Skane County, southern Sweden · Sweden
A multicultural southern city with a twisting skyscraper, a bridge to Copenhagen and a thriving food scene.
Photo: Väsk · CC BY-SA 3.0
Malmo is Sweden's third city, just across the Oresund Strait from Copenhagen and linked to it by a bridge. Once an industrial port, it has reinvented itself as a young, diverse and green city with restaurants from around the world.
The skyline is dominated by the Turning Torso, a twisting 190-metre residential tower. The old town, with Lilla Torg and Stortorget squares, has medieval and Renaissance buildings, and Malmohus castle sits by a canal. The Western Harbour has modern architecture and a beach, while Ribersborg has a long stretch of sand and a historic cold-water bathhouse.
Malmo is also known for its falafel, craft beer and parks. Copenhagen is a 35-minute train ride away, so many visitors combine the two cities.
Why visit
Malmo is modern, multicultural and surprisingly relaxed.
Turning Torso and Western Harbour.
Falafel to fine dining.
Ribersborg and Kallbadhuset.
Lilla Torg and Stortorget.
Easy day trip.
Main attractions
Most sights lie within a walkable area.
A twisting skyscraper.
Tip View from the harbour.
A cobbled square with cafes.
Tip Evening is lively.
A Renaissance fortress with museums.
Tip Allow two hours.
A long sandy beach with a bathhouse.
Tip Take a sauna and swim.
Modern waterfront.
Tip Walk or bike.
A central park with events.
Tip Check programme.
Things to do
Active and food-led.
Cold or warm.
Tip Book the bathhouse.
A local favourite.
Tip Try Mollevangen.
Flat and easy.
Tip Rent a bike.
35 minutes.
Tip Day trip.
Museums.
Tip Weekday mornings.
Craft beer.
Tip Check hours.
Local food
Malmo combines Swedish and global flavours.
Crunchy and fresh.
Where to try it Mollevangen.
Classic.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants.
Cinnamon bun.
Where to try it Cafes.
Danish-style open sandwiches.
Where to try it Cafes.
Local breweries.
Where to try it Bars.
Accommodation
Stay in the centre or by the harbour.
Transport
Fly to Copenhagen or take the train.
Cycling and buses.
When to go
Summer is warm and bright.
Mild and bright.
Warm and busy.
Mild.
Dark and cold.
Worth planning around: Winter for beach lovers.
Itinerary
Old town and harbour.
Squares
Beach
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
Two.
35 minutes.
Generally.
May to September.
Moderate for Sweden.
Turning Torso and falafel.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Malmo, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Vastra Gotaland County, west coast, Sweden
Sweden's second city: Haga, Feskekorka fish market, Slottsskogen, Liseberg, the southern archipelago and some of the best seafood in the country.
Don't miss Eating fresh shrimp by the harbour, then a ferry to a car-free island.
Explore Destination — GothenburgKalmar County, south-east coast, Sweden
A historic castle town linked by a long bridge to Oland, with the Southern Oland UNESCO landscape, windmills, beaches and sunny summers.
Don't miss Cycling past windmills on the limestone plain of Stora Alvaret.
Explore Destination — Kalmar and OlandStockholm County, east coast, Sweden
Sweden's elegant island capital: Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, the Vasa Museum, Skansen, City Hall, design shops and an archipelago on its doorstep.
Don't miss Wandering the cobbled lanes of Gamla Stan, then a waterside fika in the sun.
Explore Destination — StockholmRead next
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