Visby

Travel Guide

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Visby
Visby

Travel to Visby on Gotland in the Baltic Sea and be enchanted by the historical atmosphere and exciting events that take place all year.

The largest town on the Swedish island of Gotland, Visby's romantic and historical aura has attracted Swedish and international tourists for over a century. With around 25,000 permanent inhabitants this idyllic small town is constantly buzzing with life.

Take a stroll in the old town and enjoy the sweet smell of the colourful roses that abound in all the parks and gardens and have earned Visby the epithet of "city of roses and ruins". Enjoy even more floral splendour in the Botanical Gardens, and marvel at the natural beauty of the unique island landscape that surrounds the walled city.

You get a sense of history wherever you go in Visby. The City Wall and the many church ruins are ever present reminders of old times, and Medieval Week, which is held in August every year attracts history lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the history of Gotland at the museum Fornsalen.

Spend some time shopping or enjoy excellent traditional fare like lamb, fish and seafood in one of the many renowned restaurants in town. Browse famous brand stores and little quaint craft shops that sell souvenirs and local delicacies.

Many Swedes visit Visby in summer to enjoy the pleasant beaches. Kallbadhuset right by Almedalen is a great options for those who want to go for a swim without having to leave the city centre. If you're travelling with children, the larger and more family friendly beaches Norderstrand and Snack are only a short drive away.

Visby is the "capital" of Gotland, and it is full of life all year round. Enjoy theatre plays, concerts, lectures and exhibitions or watch a Swedish political debate during the famous Almedal Week in early summer.

Get to Visby by ferry from Oskarshamn or Nynashamn on the Swedish mainland or by domestic flight from Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmo. The ferry terminal is situated within walking distance of the heart of Visby, and in summer there are busses from the airport to the centre.

Where to stay in Visby

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Innerstaden

If you're spending some time in Innerstaden, Gotlands Art Museum and Almedalen are top sights worth seeing.

Innerstaden
Scandic Visby
Scandic Visby
3.5 out of 5
Färjeleden 3, Visby
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$226 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$226
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Visby. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice hotel in this price category. Excellent front office, good breakfast, clean, straight forward rooms. The shower in a small elevated bathtub is not my favorite solution but again for what it is it definitely works."

Reviewed on 21 Mar, 2025

Scandic Visby
Clarion Hotel Wisby
Clarion Hotel Wisby
4 out of 5
Strandgatan 6, Visby
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$251 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$251
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Visby. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,142 reviews)
Excellent choice for Visby!
"We loved our stay at the Clarion Visby. The best parts included its proximity to all things within the walled city. The breakfast is great, the rooms are incredibly spacious, and the staff is so kind! 10 out of 10 would stay here again and recommend to anyone who’s on the fence about different hotels ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Clarion Hotel Wisby
Best Western Strand Hotel
Best Western Strand Hotel
4 out of 5
Strandgatan 34, Visby
The price is S$234 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
S$234
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Visby. Enjoy free breakfast, a rooftop terrace, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Amazing hotel and town. Come to Visby!!!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Best Western Strand Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kolgården - Visby Lägenhetshotell
Kolgården - Visby Lägenhetshotell
3.5 out of 5
Artillerigatan 19, Visby
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Visby. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Visby Ferry Terminal and Visby Ringmur are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (355 reviews)
"Great place for families with younger children in particular, but also works well for couples. Pool area was great during the hot days."

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Kolgården - Visby Lägenhetshotell
Volontärgatan - Visby Lägenhetshotell
Volontärgatan - Visby Lägenhetshotell
2.5 out of 5
107 Volontärgatan, Visby, Gotlands län
Stay at this apartment in Visby. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Visby Ferry Terminal and Gotska Golfklubben are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (211 reviews)
"Fräsch lägenhet som innehöll det vi behövde."

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2025

Volontärgatan - Visby Lägenhetshotell
Hotell Repet
Hotell Repet
3 out of 5
Hästgatan 20, Visby
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Visby. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room espresso maker, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (270 reviews)
Very spacious
"The unit was very spacious. Good also to have use of a deck outside it. We would have liked to have a sponge to wipe sink and counter etc, and perhaps a tea towel. The luggage storage cupboard was great as our departure flight was early evening, long after checkout."

Reviewed on 24 Sep, 2024

Hotell Repet
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Visby

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing place - lots of history and lovely people!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great town and island, would recommend to anyone

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely wee town, walled centre with boutique shops, friendly pubs and restaurants with excellent variety and standard of food.