10 things to do and see in Malmö

Malmö is a small and charming town located in the far south of Sweden, overlooking the sea and with a mild climate, possessing a medieval heart and a modern soul. If your personal image of Sweden is a cold and unwelcoming country, just spending a few hours in Malmö will change your mind. The third largest city in Sweden seems more like a Mediterranean resort than a Nordic one, perhaps due to the presence of a beautiful beach where people can swim in the summer, or its streets and squares that are always lively, dotted with cafes and bistros where you can sit back and enjoy the warm and pleasant northern sun.

Everything here is human-sized; all the main attractions and places in the city are reachable by foot or by bicycle, which is the preferred mode of transport in this city that focuses on eco-friendliness and the well-being of its residents. Walking through Gamla Staden, the historic center of Malmö with its medieval origins, you will notice clean and tidy squares and streets, in a strictly Swedish style, but you will also feel a lively and dynamic atmosphere, that of a city that positively looks toward the future.

There are two symbols of modernization expressed by the city of Malmö: the Turning Torso, the futuristic skyscraper designed by architect Calatrava in the former naval area of Västra Hamnen, expressing the new urban identity of Malmö; and the Öresund Bridge, the monumental futuristic structure suspended over the water connecting Sweden to Denmark.

Malmö is also known as the city of parks, given the presence of many green areas, all located in the city center. Each park has its own identity and unique characteristics, and they are worth visiting all, to reconnect with nature in one of the most relaxing cities in Europe.

On this page, we invite you to discover the 10 things to do and see in Malmö during a weekend or vacation.

1

For some of you, the excitement of visiting the city of Malmö will begin even during the journey. More and more tourists are choosing to arrive in this beautiful Swedish town from Copenhagen, crossing the scenic Öresund Bridge, suspended over the sea.

The Öresund Bridge (in Swedish Öresundsbron) is an extraordinary futuristic structure designed to connect Sweden and Denmark, spanning the Öresund Strait that separates them.

Planned since the 1930s, the bridge was only constructed starting in 1995 and inaugurated in 2000. Today it represents the longest bridge in Europe dedicated to road and rail transport.

It is indeed formed by two levels, with trains traveling on the lower level and vehicles on the upper level, thanks to the four-lane road. The train, the most economical option, departs from the central station in Copenhagen (Hovedbanegard) and arrives at Malmö's central station in just 40 minutes.

Please be aware that to traverse the Öresund Bridge, regardless of the option you choose, you must carry a valid form of identification or a passport.

The journey over the Öresund Bridge is one of the most exhilarating experiences to have if you find yourself in Copenhagen or Malmö.

First, for the thrill of admiring up close one of the most spectacular works of contemporary architecture and urban engineering.

Second, because it's exciting to know that, after a journey of just over half an hour, you'll find yourself across the border, in another country, where currency, language, and landscapes are completely different.

Of the bridge's 16 km length, 8 km are suspended over the sea, 4 km lie on the artificial island of Peberholm (which has become a nature reserve), and another 4 km are underground, spanning a road built below sea level.

The sensation, when arriving in Copenhagen from Malmö after traversing the suspended bridge and the route on the island, is that of immersing oneself in an underwater tunnel, resurfacing only in Copenhagen, near the airport.

If you are not planning to traverse the Öresund Bridge but want to take memorable photos of this majestic architectural work while remaining in Malmö, the best place to position yourself is Ribersborg beach, which overlooks the Öresund Strait.

Where Öresund Bridge, in the Öresund Strait, between Sweden and Denmark

How to get there By car (the most expensive option), by bus or by train from the central station in Copenhagen

Opening hours The bridge is open all day, every day of the year

Costs

• By train from the central station in Copenhagen: 22 euros round trip
• By car: about 100 euros round trip (toll payment)
• By bus: line 999 from Kongens Nytorv (in front of the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen): 25 euros round trip

2

The Gamla Staden is the heart of the city of Malmö, its historical soul that tells its past through the colorful medieval houses and picturesque squares.

