We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Anupa, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Anupa lives in the United States, and submitted the following report about Gothenburg. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Swedish, English
Gothenburg architecture
Reasons to go to Gothenburg
Gothenburg is a lovely city on the west coast of Sweden. After spending 3 days prior in Oslo (very expensive) I found Gothenburg to be relaxed, friendly, and cheap(er). Gothenburg is filled with character and Swedish charm.
I arrived in Gothenburg from Oslo via Eurorail and it took about 3.5 hours and cost me US$111. Not a bad deal. The train service was on time and very comfortable. I stayed in a hostel in Vasastan and the room was cheap and safe.
From Gothenburg Central Station at the northern end of town, the shop-lined main central road Östra Hamngatan leads southeast across one of Gothenburg’s many 17th-century canals, through King’s Park to the city’s boutique and upscale Avenyn Boulevard. Shopping is expensive here and I resorted to window shopping only. Luckily Gothenburg has a lot of great thrift shops where you can pick up truly Swedish souvenirs and support a good cause at the same time.
Gothenburg’s waterfront abounds with ships, aquariums, and nautical museums as well as the freshest fish. To the west, the Vasastan and Linné districts show the creative soul of Gothenburg.
The Fish Church is shaped like a church and houses an indoor fish market that offers seafood delicacies from the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. There are also prepared lunches that you can take out. In the summer or on a warm day you can sit outside and enjoy your meal. It also has an exclusive sit-down restaurant on the second floor. I chose the Fisherman’s Pie and sat outside in the warm Swedish sunshine. It’s open every day except Mondays.
Konstmuseet is a lovely art gallery with works from Munch, Rodin, and when I was visiting, Van Gogh. It is well worth the admission.
I liked Gothenburg. You can walk everywhere and the city is easy to navigate. I found the people to be friendly and helpful. The city overall is laid back, casual, and well worth the visit.
The Fish Church
Gothenburg, city of bicycles
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
