Overview of Malmö, Sweden
Malmö is Sweden’s third-largest city with approximately 350,000 inhabitants, located in the southernmost region of Skåne County. This vibrant coastal city sits directly across the Öresund Strait from Copenhagen, Denmark, connected by the iconic Öresund bridge. As the gateway between Scandinavia and continental Europe, Sweden Malmö offers a unique blend of modern architecture, historical sites, and multicultural atmosphere that sets it apart from other Swedish cities.
The city’s demographic makeup is particularly diverse, with approximately 40% of the population having a foreign background according to recent demographic data. This multicultural character enriches Malmö’s culinary scene, cultural events, and overall urban fabric, making it one of Northern Europe’s most dynamic destinations.
Geographic Location and History
Where is Malmö? The city occupies a strategic position in southern Sweden, directly opposite Copenhagen and less than 30 minutes away by train. This proximity to Denmark has shaped Malmö’s identity throughout history—the city was actually part of Denmark until 1658 when it became Swedish through the Treaty of Roskilde.
Malmö’s history as a major trading port dates back to the 13th century. The city evolved from a medieval commercial hub into an industrial powerhouse during the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly known for shipbuilding. Today, Malmö has successfully transformed into a knowledge economy center, home to Malmö University and numerous tech startups.
Demographics and Culture
The city of Malmö Sweden represents a modern Scandinavian metropolis where tradition meets innovation. With its Malmö population of 350,000 residents from over 180 countries, the city offers an international atmosphere rarely found in Scandinavia. This diversity is reflected in the food scene, with everything from traditional Swedish fika (a coffee break tradition featuring pastries and coffee) to authentic Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine.
Cultural institutions like the Moderna Museet Malmö, the city’s contemporary art museum, showcase both Swedish and international artists. The historic Lilla Torg square, with its cobblestone streets and colorful 16th-century buildings, contrasts beautifully with the ultra-modern Western Harbor district.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Malmö depends on your preferences:
- Summer (June-August): Warmest weather with temperatures around 20-25°C, perfect for beach visits and outdoor activities. This is peak tourist season.
- Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures and blooming parks make this an excellent time for sightseeing with fewer crowds.
- Fall (September-October): Pleasant weather and cultural events, including food festivals and art exhibitions.
- Winter (November-March): Cold but atmospheric, with Christmas markets and lower hotel prices. Note that days are short, with limited daylight.
Top Attractions and Things to Do in Malmö
Looking for what to do in Malmö? The city offers an impressive range of activities combining architectural marvels, historical sites, and natural spaces. Here are the must-see attractions according to Visit Sweden and Tripadvisor reviews.
Architecture: Turning Torso and Modern Design
The Turning Torso dominates Malmö’s skyline as a twisting neo-futurist residential skyscraper standing 190 meters tall (as of 2023 data from Touropia). Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this architectural icon in the Western Harbor (Västra Hamnen) district symbolizes Malmö’s transformation from industrial city to sustainable urban center.
While you cannot enter Turning Torso Malmö as it’s a private residential building, the surrounding waterfront area offers excellent photo opportunities and showcases award-winning sustainable urban planning. The entire Western Harbor district features innovative environmental design, with 100% renewable energy sources and green building standards.
Historical Sites: Malmöhus Castle and Old Town
Malmö Castle (Malmöhus slott) is Scandinavia’s oldest preserved Renaissance castle, dating back to 1434. Today it houses multiple museums including the Malmö Art Museum, the Natural History Museum, and exhibitions on local history. The castle’s moat and surrounding park provide a peaceful retreat in the city center.
St. Peter’s Church (Sankt Petri kyrka), built in the 14th century, represents the oldest building in Malmö. This Gothic brick church features stunning vaulted ceilings and medieval frescoes. The nearby Stortorget (Main Square) showcases the impressive Renaissance-style town hall and the equestrian statue of King Karl X Gustav.
Nature and Parks
Pildammsparken is Malmö’s largest and most beloved park, spanning 45 hectares with beautiful ponds, walking paths, and outdoor theater performances during summer. The park is ideal for picnics, jogging, or simply enjoying Swedish nature.
Ribersborg Beach (locally called ”Ribban”) stretches along the Öresund coast, offering sandy beaches and the famous Ribersborgs kallbadhus—a historic cold bathhouse where locals enjoy year-round swimming, including winter ice bathing. The beach area features walking and cycling paths with spectacular views toward the Öresund Bridge.
Insider Tips for Things to Do in Malmö Sweden
- Rent a bike from the city’s bike-sharing system—Malmö is one of Europe’s most bike-friendly cities with dedicated lanes throughout.
