Malmö has transformed from an industrial port city into one of Scandinavia’s most vibrant destinations. Over the past two decades, massive infrastructure projects have totally reinvigorated Sweden’s fastest-growing metropolis, linking it with Copenhagen via the stunning Öresund Bridge and, by extension, the rest of Europe. This connectivity has brought fresh energy and exciting development that makes the city feel alive with possibilities.Â
All of this makes Malmö one of the best places to visit on any trip to Sweden, offering a perfect blend of medieval history, cutting-edge architecture, excellent cuisine, and genuine Swedish culture without the overwhelming tourist crowds of Stockholm. Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, history, or simply soaking up the laid back Scandinavian atmosphere, the things to do in Malmo, Sweden will keep you engaged for days.
7 Best Things to do in Malmo, Sweden
1. Explore Malmö’s Medieval Core
The historic heart of Malmö rewards wandering without a fixed agenda. When wandering the streets, you’ll see many charming half-timbered houses that have survived since the 16th and 17th centuries. The cobblestone lanes wind between colourful facades, and you’ll stumble upon hidden courtyards that feel worlds away from the bustling modern city.
Stortorget, the main square dating back to the 1530s, serves as the natural starting point. The square remains the social centre of Malmö, lined with cafes and dominated by the impressive equestrian statue of King Karl X Gustav. The Rådhus, or Town Hall, occupies the eastern side with its Dutch Renaissance architecture, making for excellent photos.
Dating from 1590, wonderfully pretty Lilla Torget is the epicentre of Malmö’s eating and drinking scene, with plenty of outdoor seating in the bars and bistros surrounding the square and in the narrow streets leading towards Kungsparken, the King’s Park. Local tip: Lilla Torget transforms completely between day and night, offering relaxed coffee culture during daytime and buzzing nightlife after dark.
The medieval core also includes Malmöhus Castle, Sweden’s oldest preserved Renaissance castle, built in the 16th century. It now houses several museums covering art, natural history, and city history. The castle sits surrounded by a moat and gardens, and admission costs around £10 for adults, making it one of the accessible Malmo attractions.
2. Compare and Contrast Malmö’s Grand Churches
Malmö’s churches tell the story of the city’s wealth through remarkable architecture. In the Middle Ages, the profits from Malmö’s lucrative herring trade funded the construction of the Gothic-style St Petri Kyrka, St Peter’s Church, among other major building projects. The church was inaugurated at the beginning of the 14th century, and the huge carved oak altarpiece, which dates from the early 17th century, was restored in the first decade of the 20th century.
The church’s exterior presents imposing red brick Gothic architecture typical of the Baltic region, while the interior reveals soaring vaulted ceilings and whitewashed walls. The craftsmanship visible in the stone carvings and particularly in that magnificent altarpiece demonstrates medieval and Renaissance artisan skill. Insider tip: Don’t miss the medieval murals in St Petri’s Krämarkapellet, the Merchants Chapel, dating from the 15th century.
Sankt Pauli Kyrka, or St Paul’s Church, provides a fascinating contrast with its German influenced design. Built in the 1880s, this church represents Neo Gothic architecture rather than the genuine Gothic of St Petri. The tall spire dominates the Malmö skyline, and the interior features beautiful stained glass windows. Both churches welcome visitors outside of service times with free admission, making them excellent additions to any Malmo sightseeing itinerary.
3. Look at Art in a Former Power Station at Moderna Museet Malmö
Contemporary art finds an appropriately bold home in the bright orange former power station building that houses Moderna Museet Malmö. The museum opened in 2009 as an extension of Stockholm’s renowned Moderna Museet, bringing world-class contemporary art to southern Sweden. The building itself is a striking example of adaptive reuse, maintaining the industrial character while creating light-filled gallery spaces.
The permanent collection includes works by major 20th and 21st century artists, though the specific pieces on display rotate regularly. You’ll encounter everything from paintings and sculptures to video installations and conceptual art. The museum doesn’t shy away from provocative or experimental work, which keeps the experience fresh.
Temporary exhibitions bring in international artists and thematic shows examining contemporary issues. The museum cafe offers excellent coffee and light meals with views over the surrounding harbour area. Admission typically runs around £10 for adults, with reduced rates for students and free entry for visitors under 18. Among the things to do in Malmo, Sweden, this museum ranks highly for anyone interested in contemporary culture.
4. Have a Soak at Malmö’s Most Popular Beach
Ribersborg Beach, affectionately known as Ribban by locals, stretches along Malmö’s western coast, offering sandy shores and stunning views back towards the city skyline. The beach extends for several kilometres, providing ample space even during peak summer weekends. The shallow waters make it suitable for families, though the Baltic Sea never gets particularly warm.
The real attraction is the Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, a historic cold bathhouse built on a pier extending into the sea. Constructed in 1898, the bathhouse remains hugely popular with locals who brave the frigid waters year-round. The facility includes outdoor pools, saunas, and separate sections for men and women. Planning tip: Note that everyone goes nude in the pools and saunas of Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, so come prepared to bare all. This is completely normal in Swedish bathing culture.
