The Traveller's Magazine
Malmö, Sweden’s third largest city, is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Copenhagen (just 25 minutes via the Oresund Bridge which connects the two). Visiting just for a weekend? Here’s your guide.
Malmö is an international hotspot for creative and progressive minds. The city is an eco-friendly metropolis. As it was once Danish territory, this Swedish city has just the right mix of continental architecture, trendiness and penchant for design and fashion.
What to see
Plaza Stotorget
Malmo’s largest square is really something to see. Built in 1536, it’s the symbol of the city. At the centre stands a statue of King Karl X Gustav who conquered the Skåne region and took it back for Sweden from the Danes. There are dozens of cafes and shops around the square, in the summer the terraces are spectacular.
Lilla Torg Square
This place is where you’ll want to be come night fall. The square is packed with little bars, restaurants, cafes, galleries and museums. It was once home to the city market but today is probably one of the best places to start any city tour.
Västra Hammen District
Just five minutes from Lille, this is one of the most modern parts of Malmö. It extends all the way around the Turning Torso, one of the most famous and renown skyscrapers in the city. There are also a number of nightclubs in this area which are popular with the city’s expat crowd.
Malmö Konsthall Museum
This place may have only opened in 1975 but today it’s one of the largest contemporary art museums on the old continent. It’s free to visit most of the permanent collection which is perfect if you’re on a budget or need a place to stay dry on a rainy afternoon. Upcoming exhibitions include works by Thea Djordjadze in an exhibition called Chicken Strikken di Lisa Ann Auerbach.
Malmö Castle
Known in Swedish as Malmöhus, this castle dates all the way back to 1434 when it was the house of the Danish King Eric of Pomerania. It served as a prison and finally turned into a museum in 1937. Today it houses an impressive collection of artefacts and memorabilia from the city as well as art from local artists. Don’t miss the castle’s interior courtyard.
Above all, Malmö is famous for its nightlife. As a uni town with students who know how to party, you’re never too far away from something exciting. One last tip, if you’re heading to Malmö for just a few days, consider getting the Malmö City Card which gets you discounts at shops, bars, restaurants and free admission into a number of museums.
Have you ever been to Malmö?
