Let’s discover the very best things to do in Malmo, Sweden. For starters, Malmo is the third largest city in Sweden, located on the southern coast on the Oresund Strait. Sightseeing in Malmo is outstanding and possesses many attractions that you will surely enjoy.
Whether you are doing a day trip from Copenhagen or exploring greater Sweden you’ll have a good time here.
If you have ever wondered if Malmo is worth visiting let me assure you, it very much is. Malmo originally wasn’t very high on my list of places to visit. However, when my friend fell in love and after getting married in Victoria they ended up moving there. At this point it became quite clear that Malmo was a place I needed to see.
I’m so happy I did. Now, let’s get to the top things to do while visiting Malmo.
The Best Things To Do And See In Malmo
Stortorget Square
When visiting Malmo you have to spend some time at Stortorget Square. Storage Square is the main square in the city and is over 600 years old.
It features the beautiful Malmo City Hall and some terrific restaurants and an intriguing apothecary. The architecture in the square is very Scandinavian.
Malmohus Castle
Malmohus Castle is constructed of red brick and is not traditonally what you would think of when you think of a castle. It is inherently Scandinavian in appearance and has a large moat that encompasses this fortress.
I have to admit that when I first saw Malmohus Castle I thought that it looked like it would be incredibly daunting to try to take over as an invader. Currently, it is a museum and open to all who would like to enter. No need for an invasion.
Turning Torso Tower
The Turning Torso Tower is probably the most famous building in Malmo. Designed by world renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. It is the second tallest building in Sweden after the Karlatornet in Gothenburg.
The building looks like vertebrae. Each of these vertebrae twists a little more than the previous one as it rises up. Its modern design and unique concept is very eye-catching.
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Fascinatingly, the Turning Torso Tower also works as a sundial. There is a large circular installation in the neighbouring Varvsparken Park that allows you to approximately know the time by where the sun is in the sky in relation to the Turning Torso.
Ribersborgs Kallbadhus
The open air baths in Malmo are one of the most distinct things to do in Malmo. Ribersborgs Kallbadhus features two sea water pools, 5 saunas, a couple wood burning hot tubs and a sun deck. You can also get a massage and eat at the restaurant if that’s what you fancy.
The Ribersborgs Kallbadhus is located at the end of a long pier and you get a perspective of the city from the end. The Turning Torso looks great from here. You can visit the Ribersborg Kallbashus website here.
Folkets Park
Folkets Park has been one of Malmo’s most visited parks for over a 100 years. This park has many features to it including a ferris wheel and a miniature golf course. Much of the park targets more family friendly activities and from that perspective it is one of the best attractions in Malmo.
There is a cool little restaurant/pub place near the mini golf course that is awesome. Its low lighting and cozy feel makes it an ideal place to have a drink, eat some pizza and enjoy an evening catching up with friends, or making new ones.
Oresund Bridge
The Oresund Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in Europe. Connecting Sweden with Denmark the Oresund Bridge is used for both train and vehicle traffic. It is roughly 8 km then dives underground for a further 4 km before entering the city of Copenhagen.
Construction on the Oresund Bridge began in 1995 and began operation in 2000. It is a very important structure to life in the area as many people live in one country and commute to the other. If you have the chance to hop on a train and visit Copenhagen you’d be wise to jump at the opportunity.
Kungsparken
Kungsparken is a large park near Malmohus Castle. There are gardens, a large fountain in the center of the park and tons of other greenery. It is a great place to unwind or take a break from the other city center activities.
The element of the park that stands out is the old windmill. Though it is no longer functional it is interesting to marvel at. I’m pretty sure 99.9% of people take a photo here. I know I did. Speaking of Windmills, check out Zaanse Schans, it might be the best place on Earth for photos with windmills.
Lilla Torg
Lilla Torg, which means Little Square is pretty much attached to Stortorget Square. It is a cozy square made mostly of restaurants and pubs. It is known best for its nightlife. A good portion of the square holds patios, no complaints here.
If you are looking to bend your elbow one afternoon, evening or night you can’t do much better than Lilla Torg.
St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church, known as, Sankt Petri Kyrka is a 13th Century Gothic Cathedral that will undoubtedly impress. It somehow dominates the area but also fits in perfectly with the neighbourhood around it.
Just a short walk from Storroget Square and well worth the jaunt. It was pretty windy the day we went to admire St. Peter’s Church so we kept warm with a dark Swedish coffee. The hands appreciated it.
Scaniaparken
Scaniaparken is a seaside park on the east of the Turning Torso. The wide boardwalk is a great place for a walk. The ocean views are vast and the angle at which you can see the Oresund Bridge makes it easy to appreciate such an engineering feat.
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There are a bunch of docks with ladders if you want to brave the brisk waters of the Oresund Strait. This area is particularly popular in the summer.
Copenhagen
Okay, so Copenhagen isn’t in Sweden let alone Malmo but it is so close that if you have the time to make a day trip then you should. Copenhagen is a vibrant city with its own style of architecture and culture that varies noticeably from Malmo.
A few places to visit while you are in Copenhagen include visiting Christiania, Tivoli Gardens and Theme Park, Rosenborg Castle, and walking down the Stroget pedestrian street. And, if you are going to be in Copenhagen at Christmas, you will love the holiday markets and gardens.
Now let’s not forget about Nyhavn which is probably the most famous part of the city. It is full of restaurants and cafes and is most likely the area you think about when you think of Copenhagen.
Mapped Out – The Very Best Things To Do In Malmo, Sweden
Malmo, Sweden – The Verdict
Malmo is a great city to explore and enjoy. Most of it is very walkable, however, there are public transportation options if you prefer. Even the train station to Copenhagen is centrally located.
Whether you are going to Malmo for a day, weekend, or week you’ll be thoroughly entertained by all the things to see and do.