This Swedish city combines old-world charm with the very modern. There’s lots to see, so here’s my 2 days in Malmo itinerary to guide you.
How To Get Around Malmo
Malmo is quite a compact and easy city to get around, with suburbs well connected by foot and cycle paths, as well as bus routes.
On Foot:
It is possible to walk to a lot of the main attractions in Malmo, if you have the time and energy, and depending on your starting point.
By Bicycle:
Malmo is a very cycle-friendly city with 410km of very flat, off street bike routes you can explore. There are several bike rental companies around the city, including one at the central train station.
Malmö: City Bike Rental has some good options with prices starting at 206 SEK (approx £16) for the day.
By Bus:
There are eight main city-centre bus lines in Malmo. They are colour-coded and provide a fast and reliable alternative to walking. Journeys within the city centre are quite inexpensive at roughly 22 SEK (£1.70) per trip.
By Taxi:
Malmo also has a taxi network. However, the taxis are not regulated and fares can differ from one taxi company to another. You are advised to inquire re prices before boarding the vehicle.
By Tour:
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
Tips & What To Pack
Malmo is actually an all year round destination. However, summer is the busiest season when people prefer to enjoy the warmer weather and longer days.
June to September is when the weather is at its warmest in Malmo, with July and August the hottest months. You can, however, expect some showers in the summer in Malmo.
If you visit in the winter, make sure you’re there during the ‘Winterland’ holiday in January straight after New Year when the city is said to be stunning.
Remember, this is just a guide, so you may want to mix it up and add/subtract different attractions.
Day 1 Of Your 2 Days In Malmo Itinerary
Oresund Bridge
For an impressive start to day 1 of your 2 days in Malmo itinerary, I would definitely recommend visiting the iconic Oresund Bridge.
Opened in 2000, this part rail/road bridge and part tunnel spans 8km across the Oresund Strait, between Sweden and Denmark.
There is a toll on the Swedish side of the bridge and a one way ticket costs approximately 258 SEK (£20). Pedestrians are not allowed across the bridge.
Whether you decide to cross the bridge or just view it from a distance, this spectacular curving piece of architecture has to be seen.
If you prefer an arranged tour, the Malmö: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour includes great views of the Oresund Bridge from Ribersborgsstranden.
Kungsparken
Located in the centre of the city is one of several parks worth visiting called Kungsparken (King’s Park).
This is the oldest of the parks in Malmo and is known for its collection of tropical trees as well as flowers such as rhododendron and azaleas.
At the centre of the park is a dramatic cast-iron fountain dating back to 1882. Furthermore, the lawns in front of the fountain offer great views of the park’s canal and bridges.
This is a great place to take a stroll or sit and relax with a picnic. Alternatively, you could always rent a pedal boat and take a delightful water tour all around the park.
For a fun and inexpensive way to explore Malmo including a visit Kungsparken, the City Exploration Trail is a self guided tour.
Take A Fika
You’re probably ready to take a Fika now. Fika in Sweden is ‘a break from an activity during which people drink coffee, eat cakes and relax with others!’ (In England we call it a ‘coffee break’.)
Malmo has a good selection of trendy cafes where you can settle down for a much loved and traditional Fika.
I took my Fika at Mat & Chokladstudion on Amiralsgatan. Run by the well known chef Joel Lindqvist who is famous in Sweden for winning, amongst other things, the TV show, Dessertmastarna (dessert Master)!
For delicious pastries, desserts and pralines to accompany your coffee, this is the perfect spot.
So, wherever you choose, make sure to fit a ‘Fika’ into your 2 days in Malmo itinerary.
Malmo Castle
Now you are feeling replenished, historic Malmo Castle, located about a mile from the Central Station, makes for a fascinating end to the first day of your 2 days in Malmo itinerary.
Surrounded of course by a moat, you make your way across a bridge to enter the castle, adding to the historical feel of this amazing building.
Although the original castle that stood here was built in 1434, the present Malmo Castle dates back to the 1530s. Thus making it Scandinavia’s oldest Renaissance Castle.
The castle houses a diverse range of exhibitions, including a museum full of some quite unusual, taxidermied animals.
There is also an exhibition on the upper floor that depicts the history of the castle. Which, as well as serving as a home for many kings, was also a prison in the 19th century and a safe house for refugees during WW ll.
Open daily from 10am – 5pm. Entrance fee 40 SEK (just over £3.00) This also includes entry to the nearby Technology and Maritime museum.
If you would prefer a guided tour that visits Malmo Castle City Highlights Express Walking Tour with a Local is a good choice.
Day 2 Of Your 2 Days In Malmo Itinerary
Ribersborgsstranden
Malmo is a coastal city and for a refreshing day to the start of day 2 of your 2 day Malmo itinerary, you have to visit Ribersborgsstranden.
