Top 9 Things to See and Do in Malmö

Are you looking for the best things to see and do in Malmö?

Malmö is an interesting city with many ancient historical buildings and futuristic skyscrapers. It is interesting for those who like history, art and beautiful nature. Here is a list of the 9 things that should not be missed in this active city, which will be discussed in this article. For the short-term visitor who will spend a few days, weeks, or even months here, such places will remain etched in your mind.

1. The Turning Torso

Overview of the Turning Torso

This new-generation architectural icon, standing tall in the skyline of Malmö, is known as the Turning Torso. This twisted building complex measures 190 meters in height. Thus, it is the tallest building in Scandinavia. To give it the name Turning Torso, the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava planned the building to resemble a human body in movement.

Architectural Significance

The building is a piece of art and a perfect setting for an environmentally conscious home. Surprisingly, the inside is mostly residential and is closed to the public, although if you’re into contemporary architecture, the outside alone should suffice.

Visit the Observation Deck

The Turning Torso is mostly a residential building, but the possibility of visiting the observation deck is sometimes open. It’s only open when some event is happening, but if you can go, the views of Malmö and the Øresund Strait are incredible.

Turning Torso in Malmo

2. Malmö Castle (Malmöhus Slott)

History of Malmö Castle

Malmö Castle is a castle that stands to this date and is believed to have been built in the 16th century. Erstad was one of Denmark’s royal castles constructed by Christian III, the Danish monarch. In the 1500s, the castle saw raging battles between Denmark and Sweden. Of course, this is the oldest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia and still exists.

Museum Complex at Malmöhus Slott

Malmöhus Slott has many museums at present. Among them are the Malmö Art Museum, the Natural History Museum and the City Museum. It is a great region with cultural attractiveness, as visitors are welcome to learn about history and modern art.

3. Kungsparken (The King's Park)

Exploring Kungsparken

It is, in fact, one of the oldest parks in Malmö and is situated near the central business district. It is a park mostly free of noise from the busy roads with well-cultivated beautiful lakes, beautiful pathways to walk in and lovely flowers.

Seasonal Activities in the Park

Kungsparken provides different excitements all year round. It is suitable for picnicking, boating during the spring/summer holiday season, or enjoying the beautiful scenery of falling leaves during autumn. The park always offers a chance to ice skating during the winter season and, therefore, is an all-year-round park.

4. Lilla Torg (Little Square)

History and Ambiance of Lilla Torg

Torg is a picturesque courtyard in Malmö’s core, built as a trading place in the second half of the XVI century. A few cultural and historic buildings remain to give Malmö the historical look the city has today, around the square.

Dining and Shopping at Lilla Torg

It also has restaurants, cafes and fantastic boutiques that attract people from all over the town. It is also an ideal location for a conventional Swedish dinner, or you can grab a cup of coffee and watch people. Alfresco areas are opened during warmer months, which contributes strictly to the layout.

5. St. Peter’s Church (Sankt Petri Kyrka)

Gothic Architecture of St. Peter’s

The oldest building, St. Peter’s Church, which is still meaningful, goes back to the beginning of the 14th century. This red-brick church is Gothic, with high-arched and elaborate stained glass windows.

Unique Features of the Church

Perhaps one of the most awesome attractions of St. Peter is the medieval frescoes, which were only recently found after being painted over for centuries. Another piece worthy of consideration is the church wooden altarpiece, which you will find exemplary craftsmanship.

Marvel at the Medieval Paintings

It is home to splendid frescoes of the Middle Ages and a marvelous alt piece of exceptional design. One highly desired complex must be the crypt, which makes the church even more fascinating to visitors.

6. Moderna Museet Malmö (Modern Museum of Art)

Art Exhibits at Moderna Museet

Modern art enthusiasts are going to love Moderna Museet. Based in Malmö, Moderna Museet Malmö is one of the branches of the Swedish National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. This museum occupies a building built for a power station; nowadays, it hosts numerous exhibitions of Swedish and other artists.

Modern Art Scene in Malmö

The museum is located in the heart of the developing art district in Malmö. The fact that its program is composed of ever-shifting exhibitions is a nice glimpse into the world of modern art. It also has art workshops for children if you are traveling with your kids while visiting the museum.

