Where to Stay in Gothenburg with Kids: Best Family-Friendly Hotels by Neighbourhood

Gothenburg is my home city, and whenever I go back I feel lucky as there is so much natural beauty here. It's a great place to visit with kids as there are plenty of family friendly activities, the standard of English is really high and as it's a relatively small city it's very easy to navigate with plenty of public transport options.

There are a number of different areas you can choose to stay in and each neighbourhood has a different feel, so choosing the right base for your family can make the difference between a trip that flows effortlessly and one spent dragging a buggy further than you'd like. This guide covers the main areas families tend to base themselves in, with recommendations at different price points.

For everything to do once you arrive, see our full guide to Top 10 Toddler-Friendly Activities in Gothenburg.

Where to Stay in Gothenburg with Kids: By Neighbourhood

Korsvägen: For Liseberg, Universeum and Easy Transport Links

Korsvägen is where the action is if you're visiting with young children for the first time. Sweden's largest amusement park, Liseberg, is here, as is Universeum science centre. There are both tram and bus stops making the rest of the city easy to reach, and it's also the first place the airport shuttle stops.

1. Gothia Towers (from around £130/night)

Best for: Families who want incredible views, easy transport, and plenty of entertainment under one roof.

Directly opposite Liseberg, Gothia Towers is impossible to miss. It features three huge towers rising above Korsvägen, connected to the Swedish Exhibition and Congress Centre. They offer family rooms and connecting rooms, and include breakfast in the rate. The hotel is brilliant for keeping little ones entertained, featuring a Kids Corner with toys and a play kitchen, plus a Kids Hangout with ping pong and shuffleboard for older children. Children under 12 stay free, which makes a massive difference to the overall cost. You also absolutely have to check out the bar and restaurant Heaven 23 on the 23rd floor. It is famous for having the best räkmacka (the classic west coast open prawn sandwich) in Gothenburg, and I definitely agree!

2. Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel (from around £140/night)

Best for: Parents looking for the ultimate magical experience with a slide in the lobby and a carousel at breakfast.

If you want an unforgettable experience for your kid then you have to stay at Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel. It's by far the most family friendly hotel on the list and it is directly connected to the entrance of Liseberg amusement park. The standard Grand Curiosa room sleeps five, with a double bed for the adults and a separate sleeping alcove with bunk beds. The entire place is full of imagination. There is a working Merry Go Round Carousel right in the breakfast restaurant, a slide that winds from the second floor down to the lobby, three playrooms, and even a children's cinema. It is incredibly popular, so I highly recommend booking early as it sells out quickly.

Haga & Järntorget: For Old Town Charm, Cosy Cafes and the Waterfront

The area around Haga Nygata (Gothenburg's old town) and the nearby Järntorget square is probably my favourite part of the city to walk around. Cobblestoned streets, old wooden houses, quirky shops and plenty of cosy cafes to pop in for a fika (my favourite spot is Kafé Magasinet on Tredje Långgatan!). Haga is also where you'll find the famous Hagabullen, a giant cinnamon bun the size of a small plate. From Järntorget you can also access the Linné area and the waterfront, and there are frequent trams and buses to the rest of the city.

3. Clarion Hotel Draken (from around £150/night)

Best for: Families who want stunning city views and easy access to both the old town and the waterfront.

Housed in an old theatre, this 34 storey tower opened a couple of years ago and has quickly become one of the most talked about hotels in Gothenburg. The location is excellent for families. You are just a five minute walk from Haga Nygata and close to the tram network. It is also very easy to reach Sjöfartsmuseet (the Maritime Museum and Aquarium), which is one of my daughter's absolute favourite places in the city and perfect for a rainy day! They happily provide family rooms and connecting rooms, making it very useful if you are travelling with older children. There is also a gorgeous rooftop bar on the top floor if you get the chance to sneak up there after the kids are asleep.

Linné: For Slottsskogen Park, a Free Zoo and Natural History Museum

Linné is just west of Haga, spreading out around the long boulevard of Linnégatan and up towards the large city park Slottsskogen. It's a residential neighbourhood with a relaxed, slightly bohemian feel with lots of independent restaurants and coffee shops, old apartment buildings, and access to Slottsskogen which is great if you're here with kids. IN slottskogen you'll find the Natural History Museum, a free zoo with animals like moose, reindeer, penguins (and in summer a seasonal petting zoo with farm animals) and Plikta, the enormous main playground in the park will keep your kids entertained for hours!

4. Linnéplatsens Hotell & Vandrarhem (from around £45/night)

Best for: Budget conscious families who want a hostel right next to the city's best park and playground.

