Malmö is Sweden's third-largest city. It is the capital of Skåne län, the southernmost province in Sweden. Malmö originally belonged to Denmark and did not become Swedish until 1658. Today, the city is home to more than 316,000 people and is a true melting pot of cultures, with residents from more than 170 countries. With the perfect blend of old-world charm and ultra-modern cosmopolitan vibes, the city has something to offer everyone. From spiral skyscrapers to modern artistic creations. This incredible city will capture your heart and leave you longing for more. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of the arts, or simply someone looking for a peaceful stroll through scenic parks, Malmö has something to offer. In this guide, we’ll explore the must-visit spots in Malmö, ensuring you get the most out of your visit to this fascinating city.
Discover with us:
Øresund Bridge
Turning Torso
Lilla Torg
Historic Malmöhus Castle
Malmö Konsthall
St. Peter's Church
How to travel there ?
Øresund Bridge
The Øresund Bridge was opened in 2000. The bridge forms a strait between Denmark and Sweden where thousands of cars and trains cross. The bridge consists of both a bridge, a tunnel, and the artificial island of Peberholmen. Combined, it amounts to a total length of 15.9 km.
The bridge's connection consists of a rail line with two tracks and above it a road with 2x2 lanes. Half a month before the official opening, Danes and Swedes could buy a card to cross the bridge skating, biking, or walking through a donation to the Danish Red Cross.
Turning Torso
The Turning Torso is the icon of the city of Malmö. You can hardly avoid it, as you can see it from afar. The tower is 190 meters high and rotates about 90 degrees from bottom to top. It is a beautiful building to behold. The slender structure of the Turning Torso symbolizes the metamorphosis that Malmö underwent from an old provincial town to a big city.
While the building itself is residential and not open to the public, the surrounding area offers fantastic opportunities for photography, especially during sunset when the silhouette of the tower strikes an imposing figure against the backdrop of the orange sky.
Lilla Torg
Begin your tour at Stortorget, Malmö’s largest square, which has been the centerpiece of the city since the 16th century. Surrounded by historic buildings, including the striking Malmö City Hall and the Kocksa Huset, a gorgeous building dating back to 1524, Stortorget is steeped in history. Just a short walk from Stortorget is Lilla Torg, a smaller, cobblestoned square bustling with energy. This spot is perfect for experiencing Malmö’s lively café culture and enjoying some people watching. Lilla Torg is also where Malmö’s nightlife comes alive, offering a variety of restaurants and bars.
Besides good food and drinks, Lilla Torg is also the perfect place for a drink. It is often the starting point for a night out, as the most famous nightclubs are close by.
Historic Malmöhus Castle
Malmöhus Castle, located within walking distance from the city center, is another must-visit landmark. This fortress is one of the oldest preserved Renaissance castles in Scandinavia. Today, it houses several museums, including the Malmö Art Museum, the City Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Tropicarium, which showcases various aquatic life. The castle is surrounded by the lush Kungsparken, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.
Malmö Konsthall
For art lovers, Malmö Konsthall is one of the largest exhibition halls in Europe for contemporary art. Known for its vast, open space with a ceiling that lets in natural light, the Konsthall hosts exhibitions from international and local artists alike. The changing exhibitions ensure that every visit offers something new, making it a hub for contemporary culture in Malmö.
To visit Malmö Konsthall is to walk right into art. Its unique and open floor plan reflects the city's vision that art should be accessible to everyone. It is one of the largest and most beautiful showrooms in Northern Europe. Malmö Konsthall is part of the Cultural Administration in the city of Malmö.
St. Peter's Church
St. Peter's Church is the oldest building in Malmö. It comes from the early 14th century. The church is still open daily for both churchgoers and people who want to visit the building. It is possible to attend a church service or listen to a choir concert.
How to travel there?
Malmö has good connections to Sweden and the rest of Europe. Because of this, there are several ways you can reach Malmö. They are explained below.
By plane
Malmö can be reached from two airports. The first airport is Copenhagen Kastrup Airport. From here you can take public transportation across the bridge to Sweden. The advantage of this airport is that it handles more international flights than the airport in Malmö itself. By train from Kastrup, you can be in the center of Malmö within 20 minutes.
