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Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city is located in southern Sweden just a 20 minutes drive from Copenhagen, Denmark. It is an exciting destination with plenty of things to do and see. From historical landmarks to modern art galleries, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant Scandinavian city. For those looking to explore the sights of Malmö, here are 15 things to do in Malmö you shouldn’t miss on your trip!

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Things to Do in Malmo Sweden

Malmö, Sweden is a beautiful city that is home to a variety of attractions that are sure to impress. Here are the best of the best.

Malmöhus Castle

Malmö Castle, located in Malmö, Sweden is a historic landmark that has been standing since 1434 and is one of the top things to do in the city. The original castle was built by King Eric of Pomerania and the buildings have served many functions throughout their long history including a prison and a mint to print money. Today it is home to several museums including the city museum, the Aquarium, Technology and Maritime Museum, and rotating exhibits on a wide variety of topics that offer visitors an insight into the city’s rich culture and history. The castle also hosts special events such as concerts, plays, and festivals throughout the year making it one of the most popular attractions in Malmö.

Stortorget and Lilla Torg

Two city squares that are particularly worth visiting in Malmö are Stortorget and Lilla Torg and the best part is that they are very close together. Stortoget is a large square rimmed by impressive historical buildings such as Malmö City Hall. The square was established all the way back in the 1530s.

The nearby Lilla Torg (Little Square) is a much smaller square but it has TONS of cafes and restaurants to choose from. Each shop seems to have an outdoor patio where you can enjoy your food outdoors making this the perfect place to eat in the spring or summer when the weather is nice. During the winter they do have umbrellas and heaters so you can still enjoy yourself while eating.

Gustav Adolfs Torg is a third square, further away from the other two, but it hosts a christmas market before Christmas that is very cute and a great place to shop and explore.

Gardens and Parks

There are seemingly endless amounts of gardens and parks all throughout Malmö. They are beautiful, the perfect escape from busy city life, and a great place for kids to get their energy out as well as enjoy nature. Depending on where you are sightseeing or staying in the city you may prefer visiting a different park or try to visit them all.

• Kungsparken and Slottstrandgarden: This garden and park are the grounds of Malmö Castle. They contain a windmill, beautifully manicured castle garden, and a cafe as well as a playground, bike trails, and picnic tables. This is the city’s oldest park.
• Pildammsparken
• Folkets Park: translated as the people’s park this green space is lovely to walk through and offers an ice skating rink in the winter.
• Katrinetorp Landeri

Malmö City Library

One of the best things to do in Malmö, Sweden is to visit the city library. Located in central Malmö, this impressive set of 3 buildings houses a vast collection of books and other educational resources. The library also offers interactive activities such as lectures and workshops. This gives visitors a chance to learn more about Swedish culture and history. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon of quiet reading or an engaging learning experience, the Malmö City Library has something for everyone. There is a cafe on site that is supposed to offer a delicious fika as well!

More to Do Nearby:

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• One Day in Copenhagen, Denmark: 5 Beautiful Sights to See
• The Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway
• Best Places to Eat in Malmö (Coming Soon)
• Things to Do in Malmö with Kids (Coming Soon)

Disgusting Food Museum

I will be the first to admit that museums are not my first choice of things to do when visiting a new place. However, this museum caught my eye for its unique premise and I am so glad that we made time to visit. The Disgusting Food Museum displays and shares the history of the most reviling foods from all over the world. As you go through the exhibits and read about the different foods, and how they came about you can even smell some of the foods. At the end of your visit, you also have the opportunity to TASTE twenty or so of the foods!

You don’t have to try anything but it sure is fun to experiment with the foods and watch others do the same. It adds tot he experience that your entry ticket is a vomit bag. Plus they have a running count of the number of people that have ever thrown up as well as the number of days since the last “incident”. This unique museum is fun to visit, as long as you don’t have a weak stomach. Definitely add it to your list when you visit Malmö.

St. Peters Church

St. Peters Church in the city of Malmö, Sweden is a historic building dating back to the 14th century and is the oldest building in the city. It is home to the largest wooden altar in Northern Europe, making it an important site for visitors looking to explore Malmö’s rich history and culture. The church also features beautiful stained glass windows and impressive frescoes that have been carefully preserved over time. St Peter’s Church is open to visitors from 10 am-6 pm and should not be missed!

Fika

Fika is the Swedish tradition of a daily afternoon break taken together with friends or family. It normally includes coffee and a pastry while sitting together and talking.

You can take part in this wonderful Swedish tradition while you visit by visiting a local cafe or bringing along a snack and drinks to make your own picnic fika in a park. There are SO MANY cute cafes all over Malmö to choose from that you really can’t go wrong. Here are a few that I’ve tried or are on my list to try that you may enjoy!

• Noir Kaffekultur
• Uggla Kaffebar
• St Jakobs (inside Malmö Saluhall where you can find delicious foods of all kinds)
• Freja
• Atrium
• Lilla Kafferosteriet

Read More: 9 Swedish Pastries and Treats You Must Try for Fika

Zenith Koloniomrade

Zenith Koloniomrade is an old colonial neighborhood filled with cute cottages. These homes were built in the early 1900s and have been beautifully preserved. You can walk through and explore the area, maybe take a few pictures, but remember that is a residential area. Please be quiet and respectful. It is only open on weekends during winter.

