Brilliant Things To Do In Malmö, Sweden: Our Complete Guide & Expert Tips

Searching for things to do in Malmö? We’ve got you covered! We visited Sweden’s third-largest city to bring you the authentic highlights and insider tips from this vibrant Scandinavian gem. Often overlooked in favour of Stockholm or Gothenburg, Malmö offers a unique blend of historic charm, modern design, and multicultural energy that makes it worthy of your travel itinerary.

Nestled on Sweden’s southwestern coast, Malmö sits just across the Øresund Strait from Copenhagen, Denmark. The iconic Øresund Bridge connects these two distinct Scandinavian countries, making it possible to travel between them in just 25 minutes. This accessibility has created a city with a truly international character, blending Swedish traditions with global influences.

Why Visit Malmö

Malmö stands out as a destination for several compelling reasons. First established as a significant trading port, the city has evolved into a multicultural hub that embraces both its Swedish heritage and international influences. Here’s why Malmö deserves a spot on your travel itinerary:

A City of Cultural Diversity

Home to people from more than 170 countries, Malmö boasts remarkable cultural diversity that’s reflected in its food scene, arts, and local businesses. This international character creates a vibrant community with cuisine and cultural experiences from around the world.

The city’s diversity stems from its origins as an important trading port, with extensive commercial connections throughout its history. Today, innovative companies like Oatly and IKEA maintain offices in the region, attracting professionals from across the globe who contribute to the city’s dynamic atmosphere.

Sustainable Urban Planning

Malmö has reinvented itself from an industrial shipbuilding centre to a model of sustainable urban development. The Western Harbour district (Västra Hamnen) exemplifies this transformation, with energy-efficient architecture, green spaces, and innovative waste management systems. For travellers interested in sustainable design and urban planning, Malmö offers inspiring examples of how cities can evolve to meet future challenges.

Architectural Contrasts

Few cities balance old and new as elegantly as Malmö. The medieval old town with its cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings stands in contrast to bold modern designs like the twisting Turning Torso skyscraper. This architectural diversity creates a visually fascinating urban landscape that tells the story of the city’s evolution over centuries.

Planning Your Trip

Preparing for your Malmö adventure requires some practical considerations. Based on our experience exploring the city, here are the essential details to help you plan a seamless visit.

Getting There

The most accessible route to Malmö is via Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (CPH). After landing, simply follow the signs to the train station located directly beneath the terminal. The Øresundståg train crosses the impressive Øresund Bridge, offering spectacular views as you travel between countries. The journey of just 25 minutes costs approximately 135 Swedish Kronor (about £10/€12) for a single ticket to Malmö Central Station.

While Malmö does have its own airport (MMX), it handles fewer international flights than Copenhagen’s major hub. If you’re planning a dedicated trip to southern Sweden, check flight options to both airports to find the best connections from your departure point.

Currency and Payment

Sweden uses its own currency, the Swedish Krona (SEK), despite its proximity to Denmark and the Eurozone. It’s worth noting that Sweden has enthusiastically embraced cashless payments, with most businesses preferring card transactions. While having a small amount of cash can be useful for small vendors, you’ll rarely encounter difficulties paying by card throughout your visit.

Major credit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payment is the norm in most establishments. If you plan to use ATMs, look for those affiliated with major banks to avoid excessive fees.

Language Considerations

Swedes are known for their excellent English language skills, as they begin learning English from a young age in school. You’ll have no trouble communicating in English throughout your stay in Malmö, particularly in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels.

That said, learning a few basic Swedish phrases can enhance your travel experience and is often appreciated by locals. Some useful expressions include:

• “Hej” (hey) – Hello
• “Tack” (tack) – Thank you
• “Ursäkta” (oor-shek-ta) – Excuse me
• “Ja/Nej” (yah/ney) – Yes/No

Getting Around Malmö

Navigating Malmö is remarkably straightforward, with its pedestrian-friendly city centre, world-class cycling infrastructure, and efficient public transport network making it a joy to explore. Whether you’re strolling through cobbled medieval streets, cycling along dedicated bike paths, or hopping on a local bus, Malmö’s compact layout ensures you can experience the city’s diverse attractions with minimal travel stress.