The other airport is the airport in Malmö itself. Within this airport, however, there are far fewer international flights. The airport is located about 27 kilometers east of the center of Malmö.
By Train
Long-distance trains from all over Sweden stop at Malmö Central station. Malmö Central Station is located in the middle of the city and has many stores and restaurants. Local commuter trains and international services also stop there.
From Denmark, many trains run from Copenhagen Airport and from Copenhagen Central Station. This trip to Malmö Central station takes about 35 minutes.
By bus
Swebus and Nettbus services run from Oslo, Copenhagen, and major Swedish cities to Norra Vallgatan. This is a short walk south of Malmö Central Station.
It is also possible to travel to Malmö by bus from Berlin and Paris. This can be done with Gråhundbus and Swebus. However, these services all require a change in Copenhagen.
By ferry
Three Finnlines ferries a day connect Malmö with Travemünde on the north coast of Germany. This trip takes about 9 to 10 hours.
By car
Malmö is easy to reach from Germany by car. There are three possibilities for this.
You can go directly to Sweden by ferry, through Denmark without a ferry, and through Denmark by ferry.
When to travel there?
Based on weather, cost of flights, and peak periods, May-June is the best time to visit Malmö.
In the summer months, temperatures can reach 24 degrees. In winter, it can be -3 degrees.
The warmest month is July, the month with the least rainfall is April and the month with the longest daylight is August.
Average costs
Per person per day, you spend about 64 euros.
Per person per week, you spend about 448 euros.
Per person, for two weeks you spend about 896 euros.
With two people for one week, you spend about 896 euros.
With two people for two weeks, you will spend about 1791 euros.
Accommodation for one person costs about 38 euros per night.
Accommodation for two people costs about 75 euros per night.
For food, you spend about 20 euros per day.
Transportation costs about 6 euros.
Where to eat?
Malmö is known for the eclectic mix of international food cultures and traditions that converge in this city. New flavors and influences mingle with regional traditions.
The metropolis of Malmö
At The metropolis of Malmö, you can eat out and relax. This is all about well-prepared and locally sourced comfort food. The food has a European influence.
Some hip hangouts in Malmö are:
Epicuré
Epicuré serves Italian delicacies. The menu changes daily, so there is always something new to try. They have a number of vegetarian options but of course also delicious Italian pasta. It can be found in the charming neighborhood of Gamla Väster.
Belle Epoque
Belle Epoque is a modern gastro-bristro in Malmö. It serves a variation on pizza called tartes flambées.
Malmö Saluhall food market
Malmö Saluhall is a great place to try local food and drink. Try a Fika or a delicious cinnamon roll. You can also buy locally produced products at Lanthandel.
Events
Malmöfestivalen
Malmöfestivalen is a festival celebrated annually in August. The Malmö festival features many activities, e.g. dance and DJ competitions, debates, fashion shows, art installations, carousels, and the like, in parks, streets, and squares. Important recurring events at the festival are the crawfish wheel on Stortorget and the many food stalls on Gustav Adolfs torg and Södergatan. Well-known artists perform every year and it attracts many people.
BUFF Film Festival
BUFF Film Festival is an international children's and youth film festival in Malmö. It is held annually in March. The festival is a member of the European Children's Film Association (ECFA).
Musikhjälpen
Musikhjälpen is a fundraiser in Sweden. Three Dj's take up residence in a glass house for several days and through this, money is raised through music requests and other actions.
Malmö, with its mix of historical landmarks, modern art, lush parks, vibrant food markets, and picturesque waterfront, offers visitors a rich and varied experience. Each corner of the city tells a different story, each street offers a new culinary delight, and each park a new scene of natural beauty. Whether it’s your first visit or you're returning to delve deeper into its charms, Malmö welcomes all with open arms and promises an unforgettable journey.
By exploring Malmö, you don’t just visit a city; you experience the essence of Sweden’s spirit of innovation and its deep-rooted history. Make sure your trip to Sweden includes Malmö – a city that’s sure to capture your heart
This is the end of the Malmö guide. We believe that this article will you help by planning your trip. Malmö is a beautiful city and we are sure you will be amazed by it. We also have other places for you to explore, see our guides to Tartu, Tallinn, and Latvia! Do not forget to follow us @thewalkingparrot to be always updated on the new releases.
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