City break in and around Malmö – tips for a week-long trip

An ideal destination for outdoor activities

One of Malmö’s greatest charms is how easy it is to explore. Whether you prefer walking, cycling or paddling, the city is compact and well-connected with green spaces and scenic routes. Here is an itinerary suggestion for a short bike ride.

Notable city parks

Malmö offers a variety of outdoor experiences within easy reach. Three standout parks provide space for everything from picnics to paddleboarding:

• Slottsträdgården – an organic garden and green haven near Malmöhus Castle, combining lawns, ponds, forested corners and sculptures. The nearby library also impresses with its striking architecture.
• Folkets Park – Dating back to the early 19th century, this is Malmö’s oldest public park. Here, nature meets culture with a park theatre, vintage music pavilion, playgrounds, summer stage, reptile centre, minigolf, trampolines and even pony rides – making it a hit with families.
• Pildammsparken – a peaceful park with open lawns, flowerbeds and a large pond, perfect for a reflective walk. Don’t miss Queen Silvia's Rose Garden in the park’s centre.

For a quintessential Malmö experience, visit Ribersborgs Kallbadhus – a historic open-air bathhouse with saunas and year-round sea swimming. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views across the Öresund Strait and the Öresund Bridge.

Day trips into nature

Take a break from city life and head out into the diverse landscapes of Skåne. Here are three great day trips to consider:

• Romeleåsen Ridge – Just a short drive or bus ride from Malmö, this forested ridge is ideal for hiking and offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. You can reach Genarp, the main entry point, by taking bus 172 from Malmö Central Station.
• Klagshamn Nature Reserve – A popular local getaway about 15 kilometres from the city centre, with sandy beaches, birdwatching opportunities and swimming spots. Accessible by bike, or via public transport such as bus 6 from Malmö Hyllie.
• Bokskogen – A much-loved recreational area just 20 minutes from Malmö. This peaceful forest offers walking trails, jogging paths, and plenty of space to relax. At its heart lies Torup Castle, one of Sweden’s best-preserved medieval castles. Easily accessible via regional bus 148 from Malmö Södervärn.

Cultural gems not to be missed

Malmö’s rich cultural tapestry is shaped by centuries of history and a modern, forward-looking spirit. The city’s historic heart is a great place to start: stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town and explore architectural gems like St. Peter’s Church (Sankt Petri Kyrka), a striking 14th-century Gothic landmark, and Stortorget, Malmö’s oldest square. Just a short walk away lies Malmöhus Castle, the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in Scandinavia and home to several museums.

Malmö also embraces the contemporary – from colourful murals and public sculptures to cutting-edge architecture and vibrant neighbourhoods. Notable sights to admire include:

• Turning Torso – This twisted skyscraper, designed by Santiago Calatrava, was once Sweden’s tallest building at 190 metres and remains one of the country’s most iconic architectural landmarks.
• The Western Harbour (Västra Hamnen) – Once an industrial port, now a model for sustainable urban living. Stroll along the waterfront, admire the modern design and take a dip at Ribersborg beach.
• The Öresund Bridge – Stretching around 8 kilometres, this engineering marvel connects Sweden with Denmark. Spot it during a bike ride or kayak trip along Malmö’s coast.

Museums in the city

For culture lovers, Malmö offers an impressive selection of museums and galleries:

• Moderna Museet Malmö – A branch of Stockholm’s famous modern art museum, housed in a striking former power station. Expect works from the early 20th century to today.
• Malmö Konsthall – One of Europe’s largest exhibition spaces for contemporary art, with an ever-changing programme.
• Form/Design Center – A hub for Scandinavian design and architecture, located in a historic warehouse in the city centre.

Day trips for culture lovers

• Lund – Only 15 minutes by train or bus, Lund is one of Sweden’s oldest towns and a lively university city. Explore the majestic cathedral, cobblestone streets, and buzzing café culture.
• Foteviken Viking Museum – Step into the Viking Age at this reconstructed village on the Falsterbo peninsula. Learn about Norse life through hands-on experiences and exhibitions. Reachable by bus from Malmö in about 45 minutes.
• Ystad – Just over an hour by train from Malmö, this charming coastal town is known for its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and maritime heritage. Home to a vibrant arts scene, a historic abbey, and the setting for the popular Wallander crime novels, Ystad makes for a culture-rich day by the sea.

A vibrant and cosmopolitan culinary scene

With influences from all over the world and strong ties to the surrounding farmland, Malmö has become one of Sweden’s most exciting culinary cities. The food scene here blends global flavours with regional ingredients – from laid-back cafés to acclaimed fine dining.

Restaurants in the city

• Aster – A welcoming neighbourhood restaurant housed in a former industrial space, serving flavour-packed seasonal dishes and natural wines.
• Spill – Known for its ever-changing lunch menu and focus on high-quality ingredients that would otherwise go to waste.
• Farm2Table – A beloved brunch and lunch spot known for its colourful, plant-based dishes served in a cosy and creative setting.
• Jord – A cosy vegan café that champions local produce and plant-based cooking.
• Vollmers – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant offering a refined tasting menu based on local, seasonal ingredients.

Day trips for foodies

• Skåne’s vineyards – The region is home to around 20 vineyards, thanks to its fertile soil and mild climate. A great example is Thora Vingård, where you can savour lunch and dinner surrounded by rolling hills and grapevines.
• Vyn – Located in the Österlen countryside, Vyn is a destination restaurant and boutique hotel led by acclaimed chef Daniel Berlin. Awarded two Michelin stars, it offers an elevated dining experience with imaginative Nordic flavours and stunning views over the coast.
• Kalcium – Located further south on Österlen, Kalcium is a modern restaurant set in a beautifully restored former dairy. The menu highlights Nordic ingredients in season, with a special focus on dairy as its signature element.

Make the most of your Malmö visit

Want more ideas for your Malmö itinerary? Check out our guides for inspiration:

• Cafés in Malmö
• Nightlife in Malmö
• Hotels in Malmö

Whether you're a foodie, art lover, outdoor explorer or city stroller, Malmö has something for everyone. And with so much to discover in and around the city, it’s well worth staying a little longer.