How Much Does Gothenburg Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Gothenburg is a vibrant coastal city where travel costs are notably more manageable than in the capital, Stockholm, though it remains a premium European destination. Visitors can expect a daily budget ranging from $94 / 852 kr for those staying in hostels to $718 / 6,512 kr for a high-end luxury experience. The cost structure is unique due to the integrated transport system that includes archipelago ferries, making island hopping surprisingly affordable. While dining out at institutions like Heaven 23 can be pricey, the abundance of green spaces and walkability helps balance the budget. Understanding the distinction between state-run alcohol shops and bar prices is essential for managing daily expenses.
Is Gothenburg expensive to visit?
Gothenburg is a moderately expensive destination with a daily budget range of $94–$718 / 852 kr–6,512 kr depending on your choice of accommodation and dining.
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Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Gothenburg
$94
per person /day
$265
per person /day
$718
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $281 | $794 | $2,153 |
| 5-Day Trip | $470 | $1,325 | $3,589 |
| 7-Day Trip | $657 | $1,855 | $5,023 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to include a 15% buffer to cover incidental costs like the $1.12 / 10 kr public toilet fees or the peak congestion tax of $6.63 / 60 kr if using a rental car. This cushion also accounts for the $19 / 175 kr Liseberg admission, which does not include the cost of individual rides.
How Does It Compare?
See how Gothenburg stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Gothenburg
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Fika (Coffee & Giant Cinnamon Bun) The bun is enormous and easily shared by two people. ~$12 / 105 kr for the set. | $12 105 kr |
| Räkmacka (Shrimp Sandwich) at Heaven 23 A Gothenburg institution. It is massive and served with 200g of hand-peeled shrimp. | $33 296 kr |
| Craft Beer (Pint of Local IPA) Prices vary widely. Expect ~$8.83–$13 / 80 kr–117 kr depending on the bar and neighborhood. | $10 95 kr |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airport Bus (Flygbussarna) One-way Standard adult price for passengers 26+ years. Valid for 3 months. | $14 129 kr |
| Västtrafik Single Ticket (Zone A) Valid for 90 minutes on all trams, buses, and ferries within the city and to the southern archipelago. | $4.08 37 kr |
| Västtrafik 24-hour Day Pass Best value for a day of sightseeing. Pays for itself in ~$13 / 120 kr after 4 trips. | $13 120 kr |
| Taxi (10km / 15min trip) Look for the yellow sticker in the rear window to see comparative pricing across companies. | $46 421 kr |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed at STF Göteborg City Includes central location. Linens often cost an extra ~$7.06 / 64 kr if you don't bring your own. | $43 386 kr |
| Mid-range Boutique Hotel (Hotel Flora) Highly rated boutique hotel in the city center. Prices include breakfast (typical in Sweden). | $182 1,653 kr |
| Luxury Hotel Room (Upper House) Includes access to the famous glass-bottom pool hanging over the city. Expect ~$530 / 4,806 kr per night. | $530 4,809 kr |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Go City Gothenburg All-Inclusive Pass (3-day) Covers 20+ attractions including Liseberg, Universeum, and boat tours. | $83 750 kr |
| Liseberg Amusement Park Admission Ride passes (åkpass) are extra. This price is just for entry to the park and gardens. | $19 175 kr |
| Universeum Science Center Admission Includes access to the rainforest, aquarium, and space exhibits. Best for families. | $29 266 kr |
| Röhsska Museum (Museum of Design and Craft) The annual pass (~$13 / 120 kr) is often the better deal if you visit twice or multiple city museums. | $7.73 70 kr |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The culinary landscape is dominated by fresh North Sea seafood, where a signature Räkmacka (shrimp sandwich) costs approximately $33 / 296 kr. Fika is a mandatory cultural experience, with a massive, shareable cinnamon bun and coffee priced at about $12 / 105 kr. Budget-friendly options are found in food halls like Stora Saluhallen or through 'Dagens lunch' specials at local cafes.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Jonsborgs Grill
$9.38–$15 / 85 kr–140 krAvenyn · Street food area
One of the best vegan-friendly street food spots in the city. Try the 'Oumph' burger for ~$14 / 123 kr.
Stora Saluhallen
$12–$24 / 110 kr–220 krKungstorget · Food court
Go for 'Dagens Lunch' (daily special) between 11:00–14:00 for the best value. Includes bread and coffee.
Gourmetkorv
$10–$15 / 95 kr–135 krVarious · Local chain
The 'Gothenburg classic' is a half special: a sausage in a bun topped with mashed potatoes for ~$12 / 105 kr.
7-Eleven / Pressbyrån
$3.86–$9.38 / 35 kr–85 krCitywide · Local chain
Cheapest coffee and snacks for travelers on the go. Coffee is surprisingly decent.