Sitting right on the edge of Haga and Linné, this hostel is located directly opposite the entrance to Slottsskogen. It is easily Gothenburg's most budget friendly family option. Family rooms are available, and they will provide cribs for a small additional charge. While the bathrooms are shared, the rooms are incredibly clean and the communal kitchen is very well equipped. Being right at the Linnéplatsen tram hub gives you completely effortless access to the whole city.

5. Ewa & Maude Hotel (from around £90/night)

Best for: Parents with one child who prefer the charm of a boutique villa over a large commercial hotel.

Located near the border of Linné and Majorna, this small hotel is set in a beautiful early 20th century villa. With only ten rooms, it feels much more like staying in a well loved Swedish home. The garden is lovely in the summer, and the homemade breakfast is wonderfully thoughtful. The Botanical Garden is practically next door, and Slottsskogen is just a 10 minute walk away. The rooms are comfortable but quite cosy, so it is best suited for parents travelling with one young child. Just keep in mind that they do not provide cots here.

Majorna: For Playgrounds, Waterfront Walks and a Quieter Pace

Majorna is a residential district west of Haga, running along the waterfront toward the old dockyard area. It's not a typical tourist base, but it has a lot to offer families - several excellent playgrounds, the Sjöfartsmuseet (Maritime Museum and Aquarium) is here, and the neighbourhood has a free communal splash pool which my daughter loves playing in during the summer. The antique shops and independent cafés along Karl Johansgatan give it an arty, quirky atmosphere. From Majorna, the archipelago ferry terminal at Saltholmen is also a short tram ride away, so very convenient if you're planning a day out on the islands.

6. Thon Hotel Dockyard (from around £100/night)

Best for: Families who want to stay in a historic harbour setting with lovely waterfront views and plenty of space.

This hotel offers something beautifully different from standard city accommodation. It is set in a cluster of historic 19th century harbour buildings, giving you gorgeous harbour views right outside your window. They offer family rooms with layouts that comfortably sleep four, and a great buffet breakfast is included in your rate. You also get the added convenience of an on site restaurant, a bar, and free private parking.

The Gothenburg Archipelago: For a Coastal Experience Unlike Anything in the City

If you have the time and flexibility, staying out on one of the islands in the south archipelago is something I would strongly recommend for at least one or two nights. Having grown up on the island Styrsö, I am obviously biased when I say it's my favourite place in the world, but even putting that aside, there is nowhere else that combines ease of access (a tram from the city centre to Saltholmen, then a short ferry ride) with such a complete sense of escape. There are no private cars on the islands so people get around by golf cart, moped, bicycle, or on foot. The rocks are smooth, the water is clean and warm enough to swim in from around June through August (around 20°C at peak summer).

The one practical consideration is logistics - you are on an island, and if you forget something or need a pharmacy, you'll need to plan ahead. Most of the bigger islands have small supermarkets, but it's worth bringing what you need.

7. Kusthotellet Styrsö (from around £180/night)

Best for: Families wanting a polished, relaxing island retreat with a pool and sea views.

Having opened on Styrsö (the island where I grew up) in 2025, this is the most polished accommodation option in the southern archipelago. It features a fantastic restaurant, a relaxing spa, and a heated outdoor pool that is open to hotel guests. Family rooms are available with gorgeous sea views, and breakfast is included. The setting itself is simply hard to beat, surrounded by smooth granite rocks and historic red and yellow fishing houses.

8. Cabin with Sea View, Brännö (from around £120/night)

Best for: Parents looking for an authentic, self contained Swedish island house experience.

For a more self-contained archipelago stay, this cabin on the island of Brännö is a simpler and more affordable option than Kusthotellet. Brännö is one of the most popular of the south archipelago islands and has a well-loved beach, cafés, a legendary midsummer dance, and that same car-free island atmosphere. The cabin has sea views, a kitchen, and private outdoor space. It suits a couple with one or two young children who want an authentic island-house experience rather than a hotel.

Our Verdict

For most families visiting Gothenburg for the first time, especially with kids, I'd suggest basing yourself in the Korsvägen or Haga/Järntorget area for the majority of the trip. The proximity to Liseberg and Universeum makes Korsvägen the most practical choice if those are your priorities, and the Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel is genuinely one of the most thoughtfully designed family hotels I've encountered. There is something magical about waking up and walking straight into the park - it's an absolute must when visiting Gothenburg with kids.

And if you can build in two nights on one of the islands, do it! In my opinion visiting the archipelago will be the best part of your trip to Gothenburg.

For more on what to do once you're there, read our Top 10 Toddler-Friendly Activities in Gothenburg.