Things to Do in Malmö

Sweden's tallest building and Malmö's most iconic landmark, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. This 190-meter neo-futurist residential skyscraper twists 90 degrees from base to top, creating a stunning sculptural form visible across the Öresund. While the building is residential and not open to the public, the surrounding Västra Hamnen district offers excellent viewpoints and the architecture is best appreciated from the waterfront promenade.

The oldest preserved Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, built in 1434 and reconstructed in the 1530s. Now houses multiple museums including the Malmö Museum, Art Museum, Natural History Museum, and an aquarium. The castle is surrounded by a moat and beautiful parkland. One ticket gives access to all exhibitions covering regional history, art, and natural sciences. A must-visit for understanding Malmö's Danish past and Swedish present.

Charming cobblestone square in the heart of the Old Town, surrounded by beautifully preserved half-timbered houses from the 16th-18th centuries. The square transforms throughout the day from morning coffee spots to lively evening restaurants and bars. Known for excellent dining options and a quintessentially Scandinavian atmosphere. Features an unusual vintage telephone booth as a quirky landmark. Perfect for people-watching and experiencing Malmö's café culture.

Malmö's beloved 2.5km city beach stretching along the Öresund coast. Features the historic Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, a century-old open-air bath house offering cold water swimming and saunas year-round. The sandy beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics in summer, while the promenade is perfect for walks and runs year-round. Stunning views of the Öresund Bridge and Denmark across the water. Free entry to the beach, small fee for Kallbadhus.

Malmö's oldest building and one of the finest examples of Baltic Brick Gothic architecture in Scandinavia. Dating from the early 14th century, this imposing church features a 105-meter tower visible across the city. The interior boasts medieval frescoes, an ornate 17th-century pulpit, and a stunning astronomical clock. The church reflects Malmö's history as a prosperous medieval trading center. Free entry, donations welcome.

Branch of Stockholm's renowned contemporary art museum, housed in a stunning converted early 20th-century power station. Features rotating exhibitions of contemporary and modern art from both Swedish and international artists. The building itself is an architectural highlight with its industrial aesthetic and innovative conversion. Regular free admission days and engaging programming make it accessible to all visitors.

The iconic 16km bridge-tunnel connecting Sweden to Denmark is best viewed from Västra Hamnen's waterfront. This engineering marvel opened in 2000 and transformed Malmö from a declining industrial city into a dynamic part of the greater Copenhagen region. On clear days, you can see Copenhagen's skyline across the strait. The bridge carries both road and rail traffic, making the 35-minute train journey to Copenhagen effortless.

Sweden's oldest public park, founded in 1891 as a 'people's park' for the working class. Today it's a family-friendly destination featuring playgrounds, mini-golf, a reptile center, and the beloved Funnys Äventyr children's attraction with Nordic storybook characters. The park hosts concerts, festivals, and cultural events throughout the year. Also home to restaurants, cafés, and the eclectic Disgusting Food Museum that has gained international attention.