Sweden, Travel blog

11 things to do in Malmö in summer

Torso building Malmö mandmarks

 *In paid collaboration with @malmotown

What about a city trip to Sweden? There are many things to do in Malmö in summer. Thanks to it’s warm temperature, a long sandy beach and the charming old town make it one of the most favorite and easy to reach summer getaway in Northern Europe.

How to get into Malmö

Malmö has its own international airport which offers non-stop connections with a few selected cities.
Copenhagen airport is the biggest closest airport with more connections and better deals. The two cities are connected by the Øresund Bridge, an impressive bridge of 15,9km. From Berlin, there is also Flixbus. It is quite a long journey but perfect if you have things to do during the ride; It is also convenient as it drops you in the city center.

11 things to do in Malmo in Summer 8

Going around in Malmö

Getting around Malmö is quite easy and enjoyable. Although Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden, it is a relatively small city and almost every place is at walkable distance (30-40 min).

Renting a bike is always a good option. Many hotels offer a bike rental service, alternatively you can use the app Malmö by Bike.
Public transportations work very efficiently in Malmö and you can easily move around by bus too. You can check timetable, tickets and routs on the Skånetrafiken app

How long to stay in Malmö?

If two days would be better, three days is the deal! It looks a small city but there are many places to visit and activities to do. You might want to spend some time by the beach, enjoy the local food and have time for some shopping. Three days will give you the perfect time to see all the main areas and have some spare time to relax and get into the vibe of Malmö.

11 things to do in Malmö

Explore Gamla Stadan (malmö old town)

The old medieval town is a little gem and heart of the city. Quite during the day can become quite busy at nights. Local and tourists gather in its cobblestone streets for dinner and drinks.
Explore the many hidden colorful streets all around the two main squares: Stortorge, the largest ones built in the 1540, where is located the City Hall, and Lillatorg (little square), full of restaurants and bars.
Tip for dinner : Bastard restaurant, a charming restaurant in the heart of the old town with European/Scandinavian cuisine, listed on the Michelin guide.

Malmö old town

Have a stroll in Vastra Hamnen (the western harbour)

Contrary to the old town, Vastra Hamnen it is a modern neighborhood with a beautiful view over the strait of Øresund and Øresund bridge. Probably the favorite spot to watch sunset, it is also home of the Turning Torso building, a residential skyscraper which, with its height of 190 meters, is the tallest building in Sweden. Built from 2001 to 2005, it counts 147 apartments and becomes one of the landmarks of the city.
Another sightseeing not to miss in this area is the Old Light House.

Enjoy a beach day at Ribersborgsstranden (Ribersborg beach)

Ribersborgsstranden is a beautiful 2.5 km long sandy beach. It goes from Västervång neighborhood to the waterfront park of Vastra Hamnen. Water are quite shallow, perfect for kids. It includes a few food stands and a dog friendly area on the right side

Malmö beach

Experience an open air bath

For a very Swedish experience, you can’t miss the open air bath of Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, located on Ribersborg beach. The 18th building itself is quite spectacular alone with a long pier over the bay and views of the Øresund bridge and Turning Torso. Ribersborgs Kallbadhus counts five saunas, two sea water pools, two wood-fired hot tubs and a sun deck. Men and women areas are divided in respect of privacy. In fact, Sweden traditions would include using the area without a bathing suit, although of course is not mandatory (expect for the sauna). Not even winter can stop locals and the bravest to have a jump in the open watr!

Relax in one of the many parks in Malmö

Malmö is a very green city, there are many well curated parks with gardens and cafes where to spend a couple of hours in relax. Enjoy a walk in Pildammsparken, the biggest park in town, Kunsparken/Slottsparken for aGondola tour or a coffee at slottstradgardens kafe.
 

Shopping in Davidshall neighborhood

Head to this bubbly neighborhood for vintage shopping, cafés, and design shops. Quite popular and crowded, it has its own charm.

Enjoy a “Fika” (coffee break)

None enjoy coffee breaks like Swedish people. Sharing a coffee with friends or colleagues become a culture aspect of the Swedish lifestyle. They always find a time to have a “fika” in all relax. A great variety of pastries makes the coffee break even more interesting! A must is the delicious vanilla hearts (Vaniljhjärta) or Cinnamon buns (Kanelbulle).Everywhere in the city you can find cute cafes where to enjoy it, our picks are: Söderberg and Sara, Uggla Kaffebar, St. Jakobs Stenugnsbageri, Lilla Kafferosteriet.

Fika in Malmö

Visit the fish market at Fiskehoddorna

The picturesque small fish market is open Tuesday to Saturday from 6.30am till 1pm. Local fishermen will serve you the freshest fish in town! Definitely one of the best things to do in Malmö!

Try amazing Swedish food at Malmö Saluhall

Malmö Saluhall is a food market perfect for lunch with a lot of options for every taste at a very good price. Fresh fish, pasta, falafel, tapas, and of course coffee and Swedish pastries. Open on weekdays 11am-7pm, Saturdays 11-5pm and Sundays 11am-4pm.

Pay a visit at Malmö Stadsbibliotek (city library)

Malmö is not only a holiday destination but is also known to be a university city. Every year it hosts about 24.000 students. Not far from the university, there is the very remarkable City Library. It opened in 1905 (in 1946 at this adress) and now it counts three buildings. In the new “The Calendar of light” building, you can find the spectacular glass window with 18 meters ceiling.

Sunset on a rooftop

Who does not love rooftop? Enjoy a 360 view over the Øresund strait at Kitchen&Table.

As you can see there are many things to do in Malmö in summer. It makes it to me the best time to visit the city as you can enjoy it fully.

For more inspiration about Sweden, I also recommend you to read my article about Smaland, a great place for the most adventurous ones in summer and my article about Jamtland for great winter activities.