The bathhouse experience is quintessentially Swedish. You alternate between the hot saunas and the shockingly cold sea water, which creates an addictive sensation. Entry to Ribersborgs Kallbadhus costs around £6, while the beach itself is free thanks to the allemansrätten, the right to roam. This makes the beach area one of the best things to do in Malmo, Sweden for budget conscious travellers.
5. Have a Meal at a Collectively Owned Restaurant
Malmö’s food scene has exploded over the past decade, embracing international influences and innovative approaches. The collectively owned restaurant concept, where workers own and run the establishment democratically, fits perfectly with Swedish values around equality and sustainability. These restaurants emphasize local ingredients, ethical sourcing, and creative seasonal menus.
Bastard is perhaps the most famous example, serving nose to tail cuisine with French influences. The menu changes regularly based on what’s available, and the atmosphere is relaxed despite the food’s sophistication. Expect to pay around £40 to £60 per person for a full meal with wine.
Solidarity Kitchen operates on more explicitly political principles, with prices kept intentionally affordable. The menu often features dishes from around the world, prepared by chefs from diverse backgrounds. You can enjoy a substantial meal here for £15 to £25.
These restaurants represent the innovative dining that makes up Malmo city highlights. The food scene includes everything from Michelin starred fine dining to excellent falafel shops, and the diversity shows deliciously in its restaurants. This culinary exploration ranks among the essential things to do in Malmo, Sweden.
6. Take a Tour of Cutting Edge Architecture
The Western Harbour district, called Västra Hamnen in Swedish, showcases sustainable urban development and adventurous architecture that has won international recognition. The area was formerly industrial docklands, but comprehensive redevelopment beginning in 2001 transformed it into an eco friendly residential and commercial district. The neighbourhood aims for complete renewable energy use.
The Turning Torso dominates the skyline as Scandinavia’s tallest building. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the 190 metre tower twists a full 90 degrees from bottom to top, creating a dramatic sculptural form visible from across Malmö and even from Copenhagen on clear days. The building houses luxury apartments and isn’t open for tours, but walking around its base reveals how the twisting form creates constantly changing profiles.
The rest of Western Harbour features equally interesting architecture. Buildings incorporate green roofs, solar panels, and innovative materials while maintaining attractive designs. The neighbourhood includes parks, waterfront promenades, and public art that make it pleasant to explore on foot or bicycle. Information panels throughout the area explain the various sustainable technologies and design principles.
Bo01, the original eco district within Western Harbour, pioneered many concepts that later spread throughout the development. Public spaces encourage social interaction and community building, reflecting Scandinavian design values. This area ranks among the top things to see in Malmo for anyone interested in urban planning, sustainability, or contemporary architecture.
7. Unleash Your Inner Viking at the Fotevikens Museum
Located about 20 minutes south of central Malmö, Fotevikens Museum offers an unusually immersive historical experience focused on Viking and medieval life. This open air museum recreates an entire Viking age settlement based on archaeological evidence. During summer months, costumed interpreters live in the reconstructed houses, demonstrating traditional crafts, cooking methods, and daily activities from roughly 1000 years ago.
The museum’s living history approach means you can watch blacksmiths forging tools, weavers working at looms, and cooks preparing food over open fires. The interpreters stay in character and invite visitor interaction, answering questions about Viking life and sometimes recruiting guests to help with tasks.
The reconstructed settlement includes different types of buildings showing how social hierarchy manifested in architecture. You can walk through the structures, examining the furnishings and tools. The museum emphasizes that most Vikings were farmers, craftspeople, and traders rather than warriors.
Special events throughout the year include Viking markets, combat demonstrations, and workshops where you can try traditional crafts yourself. Admission runs around £12 for adults, and reaching the museum requires a short bus ride from central Malmö. Among the things to do in Malmo, Sweden, this museum provides unique value for history enthusiasts and families.
Best Time To Visit Malmo, Sweden
- Summer, from June through August, brings the warmest weather and longest days, with the sun setting after 10pm in midsummer. This season offers the best beach weather, outdoor cafe culture in full swing, and the most events. However, this is also peak tourist season with higher accommodation prices. Temperatures typically range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
- Late spring in May and early autumn in September provide excellent alternatives with fewer crowds and still reasonable weather. These shoulder seasons allow you to experience the things to do in Malmo, Sweden without battling tourist masses, and accommodation costs drop significantly.
- Winter, from November through March, is dark and cold but has its own appeal with Christmas markets, cosy cafes, and the cold bathhouse experience taking on extra significance. This is low season for tourism, meaning you’ll have museums and attractions largely to yourself.
This Malmo travel guide would be incomplete without noting that the city’s connection to Copenhagen means you can easily combine visits to both cities. The Öresund Bridge takes just 20 minutes by train, allowing you to base yourself in Malmo where accommodation tends to be cheaper while accessing everything Copenhagen offers.
Wrapping Up…
The best things to do in Malmo, Sweden span from medieval churches to cutting edge sustainable architecture, from traditional bathhouse culture to collectively owned restaurants pushing culinary boundaries. Malmö has successfully reinvented itself without abandoning its history, creating a city that honours its past while enthusiastically embracing the future. The city’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot or bicycle, and the welcoming atmosphere encourages visitors to slow down and experience Malmö as locals do. Give yourself at least two to three days to properly appreciate what makes this Swedish city special.