Public Transportation

Malmö has an excellent public transportation system that includes buses and trains. The compact nature of the city centre means many attractions are within walking distance of each other, but public transport is useful for reaching outlying areas or when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Purchase tickets through the Skånetrafiken app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The app offers English language options and allows you to buy tickets directly on your phone.

Rent a Bike

During the summer months, we highly recommend experiencing Malmö by Bike. The city is renowned for its cycling infrastructure, with extensive dedicated bike paths making cycling both safe and enjoyable. The flat terrain also means you won’t have to contend with challenging hills.

Malmö By Bike offers convenient rental stations throughout the city. This environmentally friendly option aligns perfectly with Sweden’s sustainability focus and provides a more immersive way to explore the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. Prices are reasonable, starting from around 30 SEK for a short rental.

Where to Stay in Malmö

Malmö offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Based on our visits, here are some recommendations:

OhBoy Hotel

For travellers interested in sustainable tourism, OhBoy Hotel offers an eco-conscious choice located near the city’s former industrial area. The hotel focuses on ecological harmony with its surroundings and offers both rooms and lofts. Prices range from 1390 to 1690 kronor per night, making it a mid-range option with a unique sustainability concept.

Scandic Triangeln

Located in the heart of Malmö’s city centre, Scandic Triangeln provides convenient access to shops, restaurants, and public transportation. Just a few minutes’ walk from Triangeln Train Station, this modern hotel is perfect for travellers who want to be in the midst of the action. Room prices vary to accommodate different budgets, and the central location means major attractions are easily accessible.

Cultural Highlights

Malmö’s rich cultural landscape offers visitors a blend of historical sites, modern architecture, and vibrant neighbourhoods. Our exploration of the city revealed these must-visit cultural highlights.

Gamla Staden (Old Town)

Malmö’s Old Town forms the historical heart of the city, dating back to the 16th century. This charming district features well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and significant landmarks that tell the story of Malmö’s past.

Lilla Torg

One of the most delightful spots in Malmö is Lilla Torg, a small square dating back to the 1500s. Surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, this cobblestoned plaza now houses numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars with outdoor seating. In the warmer months, the square fills with locals and visitors enjoying the atmosphere, making it perfect for people-watching while sampling Swedish cuisine.

The buildings around the square feature distinctive architecture from different periods, with many half-timbered structures that have been carefully preserved. Don’t miss Form/Design Centre, housed in one of the historic buildings, which showcases contemporary Scandinavian design through rotating exhibitions.

Malmö Konsthall

Art enthusiasts should make time for Malmö Konsthall, one of the largest exhibition spaces for contemporary art in Europe. The gallery’s minimalist design creates an ideal setting for experiencing avant-garde and contemporary exhibitions from international and Nordic artists. With free admission and frequently changing exhibitions, it’s worth checking their schedule when planning your visit.

Disgusting Food Museum

For a truly unique cultural experience, visit the infamous Disgusting Food Museum. This one-of-a-kind attraction explores food traditions from around the world that might challenge Western palates. From fermented shark from Iceland to durian fruit from Southeast Asia, the museum examines how cultural context shapes our perception of what’s delicious versus disgusting.

Beyond the shock value, the museum offers thoughtful commentary on sustainability, food waste, and future food sources. Your entrance ticket doubles as a vomit bag – just in case – adding to the memorable experience!

Västra Hamnen (Western Harbour)

Once home to Malmö’s shipbuilding industry, the Western Harbour has undergone a remarkable transformation into a model sustainable district. This waterfront area combines stunning architecture, recreational spaces, and eco-friendly urban planning.

Turning Torso

The undisputed architectural icon of Malmö is the Turning Torso, a 190-meter residential skyscraper designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The building’s distinctive twisted design was inspired by a sculpture of the human form in motion. As Scandinavia’s tallest building, it dramatically symbolises Malmö’s transformation from an industrial city to an innovative urban centre.

While the building itself is primarily residential and not open to tourists, the surrounding area offers excellent photo opportunities and waterfront walks with views of both the tower and the Øresund Bridge connecting Sweden to Denmark.

