Svolvaer is a popular location for outdoor enthusiasts; in the surrounding region, tourists may go fishing, hiking, or kayaking. The town is also a popular photographic location, with visitors capturing images of the lovely landscapes, elegant architecture, and breathtaking vistas of the neighbouring islands.

There are also a number of museums and cultural attractions in Svolvaer. These include the Lofoten War Museum, which tells the story of how the Germans took over the islands during World War II, and the Svolvaer Museum, which shows the history and culture of the town.