Art by Kids could be used as an exciting manner to acquaint the junior generation with contemporary art in a practical manner. Certainly, anyone interested in art should make it a point to go there two times at least.

7. Ribersborg Beach

A Day at Ribersborg Beach

If you are in Malmö during the summer, Ribersborg Beach is an excellent place to sunbathe by the shore. Walking a short distance from the city center, this beach is one of the favorite destinations for residents and tourists.

Outdoor Activities at Ribersborg

Aside from sunbathing and swimming, there are activities such as beach soccer, volleyball, kite surfing and windsurfing, among others, in Ribersborg. During the winter, it is possible to swim in the sea's frigid waters and subsequently go to the Kallbadhuset, an outdoor sauna of the Swedish type.

Ribersborg Beach

8. Malmö Live Concert Hall

Events and Concerts

Malmö Live is the center of concerts and events in Malmo. This place is extremely diverse and always alive, whether hosting a classical concert, pure pop music, or a theatrical show. This concert hall has good acoustics, making it one of the region's best venues to watch performances.

Modern Architecture and Design

However, aside from being an important cultural space, Malmö Live also has an impressive exterior and interior design that seems to blend the coldness of a contemporary Danish design with the homeliness of a comforting Scandinavian milieu. At the very least, if you aren’t attending the event, you should look at the building.

Perfect for Summer Sun-bathing

But if you visit Malmö when the sun shines, you should visit Ribersborg Beach. This sandy area is favorable for sunbathing, swimming, and the Olympic sport of beach volleyball. That is quite a favorite among the population, especially during the hot summertime.

Enjoy a Sauna by the Sea

Why not get an extension of the experience by going to Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, an open-air sauna and bathhouse by the sea common in Sweden? And it is not a way to rest, especially in winter when the ice and snow invite for a swim after the steam bath.

Malmo RedHawks in action

If you're a sports enthusiast, don't miss the chance to catch a Malmo RedHawks ice hockey game at the Malmo Arena. The atmosphere is electric, with passionate fans cheering on their team. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or just looking for a unique experience, this is definitely worth checking out.

Once inside the Malmo Arena, the atmosphere is electric.

9. Øresund Bridge

The Connection between Sweden and Denmark

The Øresund Bridge is the mammoth construction piece connecting Malmö and Copenhagen in Denmark. Being a roadway and a railway stretching approximately 8 kilometers from one city to the other, the Bridge was convenient for transport.

Significance of Øresund Bridge for Travel and Trade

It is the only fixed link between the two countries and an important communication corridor for Sweden and Denmark. Worthy of note is the cross over Øresund Bridge, which has a fascinating view of the Baltic Sea and the entire surrounding environment

The best time to visit Malmö is during the summer, from June, July and August. It is cooler than summer, and there are things people can do in the coolest season out of doors. You could visit different parks and beaches and take a simple walk or bike ride within that city. Choosing early spring, April to May, and early September in fall is also advisable. The weather is not very hot or cold, with fewer crowds.

You cannot see warm temperatures during winter (December – February); however, if you do not mind Christmas lights and warm corners, you can also come!

Getting around Malmö is easy and convenient. Here's how you can explore the city:

1. Walking

The city center of Malmö is small, so walking is one of the best methods of getting around if one wants to sightsee. There are sights like Stortorget, Lilla Torg, the Castle, and the Turning Torso, all nearby, and the city’s streets are pedestrian-only.

2. Bicycles

Malmö is a bike-friendly city with bike lanes provided at all points within the city. Visit Malmö by bike, which is Malmö’s bike rental that lets you pick up a bike at one of the stations throughout the city and drop it off at a different station. Cycling is swift and convenient, more so when accomplishing longer-distance transport tasks.

1. Malmö by Bike: Bike rental for the day or a few days and explore some of the city.

3. Public Transport (Buses and Trains)

Skånetrafiken is responsible for operating public transportation in Malmö and largely consists of a well-developed network. It includes:

1. Buses: Many buses are operating in the city, including night buses.
2. Trains: Travelling from Malmö Central Station, other cities can be accessed or even Copenhagen in Denmark via the Öresund Bridge.
3. Tickets: Tickets can be bought at an APP by Skånetrafiken, station ticket machines, or nearby grocery stores. The tickets used on the buses are the same as those used on the trains.