- Visit the Disgusting Food Museum for an unusual cultural experience showcasing challenging foods from around the world.
- Explore Folkets Park, a historic amusement park and cultural venue offering free entry and various events.
- Take a canal boat tour to see the city from the water, departing from near the central station.
Getting to Malmö from Copenhagen or Stockholm
Transportation to and from Malmö is straightforward thanks to excellent rail connections. The Malmö to Copenhagen route is particularly popular for day trips.
Train Travel and Schedules
The Copenhagen to Malmö train journey crosses the impressive Öresund Bridge, taking just 20 minutes from Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö Central Station. According to Visit Sweden, trains depart every 20 minutes during peak hours, making it extremely convenient for day trips.
| Route | Duration | Frequency | Approximate Price (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copenhagen to Malmö | 20 minutes | Every 20 minutes | €10-15 |
| Malmö to Stockholm | 4.5 hours | Hourly | €40-80 |
| Malmö to Gothenburg | 3 hours | Every 1-2 hours | €30-60 |
Tickets for the train from Copenhagen to Malmö can be purchased at stations, online through DSB (Danish railways) or SJ (Swedish railways), or via mobile apps. No advance booking is required for this route, but purchasing round-trip tickets often saves money.
Day Trip Guides from Copenhagen
A Malmö day trip from Copenhagen is one of Scandinavia’s easiest cross-border excursions. Day trip guides typically recommend the following itinerary:
- Morning (9:00-12:00): Start at Malmö Central Station, walk to Lilla Torg for fika, explore the Old Town and St. Peter’s Church.
- Afternoon (12:00-15:00): Lunch at Malmö Saluhall (food market), visit Malmöhus Castle, stroll through Kungsparken.
- Late Afternoon (15:00-18:00): Walk or cycle to Western Harbor to see Turning Torso, relax at Ribersborg Beach.
- Evening: Dinner in the city center before taking an evening train back to Copenhagen.
Transportation Tips
Once in Malmö, getting around is easy thanks to an integrated public transportation system. The Skånetrafiken network includes buses and regional trains covering the entire Malmö region. A single ticket costs approximately 30 SEK (€3), while a 24-hour pass costs around 110 SEK (€10).
Walking is practical for the city center, as most major attractions lie within a 2-kilometer radius of Malmö Central Station. For longer distances or beach visits, consider renting a bike—the city offers flat terrain and extensive cycling infrastructure.
Malmö FF and Sports Events
Sports enthusiasts will find Malmö FF (Malmö Fotbollförening) a compelling reason to visit. The club represents a major part of Malmö’s identity and offers exciting match experiences.
The Club’s History and Success
Malmö FF has won Allsvenskan (Sweden’s top football division) 22 times, making it one of the country’s most successful clubs according to football statistics. Founded in 1910, the club’s sky blue jerseys are iconic throughout Scandinavian football.
The team has also achieved European success, reaching the European Cup final in 1979 (losing to Nottingham Forest) and regularly competing in UEFA Champions League and Europa League competitions. This international exposure makes attending a Malmö FF match particularly exciting for visitors.
Attending Matches at Eleda Stadion
Home matches take place at Eleda Stadion (formerly Swedbank Stadion), located just south of the city center and easily accessible by bus or bike. The stadium holds 24,000 spectators and offers an authentic Scandinavian football atmosphere with dedicated supporters creating impressive tifos and chants.
Check the Malmö FF schedule online before your visit, as match days vary throughout the Allsvenskan season (April to November). Tickets can be purchased through the club’s official website, typically ranging from 150-400 SEK (€15-40) depending on seating location.
Other Events: DreamHack and Festivals
Beyond football, Malmö hosts DreamHack, one of the world’s largest digital festivals combining esports competitions, gaming exhibitions, and LAN parties. The event typically takes place twice annually at Malmö Arena, attracting thousands of gaming enthusiasts from around the globe.
Cultural events include the Malmö Festival in August—a week-long celebration featuring free concerts, food stalls, and cultural performances throughout the city—and the Malmö Arab Film Festival, Northern Europe’s largest Arabic cinema event.
Accommodation and Practical Tips
Finding the right place to stay enhances your Malmö experience. The city offers diverse accommodation options across different price ranges.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotels in Malmö range from budget-friendly options to luxury establishments:
- Luxury: Clarion Hotel & Congress Malmö Live (city center, modern design) and Hotel Duxiana (boutique hotel with spa facilities).
- Mid-range: Park Inn by Radisson Malmö (convenient location near central station) and Scandic Triangeln (business-friendly with good breakfast).
