Skip to main content
A square in an old town, brick and stone houses along the side. Outdoor restaurants with parasols. People walking and sitting on benches and several bikes are parked on the square.
Lilla Torg, Malmö
The square Lilla Torg, in the neighbourhood of Gamla Väster, is packed with restaurants.
Photo credit: Apelöga

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

Malmö is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city where innovative culture meets laid-back coastal life. Set in the heart of Skåne – a region known for its fertile landscapes, rich history and scenic countryside – Malmö makes an excellent base for a longer city break in southern Sweden.

Located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Malmö is Sweden’s third-largest city, after Stockholm and Gothenburg. Thanks to its southern location, Skåne benefits from a mild climate with early springs, long summers and gentle winters – perfect for outdoor adventures all year round.

Its position also makes Malmö especially accessible. The city is well connected to continental Europe by train, bus and ferry, and the nearby Copenhagen Airport in Denmark is just 30 minutes away via the Öresund Bridge.

With its creative food scene, cultural hotspots, and proximity to the region’s stunning nature, Malmö is ideal for travellers looking to spend five to seven days exploring both city life and its surroundings. This guide brings together some of the best experiences in and around Malmö – from urban parks and historic sites to vineyard lunches and windswept beaches.

1 / 6

Slottsträdgården in Malmö

Slottsträdgården in Malmö, Skåne, consists of several different gardens and a popular café.

Photo: Helena Bergqvist

/ 6
Slottsträdgården in Malmö

Slottsträdgården in Malmö

Photo: Helena Bergqvist

Flowers and greenery inside a city park. You see the back of two women sitting beside a pool with two fountains. In the background you see the entrance and some buildings outside the park.

Folkets Park in Malmö

Photo: Malmö stad

Inside a park, a walkway through two arches covered with greenery. There are beautiful plants and flowers. At the end of the road you see a blue square construction.

Pildammsparken in Malmö

Photo: Malmö Turism

A long jetty in the water leading to a green open-air cold bath house.

Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, Malmö

Photo: Werner Nystrand

A man in a yellow kayak paddles in Malmö town. Houses in front of him and greenery along the sides of the canal.

Kayaking in Malmö

Photo: Apelöga

Torup Castle is a large brick building with a tower on the right. It is surrounded by greenery.

Summer at Torup castle, Skåne

Photo: Daniel Karlsson

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. You can even plan your cycling adventures with this Malmö city bike map.

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.
1 / 6

Malmöhus Castle in Malmö

Malmöhus is the oldest renaissance castle in the Nordics. It's located in Malmö and is home to Malmö Art Museum.

Photo: Malmö Stad

/ 6
Malmöhus Castle is a large round tower next to a brick building, surrounded by water. Another round tower on the opposite side in the background. Green leaves in the foreground.

Malmöhus Castle in Malmö

Photo: Malmö Stad

An aerial view over Malmö. In the middle you can see the twisting building of 'Turning Torso'. To the left is houses and larger green areas and the Ribersborgs beach. On the right the Malmöhus castle and building and houses of the city can be seen.

Turning Torso & Västra hamnen, Malmö

Photo: Pontus Ohlsson

A long bridge that goes over the sea.

The Öresund Bridge

Photo: Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se

Lund Cathedral, Skåne

Lund Cathedral, Skåne

Photo: Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se

An aerial view of a viking village situated by the sea.

Foteviken Viking Museum, Skåne

Photo: Lukasz Burda/Tourism in Skåne

One person is biking and two people are walking on a narrow street during summer.

Ystad, Skåne

Photo: Frits Meyst/MeystPhoto.com/Tourism in Skåne

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.
1 / 4

Restaurant Spill, Malmö

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the sustainable restaurant Spill in Malmö. The food are made mostly from produce that would otherwise be thrown away at.

Photo: Restaurang Spill

/ 4
A yellow plate with a piece of baked cauliflower.

Restaurant Spill, Malmö

Photo: Restaurang Spill

A wall with a welcome sign and menus.

Farm2Table, Malmö

Photo: Farm2Table

A plate with a sandwich with avocado and other ingredients.

Farm2Table, Malmö

Photo: Farm2Table

Two tables with chairs at Vyn restaurant, standing in front of a large window and overlooking the sea on a summer day.

Vyn, Skåne

Photo: Jimmy Linus

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:

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.