City Guide – Malmö

Home to Scandinavia’s tallest building and third largest city in Sweden, Malmö is increasingly emerging as a must visit multicultural hub. With one-third of the Malmö population from various other countries, the city is one of the most cosmopolitan in Sweden. This has contributed to a rich cultural life and many exotic and fine food opportunities. With Copenhagen a simple hours coach ride away, the city has increasingly benefitted from its now famous Øresund bridge which spans seven and a half miles between Denmark and Sweden providing the ultimate access for a two nation holiday.

Top Reasons to visit:

PROXIMITY- Being so close to Denmarks capital Copenhagen, you can easily visit Malmö for the day to add that second nation within your holiday plans. Its laid back culture and vibrant food scene makes this the perfect place to deep your toes into a Swedish experience.

FIKA- Fika is the art of taking a break for coffee, cake and to socialise with the people around you. But it is more than just having a break, it is about taking time to slow down and appreciate the good things in life that normally go unrecognised. Cinnamon buns, cakes, cookies, even open-faced sandwiches pass as acceptable fika fare. So it comes as no surprise that Swedes are among the top consumers of coffee and sweets in the world.

MULTICULURALISM- Malmö’s 350,000 people are made up of more than 200 different nationalities, which has given the city a multi-cultural buzz that any big city dweller will recognise in a second. The incredible mix of people is a big part of Malmö becoming one of the coolest cities around, with a rich cultural life bringing you tastes and vibes from all around the world.

Top Experiences:

CYCLE THE CITY- The Swedes are crazy about cycling and to prove the point Malmö has 420 kilometres of cycle paths throughout the city. Presenting the perfect excuse to breeze around while taking in all the sights. There a number of bike rental stores across the city with many offering discounts if you hire for the whole day.

BATHE IN THE SEA- If you need a healthy break from the amount of fika you have participated in, head towards the Ribersborgs Kallbadhus. Uniquely located at the end of a pier, there are 5 saunas within the complex: two for the ladies (a regular one and a quiet one), two for men and one mixed sauna with high humidity. Once you have steamed off in one of the Saunas you can then take some steps into a ‘sheltered’ portion of the sea or take the real plunge into the open sea.

TAKE A WANDER AROUND KINGS PARK- Malmö is best known for its expansive green estate of beautifully manicured and maintained parklands surrounding the old castle. Intertwined with meandering pathways that compliment the various statues and sculptures throughout, Kings park contains various gardens that are fantastic to stroll through no matter the season. With over 130 mature trees from all around the world lining the many ponds and fountains, Kings Park is the perfect place to have that summertime picnic.

Top Tourist Traps:

MALMÖHUS -£- Scandinavias oldest surviving Renaissance castle overflows with history. In the Middle ages, Denmark’s coins were minted here and in the 16th century Crown Prince Frederick often held wild parties within the grounds. Three separate museums make up the grounds of this historic castle, the Malmö Konstmuseum, Stadsmuseum and a large and unexpected Aquarium all available to visit under one cheap entry ticket.

ØRESUND BRIDGE -£- A strange tourist destination and one that requires you to leave the country via road or rail. Øresund bridge connects Sweden and Denmark and was officially opened in 1999. The bridge measures around 5 miles in length from Malmö to the artificial island of Peberholm, from where it connects to a 2.5 mile long tunnel continuing to Copenhagen. The tunnel was constructed so that the road and rail traffic coming across the bridge wouldn’t impact the airplanes landing at the Copenhagen’s airport. It is the longest combined bridge for road and rail traffic in Europe enabling it to connect the Scandinavian Peninsula to Central Europe. Its epic length and bi-country position inspired the popular crime drama the Bridge.

SANKT PETRI CHURCH – £- Malmö’s oldest building dates to the 14th century and has the Gothic lines shared by most Hanseatic churches. The medieval frescoes on the church were destroyed during the religious wars in the 16th century. It boasts an impressive wooden altarpiece from 1611 and restored medieval wall paintings in the Merchant’s Chapel. A votive ship in a south aisle is a memorial, dedicated to fallen soldiers at sea during the Second World War.

Best Places to eat:

MALMÖ SALUHALL- £/££- Malmö’s new indoor market is a short walk from the city’s central station, so it’s a handy spot to head to on arrival, or stock up on fuel for your journey home. Produce includes sausages from Limhamns Kött & Vilt, fresh fish caught during high tide around the tiny island of Ven, and the ultimate cinnamon buns and sourdough bread from St Jakobs Stenugnsbageri.

LILLA KAFFEROSTERIET -££- The oldest café in Malmö is still the most popular for a reason. Sitting just off Malmö’s main square, Lilla Torg, the 16th century building houses a warren of rooms spanning two floors. The cosy feel of its former life as a family home remains, with mismatched tables and chairs, quiet nooks and low ceilings. There’s an atmospheric cobbled courtyard at the back with an ivy-covered gazebo, little lanterns dotted around, and large blankets on the back of every chair. Lilla Kafferosteriet is the perfect place to take a break from sight-seeing and enjoy some much needed rest.

Best City-wide events:

MALMÖ PRIDE – Normally held yearly at the beginning of June, Malmö Pride transforms the city in a burst of colour and happiness while also addressing key issues around Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. With a vibrant parade, spectacular concerts, informative lectures, and performances from many within the LGBTQ+ community, Malmö Pride Week offers something for everyone whether you are an ally to the community or a seasoned activist.

THE MALMÖ FESTIVAL – a warm, friendly and sustainable festival and that has taken the city of Malmö for a wild dance one week every year since 1985. Right in the heart of the city you can experience everything from ground breaking art, music and culture to a variety of food that reflects the intercultural vibes and people of Malmo.

When to go & daily costs?

April as the days get longer and before the summer rates kick in. August for when Malmö is at its best, bursting with city wide festivals. November/December for its breathtaking Christmas Markets.