Kafé Magasinet
$14–$27 / 125 kr–245 krLinné · Local chain
Great atmosphere for a light lunch or evening drinks. The Reuben is excellent value at ~$14 / 125 kr.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Public transit is highly efficient, with a Västtrafik single ticket costing $4.08 / 37 kr for 90 minutes of travel on trams, buses, and ferries. A 24-hour day pass at $13 / 120 kr offers the best value, especially for those planning to explore the southern archipelago. Taxis are a luxury alternative, typically costing $46 / 421 kr for a standard 10km trip.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging ranges from central dorm beds at STF Göteborg City for $43 / 386 kr to boutique stays like Hotel Flora at $182 / 1,653 kr. For a splurge, Upper House offers luxury rooms for $530 / 4,809 kr, featuring its iconic glass-bottom pool. Most hotels include a substantial breakfast buffet, providing significant savings on the first meal of the day.
Accommodation Budget in Gothenburg
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Purchase a Västtrafik 24-hour day pass for $13 / 120 kr to cover all city transport and ferry trips to the islands.
- 2 Bring your own bed linens to STF Göteborg City to avoid the $7.06 / 64 kr rental surcharge.
- 3 Buy alcoholic beverages over 3.5% at Systembolaget, as bar prices for a pint of IPA often reach $10 / 95 kr.
- 4 Look for 'Dagens lunch' (lunch of the day) signs at places like Kafé Magasinet for high-quality meals at a fraction of dinner prices.
- 5 Utilize the public ferries from Saltholmen to visit the southern archipelago for the price of a standard $4.08 / 37 kr ticket.
- 6 Fill a reusable bottle with tap water, which is free and of excellent quality, saving ~$3.53 / 32 kr per bottle at shops.
- 7 Visit Stora Saluhallen during the late afternoon for discounted gourmet prepared foods and samples.
- 8 If visiting multiple museums, buy the annual pass at Röhsska Museum for ~$13 / 120 kr, which often covers other municipal museums.
- 9 Use the Flygbussarna airport coach for $14 / 129 kr instead of a taxi to save roughly $32 / 288 kr on your arrival.
- 10 Join a free walking tour starting near Gustav Adolfs Torg to get oriented without upfront costs.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
+25-40%
Jan, Feb, Nov
-20-30%
May, Sep
The archipelago is best visited in late summer (Aug) when water is warmest. Winter offers 'Julstaden' (Christmas City) magic but short days and high prices for festive events.
Events to Watch
- ● Gothia Cup (July): +50% hotel prices
- ● Way Out West (August): Hotels booked months ahead
- ● Christmas Markets (December): High weekend prices
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Slottskogen Park: Visit the free outdoor zoo area to see harbor seals, penguins, and Swedish elk.
- 2 Gothenburg Botanical Garden: Explore the extensive outdoor rock gardens and arboretum for free.
- 3 Trädgårdsföreningen: Wander through this 19th-century park in the heart of the city at no cost.
- 4 Ramberget Viewpoint: Hike up Keillers Park for the best panoramic views of the city and harbor.
- 5 Haga Nygata: Stroll through the historic district famous for its 19th-century timber houses.
- 6 Masthuggskyrkan: Visit this striking church and its surrounding grounds for elevated city views.
- 7 Gothenburg City Library: Access this modern architectural landmark and its international media for free.
- 8 Eriksberg Waterfront: Walk the 3km promenade along the northern riverbank to see the historic shipyard crane.
- 9 Änggårdsbergen Nature Reserve: Hike the diverse trails through forests and heathlands adjacent to the Botanical Garden.
- 10 Oscar Fredrik Church: Step inside this magnificent neo-Gothic building for a moment of quiet and architecture.
- 11 Röda Sten Street Art: Explore the area under the Älvsborg Bridge to see ever-changing graffiti and murals.
- 12 The Southern Archipelago: While the ferry has a small cost, exploring the car-free islands like Vrångö or Galterö on foot is free.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Upper House Spa Experience
Bathe in the outdoor glass-bottomed pool 19 floors above the city. Includes high-end Turkish hamam.
Michelin Star Tasting Menu (SK Mat & Människor)
Incredible showcase of Swedish ingredients. Among the most accessible Michelin-star experiences in Scandinavia.
Ocean Bus Amphibious Tour
A unique way to see the city from land and water without changing vehicles. Kids love the 'splash' into the canal.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Gothenburg
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Gothenburg and what they cost
Marstrand Island
$16 / 148 kr by bus + ferry
$11 / 100 kr
$55 / 501 kr
Southern Archipelago (Vrångö/Brännö)
$8.17 / 74 kr by tram + ferry
Free
$39 / 351 kr
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Swedish Krona (SEK)
1 $ ≈ 9.07 kr
No
Everywhere—it is arguably the most cashless city in the world. Even street food and public toilets take contactless card.
Service is included. Rounding up the bill by ~$2.35–$5.89 / 21 kr–53 kr or tipping 5–10% at dinner is appreciated for good service but never expected.
Avoid 'Euronet' ATMs which charge high fees. Use bank-affiliated ATMs (Bankomat). You likely won't need one at all.
Connectivity
eSIM: $5.3–$18 for 1GB-10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $18–$24 / 160 kr–214 kr at the airport for a Comviq or Telia starter pack with 20GB.
WiFi: Excellent in the city center, hotels, and even on Västtrafik buses and trams.
Airalo or Holafly work perfectly. Local SIMs are only worth it if staying over 2 weeks.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Gothenburg.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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