Planning a visit to the vibrant and diverse city of Malmo? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more, our guide will help you discover the top things to do in Malmo, Sweden.
The city is a melting pot of cultures, where traditions, cuisines, and festivals from around the world come together. With a vibrant community that welcomes people from all backgrounds, Malmo is always worth a visit.
Plan Your Visit in Malmo with our Guide
Make the most of your trip with Stromma's expert tips! Whether you’re visiting historic landmarks, exploring popular tourist attractions, or simply soaking in the local culture, Malmo has something for everyone.
Check out the map below to get an overview of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Malmo.
From Parks to Falafel - Experience the Best of Malmo
Stroll through the lush greenery of Kungsparken and Slottsparken, where you can relax and enjoy the serene landscapes. Don’t miss the iconic Turning Torso, a marvel of modern architecture that defines the city’s skyline.
For food lovers, trying Malmö’s falafel is a must – it’s a delicious representation of the city’s rich culinary diversity.
Malmo Sightseeing - Experience the City from the Water
One of the most popular ways to explore Malmo is by boat with Rundan Sightseeing! This 50-minute live-guided boat tour takes you along Malmö's scenic canals, passing under an impressive 22 bridges and past some of the city's iconic sights.
Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks, or purchase refreshments are available for purchase at the departure point.
Prefer to be your own captain? Rent a GoBoat and cruise the canals and harbor with just your friends and family. Choose between 1, 2, or 3 hours, and enjoy the freedom of sailing yourself. The boats are easy to navigate and doesn't require a licence - you must be 18 or older to sail.
Address: Norra Vallgatan 3
Top 3 Places to Do in Malmo
Take a leisurely walk through this beautiful city and explore a mix of historic and modern architecture, popular landmarks, and charming neighbourhoods.
1. Turning Torso and European Village
Turning Torso is one of Malmo’s most iconic landmarks. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, this 190-meter-tall skyscraper is located in Western Harbour, within the Bo01 block.
Nearby, you’ll find the European Village, a unique collection of townhouses inspired by various European architectural traditions.
Address: Lilla Varvsgatan 14
2. The Old Town
The Old Town in Malmo offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history. As you wander through its cobblestone streets and green parks, you’ll discover important landmarks, including Malmo Castle, which dates back to the 15th century, as well as charming old houses tucked away within the modern city.
In summer, you can take a canal tour with Rundan to spot historical remnants, such as the hooks under Schougens Bridge, which were once used to hang explosives in case of an enemy invasion.
Address: Gamla Staden
3. Möllevångstorget: The Cultural Hub
Known to locals as Möllan, this vibrant area is a hub of community and creativity. Here, you’ll find restaurants serving international cuisine, concert venues with music for all tastes, as well as pubs and karaoke clubs.
Don’t miss Mitt Möllan, a cultural hotspot featuring food, thrift shops, and art exhibitions.
Address: Möllevången
Top Attractions & Museums in Malmo
Find out more about Malmo’s key roles in historical battles and secret events and discover artistic expressions in modern art! In the city center you'll find many fascinating museums and must-see attractions.
Malmo Castle / Malmöhus Slott
Located in the heart of Malmo, this is the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordic region. Parts of Malmö Castle that still stand today were built in the early 15th century, and the site has served the city in many ways over the centuries. In the 18th century, it was used as a prison, and it wasn’t until the 20th century that it was restored and reopened as a museum.
Malmö Castle houses three museums: the Modern Art Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Technology and Maritime, where you can explore the evolution of technology both above and underwater.
Address: Malmöhusvägen 6
The Modern Museum
This interesting museum brings modern art to Malmo! Designed by Tham Videgård Arkitekter, the museum serves as a gateway between past and present, blending the historic 1901 electricity plant with modern architecture.
Address: Ola Billgrens plats 2-4
Ebbas House
Step back in time to the 1910s! This tiny house-turned-museum invites you to experience daily life as it was for the Olsson family in the early 1900s.
Ebba, the daughter of the family, lived in the house for almost her entire life. When she passed away in 1989, she donated her home and her furniture to the county, wishing for it to become a museum where children could see how people once lived.
Although the newest parts of the house date back to the 1910s, its oldest sections go all the way back to the 18th century. You’re welcome to visit Ebbas House and explore this charming piece of history!
Address: Snapperupsgatan 10
Malmo Konsthall
At Malmo Konsthall, contemporary art comes to life, sparking conversations and discussions. The venue showcases works from artists around the world and hosts a variety of exciting exhibitions and events.
With a strong focus on bringing different art forms together, each new exhibition offers a unique and dynamic experience.
Address: S:t Johannesgatan 7
Explore Malmo’s Many Historic Squares
Malmo’s squares are spread across the city, each with its own unique character and purpose. Whether you’re looking for historic landmarks, lively markets, or cozy cafés, these public spaces bring people together and showcase different sides of Malmö’s culture.
