Things to do in Malmö – 17 attractions and experiences

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | What to see and do in Malmö? Here we have collected 17 of our own favorites in a city that has grown on us with every visit. From Västra Hamnen, Malmöhus and Lilla Torg to street art, Ribban, falafel and personal experiences – all things we ourselves have seen, done and are happy to return to.

Malmö – a city we will return to

We have come here by camper and stayed at the marina in Limhamn, brought our bikes and pedaled through the city in search of street art and sights. We have swum at Ribban, eaten falafel, strolled through parks and sat down at outdoor cafes. Most recently we took the train from Stockholm instead when Peter surprised Helena with tickets to Thåström at Malmö Arena.

In this guide we do not show everything there is to see in Malmö. We show the Malmö we have experienced ourselves and think is worth telling about.

1. Turning Torso and Western Harbour

Turning Torso is a building you can't miss when visiting Malmö. The twisted skyscraper rises 190 meters above the Western Harbour and has become one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. When it was inaugurated in 2005, it was something completely new in the Swedish cityscape - and even today it's hard not to look up.

Men Västra Hamnen is much more than Turning Torso. When we were here, Malmö offered glorious summer weather and the beaches along the sea were full of sun worshippers. That's exactly the mix we like about the area – modern architecture, sea, swimming, walking paths and people actually using the district.

We also checked out Stapelbäddsparken with a skate park, climbing and other activities. Another detail we were drawn to was the Ohboy bicycle hotel, where the greenery almost climbs over the building and a bicycle is included when you stay at the hotel. It fits quite well in Malmö – a city that we ourselves think is best experienced from the bicycle saddle.

2. Visit Malmöhus Castle – the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordic region

Malmöhus Castle is one of Malmö's most important historical sites and a great starting point for discovering several attractions at once. The red Renaissance castle with moat almost feels like a little world of its own in the middle of the city.

We think it's just as nice to move around around the castle like just focusing on the building itself. Here, the old ramparts, canals and several of Malmö's museums are gathered in a small area. This makes it easy to combine history, culture and a walk without having to travel very far.

Malmöhus Castle is also part of Malmö Museum., so a visit is about much more than the castle itself. With the same entrance you get access to several exhibitions and museums on Slottsholmen as well as the House of Technology and Maritime Affairs – making it easy to spend several hours in the area.

Right next door is also The Castle Mill, the large Dutch windmill from the 19th century, which is one of those details that makes the area extra photogenic. If you continue on, you will come straight out into Slottsparken and Kungsparken – but we will save those for a separate point later.

3. Stroll around Lilla Torg – Malmö's coziest meeting place

Lilla Torg is one of those places in Malmö where we like to sit down for a while instead of just walking past. The square dates back to the 1590s and the old buildings create a lovely contrast to modern Malmö.

When we arrived here on a sunny afternoon in April, the outdoor seating was almost packed. We still managed to find a table and settled down to meet friends over a drink. Perhaps that’s exactly how Lilla Torg should be experienced – not as an attraction you tick off, but as a place where you stop and feel the city life.

Around the square there are restaurants and outdoor cafes and during warm days and evenings the place fills with people. Also look at the old houses around - amidst all the people life there are still traces of several hundred years of Malmö.

4. Discover street art in Malmö – a colorful treasure hunt

Malmö is a really fun city to discover through its street art. The street art festival Artscape started here in 2014 and left behind large murals created by artists from different parts of the world. Since then, even more works have been added, both in central Malmö and out in the city districts.

We looked up some of the paintings in advance and then set off on a bike ride through Malmö. The funny thing was that we found significantly more street art than we were actually looking for. Suddenly the hunt itself became part of the experience – large murals on house walls, small works on garage doors and art that appeared where we least expected it.

Some of our favorites are in Gamla stan, Möllevången, Sofielund and Holma. Also keep your eyes peeled for the tiny figures by Spanish artist Isaac Cordal – they’re so discreet you almost have to know they’re there to spot them. 

Tips: We have made a separate guide with a map for Malmö's street art, so we can link to it here for anyone who wants to go on the same journey of discovery as us.

5. Swim at Ribersborgsstranden – Malmö's beach in the middle of the city

Ribersborgsstranden, or The bar as the Malmö residents say, is a long sandy beach along the Öresund and one of the places that makes Malmö special. Here you don't have to leave the city to get sand between your toes and a dip in the sea – on nice summer days the beach is filled with bathers and sun worshippers.

When we were here, the weather was gloriously summery and the beach was full of people. It almost gave a bit of a holiday feel in the middle of Malmö, with the sea in front of us and Turning Torso rising behind the city.

Along the Ribban there are kiosks, toilets, an outdoor gym and volleyball courts, and here is also the classic Ribersborg cold bath house out in the water, which is called Kallis. For the brave, it is possible to swim all year round – we were content with significantly more pleasant temperatures.

