The best things to do in Malmö

What is it? A cold-bathing house with more than 100 years of history. Sauna, sea swimming and massage. Separate sections for men and women (saunas are preferably enjoyed naked) with both dry and wood-fired saunas. There are also unisex options in the form of a steam sauna and an infrared sauna.

Why go? A walk along the pier leading out to the bathing house is an experience in itself. You won’t get closer to Malmö than this – sauna plus sea and views over the Öresund. You’ll often spot the Öresund Bridge in the distance.

Don’t miss: Arrive at the right time to enjoy the sunset. It’s spectacular.

Address: Limhamnsvägen, Brygga 1. Opening hours vary, but during the summer season 1 April–30 September: Mon–Fri 09:00–21:00, Sat–Sun and public holidays 09:00–18:00. Check the website for more info. Price for single entry: adult 90 SEK, children up to and including 11 free, youth 12–17 accompanied by a guardian 45 SEK (multi-visit cards and half- and full-year passes are also available).

What is it? The area previously housed shipyard industry but was reshaped in connection with the Bo01 housing exhibition in 2001, under the concept ‘The City of Tomorrow’.

Why go? Here you can admire world-leading architecture in a unique mix of styles, as each block has been designed by different international architects. The district also became known as the first in the world to be fully powered by locally produced, renewable energy for an entire year. You’ll also find Turning Torso here – one of Sweden’s most famous landmarks. The building consists of apartments and was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

Don’t miss: Stapelbäddsparken, with a skatepark designed in collaboration between the City of Malmö and skateboarders themselves. One of Europe’s largest outdoor skateparks.

Address: Dockan/Västra Hamnen

What is it? An action centre and adventure park for all ages with climbing walls, ninja courses, high-performance trampolines and a VR arena.

Why go? Enjoy an active indoor day where you can combine physical exercise with pure fun. It’s the perfect place for children to burn off energy while challenging their coordination and strength in a playful way. The wide mix of activities means both young children and teenagers will find their favourites under one roof. Expect kids to be jumping with joy – and adults too.

Don’t miss: The VR arena, covering 100 square metres, where up to ten players can move freely and play together in the same digital dimension.

Address: Entré shopping centre, Fredsgatan 10. Opening hours vary depending on activity and time of year. Best tip: check the website before your visit. Example price: 119 SEK for 2 hours (prices differ on public holidays and school breaks).

What is it? A charming cinema with a wide events programme, bar and bistro. Why not try ‘The Bad Film Club’ – dedicated to truly awful films – or start the day with a ‘Breakfast Cinema’?

Why go? Here, the classic popcorn bucket is replaced with a proper restaurant experience, turning a cinema visit into a full evening for both taste buds and senses. The charming art deco setting also creates an atmosphere you won’t find in larger cinema chains. Sit back with a glass of red wine and enjoy a juicy entrecôte as the plot on the big screen thickens.

Don’t miss: ‘Sing Along Cinema’, with subtitles for the songs and hosts encouraging the audience to join in.

Address: Stortorget 29. Other: Tickets for the upcoming cinema week are released on Mondays and can be purchased on site as well as on the website.

What is it? In a former riding hall from the 1800s, you can play boules on gravel courts in a setting that feels like southern France. Think boules and pastis under plane trees in Aix-en-Provence rather than a sports hall in southern Sweden.

Why go? A relaxed activity where you and your friends don’t need any prior experience of boules to have a great time together. You’ll find French-inspired snacks here – from huîtres to Moules Marinières on the menu.

Don’t miss: If you’re planning to play boules on a Sunday, combine it with a visit to the flea market at Drottningtorget. Every Sunday from 3 May to 27 September between 09:00–15:00, you can browse everything from clothes to antiques and furniture.

Address: Drottningtorget 8. Example price when booking online: boules and pastis 200 SEK/person. Opening hours: Mon–Thu 15:00–23:00, Fri 15:00–00:00, Sat 11:00–00:00, Sun 11:00–17:00.

What is it? Disgusting Food Museum exhibits food from all corners of the world. What may seem disgusting to eat in one country can be completely normal in another.

Why go? As you can imagine, this is no ordinary museum. Come here if you want to discover something different and are curious about testing your limits. You’ll react, hesitate, laugh and maybe feel repulsed… or your curiosity might be sparked to the point that you discover new favourite dishes.

Don’t miss: It’s all about food, so naturally you should try it. The tasting samples are perhaps the most memorable part, where the experience shifts from entertaining to more personal.

Address: Södra Förstadsgatan 2. Price: adult 230 SEK, senior 185 SEK, student 185 SEK, children 6–15 80 SEK, children under 6 free with an adult. Opening hours: Mon–Sun 11:00–18:00.

What is it? In Malmö, falafel is far more than fast food. For many, it’s a natural part of the city’s identity, and a constant topic of discussion among locals is: where do you find the best falafel?

Why go? Eating falafel in Malmö is like stepping into the city’s rhythm – it’s simple, affordable and a sign that you’re in a multicultural place. It’s rarely hard to find a decent falafel spot; they’re everywhere.

