Day Trip to Malmö from Copenhagen

Day Trip to Malmö from Copenhagen

Are you in Copenhagen and do you love art, design and a cosy fika? Then a day trip to Malmö is an excellent idea. This multicultural city in the south of Sweden is easily accessible by public transport and serves up an eclectic cocktail of charming medieval buildings and modern architecture. In this article, you'll discover the best sights, restaurants and cafés, design shops and practical tips for your day trip.

Sights in Malmö

Stortorget & Lilla Torg

Stortorget has been the beating heart of the city since 1540. Here you'll find the Rådhuset (city hall) and the historic pharmacy Apoteket Lejonet. Do make sure to have a look at the remarkable advertising murals on the side wall. Just a stone's throw from Stortorget lies the medieval Lilla Torg, the most charming square in Malmö with colourful half-timbered houses and plenty of outdoor terraces.

Museums

Malmö has several museums to explore. At the Malmö Konsthall you'll discover contemporary art. At the Form/Designcenter on a charming courtyard near Lilla Torg, you'll get acquainted with Scandinavian design. The Malmö Museum, the largest museum in southern Sweden, is housed in a beautiful Renaissance castle, with collections covering history, art, technology and nature. There is also an aquarium and a cinema showing films about science and space.

Street Art

Malmö is also well known for its street art. During a walk through the city you'll discover colourful murals by Swedish and international artists. One of my favourite works is Magic Book by Polish artist Natalia Rak: a girl reads a book and is startled to find an octopus emerging from its pages. A magical homage to imagination in the old town on Grynbodgatan.

Turning Torso

The Turning Torso rose in 2005 in the Västra Hamnen district, Europe's first CO2-neutral neighbourhood. With 54 floors it is the tallest building in Sweden and undoubtedly the city's most striking landmark. The modern skyscraper, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, was inspired by a human body in motion, which explains its twisted shape. On clear days you can spot the tower glittering on the skyline all the way from Copenhagen.

Parks

Malmö is not only an art and design city but also a surprisingly green destination. Slottsparken, Slottsträdgården and Kungsparken connect seamlessly and together form an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. Slottsparken is situated on the former military grounds of Malmöhus and offers tall trees, ponds, bridges and even a Japanese garden. Nearby lies Slottsträdgården, a castle garden with an organic café with a spacious terrace. Across the water stretches Kungsparken, the oldest park in the city.

Food and Drink in Malmö

Breakfast or fika

Lilla Kafferosteriet has both a small coffee roastery and a popular café in Malmö. In this 17th-century building in the city centre you can sample specialty coffee of the highest quality. It is also the perfect address for breakfast or a Swedish fika, a cup of coffee with pastries. The cinnamon buns are utterly delicious.

The World on Your Plate

Malmö Saluhall is a bustling food hall that welcomes foodies daily for a culinary adventure. From artisan sourdough bread and creamy ice cream to sushi and tacos, here you can taste the world on your plate. You'll find this architectural gem on the edge of the city centre, in a tastefully renovated 19th-century warehouse.

Shopping in Malmö

If you love shopping, Malmö will not disappoint. Alongside the well-known chains you'll find plenty of independent boutiques with Scandinavian design, local crafts and sustainable fashion. Gustus is an art gallery and shop just near the Form/Design Center on Lilla Torg. Here you'll discover artistic creations by mainly Swedish, Danish and Polish artists. Designtorget is the place to go for unique design pieces, carefully selected with an eye for quality and sustainability.

Practical Tips for Your Day Trip to Malmö

• From Copenhagen you can reach Malmö by train in approximately 40 minutes, crossing the Øresund Bridge. The bridge is well known from the popular Scandinavian television series The Bridge.
• Malmö is a compact city that is easy to explore on foot. Buses run from the central station to all parts of the city. The Skånetrafiken app allows you to plan your route and buy tickets online.
• Thinking of staying a little longer in Malmö? The hotels here are generally cheaper than in Copenhagen. Book your accommodation well in advance for the best prices, especially if you are travelling in peak season.

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