Stortorget (The Big Square)
- Malmo’s largest and oldest square, dating back to 1540
- Located in the city center, surrounded by historic buildings
Notable sights at Stortorget:
- The equestrian statue of King Karl X Gustav, who led the conquest of Skåne from Denmark
- Malmo Rådhus (City Hall), an impressive Renaissance-style building
- The Kockska Huset, a well-preserved historic house
- Hosts events and markets throughout the year
Lilla Torg (The Little Square)
- A charming, cobbled square right next to Stortorget
- Famous for its well-preserved historic buildings and cozy atmosphere
- Known for its cafés, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular spot for dining and nightlife
- Features wooden houses and outdoor seating areas in summer
Gustav Adolfs Torg
- A large, lively square in central Malmo, named after King Gustav IV Adolf
- A major transport hub with bus connections across the city
Notable sights:
- The iconic fountain in the center
- Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and Malmo's tourist information center
- Often used for events, political gatherings, and markets
Davidshallstorg
- A stylish, quieter square near the shopping district
- Surrounded by boutiques, designer stores, and cafés
- A great spot for coffee, people-watching, and relaxed dining
Drottningtorget (Queen’s Square)
- A historic square with a farmers’ market on weekends
- Features beautiful architecture and a more relaxed vibe compared to the busier squares
- Close to Malmo’s old industrial areas, now transformed into creative spaces
Nobeltorget
- Named after Alfred Nobel, this square is home to cultural events and political gatherings
- Features a large sculpture of Nobel
- Located in a residential area but still has a lively atmosphere
Raoul Wallenbergs Park & Square
- A small but significant square named after Raoul Wallenberg, who saved thousands of Jews during WWII
- Features a memorial sculpture dedicated to his heroism
- A peaceful place for reflection
Värnhemstorget
- A major transport hub in the city, with many buses connecting different parts of Malmo
- Surrounded by shops, eateries, and Malmo's well-known Entré shopping center
Enjoy a Relaxing Beach Day
With the Øresund strait as its backdrop, Malmo offers several great beaches just a short distance from the city center.
Ribersborg Beach
Also known as "Ribban," this is Malmo’s most famous beach, stretching about 2 km along the coast.
Shallow water, making it great for families.
Features a long pier, green areas, and the historic Ribersborgs Kallbadhus (a traditional Swedish cold bathhouse with saunas).
Popular for swimming, jogging, and picnicking.
Västra Hamnen & Scaniabadet
More of a bathing area than a traditional beach, located near Turning Torso.
Features wooden decks and piers for sunbathing and jumping into the deep water.
Modern, urban vibe with nearby cafes and restaurants.
Great for sunset views over Oresund.
Sibbarp Beach
Located in the southwest part of Malmo, close to the Oresund Bridge.
Sandy beach with grassy areas and small piers.
Good for windsurfing and other water sports.
Family-friendly, with BBQ areas and playgrounds.
Klagshamn Beach
A bit further from the city but offers a more natural setting.
Sandy beach with shallow, clear water.
Less crowded than Ribersborg, making it a great escape on busy summer days.
Popular for kitesurfing due to the windy conditions.
Where to Find the Best Shopping Areas in Malmo
Whether you prefer modern malls or small independent shops, Malmo has something for every style and budget, with a mix of big-brand stores, local boutiques, and lively shopping streets to explore.
Emporia - Malmo’s Largest Shopping Mall
Over 200 shops, including international brands like Zara, H&M, Nike, and Apple.
Features restaurants, cafés, and a rooftop terrace with a view of the Oresund Bridge.
Easily accessible by train (Hyllie Station) and car.
Triangeln Shopping Center
Located in central Malmo, right next to Triangeln train station.
Home to popular brands like Åhléns, MQ, H&M, and Levi’s.
Offers a mix of fashion, home décor, and electronics.
Södergatan & Södra Förstadsgatan - Malmo’s Main Shopping Streets
The main pedestrian streets in central Malmö, connecting Stortorget and Triangeln.
Home to a mix of high-street brands, department stores, and local boutiques.
Perfect for mainstream fashion, accessories, and everyday shopping.
Davidshall – Trendy & Stylish Shopping Area
Known for independent fashion boutiques, vintage shops, and Scandinavian design stores.
A great place for unique finds and high-end Scandinavian brands.
Möllevången (Möllan) – Vibrant & Multicultural
Known for its outdoor market at Möllevångstorget.
Features vintage shops, second-hand stores, and international food markets.
Ideal for thrift shopping and discovering local designers.
Gamla Väster – Art Galleries & Designer Stores
The old town area with a charming atmosphere.
Perfect for unique, high-quality gifts and souvenirs.
Fun Facts About Malmo
- Malmo is the third largest city in Sweden; Stockholm and Gothenburg are number one and two
- Located in Skane (Skåne in Swedish), a province known for its beautiful scenery, culinary experiences, and high quality of life
- Nearly half of Malmo’s residents are under the age of 35, making it one of Sweden’s youngest major cities
- Originally part of Denmark, Malmo became Swedish in 1658 through the Treaty of Roskilde
What to Do in Malmo – Final Tips
With so many exciting things to do in Malmo, from boat tours to beach days, your trip is sure to be unforgettable. Whether you’re into food, history, shopping, or sightseeing, Malmo offers something for every kind of traveler.
Frequently Asked Questions When Visiting Malmo
How do I get to Malmo from Copenhagen, and how long does it take?
Take the regional train from Copenhagen Central Station to Malmo Central Station, it takes about 40 minutes. Plan your trip with www.rejseplanen.dk
Do people in Malmo speak English?
Yes, most people in Malmo speak English well.
Is Malmo safe for tourists?
Yes, Malmo is a safe city to visit. However, we recommend keeping an eye on your belongings and not leaving bags unattended, as this is always a good rule of thumb.
Do we need to bring cash, or can we use our credit card?
Most places accept credit cards (note that American Express may not be as widely accepted as VISA), but it’s always a good idea to have a little cash just in case.
Map of Malmo's Top Tourist Attractions
Find the top locations in Malmo on the map below.
