Malmo is a fantastic place to explore and learn about Sweden's rich history. You'll also get a great taste of Sweden's modern culture.
A great place to start your Malmo itinerary is the cosy Lilla Torg, meaning “Little Square”. This historic market area will give you an authentic taste of Swedish architecture.
Stortorget
Stortorget is Sweden's oldest square and Gamla Stan's main tourist attraction. Often described as "The Big Square," it is the center of the Old Town and is frequented by tens of thousands of tourists each year.
Unlike many other European cities' famous squares, this one was never built up in a stylish show-piece way. Initially it was just a street intersection.
However, it was gradually expanded to its current shape in the Middle Ages and the buildings surrounding it grew up around it. The square was a meeting place for centuries.
Its center is dominated by the equestrian statue of King Karl X Gustav. He was a powerful figure in Malmo's history and he finally forced the Danes to hand back the city to the Swedes.
Gamla Staden
Gamla Staden is a beautiful, historic neighborhood with cobbled streets and colorful buildings. It’s one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe and is a great place to stroll and learn about its history.
The central square of Stortorget is surrounded by colourful townhouses and makes for a great photo op. Other sights in the area include the Stockholm Stock Exchange, which was built around three ancient remains and is also home to the Nobel Museum.
The Royal Palace is one of the highlights of Gamla Stan, and it’s worth taking some time to explore the reception rooms, Hall of State, Treasury, Armoury and stables. Outside, look out for the changing of the guard.
Ribersborgs Beach
Ribersborgs Beach is one of Malmo's best sandy beaches and a popular swimming spot. It's just a short bus ride away from the center and is an ideal place for a swim on warm sunny days.
This man-made beach opens out to the Oresund, separating Sweden from Denmark. It's also home to a public bath and other recreation facilities.
When visiting Malmo, take the time to explore Gamla Staden, a charming old town filled with cobbled streets and colorful houses. You'll find restaurants, cafes, museums and shops here.
The modern Vastra Hamnen (Westhafen) area is another must-see. This new neighborhood aims to encourage pedestrians and cyclists to have priority over cars. This has been a great success. You'll also see the Turning Torso, a twisting skyscraper, and enjoy views of the Oresund bridge.
Ribersborgs Open-Air Bath
One of Sweden’s oldest outdoor cold baths, Ribersborgs Open-Air Bath was established in 1898. It features two bathing areas – one for men and one for women, as well as five saunas.
You can spend a few hours here indulging in spa treatments, saunas and swimming in the sea. It’s a great place to relax and unwind after an exhausting day of sightseeing or shopping in Malmo.
There are also plenty of other things to see and do in Malmo. For example, you can visit Stortorget (The Big Square) or Lilla Torg (Little Square).
Malmo City Library
Malmo is undergoing a huge rebirth, reimagining itself as a cool and eco-friendly city. It’s also a foodie haven with lots of hipster cafes and funky shops, and cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around.
The Malmo City Library is a great place to relax and read your favourite book. It’s a fantastically beautiful library that incorporates both old and new buildings.
The Malmo City Library is made up of three building entities: the original red brick Castle, the circular Cylinder, and the modern library extension called the “Calendar of Light”. All of these are connected by glass corridors.
