My name is Riadh and welcome to my guide on the best things to do in Malmo. I’m originally from Tunisia. After high school, I decided to move to Hamburg to pursue my studies in biomedical engineering. In 2013, I bought my first smartphone. I didn’t think much of it at the time.
Then I realised that this device in my pocket, which allowed me to take photos, caused me to see the city I’ve been living in for years in a completely different light. I discovered the power of social media as a source of inspiration for travel and photography. Later on, after finishing my studies, I decided to pursue a career as a freelance digital content creator.
My Four Day Visit to Malmo
My recent visit to Malmo was in fact my third visit to this amazing city. It was a collaboration with Malmo Tourism. To be honest, years ago, Malmo was on my bucket-list but only as a day-trip destination from Copenhagen. However, after my first visit, I realised that I would need more than a day to see this city. A day trip would not do Malmo justice.
I stayed for four days this time around and visited many different neighborhoods like Vastra Hamnen, Ribersborg, Mollan and Gamla Staden. I managed to explore these places while also finding the time to take a break and enjoy some nice coffee and “Swedish Fika”. The best part about exploring these neighbourhoods was that they are all accessible by bike.
Favourite Place: Vastra Hamnen
Every neighbourhood that I visited had a different vibe to it. I think the place that fascinated me the most was Vastra Hamnen – a district that rose from the city’s industrial past and is considered as the city of tomorrow for being Europe’s first carbon-free district. It was an amazing place to explore.
10 Best Things To Do in Malmo
Malmo is Sweden’s third-largest city and the mix of old and new here is just intoxicating. Discover Dutch-Renaissance buildings in between modern and innovative pieces of architecture popping up everywhere. There’s so much to see and do – so let’s get started with my top 10 recommendations.
1. Bathe at the Open-Air Bath Ribersborgs Kallbadhus
The Ribersborgs Kallbadhus has to be one of the most unique attractions in Sweden. This open-air bath is a place of relaxation for both locals and tourists. Here you can enjoy activities such as hot tub relaxation, sauna bathing, ice swimming, sunbathing and paddling in the sea water pools.
2. Marvel at the Architecture of Turning Torso
Turning Torso is a futuristic residential skyscraper in Malmo and the tallest building in Scandinavia. This unique twisting building was opened in August, 2005 and has been the centrepiece of the city ever since. Walk by and take some photos of this building which is a photographers dream!
3. Take Photos at the Incredible Oresund Bridge
4. Visit Rosthuset, The Ugliest Building in Malmo
Rosthuset apartment complex has been called the ugliest building in Malmo because of its weathering steel facade. I still can’t decide whether I found it to be beautiful or ugly. Either way, one thing was for sure: that building left a real impression on me and stuck in mind long after visiting.
5. Wander through the Streets of Gamla Vaster
Gamla Vaster is the oldest part of the city with the most charming houses. It’s located in the west part of Malmo’s city center. Wander around the streets and stumble across historic buildings, coffee shops, art galleries and boutique hotels. Definitely worth a visit for an afternoon.
6. Experience a Swedish Fika in Malmo
You can’t visit Malmo (or Sweden in general) and not have a Swedish Fika at least once. The idea is a “coffee and cake break” but really the Fika is a lot more than that. It means sharing a coffee and cake with some friends or family – taking a break from work and spending time together.
7. Spend a Summers Day at Ribersborg Beach
Ribersborg is Malmo’s most visited beach. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. You can walk to the beach from the city centre. On arrival, you will see a mixture of young people, old folks and some of Malmo’s most beautiful people. Enjoy views of the Turning Torso too.
8. Explore the Vastra Hamnen Neighbourhood
Vastra Hamnen is a revamped neighbourhood home to the famous Turning Torso. From here you can enjoy stunning views of the city beach and the Oresund Bridge, especially during sunset. The neighbourhood was recently turned into a sustainability hub with goals that stretch into 2031.
9. Check out the Yalla Trappan Cooperative
Yalla Trappan is a work-integrating business and women’s cooperative. They have a restaurant, catering service, sewing studio, cleaning service and offer conference spaces. Their goal is to create jobs for foreign women with little or no work experience. I loved the concept behind this business.
10. Discover the City of Malmo by Boat
Travel along the canals and under the bridges to see Malmo from a new perspective. Join a Rundan Sightseeing boat tour which takes you through parks, the harbour, past the Malmohus Castle and back to the modern side. Plus these boats have no roofs so you will get a superb view of Malmo!
People, Culture & Food of Malmo
The best word to summarise the people of Malmo would be: chill. Even though Malmo is Sweden’s third-largest city, being able to explore most of its neighbourhoods by bike gives you that chill vibe. Another fantastic aspect about the city is the food scene which is super rich and diverse.
From local fish dishes, to Asian and Middle Eastern specialties, to the best vegan restaurants I’ve ever been to – Malmo has something for everyone to enjoy. Some places I recommend are: Malmo Saluhall (food market), Sajvva (vegetarian fusion), Namu (Korean fusion) and Nam Do (Vietnamese).
Best Places to Stay in Malmo
Accommodation in Malmo all depends on your preferences. If you like waking up in the charming old town then you should stay in Gamla Vaster. However, if you want to experience modern and minimalistic Malmo then you should stay in Vastra Hamnen. Both neighbourhoods are great.
Need to Know Before you Go
A couple of key travel tips for people looking to visit Malmo:
- Malmo is bike-friendly and using a bike is the best way to get around.
- The food scene is insanely good so make sure you make a list of some of the restaurants, cafes and bars that you want to visit.
- Get information about the new coronavirus rules prior to your trip.
- Malmo is well connected to other Swedish cities by train. It’s also well connected to Copenhagen – just 20 minutes by train.
Thanks for reading and I would like to leave you with my favourite memory from my latest visit to Malmo – watching the sunset in Vastra Hamnen with a couple of drinks and snacks after a long summer’s day of exploring was just wonderful. The views of the beach and Oresund Bridge were stunning.
