Top 9 Things to See and Do in Malmö
- 1. Øresund Bridge
- 2. Turning Torso
- 3. Old Malmö (Gamla Staden)
- 4. Malmö Castle (Malmöhus)
- 5. Watch the Malmo RedHawks in action
- 6. Ribersborg Beach
- 7. Pildammsparken Park
- 8. Möllevångstorget Market
- 9. Other destinations to explore around Malmö
- Conclusion
Top 9 Things to See and Do in Malmö
Ranked as the third-largest city in Sweden after Gothenburg and the renowned capital, Stockholm, Malmö, located in the southern part of the country, stands out for its vitality and diversity, offering a myriad of captivating activities to visitors. Whether your interests lie in history, culture, gastronomy, or nature, Malmö has something to satisfy every preference. After several months exploring the streets of this charming city, we've compiled a list of must-visit places in Malmö. We hope these suggestions, along with a few tips, will help you make the most of your getaway to this city. Are you ready? Let's head to Sweden!
1. Øresund Bridge
If your journey begins with a flight, there's a good chance you'll land at Copenhagen Airport, the starting point of an adventure that truly begins when you embark on your journey to Malmö. Indeed, the obligatory passage is through the famous Øresund Bridge, connecting the Swedish city to the Danish capital, Copenhagen. The panoramic view from the bridge is truly breathtaking, offering a unique perspective on the stretch of sea separating the two cities. Despite the presence of metal bars that may slightly alter this view, the experience of this captivating journey will quickly make you forget this detail.
Once in Malmö, an interesting option to explore the bridge up close is to rent a bike. Riding along the coast while admiring the bridge up close is an unforgettable experience. For information on bike rentals, we recommend checking directly with the city's website, Malmo By Bike. A small tip: if you want to see the bridge up close, check the weather conditions beforehand, especially visibility. This will prevent you from facing an invisible bridge...
2. Turning Torso
How can you miss this monument during your trip to Malmö? Wherever you are in the city, you can't help but see this tower soaring to 190 meters. Malmö's Turning Torso stands as a striking architectural icon, captivating onlookers with its bold design. This residential skyscraper rises as the tallest structure in Scandinavia, adding a touch of modernity to Malmö's urban landscape. This exceptional building owes its name to its unique shape, a progressive twist of 90 degrees from base to top, creating a sculptural and dynamic silhouette.
The glass windows of the Turning Torso offer a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the surrounding Baltic Sea. We didn't have the chance to go inside this tower, but if you want to see it up close, it's important to know that your journey should not stop at the tower but also extend to its surroundings. The neighborhood is beautiful and leads towards the beach, one of the most beautiful views in Malmö.
3. Old Malmö (Gamla Staden)
Old Malmö, also known as Gamla Staden, is a charming enclave that transports visitors to the picturesque past of the city. Its cobbled streets wind between buildings with colorful facades, creating an atmosphere that breathes history and character. At the heart of this old town is Lilla Torg Square, a true gem surrounded by period buildings that now house lively restaurants, shops, and cafes. The square is a popular meeting place, especially in summer, where visitors and locals gather to enjoy delicious local cuisine outdoors.
Strolling through Gamla Staden, visitors can discover preserved architectural treasures, such as the Saint Peter's Church (Sankt Petri Kyrka) dating back to the 14th century, offering a spiritual escape amid historical charm. You can also find a large park, including Malmö Castle, which is relaxing and magnificent. Old Malmö is a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the authenticity and history of the city.
4. Malmö Castle (Malmöhus)
Malmö Castle, also known as Malmöhus, is an iconic fortress located in the heart of the Swedish city of Malmö. Originally built as a defensive fortress, the castle has undergone transformations over the centuries, making it a versatile and captivating place. Today, Malmöhus houses several museums that offer visitors a fascinating dive into various aspects of culture and history. Among them are the Malmö Art Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Maritime Museum.
