Summary
The medieval university town of Malmö is Sweden’s third-largest city after Stockholm and Gothenburg, and one of the most charming towns in Scandinavia.
A blissful and quaint little town, there are numerous reasons to visit Malmö. It boasts everything from medieval castles, catacombs, and cathedrals, to inspiring architecture, a youthful creative scene, and one of the most prestigious universities in the country.
Although it’s more expensive than the average European city, visiting Malmö is an absolute must for those traveling to Sweden or Europe in general.
A Two Day Malmo Itinerary
Due to its small size and mostly flat surface, Malmö is highly walkable. The locals often get around on bicycles and motorized scooters, utilizing the excellent cycle trail network that integrates the region.
Consequently, the city remains extremely quiet, with hardly any vehicles or pollution. Given Sweden’s excellent reputation for recycling and green energy usage, it’s recognized as one of the world’s purest and cleanest cities.
Malmo Itinerary – Day One
We opted to rent a bicycle to explore Malmö.
Using the DonkeyRepublic rideshare app, I easily located an available bike, unlocked it, and set off. It’s an affordable and efficient way to navigate the city.
Lilla Torg
Nestled in the heart of Gamla Staden, Malmö’s Old Town, Lilla Torg (meaning “Little Square”) is a cozy historic marketplace, ideal for beginning your trip around the city.
Surrounding the cobblestone square are quaint restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, and apartments, creating a lovely blend of historical ambiance and modern lifestyle that characterizes the city.
Stortoget
The main square in the heart of the city center, Stortoget, is the largest and oldest square in Malmö and was once the biggest square in Northern Europe.
A massive equestrian statue of King Karl Gustav X stands in the center. The square is surrounded by 16th-century buildings, including the town hall and the headquarters of the provincial government of Skåne.
Turning onto Rundelsgatan from Stortoget, you’ll encounter the medieval St. Peter’s Gothic church, along with a vividly colored, multi-storey car park called Petri P-Hus, perfect for capturing striking juxtaposed photos.
Moderna Museet Malmo
Further along the road is Moderna Museet, Malmö’s museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
If this piques your interest, you’ll appreciate the photography on display and an extensive Picasso collection, plus entry is free.
- Opening times: 11am-5pm
Lunch: Smör & Bröd
Head down Stora Nyagatan for lunch at Smör & Bröd, an authentic Swedish restaurant where you can sample delicious platters of Smorrebrod, a traditional Swedish dish. A single serving is 30Kr, while a platter of three is 85Kr.
- Opening times: 6am-4pm
- Tip: Arrive early for a satisfying breakfast buffet at 79Kr.
Malmö Castle and Castle Mill
After lunch, head over to the historic Malmö Castle located at Castle Park.
Cycling around Malmö is straightforward due to its compact and flat terrain, complemented by an excellent city-wide cycling route network.
Take a right to enter Castle Park and follow the winding trail, passing large trees, lawns, and a lake, stopping by the Castle Mill perched on a small hill within the park.
Just a few yards up the trail, you’ll enjoy picturesque views of the vibrant red Malmö Castle across the river.
Malmö Library
On your return from Castle Park, you will discover the stunning Malmö City Library on Kung Oscars Road.
Beyond its picturesque exterior, the interior is a captivating paradise with beautiful lighting and excellent facilities, specifically designed for families with babies and kids.
- Opening times: Mon-Thu: 8:30am-8pm, Fri: 8:30am-6pm, Sat-Sun: 11am-5pm
Gamla Polishuset (vertical garden)
If possible, check out the nearby Gamla Polishuset, a large building featuring an enormous, lush vertical garden covering its walls.
Unfortunately, it was undergoing renovations during my visit, but it’s definitely worth a look if you get the chance.
St John’s Church
As you return towards the main mall and metro station at Triangeln, admire the beauty of St John’s Church in the late afternoon sunlight.
The clear sky highlights its unique domes, spires, and astrological clock, which you might have spotted upon arriving at Triangeln station earlier.
Dinner: Burritofriends
Burritofriends is a great choice for tasty burritos at reasonable prices.
With plenty of fillings to select from, they also offer tacos, nachos, milkshakes, and ice cream, making it convenient for a quick meal.
- Open hours: 11am-9pm
Visit Malmo – Day 2
Malmö Konsthall (modern museum)
We kick off our second day at Malmö Konsthall, a modern art exhibition museum that’s worth visiting for art enthusiasts, with free admission to boot.
- Opening hours: 11am-5pm
Jakob Nilsgatan Street
One of my favorite spots in Malmö is Jakob Nilsgatan Street, a quiet little street located just north of the city center in the Gamla Väster district.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by an empty cobblestone street lined with bold, stylish, colorful houses adorned with lush foliage and charming potted plants, alongside the occasional vintage bicycle.
You’ll have ample opportunities to wander the street and its alleys while capturing some of the most Instagram-worthy snapshots of your journey.
Since vehicles are prohibited on this street and it rarely sees foot traffic, it offers a peaceful atmosphere.
During my stroll, I encountered just one passerby in under an hour—truly one of Malmö’s hidden gems.
Lunch: Avokado
Without question, Avokado is among the best dining spots in the city. I ordered a brunch platter featuring a variety of delicious organic food and juices, alongside a superb cup of coffee.