- Budget: STF Malmö City Hostel & Hotel (clean, affordable rooms and hostel beds) and Moment Hotels (capsule-style micro-hotels).
Booking accommodations near Malmö Central Station provides easy access to both local attractions and train connections to Copenhagen and other Swedish cities. The Västra Hamnen area offers modern apartments and hotels with waterfront views, though slightly farther from the historic center.
Budget Tips for Visiting Malmö
Malmö is more affordable than Stockholm or Copenhagen, but costs still reflect Scandinavian price levels. Here are money-saving strategies:
- Eat lunch at restaurants instead of dinner—many offer ”dagens rätt” (daily specials) at significant discounts (80-120 SEK vs. 200+ SEK for dinner).
- Shop for groceries at ICA, Coop, or Willys supermarkets for picnic supplies.
- Take advantage of free attractions: beaches, parks, and window-shopping at Lilla Torg cost nothing.
- Consider accommodation in Malmö rather than Copenhagen if visiting both cities—hotel prices are typically 30-40% lower.
- Use the Malmö Card if planning intensive sightseeing—it provides free public transport and museum entry.
Local Transportation
Besides public buses and regional trains, Malmö offers several transportation alternatives:
- Bike rental: Multiple services including city bikes, which can be accessed through mobile apps for approximately 30-50 SEK per hour.
- Taxi services: Available but expensive (similar to Copenhagen rates); use only licensed taxis or apps like Uber, Bolt, or local service Taxi Malmö.
- Car rental: Generally unnecessary for the city center but useful for exploring the Skåne countryside. Major companies operate at Malmö Airport and Central Station.
- Walking: The compact city center makes walking the best option for exploring historic areas, shopping districts, and nearby parks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Malmö
How long does the train from Copenhagen to Malmö take?
The direct train from Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö Central Station takes approximately 20 minutes. Trains operate every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30-40 minutes during off-peak times, making this one of Scandinavia’s most convenient cross-border routes. No passport control is required as both countries are part of the Schengen Area, though occasional random checks may occur.
What are the best things to do in Malmö on a day trip?
A perfect day in Malmö should include exploring the medieval Old Town and Lilla Torg square, visiting Malmöhus Castle and its museums, viewing the Turning Torso in the Western Harbor district, and relaxing at Ribersborg Beach. If time permits, enjoy Swedish fika at a traditional café and stroll through Kungsparken. Most of these attractions lie within walking or cycling distance, making it easy to experience Malmö’s highlights in 6-8 hours.
Is Malmö worth visiting compared to other Swedish cities?
Yes, Malmö offers a unique experience distinct from Stockholm and Gothenburg. Its multicultural atmosphere, proximity to Copenhagen, blend of modern architecture and historical sites, and relaxed coastal vibe make it worth visiting. The city particularly appeals to travelers interested in architecture, cross-border culture, and accessible urban beaches. For visitors already in Copenhagen, the 20-minute train ride makes it almost essential to include Malmö in the itinerary.
When is the best time to attend a Malmö FF football match?
The Allsvenskan season runs from late March to early November, with most matches scheduled on weekends (Saturday or Sunday) and occasional weekday evening games. For the best atmosphere, attend matches against traditional rivals like Helsingborg IF or Stockholm teams. Check the official Malmö FF schedule online several weeks in advance, as fixture dates can change. Buying tickets early is recommended for high-profile matches, though most regular season games have availability.
Do I need to speak Swedish to visit Malmö?
No, English proficiency in Malmö is excellent, particularly among younger residents and those working in tourism, hospitality, and retail. Restaurant menus, museum exhibits, and transportation information are typically available in English. That said, learning a few Swedish phrases like ”tack” (thank you) and ”hej” (hello) is appreciated by locals and enhances the cultural experience.
What should I know about Swedish fika culture when visiting Malmö?
Fika is a cherished Swedish tradition involving coffee and pastries, usually enjoyed mid-morning or mid-afternoon. It’s not just a coffee break but a social ritual emphasizing relaxation and conversation. When in Malmö, try classic treats like kanelbulle (cinnamon buns), kardemummabulle (cardamom buns), or prinsesstårta (princess cake) at cafés around Lilla Torg or Möllevångstorget. Fika typically costs 60-90 SEK per person for coffee and a pastry.
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip from Copenhagen or a longer exploration of southern Sweden, Malmö delivers an authentic Scandinavian experience enriched by international influences. From the architectural statement of Turning Torso to the medieval charm of Malmö’s Old Town, this dynamic coastal city rewards curious travelers with diverse attractions, excellent connectivity, and a welcoming multicultural atmosphere that sets it apart as one of Northern Europe’s most intriguing urban destinations.