6. Feel the pulse of Möllevången – Malmö's colorful and international side

Möllevången, or The mill as the area is popularly known, shows a completely different side of Malmö. Here, people, languages, smells and tastes from different parts of the world mix, and the area feels both lively and international.

In the middle of the district is Möllevångstorget, where fruit, vegetables and other goods are sold at the market stall. Around there are restaurants, bars, small shops and food from many different countries. This is an area where it is more fun to stroll around and see what you find than to come up with a long list of attractions.

7. Eat your way through Malmö's Saluhall – and try the city's falafel

Malmö Saluhall is a great stop when hunger strikes. The old warehouse building is home to various eateries and delicatessens, and here you can find everything from cheese and chocolate to hamburgers, home cooking and international flavors.

Falafel is almost an institution in Malmö, and there are plenty of places around the city where you can try it. We ended up at Saluhallen and ordered a falafel with halloumi – a simple lunch that turned out to be really good.

The great thing about Saluhallen is that you don't have to agree on what you want to eat. Take a walk around, look at the selection and choose what appeals to you at the moment. For us it was falafel – and it felt very right in Malmö.

8. See St. Petri Church – Malmö's oldest church

Right in the heart of central Malmö is St. Petri Church, a grand brick church dating back to the early 14th century. It is one of Malmö's oldest buildings and a place where the city's long history suddenly becomes very tangible.

We usually go into churches when we travel, even when they're not really at the top of our list of things to see. There's something special about leaving the noise of the city outside and stepping into the silence, architecture, and history for a moment.

Sankt Petri is so centrally located that it's easy to pop in while you're strolling through Malmö. You don't need to set aside half a day – go in, look around, and then continue out into the city again.

9. Experience Disgusting Food – do you dare to taste?

The Disgusting Food Museum in central Malmö showcases around 80 dishes from different parts of the world that can be perceived as disgusting in one way or another. Here you will encounter everything from grilled guinea pig and tarantulas to fermented shark – and of course our Swedish sour herring.

As soon as we entered the entrance, we knew what we were getting ourselves into. Along with the ticket, we received a vomit bag "just in case"”, and the staff pointed to a board that said when someone had last vomited. Two days earlier. We took the bag and went inside.

What surprised us was that the visit soon became more interesting than disgusting. The museum is just as much about Why we find certain foods disgusting and how different food cultures can be. Things we eat without blinking may be perceived as completely incomprehensible somewhere else in the world.

For the brave, you can also smell some of the specialties and sample them at the tasting counter. However, that was our limit. We skipped both the smelling jars and the tasting – and were therefore able to return the vomit bag unused.

READ MORE FROM FREEDOMtravel.se: Disgusting Food Museum - a 'disgusting' visit

10. Cycling through Malmö – our favorite way to discover the city

Malmö is a fantastic city to explore by bike. There are plenty of cycle paths and the distances are reasonable, making it easy to get between different districts and attractions without having to worry about a car or parking.

We brought our own bikes and found it to be a perfect way to explore the city. On a bike you can see a lot, while also being able to stop when something exciting comes up along the way – which is often the case in Malmö.

If you don't have your own bike, there is the possibility of renting a bike on site.

11. Stroll in Slottsparken and Kungsparken – Malmö's green side

In the middle of Malmö are Slottsparken and Kungsparken, two large green areas that almost flow into each other. Here you can stroll along winding walkways, sit on the grass or, as we did, explore the parks by bike.

Slottsparken includes large grassy areas, a pond and the Fairytale Playground, one of Malmö's popular themed playgrounds. Together with Kungsparken, this makes for a nice green break between the city's attractions - even though you're still in the middle of Malmö.

12. See the Öresund Bridge – Malmö's link to the continent

The Öresund Bridge is one of Malmö's most famous landmarks, connecting Sweden with Denmark across the Öresund. The nearly 16-kilometer-long connection between Malmö and Copenhagen opened in 2000 and changed the entire region - suddenly Sweden and Denmark came much closer to each other.

We think the bridge is impressive even from a distance, not least from Västra Hamnen and Ribersborg. And if you have a little more time in Malmö, it is of course hard to resist the opportunity to jump on the train and take a trip across the strait to Copenhagen.

13. Experience Folkets Park – entertainment and folk life since 1891

Folkets Park in Malmö opened in 1891 and is considered Sweden's oldest public park. Today it is still a lively meeting place, not least for families with children, with games, activities, food and events in the middle of the city.

There are playgrounds and various activities for children, and during the year the offer changes with the season. There are also several places to eat and have a coffee. When we were here, we settled down for lunch and had a really good vegetarian lasagna – a simple but very nice break during our day in Malmö.

14. Discover the charming fishing villages in Malmö

Right next to Malmöhus Castle are the colorful Fiskehoddorna, a small piece of old Malmö that still survives. This type of fishing hut became common in the late 19th century, when there were significantly more professional fishermen in the city.

A number of the stalls have been preserved and fish and seafood are still sold here. It's not a big attraction that takes hours to experience, but that's exactly why we like it - stop by, look at the charming stalls and maybe take the opportunity to buy some fresh or smoked fish with you.

