12 Things to do in Malmö
Nestled in the heart of southern Sweden, Malmö is a true melting pot with residents hailing from over 170 countries. Whether you're a history buff, a food enthusiast, or an architecture aficionado, Malmö has something to offer for you.
Why not take a few extra days off and explore Malmö while you’re here for myConf? Here are a few attractions and experiences we can recommend.
1. Kungsparken and Slottsparken
This park area, located across the road from HighCourt where myConf takes place, consists of Kungsparken, which is Malmö’s oldest park, and Slottsparken, both created in the 19th century. Take a relaxing stroll past ponds and trees, flowerbeds, open grassy areas, and several footbridges over the canal.
2. Jakob Nilsgatan
Stepping onto the quiet Jakob Nilsgatan, a cobbled street lined with bold, stylish, colorful houses, is almost like stepping back in time. Located in Gamla Väster, one of Malmö's oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods, it’s a stone's throw from HighCourt. In fact, if you choose to stay at the hotel MJ’s you’ll probably pass it on your way to and from myConf.
3. Fiskehoddorna
A five-minute walk from HighCourt, this row of brightly colored fishing huts along Malmö's canal is an iconic part of Malmö’s heritage. To this day fishermen are actively fishing, trading, and setting up markets here, and if the weather is nice we recommend having your lunch at one of their picnic tables.
4. Malmö Saluhall
Immerse yourself in Malmö's vibrant food scene at Malmö Saluhall, a bustling food court showcasing the best of Swedish and international cuisine. Sample local specialties, pick up fresh ingredients, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere in this food lover's paradise.
5. Eat a Falafel
The people of Malmö love falafel, an irresistible combination of crispy chickpea balls, fresh veggies, and tangy sauces stuffed into a warm pita bread. No visit to Malmö could be considered complete without eating at least one, whether you get it from one of the city’s many falafel joints (such as this one close to HighCourt) and eat it on the go, or opt for a fancier version at Malmö Saluhall.
6. Disgusting Food Museum
This unique culinary experience might tempt those with a more curious palate. The Disgusting Food Museum features bizarre and unconventional foods from around the globe, and invites you to challenge your taste buds and your notions of what is and isn´t edible. Don’t miss the Swedish “delicacy” surströmming (fermented herring)!
7. Apoteket Lejonet
Need an aspirin? Why not combine it with a glimpse of Malmö's past at Apoteket Lejonet, a historic and still functioning pharmacy dating back to 1898. Admire the beautifully preserved interiors and buy all the legal drugs you need – at the same time.
8. Ribersborgsstranden
Ribban, as the locals call it, is a 1.5-kilometer-long beach with sandy dunes only a 20-minute walk from the city center. Along the beach promenade you’ll find ice-cream kiosks and cafés, an outdoor gym, an obstacle course, a mini-golf course, and much more. If the weather’s nice we recommend heading out to the iconic cold bath house “Kallis” and enjoying a nice lunch or fika on their terrace. Unless you’re brave enough to dive in …
9. Västra Hamnen
Experience the modern (and windy) side of Malmö at Västra Hamnen, a dynamic waterfront district renowned for its innovative architecture (see Turning Torso) and sustainable urban design. Take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the views of Copenhagen and the Öresund Bridge. This is also a nice spot to watch the sunset.
10. Turning Torso
In the center of Västra Hamnen, you’ll find Turning Torso, a twisting skyscraper designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. It is the second tallest building in Sweden and dominates Malmö’s skyline. Unfortunately, there’s no observation deck, so unless you know someone who lives in the building, you’ll have to settle for admiring it from the ground.
11. Öresund Bridge
The iconic Öresund Bridge, known from the hit Swedish-Danish television series ‘The Bridge’, connects Malmö with the Danish capital of Copenhagen. Spanning over eight kilometers, the ride across offers stunning views of the Öresund Strait.
12. See Malmö from a bike
Rent a bike from Malmö by bike or rentbike.se and get around Malmö the same way the locals do. With some 515 kilometers of cycle paths, Malmö has a well-earned reputation as one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities. Nothing seems to be more than a 15-minute bike ride away. But be warned, it is a fairly windy city.