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Museum of Modern Art

One fun thing to do in Malmö is visit its Museum of Modern Art. Located in the city center, this museum features an array of modern art from both local and international artists. With works ranging from sculptures and installations to photography and paintings, there’s something for everyone here! The museum also offers workshops and lectures on topics related to modern art, giving visitors further insight into the world of contemporary art. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just want to get away from it all, a visit to Malmö’s Museum of Modern Art will be well worth your time!

St John’s Church

Another beautiful church worth visiting in Malmö is St. Johns Church. This beautiful red brick church was built in 1906 and is a good place to stop by while you are exploring the city.

Ribersborgsstranden

If you’re looking for a Scandinavian beach getaway then Malmö, Sweden is actually the perfect destination. Malmö boasts some of Scandinavia’s most beautiful white sand beaches, so it’s easy to see why this city draws so many visitors each summer. The main attraction here is Ribersborgsstranden, a stunning beach with crystal clear waters and plenty of things to do. So whether you’re looking for an afternoon of swimming or simply want to relax on the sand this is the place to go.

In the winter the beach is chilly with strong winds blowing most days. However, you can still enjoy the area by visiting the open-air baths. Here you can find a sauna, salt baths, and regular baths. It is important to note that these are clothing-optional facilities and people do choose to go naked. Because of this, men and women are separated while they visit.

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The Turning Torso

The Turning Torso is a 620-foot skyscraper located in Malmö, Sweden and is the tallest building in the area. It is home to both residential homes and commercial offices, so it is not open to the public. However, its unique shape dominates the city skyline and has become one of Malmö’s most iconic landmarks. The building was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and symbolizes the twisting movement of a human torso when viewed from different angles. Its 54 floors are constructed with energy efficiency in mind. It uses solar cells for heating and cooling systems as well as rainwater collection for irrigation purposes. The Turning Torso offers visitors a glimpse into modern architecture at its finest so although you cannot go inside the building visiting it from the outside offers a unique thing to do in Malmö!

Øresund Bridge

Malmö, Sweden is home to one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Scandinavia: the Øresund Bridge. This bridge and tunnel combo connects Malmö, Sweden to Copenhagen, Denmark. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this part of Europe. From Malmö, visitors can take in stunning views of the bridge as it stretches across the Øresund strait connecting the two countries. At night, its lights are illuminated making it an even more impressive sight! Whether you’re looking for things to do during the day or want to catch a glimpse of this engineering marvel at night, viewing the Øresund Bridge from Malmö is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

You can, and most likely will, cross the bridge if you are visiting Malmö from Copenhagen or if you decide to take a day trip to Copenhagen from Malmö. It only costs roughly $10 per person and takes about 20 minutes.

Malmö Konsthall

For art lovers looking to explore things to do in Malmö on a budget, the Malmö Konsthall is a must-visit destination. This large art gallery offers free admission and features an array of works from local and international artists. From sculptures and installations to photography and paintings, visitors can enjoy the best of modern art here. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just want to immerse yourself in culture while saving money, visiting Malmö’s Konsthall will be sure to give you an unforgettable experience!

Take a Day Trip

There is so much to explore near Malmö so if you have time to leave the city you’ll have your pick of amazing places to visit. A few notable options are:

• Copenhagen
• Lund – nearby university town is home to Lund University and a thriving food scene
• Ystad – small town with quaint half timbered houses and good shopping
• Hollviken – the remains of an old Viking village
• Lomma – small beach town perfect for a quick summer getaway
• Visit a Castle – there are several throughout the Skane area worth visiting

Things to Know when Visiting Malmö

Getting to Malmö

If you are flying into the area then the best airport is going to be Copenhagen Airport. From there Malmö is just a short train ride away. Public transportation is very robust throughout the area and will be able to get you just about anywhere you could need or want to go.

There is a small airport in Malmö but the connections in and out are going to be more limited. If you can find a good flight though then it would be a fine place to fly into.

Currency

The Swedish Krona (SEK) is the official currency of Sweden. Money can be exchanged at banks and currency exchange offices throughout the country or obtained through ATMs found in most cities. Credit cards or bank cards are more widely accepted than cash however so all you should need is your favorite travel credit card. When traveling within Sweden prices are typically displayed with SEK.

Language

Swedish is the official language in Sweden however most locals speak English to the point of being nearly fluent. If you speak English to a decent level then you will have no problem getting around and talking to the locals.

Best Time to Visit Malmö

Visiting Malmö in the summer is a great way to experience one of Sweden’s most vibrant cities. With mild temperatures and plenty of things to do, Malmö is an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore Scandinavia during the warmer summer months. During the summer, temperatures are usually in the high 70s F (21-26 C). This makes it perfect for outdoor activities like taking a stroll along the beach or cycling through town. Plus, you can take advantage of things like visiting iconic landmarks such as Malmö Castle or enjoying fika at an outdoor cafe without having to worry about extreme weather.

If you do happen to be in the area in the winter you can still have an enjoyable time. You can expect cold, rainy weather so make sure you dress to stay warm. I recommend waterproof shoes as well as a warm coat, scarf, hat, and gloves.

Practical Information for Malmö, Sweden

Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Sweden Travel Guide.

The Best Things to Do in Malmö, Sweden

There are so many great and unique things to do in Malmö from its stunning Øresund Bridge to its modern art galleries and museums. There are also many day trips you can take from Malmö that will allow you to explore nearby towns such as Lund and Ystad or even venture out further into the Skane area for some castle sightseeing.

With public transportation readily available throughout the country, getting around is easy and convenient. Plus with English being widely spoken by locals, visitors need not worry about language barriers! So whether you visit Malmö as a day trip from Copenhagen or as a vacation on its own it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!