15. Settle down at Stortorget – in the middle of historic Malmö

Stortorget is Malmö's oldest and largest square, surrounded by some of the city's most impressive buildings. Here, among other things, is the beautiful town hall, and in the middle of the square stands the equestrian statue of Charles X Gustav. But you don't actually need to know a single year to appreciate the place.

We came here the morning after our concert evening with Thåström. The sun was shining, the train home to Stockholm wasn't quite leaving yet, and Peter simply sat down on a staircase and enjoyed the morning sun. Sometimes you don't need to do more than that. Stortorget is one of those places where it's just as nice to sit down for a while and watch the people go by as it is to run on to the next attraction.

16. Discover Pildammsparken – fountains, flowers and large green spaces

Pildammsparken is one of Malmö's large green parks and a place where it's easy to stay much longer than you first thought. Here you can walk around the ponds, sit on the large grassy areas and discover both flower plantings, the Margaret Pavilion and the Pildammsteatern.

The dams have an exciting history and once served as a water reservoir for the people of Malmö. Piles were planted along the embankments to strengthen them – hence the name Pildammarna. Today, it is primarily a place for walking, exercise and relaxation.

Don't miss the fountains in the middle of the water. They can shoot water up to 25 meters into the air and after dark they transform into a colorful light show. Parts of the park also still bear traces of the great Baltic Exhibition that was held here in 1914.

17. Go to a concert in Malmö Arena – our evening with Thåström

Sometimes the best reason to travel to a city isn't an attraction at all. For us, it was a concert with Thåström at Malmö Arena – and a surprise too.

One day Peter said to Helena: ”Don’t book anything on March 7-8. Then we’ll do something special, just you and me.” For a long time Helena didn’t know more, but finally the secret was revealed: Peter had bought tickets for Thaström in Malmö.

For Helena, it wasn't just any concert. Thåström was her big idol growing up and his music has accompanied her throughout her life. We had seen him together before, at the Bråvalla Festival in 2013, but now we took the train to Malmö, checked into a hotel right next to the arena and made a whole little trip to Malmö of the concert.

When the lights went out and Thåström's distinctive voice filled Malmö Arena, it was of course the highlight of the evening. Old and new songs were mixed, and when the concert finally ended with Everyone wants to go to heaven our surprise trip had ended exactly as Peter had hoped.

Malmö Arena is the home arena of Malmö Redhawks, but it also hosts major concerts, shows and other events. Check the event calendar when planning your trip – there might be something that will be your own Malmö memory.

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

Best areas to live in Malmö

Malmö is a compact city and it is relatively easy to get around on foot, by bike or public transport. Which area is best for you depends mainly on what you want to get out of your visit.

Old West and city center – best for a first visit

If you want to be close to the classic sights, the city center and Gamla Väster are a good choice. Here you are within walking distance of Lilla Torg, Stortorget, Malmöhus Castle, the parks and Malmö Saluhall. You also live conveniently close to Malmö Central Station.

Suitable for you as: Visiting Malmö for the first time and want to be able to walk to a lot.

Västra Hamnen – best for the sea and modern Malmö

Västra Hamnen is perfect for those who like to wake up close to the sea and want Turning Torso, beach promenades and modern architecture on their doorstep. The area is quieter than the city centre but still close enough for you to easily cycle or walk into the city.

Suitable for you as: likes the sea, architecture and quieter evenings.

Möllevången – best for restaurants and nightlife

If you want to experience Malmö's more colorful and international side, Möllevången is a more fun alternative. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and falafel places here, and you have both Folkets Park and Pildammsparken within easy reach.

Suitable for you as: prioritizes food, nightlife and local atmosphere over classic tourist areas.

Hyllie – best for Malmö Arena and events

Hyllie is a bit far from central Malmö but is a smart choice if you are going to a concert, ice hockey or any other event at Malmö Arena. This is where we stayed when Peter surprised Helena with the Thåström concert, and being able to walk between the hotel and the arena was very convenient.

Campsites and campsites in Malmö

We have visited Malmö several times with a camper van and have stayed at Ställplats Lagunen at the marina in Limhamn. It is a location we like, not least because you have the sea and Ribersborg right next door and at the same time can get into central Malmö by bike. Here you will find electricity, toilets, water and the possibility of emptying. 

For us it worked out perfectly to bring the bikes and use the camper as a base while we explored Malmö. If you want more options, there are both parking spaces and camping in and around the city.

More options for campervans in Malmö:

• Motorhome parking Småbåtshamnen in Limhamn – motorhome parking near the sea at Limhamn with electricity, toilet, shower, water and drainage. 
• First Camp Sibbarp – Malmö – a good option if you prefer a full-scale campsite. There are special camper pitches with electricity, a service house and views of the Öresund Bridge from parts of the area. The campsite is also within cycling distance of central Malmö.  

Tips: Always check current opening hours, prices and conditions before driving there, as parking spaces can change between seasons.

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