee, and looking around shops without trying to see everything in one pass.
Even over New Year’s, Haga was busy without being crowded. Places were open, people were out, and it didn’t feel shut down for the holiday. It worked well as a place to spend part of the day rather than something that needed to be scheduled or treated as a main attraction.
Haga fit naturally into the trip. It was simple to get there, easy to spend time in, and just as easy to leave when we were ready to head back.
World of Volvo
The World of Volvo ended up being one of our favorite stops. It was about a three minute walk from our apartment, so it was easy to fit into the day without planning around it. Tickets were around 180 Swedish kroners (18€ or $21) per person, and the whole visit didn’t take long, which worked well for this trip.
It sounds like it might just be a commercial for a car brand, but it’s actually a really interesting look at Volvo as a Swedish company and how transportation has evolved in the country. It’s not just cars. They cover trucks, emergency vehicles, ice cream trucks and how movement and transport fit into everyday life in Sweden.
The space is very interactive and clearly designed to work for all ages. There were hands on elements, technology throughout and even things like VR and equipment you could operate. There’s also a LEGO room for kids, which we didn’t even go into, but it’s there. Everything felt intentional and well done, especially for winter when being indoors matters more.
We spent about an hour to an hour and a half there and felt like that was plenty of time. It’s easy to recommend, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just want something that’s interesting without taking up your whole day. You can find current exhibitions, hours, and ticket information on the World of Volvo website.
Feskekôrka (fish church)
We went to Feskekôrka because it was on our list and we were expecting a traditional fish market. Something closer to Seattle, with vendors, noise and people moving through. That’s not what it was.
Inside, it felt quiet and polished. You could buy fish, but most of the space was made up of bars and restaurant-style counters. Everything felt very controlled and very fancy, to the point where it almost felt like you had to lower your voice. It reminded us more of a high-end restaurant space than a working market.
We had a drink, took it in, and didn’t stay long. Prices were high, €20 aperol spritz. It was interesting to see, just very different from what we were expecting. You can check current restaurants and hours on the Feskekôrka website.
Liseberg
We went to Liseberg during the day on New Year’s Eve. It’s a large amusement park near the city center and even though most of the rides were closed for the holiday, parts of the park were still open. The ice rink and play areas were running and there were a lot of families there with kids making the most of it.
Even without the rides operating, the park itself was still impressive. Everything was decorated for the season. Kids were having a great time and it felt genuinely festive rather than quiet or shut down.
We definitley want to come back when the rides are open. Some of them looked genuinely good and it’s clear Liseberg is a major part of the city rather than a side attraction. Seasonal openings and attraction details are listed on the Liseberg website.
New Year’s Eve in Gothenburg
New Year’s Eve in Gothenburg is social without being overwhelming, which made it easy to enjoy without committing to a late night or a ticketed event. We went into the city because we still wanted to be out, see people and feel the night, but we’re mindful of fireworks and crowds, especially when traveling with a dog.
The city felt busy and active as the evening built toward midnight. Many cafés were already closed, but bars were open and packed. We ended up at the Irish Embassy pub and it felt exactly right for the night. Festive, loud and full of people already celebrating.
Just before midnight, we bundled up and went outside knowing there would be fireworks. There were plenty of them. Not chaotic like Italy and not as unhinged as the Netherlands, but steady and spread across the city. We stayed outside for about half an hour watching everything go off, then headed back in. It was a relaxed New Year’s Eve that still felt like being part of the city.
Universeum
We went to Universeum on New Year’s Day, which ended up being a good choice. It’s a large science center and aquarium spread over multiple levels, with a mix of indoor exhibits and larger open spaces. Even on a holiday, it handled the crowds well and never felt overwhelming.
Inside, there’s a lot going on. Aquariums, rainforest-style areas, hands-on science exhibits and wide walkways that make it easy to move through without feeling rushed. There were plenty of families there, but it didn’t feel chaotic or geared only toward young kids.
We spent a few hours there without trying to see everything. It was the kind of place where you can stay as long as you want and leave when you’re ready without feeling like you missed something. For New Year’s Day, when a lot of things are closed or operating on limited hours, Universeum made a lot of sense. You can check current exhibits and hours on the Universeum website.
Where We ate
We ate at home a lot on this trip, which is one of the reasons we like staying in Airbnbs. Having a kitchen made it easier, especially over New Year’s and we didn’t feel the need to go out for every meal.
We had lunch at Hemma Hos in Haga. It was an easy stop while we were in the neighborhood and worked well as a daytime meal rather than something we planned around. The räckmacka (shrimp sandwich) and the hemgjorda köttbullar (swedish meatballs) are highly recommended!
We also ate at Thai Food House in Haga, which was casual and simple and Dylan loves an all you can eat buffet. It was also very reasonable with a lot of options.
Also, our swedish bartender recommended take out kebab pizza from Sannegårdens and he was right.
On New Year’s Eve, we went out for drinks and ended up at The Irish Embassy. It was busy, festive and exactly what you’d expect from an Irish pub on New Year’s.
Know Before You Go
When to Visit: Gothenburg over New Year’s is busy but manageable, with short daylight and cold weather.
How to Get Around: The tram system is excellent and easy to use. We stayed a few tram stops outside the center with the stop right outside our door and used it daily.
What to Book Ahead: If you want a specific New Year’s dinner or ticketed plans, book early. Otherwise, plan on limited hours and some places being closed around the holiday.
What to Pack: Warm layers, a real coat, gloves and comfortable shoes for cold sidewalks.
For opening hours and transit updates, Gothenburg’s official city site and the Västtrafik app are the most useful.
Planning More Coastal Travel in France?
If you’re planning Nordic or winter travel:
Copenhagen – Easy transit, compact neighborhoods, and a similar winter pace
Aarhus – Smaller and calmer, with good food and walkable areas
Odense – A relaxed stop that works well for slower travel days