Visby Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and more in Visby, Sweden with this comprehensive travel guide. Plan your trip with our detailed itinerary, must-try dishes, and transportation options.


Visby is a medieval city located on the Swedish island of Gotland in the scenic region of Götaland. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its well-preserved city wall, cobbled streets, and red-roofed buildings. There’s plenty to do in Visby, from exploring the cultural and historical attractions to hiking and biking in the surrounding nature. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Visby with ease.

List of Places to Visit in Visby

Visby is a small city, but there are plenty of places to see:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Visby City Wall
  • Gotland Museum
  • Almedalen Park
  • St. Mary’s Cathedral
  • Visby Ringmur

Natural Attractions of Visby: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Digerhuvud Sea Stack
  • Högklint Nature Reserve
  • Lummelunda Caves
  • Visby Botanical Garden

Hiking/Biking Routes of Visby

Visby offers stunning natural landscapes, and there are plenty of hiking and biking routes to enjoy. Here are some of the best ones:

  • Gotska Sandön National Park
  • Langhammars Nature Reserve
  • Själsö Fishing Village
  • Östergarnsholm Lighthouse

Best Things to Do in Visby: Activities and Tours

  • Guided tours of Visby
  • Viking history tours
  • Kayaking and canoeing
  • Horseback riding on the beach

Week-Long Itinerary for Visby

If you have a week to spend in Visby, consider following this itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore the city center
2 Visit cultural attractions
3 Hike in the nature reserves
4 Take a guided tour of Visby’s historic sites
5 Enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking or horseback riding
6 Relax at the beach
7 Visit nearby excursions like Fårö Island or Gotska Sandön

Food and Drink Scene of Visby

Visby offers a rich local food and beverage scene. Don’t miss these unique dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Saffranspannkaka (Saffron pancake)
  • Lammkorv (Lamb sausage)
  • Räkmacka (Shrimp sandwich)

Local Beverages

  • Gotlandssnaps (Gotlandic snaps, a type of liquor)
  • Gotlandic beer
  • Local berry juices

Where to Stay in Visby: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Visby has charming accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Wisby Strand Congress & Event
  • Best Western Strand Hotel
  • Hotell Slottsbacken
  • Hotell St. Clemens

What to Buy in Visby: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visby is a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and local products:

  • Glass figurines from Kosta Boda
  • Viking-inspired jewelry and accessories
  • Handmade chocolates from Lilla Chokladfabriken

Local Culture and Customs of Visby

Visby has a rich history and culture that shouldn’t be missed. Here are some important customs and traditions to keep in mind:

  • Visby is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so visitors should be mindful of preserving its history and culture.
  • Visby is a relaxed and friendly city, and visitors are expected to behave in a respectful and courteous manner.
  • Many of the locals speak English, but it’s always appreciated when visitors attempt to speak Swedish.

Best Time to Visit Visby

Visby is a perfect destination to visit during the summer months (June to August). During this time, the weather is mild, and the city hosts numerous festivals and events, making it a lively and bustling place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Visby

Here are some essential things to do and avoid while exploring Visby:

Do:

  • Explore the city on foot
  • Try the local food and drink
  • Respect the city’s history and culture

Don’t:

  • Use a car to explore the city. As Visby enjoys good public transportation, it is unnecessary to drive a car.
  • Disturb the local wildlife or flora while exploring the nature reserves

Safety and Health

Visby is a safe and healthy place to visit. However, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Visby

  • Crime rates in Visby are low, but visitors should still be mindful of their safety, especially when traveling alone at night.
  • Visitors should be aware of the city’s traffic laws, particularly when cycling or walking near busy streets

Health in Visby

  • Medical services in Visby are of a good standard, but visitors should ensure they have adequate travel insurance before arriving in Sweden.

Getting to Visby: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visby is accessible through different modes of transportation. Here are the best ways to get to Visby:

Airports Near Visby

  • Visby Airport receives several daily flights from Stockholm and other Swedish cities.

Bus Stations Near Visby

  • Buses from Stockholm regularly run to Visby.

Other Options

  • Ferries from mainland Sweden and the neighboring islands regularly operate to Visby.

How to Get Around in Visby

Visby is a small city that is easy to navigate on foot, but visitors can also use public transport or rent a bike.

Where to Go Next from Visby: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visby is an excellent base from which to explore other parts of Gotland and the surrounding Swedish mainland. Here are some of the best nearby destinations:

  • Fårö Island
  • Gotland Museum
  • Gotska Sandön National Park

Conclusion

Visby is an exceptional travel destination that offers visitors a chance to explore a beautiful island and its unique history and culture. With this comprehensive travel guide in hand, you’re ready to experience the best of Visby. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history, hiking in the surrounding nature, or sampling the local food and drink, Visby has something for every type of traveler.

Visby city view Visby city view Visby skyline Visby skyline St Drotten's church ruin, one of many in Visby. St Drotten's church ruin, one of many in Visby. The park Almedalen. During Almedalen Week in early July everyone who's anyone in Swedish politics can be found here. The park Almedalen. During Almedalen Week in early July everyone who's anyone in Swedish politics can be found here. Adelsgatan Adelsgatan Visby cathedral seen from Stora Torget square Visby cathedral seen from Stora Torget square Mellangatan, a typical street in Old Visby Mellangatan, a typical street in Old Visby