Don’t miss: Don’t settle for one place – try at least two or three and notice what sets them apart. The variation among Malmö’s falafel kings can be huge. Sooner or later, you’ll find the one that beats them all. A personal favourite: Värnhems falafel (Lundavägen 1).

Opening hours 09:00–00:00. Expect to pay around 60 SEK for a wrap.

What is it? Malmö’s nickname is ‘The City of Parks’, and the reason is clear – lush greenery constantly breaks up the traditional cityscape of busy roads. Two of these parks are Slottsparken and Kungsparken, which are connected and form a large oasis in the middle of the city, right next to Malmöhus Castle.

Why go? The park is a perfect break from the city buzz. Here you’ll find Sagolekplatsen, one of the city’s themed playgrounds, Slottsträdgårdens Kafé with its greenhouse setting, and the Garden of the Senses.

Don’t miss: If you’d rather see the parks from the water, you can rent a pedal boat or an electric boat and explore Malmö’s beautiful canals.

Address: Norra Vallgatan 93. Boat rental: City Boats drop-in (from 150 SEK) or Book a Boat (from 690 SEK).

What is it? Malmö Konsthall is one of the city’s best free attractions and one of the largest institutions for contemporary art in the Nordics, focusing on large installations and experimental expressions. The gallery hosts several exhibitions each year featuring both international and local artists.

Why go? The space alone is reason enough to visit, as it’s a striking example of Nordic modernism. Here, the scale of the venue and the fantastic light interact beautifully with the works.

Don’t miss: Want to get even closer to contemporary art? Don’t miss the gallery’s bookshop. A must-stop for finding a gift to take home or discovering more of what you’ve just seen.

Address: S:t Johannesgatan 7. Opening hours: Mon closed, Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00, Wed 11:00–19:00. Free entry.

What is it? In the early 1900s, Sweden was filled with lively people’s parks, created as places where the labour movement could gather and enjoy themselves day and night. Today, many of these parks lie abandoned or have been shut down entirely. But not in Malmö – here, Folkets Park has been transformed into an urban park focused on culture and entertainment.

Why go? If you want a glimpse of the real Malmö, you should definitely come here. Nothing is polished, and there’s often plenty going on for both adults and children. Sit down on the grass for a picnic, enjoy concerts and events or go for a spin on the ice rink in winter.

Don’t miss: If you’re planning ahead, it’s worth checking what’s on at Moriska Paviljongen. Everything from concerts and stand-up to dance evenings is hosted here. Perhaps a night of Lindy Hop?

What is it? Malmö Museum is the largest in southern Sweden and is really more of an entire area around Malmöhus Castle than a single museum.

Why go? Here you’ll find everything from history and art to modern technology and nature under one roof. The contrasts are striking – one moment you’re walking through grand castle rooms, the next you’re face to face with tropical fish in the aquarium.

Don’t miss: At the Technology and Maritime Museum, you can step aboard the real submarine U3 from the Second World War. Experiencing the technical details and extremely cramped interior gives an immediate sense of what life under the surface was really like. How did people sleep, and how did the toilet actually work on a submarine?

Address: Malmöhusvägen 6. Example price: combined ticket (access to all museum exhibitions) adult 100 SEK, seniors 50 SEK, students 50 SEK, children and young people 0–19 free entry. Opening hours: Mon closed, Tue–Sat 11:00–17:00, Thu 11:00–19:00, Sun and public holidays 11:00–17:00.

What is it? Möllevångstorget – or ‘Möllan’, as locals call it – is the city’s vibrant heart, known for its diversity and colourful street life. Malmö is often described as Sweden’s most multicultural city, and nowhere is this more evident than here. The air is filled with aromas from all corners of the world, and in the surrounding streets you’ll find authentic restaurants serving Vietnamese, Persian and Arabic food just as it should taste.

Why go? Here, people and cultures meet in an unpretentious environment where the market sets the tone during the day, while restaurants and bars take over as evening falls. It’s the perfect place to experience Malmö’s genuine soul and eat really well at a good price.

Don’t miss: Stop by Mitt Möllan, a creative indoor market showcasing the city’s local talent. Here you can find everything from sustainable slow fashion to unique trainers and crafts.

Mitt i Möllan. Opening hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00, Sat 10:00–20:00, Sun closed.

What is it? Lilla Torg is Malmö’s natural meeting place, beautifully surrounded by architecture from several centuries. The square is a living history book, where you’ll find some of the city’s best-preserved half-timbered houses.

Why go? With its crooked façades, old cobblestones and a buzz of outdoor terraces, historic charm meets a lively city atmosphere here. From lunchtime onwards, there’s a continental vibe – whatever the day of the week, the square is filled with people, conversation and life.

Don’t miss: Take the opportunity to visit Form/Design Center, located in the old grain warehouse at Hedmanska Gården. In this unique setting, past and present meet as contemporary exhibitions in design and architecture take over the historic spaces.

Form/Design Center, address: Lilla Torg 9. Opening hours: Tue–Sat 11:00–17:00, Sun–Mon closed. Free entry.