Located approximately 3km from Malmo city centre, Ribersborgsstranden is a long sandy beach with lots of large, grassy areas.
This picturesque and popular area was created in the 1920s as a recreational area for the population of Malmo. The sand for the beach was actually brought by train from Oresund.
It offers many walking and biking trails that run through the grass areas at the back of the beach. Along with various pitches to play ball games like football, American football and rugby.
This long stretch of beach has a total of 10 bathing piers. At the end of Broad Pier you will find a fully restored bath house – Kallbadhaus
If you are looking for a tour that visits Ribersborgsstranden, the Malmö: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour is a great option.
Kallbadhus Sauna
Kallbadhus (cold bath house) is a beautifully restored complex located at the end of Broad Pier on Ribersborgsstranden. Originally built in 1898, it houses saunas as well as open air sea water pools.
There are five saunas (two for males, two for females and one shared), two pools, two hot tubs and a sun deck.
In addition, there is cafe serving traditional Swedish food such as herring or prawn sandwiches and delicious cinnamon buns.
Open all year round, Monday – Friday 09:00 – 21:00 and Saturday/Sunday 09:00 – 18:00. (Winter hours are slightly shorter.) Price 70 SEK per person (Approx £5.50).
So, if you want a truly traditional Swedish experience, this has to be part of your 2 days in Malmo itinerary.
Turning Torso
Built in 2005, Turning Torso is a residential skyscraper located in the Western Harbour area of Malmo.
Turning Torso was inspired by a white marble sculpture called Twisting Torso, created by Santiago Calatrava. The engineer, architect, and sculptor who also designed the Turning Torso.
Standing at 190m and 57 stories high, it’s made up of asymmetrical shapes which rotate 90° as the height increases.
This unique building houses 148 apartments, ranging from small studios to family-sized penthouses.
Offering some unique photo opportunities, Turning Torso has to be on the 2 days in Malmo itinerary.
For an alternative view, the Malmö: Rundan Sightseeing Boat Tour takes you right past this and other popular landmarks.
Malmo Saluhall
This bustling food market, not far from Malmo Central Station, is a must of things to do in Malmo, especially for all foodies.
In fact, whilst you’re here, you will have the opportunity to try the famous Swedish meatballs. If, like me, you are vegetarian, don’t worry, most places offer delicious vegetarian options.
These delicious meatballs are usually covered in a tasty sauce and served with creamy mashed potato, lingonberry jam and pickled cucumber.
Malmo Saluhall is housed in a sympathetically refurbished 1800s train depot and this stylish food market is full of artisan food stalls.
Opened in 2016, you will find both traditional Swedish cuisine along with new culinary trends. Including shellfish soup, cheese tapas, craft beers, chocolate pralines, speciality meats, vegan cuisine, coffee, pastries and much more!
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it the ideal place for a relaxing meal. Alternatively, just have a browse and maybe purchase something to take away.
The perfect, typically Swedish destination to end your 2 days in Malmo itinerary!
Where To Stay In Malmo
Luxury – MJ’s
MJ’s is located only 50 yards from Lilla Torg Square in central Malmö. This hotel offers free WiFi and rooms with a seating area and flat-screen TV.
All rooms at MJ’s feature a work desk and beds from Grange, as well as wall-to-wall carpeting.
Breakfast is available in MJ’s fresh breakfast garden. Guests are also welcome to enjoy a drink in the bar. Several restaurants are available in the immediate area.
The King’s Park with the Malmöhus Castle is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Malmö Central Station is 350 yards away.
Mid-Budget – Radisson Blu Hotel Malmö
Only 5 minutes’ walk from Malmö Central Station and a few blocks from the main shopping streets, Radisson Blu Hotel Malmö offers free WiFi, gym and sauna access.
The modern, spacious rooms feature a seating area, cable TV and air conditioning.
Radisson Blu Malmö’s restaurant and bar, Thott’s, is located in one of the cities oldest wooden buildings. It serves a popular breakfast buffet as well as a variety of Swedish lunch and dinner dishes.
Radisson Malmö is less than a 5-minute stroll from the 14th-century Church of Saint Peter. Buses for Copenhagen Airport stop nearby.
Budget – UNITY Malmö
Situated within 1.1 miles of Triangeln Shopping Centre and 4 miles of Malmo Arena in the centre of Malmö, UNITY Malmö features accommodation with free WiFi and seating area. This 4-star aparthotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a lift. The aparthotel has family rooms and facilities for disabled guests.
At the aparthotel, every unit comes with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. A dishwasher, a fridge and stovetop are also available, as well as a kettle. At the aparthotel, all units are allergy-free.
The aparthotel features a garden and sun terrace.
For more places to stay in Malmo, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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