The meals are plant-based, and though I’m not a vegetarian, I can confidently say the food is exceptional, complemented by friendly service.
- Opening times: 10am-4pm
If you’re in the mood for something more hearty, Korvhuset serves traditional Swedish cuisine at reasonable prices.
World Maritime University
Post-lunch, make your way north through the center of Malmö to admire the striking architecture of the World Maritime University building.
Founded by the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, it’s certainly a landmark worth seeing.
Malmö Lighthouse
From the university, you can spot the iconic red and white striped Malmö Lighthouse in the distance, making it easy to head towards the riverside for a better view.
The Turning Torso
Your next stop is one of Malmö’s most notable landmarks: the Turning Torso.
This neo-futuristic skyscraper stands at 190 meters tall, recognized as the world’s first twisted skyscraper and the tallest building in Scandinavia.
The best vantage point of the Turning Torso is by heading west on Stora Varvsgatan from the lighthouse.
At the site itself, head southward beside the canals on Roder Gatan for more picturesque views of this architectural marvel.
Fiskehoddorna (fishing huts)
Continuing on Vastra Varvsgatan will lead you to the vibrant fishing huts known as Fiskehoddorna, an iconic part of Malmö’s heritage.
Fishing has been central to the city’s culture and livelihood since the Middle Ages due to an abundance of herring and salmon in the Øresund Sea.
The huts were constructed in the 19th century to serve as residences for fishermen.
- Did you know: Centuries ago, Malmö was a rapidly expanding city within the Danish Kingdom, thriving on the fishing trade. Following several wars, it ultimately became part of Sweden in 1678.
To maintain their connection to Malmö’s history, these huts remain active, allowing the fishermen to trade and host markets where customers can purchase locally-caught, fresh fish and enjoy lunch on-site.
If you have the opportunity, check out the picturesque Blue Houses at Turbinkanalen.
Dinner Day 2 in Malmo: Ariana Afghan Restaurant
After enjoying a delicious vegan lunch, we opted for something heartier for dinner. Ariana is amongst the best budget-friendly places to eat.
Located in the multicultural Möllevangen district, the restaurant serves Afghan cuisine, featuring generous portions of dishes like chicken biryanis and lamb kebabs, accompanied by complimentary soup and bread.
- Opening times: 11am-9pm
If You Stay a Little Longer..
Ribersborg Kallbadhus public spa
A 20-minute walk (or 10-minute cycle) from the fishing huts will bring you to the Ribersborg Open-air bath.
Regrettably, we didn’t bring swimwear on our trip; however, it would be a perfect way to unwind and relax in the steamy sauna after a long day, regardless of the weather.
Brave visitors can cool off in the sea afterward!
- Opening times: 10am-7pm
What I Loved About Malmö, Sweden
From two days of exploring Malmö, I was genuinely impressed by the abundance of sights and activities available in such a compact town.
Like many visitors, I strategically chose Malmö as a base to explore, allowing me to enjoy day trips in Copenhagen, just 30 minutes away, before returning to Malmö for more affordable accommodation.
Ultimately, I divided my time evenly between the two cities—two days in Malmö and two days in Copenhagen.
I adored the serenity and colors of Jakob Nilsgatan, along with the contrast of modern buildings like the Turning Torso and the historic Malmöhus Castle and Mill.
One of the most striking features of this city is its cleanliness—there wasn’t a single piece of trash on the ground. Additionally, the absence of cars meant no noise or fumes, with everyone commuting via bicycles.
Budget Tips for Malmö
See the city on foot – Malmö is a small and flat city, making it easy to explore on foot, an ideal option for those on a budget and with time to spare.
Public transport – Consider using a public transport card or a JOJO card for 24 hours or more, available at the main train station’s Travel Center Office. The JOJO card also offers discounts on trains to Copenhagen via the Øresund Bridge.
If you plan to stay longer than two days, the Malmö card is a worthwhile investment, granting free entry to several museums and complimentary public transport.
Cheap eats in Malmö – Opt for cafes in lieu of traditional restaurants. Noir offers excellent open sandwiches alongside delicious pastries and coffee, while Kao specializes in meat-free options.
Some of Malmö’s best budget-friendly meals can be found in the food court at Mitt Möllan mall.
If you seek a restaurant providing high-quality Middle Eastern food with generous portions at pocket-friendly prices, open until late, Falafel No.1 is an outstanding option.
Best Time to Visit Malmo
For a brief stay in this Scandinavian city, the optimal time to visit is between May and August when the weather is warmer and the days are longer.
How to Get to Malmo
Copenhagen serves as the nearest airport, and although it’s in a different country, the journey to Malmö takes just minutes.
Upon arriving at Copenhagen Airport, I promptly purchased my train tickets and boarded the train to Malmö—the ride across the Oresund Bridge takes only 20 minutes.
Upon reaching Hyllie, Sweden’s first town, Swedish Border Guards boarded the train to check passports.
Within moments, the train resumed its journey and soon arrived at the next stop: Malmö Central Station.
I was amazed at how quickly this entire journey unfolded—it was smooth, easy, and incredibly convenient, allowing me to travel overwater from one country to another in less than half an hour!
This illustrates the beauty of Europe and the efficiency of the Schengen Zone.
Thank you for reading this guide to visiting Malmö. I hope this itinerary inspires you to explore this remarkable Scandinavian city one day!
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