Malmo guide | Malmo attractions and things to do
The commercial centre of southern Sweden, and the country’s third largest city, Malmo has come a long way since being founded at the end of the 13th century. Today it is renowned for its continental flavour and multi-cultural make-up, being home to around 170 different nationalities.
Malmo also boasts excellent shopping, restaurants and entertainment, and is compact enough for all of the major attractions to be walking distance. Furthermore, Malmo is known as "The City of Parks", with most of its vast green spaces close to the city centre.
Malmö Airport is located 30km from the city centre and has excellent connections to and from the continent. The Airport bus takes just over half-an-hour to get to the heart of Malmo.
Malmo is also a convenient stop on the way from Copenhagen, with the Oresund Bridge providing a crossing between the two.
An alternative is to come by train, with services connecting Malmo to Stockholm, Gothenburg and several other parts of Sweden, as well as Oslo in Norway.
A fairly exposed, coastal city, Malmo experiences a temperate climate. The winter months can see occasional frosty weather between December and February, while the summers tend to be pleasant and warm, although rarely boiling hot. At times, the weather can feel a little chilly, with ocean breezes making the temperatures much colder.
Also good for walking is the pretty Gamla Väster area, in the heart of the city, west of the Lilla Torg square, which lacks the Old Town’s hustle and bustle, making for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
Built in 1592 as a market square, Lila Torg is arguably Malmo's most charming square and one of the most popular meeting places in the city. Nearby is St Peter's Church, which is the oldest building in Malmö, dating back to the early 14th century.
The Western Harbour is Malmo's newest district, and attracts visitors with its exciting architecture, pleasant beach promenades and green spaces. Perhaps the most impressive building here is the Turning Torso, a spectacular skyscraper designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, and the tallest building in Sweden.
Malmo’s parks are an excellent way to take advantage of the warm summer weather, but if that is not enough for you – and the sun shines strongly enough – the sandy beach of Ribersbor is within walking distance of the city centre.
Mollevangen is the most colourful district in Malmo, boasting a lively market trade as well as an array of restaurants and shops representing Malmo’s multi-cultural nature.
One of the most famous sights in the city is Malmo Castle, dating from the 15th century, and housing several exhibitions which provide a glimpse into the city’s ancient past.
For art buffs, the Malmo Art Museum houses one of Scandinavia’s largest collections of 20th century Nordic art, as well as hosting temporary art exhibitions. Meanwhile Malmö Konsthall is one of Europe’s largest exhibition halls for contemporary art.
For indoor shopping, the Triangeln is Malmo’s largest shopping mall, and is easily accessible being located in the heart of the city.
The small town of Ystad makes for a popular day trip from Malmo and is characterised by its winding cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. It is easily accessible from Malmo by bus, train or taxi, being just a few miles away.
