10 Best Things to Do in Malmo

Malmo Castle was built in 1434, and is one of Sweden’s oldest surviving Renaissance castles. Surrounded by a moat and lush gardens, the restored fortress houses the Malmo City Museum, Science and Maritime House, and the Natural History Museum, among others. There’s also the U3 submarine that was used during the Second World War, which you can explore on your own or by joining a guided tour. Admission to Malmo Castle is free for those younger than 20 years old, making it a great place to visit for families.

Stortorget Square is a good starting point for sightseers in Malmo, as its pedestrian streets are lined with some of the city’s oldest buildings. Built in 1540, an equestrian sculpture of King Karl X Gustav stands in the middle of the square. Stortorget Square is also close to important landmarks like Apoteket Lejone (Sweden’s oldest pharmacy), the Town Hall of Malmo, and Sankt Petri Kyrka (St. Peter's Church). There are restaurants and cafés nearby, where you can have breakfast before starting your exploration of the city centre.

Sankt Petri Kyrka (St. Peter's Church) is an imposing cathedral near Stortorget Square. Built in the early 14th century, it’s known for its Brick Gothic exterior and medieval frescoes. The main chapel features a 15-metre-tall wooden altarpiece, which has a carving of the Last Supper in the centre. Even if you’re not a religious person, it’s worth paying a visit to Sankt Petri Kyrka for its impressive architecture.

Ribersborgs Kallbadhus is a wooden bathhouse located at the end of a pier on Ribersborg Beach. Since 1898, it’s where locals enjoy recreational activities all year round. You can swim in the outdoor pools and sunbathe on the beach. The bathhouse has 5 traditional saunas, 1 of which is open to both men and women. Note that swimwear isn’t allowed in the saunas, but you can bring towels if you’re uncomfortable about being nude with strangers.

Slottsträdgården is a large botanical park overlooking the historic Malmo Castle. Spanning 210,000 sq m of lush gardens, it’s filled with around 500 plant species. The kitchen garden and orchard cultivate local vegetables and fruits such as plums and pears, which you can purchase at the onsite nursery when they’re in season. The meadow features park benches overlooking Malmo Castle, making this grassy expanse a popular spot for picnics and fika (coffee break).

Trollets Loppis Antikt is an indoor flea market that sells a variety of rare and vintage items at discounted prices. Located 2 km east of the Modern Art Museum of Malmo, it’s where you get to shop for just about anything, including clothes, books, furniture, jewellery, and ceramics. Most of these items come from estates, so you may be able to get your hands on something of high value for a song.

Västra Hamnen (Western Harbour) is an upscale neighbourhood lined with oceanfront parks, cafés and restaurants. It’s known for offering expansive views of Øresund Bridge and the Turning Torso skyscraper. The 190-metre-tall residential tower is one of the tallest structures in Sweden, with its topmost segment twisted 90° clockwise. Västra Hamnen also has a marina and a historic shipyard that manufactures submarines.

Moderna Museet Malmo occupies a 20th-century brick building with a striking steel façade painted in red. Its 800 sq m space displays travelling exhibitions of contemporary artwork from all over the world. The museum’s permanent collection of 20th-century masterpieces features prominent names such as Picasso and Dali, and is free to visit and view. 

The Malmo City Library displays over 500,000 materials, including books in different languages, DVDs, and CDs on various topics. It occupies a Renaissance building with a modern architectural design by Danish architect Henning Larsen. It’s also called the Calendar of Light as its massive glass façade, which overlooks King’s Park (Kungsparken), allows the library to be illuminated with natural light. The Malmo City Library has an onsite café that serves light lunches, pastries, and coffee for those looking to enjoy a fika during their visit.

The cobblestoned square of Lilla Torg is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. There are dozens of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating areas overlooking Malmo’s historical buildings. Drumbar is a Scottish pub that attracts a young crowd with live music, while Izakaya Koi is a casual Japanese restaurant that turns into a busy nightclub after 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.