Malmö is the kind of place that has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a good time, Malmö’s got you covered. The city has everything from parks, museums, and foodie delights, to architectural wonders that will make your heart skip a beat. I’ll be spilling the beans on the best things to do in Malmö so you don’t miss out on what the city has to offer.
Top 10 things to do in Malmö
1. Embrace the beauty of Malmöhus Castle
Let’s kick things off with a little history. Head to Malmöhus Castle, one of the oldest Renaissance castles in the Nordic region. Here, you can explore the castle grounds, and beautiful gardens, and even drop by the Malmö Art Museum nearby.
While you’re there, don’t miss the windmill in the park! You can see it from the Castle and it instantly teleports you to what feels like a cute Dutch town.
READ: 2 Days in Malmö | Full Guide to the Swedish Gem
Lastly, visit the castle hungry! The best fish market is only a couple of meters away. Once you exit the museum, look out for red wooden sheds. They sell the best fish and chips there and they’re highly rated.
2. Reconnect with nature at Pildammsparken
One of the best things you can do in Malmö for free is visit one of the many large parks. What I love most about Scandinavian cities is their strong connection to nature and green spaces.
No wonder they’re rated as some of the world’s happiest populations—I mean, even the air is better! But we can thank the plentiful trees for that.
So if you’re visiting Malmö, be sure to grab a picnic basket and soak in the greenery at Pildammsparken while you unwind by the lakes.
Nature therapy at its finest. 🌳
3. Indulge in Swedish Fika at Lilla Kafferosteriet
Coffee lovers, this one’s for you.
A trip to Malmo isn’t complete without experiencing Fika. What’s better than grabbing your best bud and meeting up for a cup of coffee at a beautiful cafe and indulging in some sweet treats?
Well, maybe a couple of things are better but so is Fika—which is all about coffee, sweets, and friendship.
Whether you’re into espresso shots or mocha lattes, Lilla Kafferosteriet’s got you covered. Savor the rich aroma and flavors of their fresh bakes and take a look into the daily life of a Swede. ☕
4. Explore Turning Torso
Malmö is known for strikingly good architecture so it’d be a shame not to see some of it’s best works. The Turning Torso, for example, is the world’s first turning skyscraper. It’s really a remarkable piece of art that combines engineering technologies with imagination.
You can see the building from many parts of the city but it’s worth seeing up close. If you’re an art lover looking for cool free things to do in Malmo, this is definitely one of them. 🏙️
READ: Malmo Architecture | 6 Amazing Buildings Not to Miss
5. Get artsy at Moderna Museet Malmö
Art lovers assemble! Moderna Museet Malmö is your go-to destination for contemporary and modern art. It’s one of the best things you can see in the city as you get lost in thought-provoking exhibits designed to ignite creativity and spark deep conversations.
Plus, the ever-changing exhibitions mean there’s always something new to see. 🎨
6. Gobble up street food at Möllevångstorget
Möllevångstorget is your go-to spot for a smorgasbord of street food from around the world. Tacos, falafel, dumplings – it’s all here. Pro tip: Try the Swedish classic, the kebab pizza.
It’s also a great place to people-watch and unwind to some good vibes.
7. Savor scrumptious delights at Malmö Saluhall
Another one for the food lovers! Malmö Saluhall is another place to indulge your taste buds in some really tasty food. Here, you can find everything from Swedish classics to international flavors. Be sure to go hungry!
Malmö Saluhall isn’t too far from Turning Torso and it makes it convenient to see both around the same time.
I’d recommend starting the Turning Torso first, as it’s farther out, and then heading to Malmö Saluhall for some food.
READ: 2 days in Malmo | Full Guide to the Swedish Gem
8. Unwind at Ribersborgsstranden Beach
When the weather’s warm, you can’t beat a day at the beach. One of the best things you can do in Malmö on a sunny day is soak up some rays and take a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea.
Ribersborgsstranden offers the perfect place to unwind and relax in nature while still being in proximity to the center.
9. Get inspired at Malmö Konsthall
Malmö Konsthall is a haven for art enthusiasts. Here you can spend your time in Malmö exploring ever-changing exhibitions, and cutting-edge contemporary art. 🖼️
They have guided tours, mostly in Swedish, but if you’re lucky enough to go with a Swede, you can get the most out of the guided tours this way. You could also consider booking a private tour if you’re keen on diving deeper into the art and the museum.
Otherwise, you can grab a drink or quick bite in their cafe and maybe grab a little souvenir from the bookshop on your way out.
10. Cruise the Canals
One of the best things you can do in Malmö is to see the city from a new perspective. Canal cruises aren’t only refreshing but they’re a great way to see a lot of the popular sites without having to do any walking.
The cruises start off at Norra Vallgatan and cost around 20 euros per person. However, this may vary depending on when you visit.
I enjoyed Malmö for so many reasons and I highly recommend it. It’s very family-friendly with a few choices for party-seekers. Walking around the city, trying the local food, and witnessing the art scene are the best things to do in Malmo.
It’s also very close to Copenhagen, so if you’re ever in the Danish capital, consider taking a day trip and discovering this Swedish gem.
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Happy travels!