The historic center of Malmö is perfectly inscribed in an area defined by the passage of a watercourse that flows into the parks surrounding the castle, situated in the eastern part of the city center.

The most characteristic place in the historic center is Lilla torg (little square), the smallest and most characteristic square in Malmö.

The lively Lilla Torg dates back to the 16th century and evokes the atmosphere of small Nordic medieval villages, characterized by timber-framed houses with sloped roofs, brown bricks, crossed black stripes, and cobblestone paving.

Today, this is where the locals gather, who enjoy sitting at the bistro tables to sip beer outdoors until late evening.

Connected to Lilla Torg is Stortorget (big square), the oldest and largest square in Malmö, built in 1536 and also characterized by colorful timber-framed houses. Among the most important buildings to admire is the beautiful City Hall in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, parts of which can be visited.

From Stortorget, you can walk down Sodergatan, the shopping street, rich in shops and department stores, which will lead you to the third city square: Gustav Adolfs torg.

This is a more recent (19th century) and monumental square, surrounded by trees and always very lively, where street performances often occur, where you can rest on one of the many benches and enjoy street food from one of the many Swedish food stalls.

This is where the Christmas markets, the most important events and festivals of the year are held, making Gustav Adolfs torg the most vibrant and commercial soul of Malmö.

In the historic center of Malmö, you can also find: in the western part St. Peter's Church (Sankt Petri kyrka) and the Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Museet), while in the eastern part, the complex of the Malmö Castle with its picturesque city parks.

3

After visiting the historic center, the first attraction that deserves a visit is the Malmö Castle.

Nestled in one of the greenest areas of the city and overlooking the waters of its moat, Malmö Castle, in Swedish Malmöhus, is the oldest Renaissance fortress in Sweden, characterized by its red walls.

The history of this imposing and fascinating fortress begins in 1434, when Malmö was still a Danish city.

The first castle was commissioned by King Eric of Pomerania but, in the 16th century, this structure was demolished to make way for the splendid castle rebuilt by King Christian III of Denmark, which was used as a royal residence.

When Malmö became Swedish in 1658, the fortress took on a more military appearance and was only used as a military structure. Later, it became predominantly a prison, serving in this role until the early 20th century.

Only in the 1930s did the reconstruction of the castle begin, aiming to restore its Renaissance features and to enhance it as a place of historical and cultural memory.

Today Malmö Castle has been transformed into a museum center and hosts the most important museums in the city. Among its walls, you will find:

the Malmö Art Museum (Malmö Konstmuseum) which houses the most renowned collection of Swedish and Nordic art of the 20th century;

the City Museum (Stadsmuseum), where you can discover the history of the city; the Natural History Museum; and the Maritime and Technology Museum, predominantly dedicated to transportation and aviation, where you can explore the interior of a submarine.

Address Malmö Castle (Malmöhus), Malmöhusvägen, historic center

How to get there By foot

Opening hours Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Ticket price

• Full price: 40 Swedish Krona (about 4 euros)
• Free: Youth up to 19 years

4

The St. Peter's Church (Sankt Petri kyrka) is the oldest building in the city of Malmö. It is a Lutheran place of worship, easily recognizable while walking through the streets of the historic center, given the majesty of the building.

The church was built in Baltic Gothic style in 1319 and is characterized by red bricks that adorn the exterior and a tower that dominates the entire city at its height of 105 meters.

The imposing structure of St. Peter's Church is that of a three-nave basilica.

The sobriety, simplicity, and lack of excessive decorations and external ornaments reflect the Lutheran spirit of the church.

The interior of the church features bright, completely white spaces due to the stained glass windows, and the rich Baroque decorations of the pulpit, the altar - which is 15 meters high and made of sandstone and limestone - and the baptismal font.

Unfortunately, much of the medieval frescoes from the 1300s were destroyed during religious wars. However, you can admire the frescoes that decorate the Merchant's Chapel (Krämarkapellet).