A visit to the castle allows history enthusiasts to wander through its historic corridors, explore its captivating exhibitions, and contemplate the panoramic view of the city from its ramparts. If you want more information about this mythical emblem, we recommend checking directly on the city's website.
5. Watch the Malmo RedHawks in action
Having attended a match twice, we can assure you that watching a game of the Malmo RedHawks is a must for ice hockey enthusiasts and sports fans in general. This team, playing in the elite Swedish league, Allsvenskan, offers thrilling moments and an electric atmosphere to its supporters. The games usually take place at the famous Malmö Arena, providing a dynamic atmosphere and a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local sports culture.
The Malmo Arena is a bit on the outskirts of the city, but many tickets are easily accessible from any bus station (for example, Malmo Station or Varnhem). To get your tickets, it's extremely simple to do so on the website. Even if you know nothing about ice hockey (as was the case for us), it's well worth coming just for the atmosphere. We just hope for you that the team wins at that moment!
6. Ribersborg Beach
Ribersborg Beach, also known as Ribban, is one of Malmö's top destinations for seaside relaxation. Located near the city center, this sandy beach stretches along the coast, offering an ideal place to escape the urban hustle and bustle. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while sunbathing or strolling along the shore. Ribersborg also offers the opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters of the Baltic Sea, a particularly enjoyable experience during the summer months.
Facilities on the beach include changing rooms, showers, and picnic areas, allowing visitors to spend a pleasant day by the sea. Additionally, the view of the Øresund Bridge from the beach adds a picturesque touch to this place, making Ribersborg Beach an essential seaside getaway in Malmö. You also get a great view of the Turning Torso from there. It's worth noting that some areas of the sea may contain a lot of algae, which can be bothersome during swimming.
7. Pildammsparken Park
Malmö has plenty of parks and green spaces. If you want to take a stroll in nature, you can't miss Pildammsparken Park, a true green
gem in Malmö. With a serene atmosphere and natural beauty, this park offers a welcome break from the bustling urban pace. Its extensive lawns, serene water expanses, and winding paths create an idyllic setting for a relaxed walk, an outdoor picnic, or even a refreshing jogging session.
Culture enthusiasts will also appreciate the presence of the outdoor theater, which enlivens the park during the summer months, adding an artistic touch to this haven of greenery. Whether it's to recharge amid nature, enjoy a moment of relaxation, or simply admire the changing shades of the seasonal palette, Pildammsparken offers a soothing and unforgettable experience to all who traverse it.
8. Möllevångstorget Market
Möllevångstorget Market, located in the heart of Malmö, is a must-visit destination for culinary and cultural discoveries. This lively market is a melting pot of flavors, scents, and colors, offering a unique sensory experience. You'll find an impressive variety of fresh products, colorful fruits and vegetables, and local and international specialties. The vibrant atmosphere of the market is enhanced by the presence of street food stalls, offering delicious and authentic dishes. While you're close to this destination, don't hesitate to make a detour to Möllevångstorget. You'll also find cool bars where you can spend great evenings and easily meet many people!
9. Other destinations to explore around Malmö
If your stay is a bit longer or you want to explore more of the surroundings of Malmö, we recommend exploring these destinations easily accessible with a train ticket:
- Lund: A lively student city with many cultural events.
- Lomma Beach: A clean, algae-free beach, ideal for a sunny day.
- Skanor: During certain times of the year, you might spot seals. Even without this luck, the place offers absolutely stunning scenery.
- Gothenburg: A city with breathtaking architectural lines, perfect for a day trip.
These options add an extra dimension to your Swedish experience, allowing you to explore different facets of the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malmö offers an experience rich in cultural diversity, history, and entertainment. Whether you're interested in museums, modern architecture, gastronomy, or simply discovering Swedish daily life, this dynamic city has something to suit all tastes. Enjoy your time in Malmö to the fullest by exploring its iconic sites, relaxing on its picturesque beaches, and immersing yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. May your Swedish adventure be filled with unforgettable moments and fascinating discoveries!