Ribersborg Beach and Kallbadhus

Just a short walk from the city centre lies Ribersborg Beach, a long stretch of sandy coastline popular with locals and visitors alike. The beach offers spectacular views of the Øresund Bridge and is perfect for swimming during the summer months.

A highlight of Ribersborg is the historic Kallbadhus (cold bath house), a wooden bathhouse extending into the sea that dates back to 1898. Here, visitors can experience the traditional Scandinavian ritual of alternating between hot saunas and refreshing dips in the sea. The bathhouse has separate sections for men and women, with both indoor and outdoor areas. Note that in keeping with Swedish tradition, these areas are typically enjoyed nude, though towels are available for the modest visitor.

Seasonal Experiences

Malmö offers distinct experiences throughout the year, with each season highlighting different aspects of the city’s character. Based on our visits across different times of year, here’s what you can expect and enjoy in each season.

Winter Wonders

When the temperature drops, Malmö transforms into a cosy winter destination with its own special charm. While Swedish winters can be quite cold (prepare for temperatures that can drop below freezing), the city offers plenty of indoor activities and seasonal traditions to enjoy.

Warm up in one of Malmö’s many modern art galleries, like the Malmö Konsthall, which hosts various avant-garde and contemporary exhibitions throughout the year. The striking architecture of the building itself is worth experiencing, particularly when illuminated against the winter sky.

For a unique indoor adventure, head to the Disgusting Food Museum to explore displays on the world’s strangest food creations – just don’t get too queasy! The museum provides a fascinating cultural perspective on food traditions from around the world.

Winter in Sweden is incomplete without experiencing “fika,” the traditional Swedish coffee break that’s elevated to an art form. Locals escape the cold in cosy cafés, enjoying coffee with kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) or semla (cardamom-spiced buns filled with almond paste and whipped cream). Lilla Kafferosteriet near Lilla Torg offers one of the most authentic fika experiences in the city.

If you visit during December, don’t miss the Christmas markets that pop up around the city, particularly in Gustav Adolfs Torg and Gamla Staden. These markets feature traditional Swedish Christmas decorations, handicrafts, and seasonal foods like glögg (mulled wine) and pepparkakor (ginger biscuits).

Summer Delights

When the summer sun is shining, Malmö becomes a paradise for outdoor lovers. The Swedish love of nature and the outdoors means that the city really comes to life during July and August. You’ll be spoiled for choice with activities during the warmer months!

Head down to Ribersborg Beach for an invigorating swim with a view of the Øresund Bridge, or relax like a local in the salt baths at Kallbadhus. The long summer days, with sunlight lasting until late evening, make these outdoor activities particularly enjoyable.

Folkets Park (People’s Park) truly comes alive in summer with concerts, outdoor dining, and recreational activities. The park features mini-golf, rides for children, and several outdoor cafés where you can enjoy the pleasant weather. Check their schedule for free concerts and cultural events that frequently take place during summer evenings.

At night, join Malmö residents for jolly sing-alongs in the gorgeous gardens of Pildammsparken. With concerts, nature trails, trees, and stunning gardens, it’s one of the best places to spend long summer evenings. Grab a picnic basket and experience the park like a local.

Summer is also festival season in Malmö. The Malmö Festival (Malmöfestivalen), typically held in August, is the city’s largest cultural event featuring free concerts, street performances, art installations, and food vendors throughout the city centre. This week-long celebration offers a perfect opportunity to experience local culture alongside residents.

Best Places to Eat and Drink

Malmö’s diverse culinary scene reflects its international character while maintaining strong Swedish influences. From traditional Swedish fare to global cuisine, the city offers something for every palate and budget.

Local Recommendations

For authentic food recommendations, we turned to Malmö locals for insider tips.

If you love hummus, you’ll adore Two Forks. This cosy, quirky family-run restaurant is located just an eight-minute walk from Malmö Central Station. Their passion for what they do is inspiring, and their ethical approach informs every dish, right down to the last chickpea.

