Top Things to Do in Malmö: Sweden’s Green and Trendy Coastal City

Located on the southern tip of Sweden, Malmö is a city where historic charm and forward-thinking design live side by side. With its medieval old town, cutting-edge architecture, canal-lined streets, and proximity to Copenhagen via the Öresund Bridge, Malmö has become a favorite for travelers seeking an eco-friendly, culturally rich city break.
 

Often overshadowed by Stockholm and Gothenburg, Malmö holds its own with an international vibe, Michelin-recommended restaurants, Scandinavian design, and a strong sustainability ethos. Whether you're here for a day trip or a weeklong stay, Malmö is a destination that welcomes creativity and diversity.

📍 Where is Malmö?

Country: Sweden

Region: Skåne (Scania)

Population: ~350,000

Nearest major cities: Copenhagen (30 min), Lund (15 min), Gothenburg (3 hrs)

Malmö is part of the Greater Copenhagen Region, connected to Denmark by the Öresund Bridge, a marvel of modern engineering.

🌉 Top Attractions in Malmö

1. Turning Torso

Sweden’s tallest building and an icon of Scandinavian design. This 190-meter twisted skyscraper symbolizes Malmö’s futuristic ambitions.

Architect: Santiago Calatrava

Style: Neo-futurism

Best photo spot: Västra Hamnen (Western Harbour)

2. Malmöhus Castle

A 16th-century fortress housing several museums: the City Museum, Natural History Museum, and an Art Museum.

Originally built by: King Christian III of Denmark

Entry: ~40 SEK, included in Malmö Museer ticket

Surroundings: Green parks and the Malmö Konsthall (Art Hall)

3. Stortorget & Lilla Torg

The historic main squares in the heart of Malmö. Lilla Torg is especially popular with its cobblestone charm and outdoor cafés.

Stortorget: Grand architecture, Town Hall, and horse carriages

Lilla Torg: Cosy dining spots, vibrant nightlife

4. Ribersborgsstranden ("Ribban")

Malmö’s urban beach, stretching for several kilometers. Popular for swimming, picnics, and walking along the boardwalk.

Open year-round

Features: Ribersborgs Kallbadhus (open-air sauna and sea bath)

5. Moderna Museet Malmö

A satellite of Stockholm’s Modern Museum, showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art.

Free admission

Located in: A beautifully converted old power station

🛍️ Shopping & Fashion in Malmö

Malmö is one of Sweden’s trendiest cities, home to:

Emporia Shopping Mall – One of Scandinavia’s largest shopping centers

Davidshall – For boutique Swedish and Nordic fashion

Möllevången (Möllan) – A multicultural district with international markets, vintage shops, and a bohemian vibe

🍽️ What to Eat in Malmö

Swedish Classics

Köttbullar – Swedish meatballs with lingonberry and mashed potatoes

Smörgåstårta – A savory sandwich cake

Malmö Specialties

Falafel – Malmö is called “Sweden’s falafel capital” due to its large Middle Eastern population

Herring (sill) – A traditional Skåne dish served pickled or fried

Where to Eat:

Vollmers – 2 Michelin stars, known for New Nordic cuisine

Bastard – A trendy bistro mixing Scandinavian and Mediterranean styles

Folk Mat & Möten – A sustainable dining spot with a mission

🌿 Sustainability in Malmö

Malmö is a model for sustainable urban living. Notable green initiatives include:

Western Harbour (Västra Hamnen) – A former industrial area transformed into an eco-friendly residential zone powered by renewable energy

City-wide bike paths – Over 500 km of lanes make Malmö one of Europe’s most bike-friendly cities

Green roofs and passive housing – Common in areas like Augustenborg

The city aims to be climate-neutral by 2030.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Malmö

Luxury

MJ’s Hotel – Stylish boutique hotel with lush interiors and a popular cocktail bar

Clarion Hotel Malmö Live – 4-star hotel near the train station and Turning Torso

Mid-range

Scandic Triangeln – Great location, modern comfort

Ohboy Hotel – Eco-conscious rooms and bike rentals

Budget

STF Malmö City Hostel – Affordable and family-friendly

Moment Hotels – Simple and central

🚲 Getting Around Malmö

Public Transport:

Buses & Trains: Run by Skånetrafiken. Easy to access via the mobile app.

Tickets: Buy digital tickets or pay by card on board

Malmö C (Central Station): Main transport hub

Biking:

Rent a bike at:

Donkey Republic (via app)

Malmö by Bike stations around the city

Walking:

The city center is very walkable and full of scenic routes.

🌉 Day Trips from Malmö

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

Just 35 minutes by train via the Öresund Bridge.

2. Lund

A charming university town with a beautiful Romanesque cathedral, just 15 minutes away.

3. Ystad & Ales Stenar

Explore the medieval streets of Ystad and visit Sweden’s Stonehenge, Ales Stenar, about 1 hour away.

📅 Events & Festivals

Malmö Festivalen (August) – A weeklong celebration with concerts, street food, and art

Nordic Game Conference (May) – One of Europe’s top video game industry events

Pride Malmö – Celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and inclusion

Malmö Arab Film Festival – The largest of its kind in Europe

🕰️ Best Time to Visit Malmö

🧳 Travel Tips for Malmö

Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)

Language: Swedish (English widely spoken)

Tipping: Optional (rounding up is polite)

Climate: Coastal temperate – windy but mild winters, cool summers

Emergency Number: 112

🔚 Final Thoughts: Malmö’s Modern Magic

Malmö might not boast the royal grandeur of Stockholm or the jazz bars of Gothenburg, but it has something arguably more special: a soulful mix of cultures, a green heart, and a bold vision for the future.

It’s a place where design meets diversity, where you can walk from medieval squares to futuristic harbors in minutes, and where eating falafel is as Swedish as enjoying herring.

For anyone seeking a refreshing Scandinavian city full of color, character, and creativity, Malmö is a must-visit.