Address Göran Olsgatan 4, historic center

How to get there By foot

Opening hours Open to visitors on the following days:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
• Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Ticket price Free admission

5

In a modern and futuristic city like Malmö, there must be a symbolic building representing it to the world: the Turning Torso. Designed in 2005 by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this futuristic skyscraper stands at 190 meters high and is visible even from Denmark.

The Turning Torso is a tower that appears to twist upon itself, through a spiraling movement, making it spectacular and unique in the world.

The work is inspired, as its name suggests, by a sculpture representing a human torso in torsion. The peculiar tower is built of glass, steel, and reinforced concrete, externally clad with panels of crystal and aluminum, and is made up of nine rotating cubes.

This immense white skyscraper, consisting of 54 floors that include luxury apartments and offices, is the tallest residential building in Sweden and the second tallest in Europe.

The site chosen for the construction of the Turning Torso is not coincidental. The skyscraper rises in Västra Hamnen, the port area of Malmö which was once degraded due to shipyards and factories.

It was therefore decided to redevelop it through clean-up efforts and sustainable development projects.

Today, Västra Hamnen is an excellent residential and commercial area, thanks to the presence of futuristic architecture, green spaces, waterways, cafes, bars, and restaurants that enliven the nearby waterfront, making this area increasingly trendy, especially among young people.

The curiosity to admire the Turning Torso up close is an opportunity to visit this extraordinary neighborhood, a true expression of Malmö projected toward the future, yet sustainable and caring for the well-being of its residents.

Address Västra Hamnen neighborhood

How to get there By foot

6

Modern and contemporary art enthusiasts should not miss a visit to the Moderna Museet in Malmö.

This museum, located in the heart of the historic center, was inaugurated in 2009 and represents the second site of the Moderna Museet from Stockholm.

The Moderna Museet is housed in a decommissioned power plant, dating back to the early 1900s, which has been renovated and updated to give this place a more contemporary appearance.

In fact, the museum now presents itself as a large and monumental red cube clad in perforated steel plates.

The collection of the Moderna Museet is one of the most prestigious in Sweden and Northern Europe and includes masterpieces from the most important modern and contemporary artists from 1900 to the present. Being a secondary venue of its big sibling in Stockholm, it hosts both works on loan from the capital and dedicated exhibitions. Depending on the period, you might find drawings, sketches, paintings, and early collages by Pablo Picasso, paintings by Henri Matisse, Giorgio De Chirico, Vasilij Kandinskij, works by Salvador Dalí, and Marcel Duchamp. A good reason to visit this interesting museum? Admission is always free!

Address Ola Billgrens plats 2 - 4, historic center

How to get there By foot

Opening hours

• Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Closed on Monday

Ticket price Free admission

7

Malmö is also known as "the city of parks", thanks to the presence of many urban green areas that are all very well maintained, where you can relax and reconnect with nature.

The parks of Malmö are all different, each characterized by its own identity and particular atmosphere.

Folkets Park is Sweden's oldest city park built in 1891 to make it a place of entertainment for the working class.

Today this park is very popular, especially for the many outdoor events that take place primarily in spring and summer, such as music festivals, theater performances, and cultural events.

There are numerous activities dedicated to children, such as a zoo, mini-golf, rides, a terrarium with exotic animals, a farm, and a puppet theater. The park also features a pool that transforms into an ice skating rink in winter.

Of course, there are picnic areas and barbecues available.

In the vast green area surrounding Malmö Castle, there are two important parks: Kungsparken and Slottsparken.

Kungsparken is the "king's park" because it was created in 1872 by King Oscar II based on the example of English gardens. It is the first large park in Malmö, still frequented for its enchanting atmosphere created by tree-lined avenues, ponds, hedges, and a rich and dense vegetation.

Its main attractions are: a grove of rare and exotic trees, an ancient cave, and a restaurant dating back to 1881 that now houses the Casino.

Slottsparken is the "castle park", a fairy-tale-like and idyllic place, characterized by a dense forest of century-old trees where ponds, waterways, sculptures, and fountains emerge here and there.