“We envision a life where food, that most essential part of life, can be shared with the people we love. Food is personal and universal at the same time. Food is the connection between people. Food is a memory of the past, and is the vision of the future. Food is sustenance, and food is comfort. For us, food is love. Our mission is, above all else, loving people through food.” (Two Forks)

They offer a delicious, locally sourced menu, with some produce even coming from their own Urban Farm when in season.

Just across the street from Two Forks is Malmö’s famous Saluhallen. This indoor food market offers a wide selection of small restaurants, stalls, and speciality food shops. It’s perfect for groups with diverse tastes, as the space features something for everyone – from traditional Swedish fare to international cuisine. Wander through the market to sample local cheeses, freshly baked bread, seafood, and seasonal specialities.

Dining in Historic Settings

We also recommend exploring Lilla Torg, one of the oldest parts of the city, dating back to the 1500s. Here you’ll find many restaurants, bars, and cafés to choose from, allowing you to soak up the city’s atmosphere from beautiful outdoor seating surrounded by historic architecture.

For a truly Swedish experience, try Bullen, a traditional Swedish gastropub that’s been serving hearty fare since 1971. Located in a historic building, it offers authentic Swedish dishes like köttbullar (meatballs) with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes in a cosy, vintage atmosphere.

These are just a few options among Malmö’s many amazing restaurants. We recommend simply exploring the bars, cafés, and eateries by walking around and absorbing the atmosphere. The locals are extremely friendly and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask someone for their favourite place to eat!

Digital Content Creation in Malmö

For content creators, photographers, and digital storytellers, Malmö offers exceptional opportunities to create compelling visual narratives. The city’s blend of historic architecture, modern design, and natural landscapes provides diverse backdrops for digital content creation.

Photography Hotspots

When our ConnollyCove team visited Malmö, we discovered several locations that offer particularly photogenic settings for travel content:

• Västra Hamnen Waterfront: The juxtaposition of the twisted Turning Torso against the blue sea creates striking architectural shots, especially during golden hour.
• Gamla Staden: The cobblestone streets and colourful historic buildings provide quintessential European urban imagery.
• Slottsparken: This central park offers beautiful landscaped gardens, water features, and seasonal flora perfect for nature-focused content.
• Ribersborg Beach: Capture dramatic seascapes with the Øresund Bridge in the background, particularly spectacular at sunset.

These locations offer excellent opportunities for creating distinctive travel content that showcases Malmö’s unique character. Our own photography and video teams found the city’s diverse settings ideal for developing engaging visual narratives.

Video Production Opportunities

For vloggers and video content creators, Malmö’s compact size makes it possible to capture diverse urban environments within a single day. The efficient public transportation system and bike-friendly infrastructure allow for smooth transitions between filming locations.

The city’s seasonal events, from summer festivals to winter markets, provide opportunities to document authentic cultural experiences. When creating travel videos, we recommend focusing on the contrast between Malmö’s historic centre and its innovative modern districts to tell a compelling story about the city’s evolution.

Local authorities are generally accommodating to content creators, though permission may be required for commercial photography or filming in certain areas. For specific guidance on permits, contact Visit Malmö or the city’s film commission.

Conclusion

Whether you’re taking a cycle down Malmö’s old, cobblestone streets or browsing through the shops and restaurants in its Old Town, you’ll find fun and good vibes around every corner within this city. Malmö offers a perfect blend of historic charm and forward-thinking innovation, all within a compact, easily navigable urban landscape.

As digital storytellers and travel content creators, we found Malmö to be a city of fascinating contrasts that provides rich material for compelling narratives. From its sustainable urban development to its diverse cultural offerings, Malmö deserves more attention than it typically receives in travel guides focused on Scandinavia’s capital cities.

For those considering a visit to Sweden or Denmark, we highly recommend including Malmö in your itinerary. The city’s accessibility, cultural diversity, and unique character make it an ideal destination for travellers seeking authentic Scandinavian experiences beyond the typical tourist routes.

Be sure to share your own tips and recommendations in the comments! We’d love to hear about your experiences in this charming Swedish city.

FAQs About Things To Do In Malmö

Planning your Swedish adventure to Malmö? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive from our readers about visiting this charming coastal city, from practical travel tips to insider recommendations that will help you make the most of your time in southern Sweden.