4. Ferries

Ferries are also an enjoyable means of transport. Some ferries connect Malmö to other places, and the Copenhagen-Malmö Port (CMP) also provides routes.

5. Taxis and Ridesharing

Taxis are also available, but they may be more costly than buses or trains to travel any distance. Ensure that you tell the driver to find the meter or, if they do not find it, they should negotiate on the charges to be paid. Transportation services such as Uber are slightly popular.

6. Car Rentals

Remember that you can hire a car to visit other places outside Malmö. For instance, rental services are available at the train station and airport. However, walking or biking is usually better in the city because it is very convenient to navigate the city using any mode of transport.

Here are some easy tips for your first visit to Malmö:

1. Walk or Ride a Bike

Malmö is quite a compact city, so it is easy to get around on foot if you visit the city. You can also hire a bike through Malmö by Bike, allowing you to cover even more of the area fairly soon.

2. See Turning Torso and Malmö Castle

Be sure to check out Turning Torso, a twisting skyscraper. This is a famous symbol of Malmö and Malmö Castle, an old castle with a museum inside.

3. Check Out City Squares

It was inspired by a “Visit to Sweden and walk around Stortorget (big square) and Lilla Torg (small square). These are fun places, including cafes, where you can sit back and observe people.

4. Relax in the Parks

Malmö has good parks such as Kungsparken and Pildammsparken. They are very suitable for walking, recreation or having a snack.

5. Try Swedish Food

Dont forget to savour delicious Swedish cuisine! Taste fika and dishes like Swedish meatballs and seafood since some are best in Malmö.

6. Day Trip to Copenhagen

Malmö can be found near Copenhagen in Denmark. Almost all points of the island are connected by a bridge, and it will take 35 minutes to get there by train; you can go there all day.

7. Learn Simple Swedish Phrases

Everyone here speaks English, though it is a pretty fun thing to learn a few Swedish words like “Hej” (Hello) or “Tack” (Thank you).

8. Pack for Cool Weather

Thus, even in the summer, Malmö’s climate can range from cool to windy. As for clothing, it is advised to come in warm weather and take a jacket in a car or dress warmly to feel comfortable.

9. Use Public Transportation

Malmö has good buses and trains. Use the bus app store to purchase tickets and move around the city or places close to it.

10. Visit Museums

Malmö hosts enjoyable museums, including the Modern Art Museum and the rather unappetizing Disgusting Food Museum, for travelers who are up to trying it.

11. Day Trip to Skanor

A short trip from Malmö will take you to the charming coastal town of Skanor. Known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque scenery, it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a day by the sea.

Skanor

By its sheer scale and what it offers tourists, Malmö is a fun city. You can shoot in tall buildings like Turning Torso or historical locations like Malmö Castle. There are also nice places to walk or eat in parks, such as Kungsparken.

Lilla Torg is a small square where one can eat something and observe people. You can also swim at some art like the Moderna Museum or Ribersborg Beach.

The city of Malmö is also rather compact; therefore, it is possible to get around it on foot, by bike, or by using buses and trains. Whatever your interests, the things to see and do in Malmö will leave you with unforgettable memories!

Q1. What is Malmö best known for?

Most people associate Malmö with cultural diversity, the new trendy architecture of Turning Torso, and the close connection to Denmark through the Øresund Bridge.

Q2. Can you swim at Ribersborg Beach year-round?

Besides summer swimming, Ribersborg also features an outdoor bath house in winter, complete with saunas for any brave Swede.

Q3. Are there any free attractions in Malmö?

Most of the parks in Malmö, like Kungsparken, Pildammsparken and many more, are free to wander, and so is the Turning Torso building’s exterior plus Lilla Torg.

Q4. Is Malmö family-friendly?

Absolutely! The Technology and Maritime Museum and Ribersborg Beach are popular attractions, but there is much for families to do there.

Q5. What local food should I try in Malmö?

Make sure to taste something more or less representative of Sweden; for instance, you can try falafels because Malmö has multicultural food or fika, the traditional Swedish coffee with sweets.

Q6. Is Malmö a walkable city?

Yes, in Malmö, many places are located close to each other, and walking around is relatively convenient.