The park was originally designed as a training ground for national military regiments and was planned between 1897 and 1900. Today, Slottsparken is the ideal place for those looking to relax while strolling in the greenery or in the famous Public Library that characterizes the park with its architectural structure clad in transparent mirrors.

Among the unmissable sculptures: the sculpture The Man and Pegasus, created in 1949 by Swedish artist Carl Milles and situated on a pedestal of 10 meters.

The largest park in Malmö is, instead, Pildammsparken, famous especially for its light and sound shows and for the fountains that dance to classical music pieces.

This park emerged around a lake that for a long time provided drinking water to the city, while today it is home to many outdoor events, such as theater and musical performances, and special art exhibitions.

The most important event takes place in the Margaret Pavilion, dedicated to one of the Swedish princesses, where a blooming avenue is annually decorated inspired by a famous work of art.

Addresses

• Folkets Park: Amiralsgatan 35, south of the historic center
• Kungsparken and Slottsparken: around Malmö Castle
• Pildammsparken: south of the historic center

How to get there By foot

Opening hours The parks of Malmö are open every day of the year, from early morning until evening.

Ticket price Entrance to the parks of Malmö is always free. Some attractions are chargeable.

8

Few imagine that Malmö is also a seaside city, where in the summer residents and tourists love to dive into the northern waters, relax, and engage in sports on a beautiful beach that is 2.5 km long.

Ribersborg beach is a long stretch of sand bordered by a park, very close to the city center of Malmö and the Västra Hamnen neighborhood, which is also by the sea. Here you can experience the thrill of swimming in a Nordic country, surrounded by one of the most stunning landscapes in the world, amidst the sea, nature, and, serving as a backdrop, the scenic Öresund Bridge that stands over the water. You might be surprised to know that Ribersborg beach is also certified with the international Blue Flag.

At Ribersborg, there is an actual "lido", the Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, a wooden facility built in 1898 that can be accessed via a pier. It features pools, a sun deck, staircases to access the sea, a café, a restaurant, and the famous Swedish sauna. Ribersborgs Kallbadhus is also a clothing-optional facility, with separate areas for men and women.

Address Ribersborg, east of the Västra Hamnen neighborhood

How to get there By foot or bus line 7, stop Malmö Ribersborg

Opening hours The Ribersborgs Kallbadhus is open year-round

Ticket price Free entry, with additional services chargeable

9

In Malmö, you can find the most typical specialties of Swedish cuisine, served in both traditional ways and also revamped, in the spirit of this city that is always open to experimentation.

When you sit down in one of the countless bistros in the historic center, order the famous Swedish meatballs (of a much different quality than those served by Ikea!).

The original name of the dish is köttbullar, meaning meatballs, usually made from pork, veal, or beef.

The traditional recipe calls for the flavorful and aromatic meatballs to be served with mashed potatoes and topped with a typical sauce made from cream and lingon jam, a local berry similar to blueberry.

Among the most typical meats are ducks, lamb, elk, and pork loin.

In a seaside city like Malmö, you will not miss out on the most exquisite specialties featuring northern fish, like herring, steamed cod, marinated or grilled salmon, and many varieties of fish soup. Among the typical desserts are cinnamon pastries, ginger snaps (pepparkor), and a meringue dessert (spettkaka).

10

Malmö is a very small city, making it easy to get around on foot, so our advice is to stay in the historic center, where prices start from 70/80 euros a night for a double room during high season. In the low season, prices drop and you can find options starting from 50 euros a night, still for a double room and even in higher category hotels.

Staying in Malmö is a great idea if you want to visit the city of Copenhagen, which is reachable in just 40 minutes by train via the Öresund Bridge. Accommodation costs in hotels or bed and breakfasts in Copenhagen are higher, and if you're looking for low-cost options, you might consider staying in nearby, more affordable Malmö and take advantage of your Swedish stay to discover other localities in the area. After all, more and more Danes are deciding to buy or rent homes in Sweden, commuting daily between the two nations!