We spent a weekend in Malmö, Sweden for some sightseeing and to run Malmö Ribersborg parkrun. My itinerary consisted of one day wandering around the canals and the old town, followed by a day exploring Ribersborg on the coast plus Malmö castle and surrounding parks. Even if you’re not interested in parkrun, Ribersborg is worth a visit, just at a rather more leisurely pace. Here is my pick of the top 10 things to do on a visit to Malmö.
How to get to Malmö
We flew to Copenhagen in Denmark, then travelled by train to Sweden across the Øresund Bridge. Copenhagen Airport is just 20 miles away from Malmö. There is a regular (around every 20 minutes) direct train service from København Lufthavn to Malmö Centralstation. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes. A single ticket costs around 150 DKK (£17).
Getting around Malmö
We did most of our sightseeing on foot, just attempting to take the bus in one direction to Ribersborg. (Bus No 7 departs from Malmö Djäknegatan in the old town to Malmö Ribersborg). Day 1 of my itinerary is around 2 miles, while Day 2 consists of 4 miles in total (2 miles in each direction). Malmö has a good bus network. However, buses don’t accept cash and I had issues with my card not being accepted, so had to get off and walk. The most convenient way to travel by bus is to download the Skånetrafiken app prior to travel. Alternatively, there are plenty of electric scooters scattered around town.
Where to stay in Malmö
We stayed at the ProfilHotels Hotel Garden. We chose this hotel because of its location, right in the centre of the old town. It’s built above a multi-storey car park with our sixth floor room opening onto a very pleasant roof garden. The room was clean and comfortable. The hotel also has a sauna and offers free wifi, breakfast and even provides in-room gym equipment.
Malmö: Top 10 Things to do
| 1 | Cross the Øresund Bridge |
| 2 | See the grand Malmö Centralstation |
| 3 | Stroll along the Suellshamnen |
| 4 | Relax in Lilla Torg |
| 5 | Admire St Peter’s Church |
| 6 | Wander through Gamla Kyrkogård |
| 7 | Explore the beachfront park at Ribersborg |
| 8 | See the quirky Turning Torso |
| 9 | Visit the imposing Malmö Castle |
| 10 | Wander round the pretty Kungsparken |
No 1 – Cross the Øresund Bridge
The Øresund Bridge crosses from Denmark to Sweden, via an artificial island. At almost 5 miles long, the bridge boasts being the longest cable-tied road and rail bridge in Europe.
It sounds spectacular, but it’s a double decker bridge with the railway running beneath the motorway. So, in reality, there isn’t much to see from the train. Just little glimpses of Malmö through the gaps in the ironwork.
No 2 – See the grand Malmö Centralstation
Malmö Centralstation was originally built in 1856 and now consists of two perpendicular buildings – the Central Hall and the Terminus Train Shed – connected by a glass corridor.
No 3 – Stroll along the Suellshamnen
Just east of the station is the Suellshamnen harbour area, leading into a canal which runs round the Old Town.
The waterside is criss-crossed with bridges and lined with plenty of interesting sculptures and, of course, photo ops.
No 4 – Relax in Lilla Torg
Lilla Torg (Little Square) is a historic market square. It has a central fountain and is surrounded by old buildings, many of them now housing restaurants. It’s a great place to sit and watch the world go by on a summer’s day.
No 5 – Admire St Peter’s Church
The red brick Gothic St Peter’s Church is Malmö’s oldest church, built in the 14th century.
No 6 – Wander through Gamla Kyrkogård
The Gamla Kyrkogård (Old Cemetery) runs along the edge of the canal. Paths lined with flower beds and sculptures run past the gravestones.
No 7 – Explore the Beachfront Park at Ribersborg
Ribersborg is a beachfront park on the strait overlooking Denmark. There is also a beach and a bathing house (Ribersborgs Kallbadhus), reached by a wooden pier.
It’s a pretty place for a stroll or even a run. They hold a parkrun here on Saturday mornings. For more on our visit to Malmo Ribersborg parkrun, click here.
No 8 – See the quirky Turning Torso
From Ribersborg, you get a great view of the Turning Torso building. At 190 metres tall, this 54 storey skyscraper is the second tallest building in Scandinavia. It was designed by Santiago Calatrava and the structure twists through 90 degrees from bottom to top.
No 9 – Visit the imposing Malmö Castle
The 16th Century Malmö Castle sits on its own island, surrounded by a moat. Much of the medieval castle was damaged by fire, with the building being restored in the 1930s. It now houses a museum.
No 10 – Wander round the pretty Kungsparken
Kungsparken (King’s Park) is large park, which runs round the south and east sides of the castle. The city’s oldest park dates back to the 19th Century and contains trees from around the world, ponds, gardens, trails, sculptures and a fountain.
- Trip taken: June 2019
- Updated: November 2025
I hope you found the above information useful. For more top picks from other destinations in the 50+ countries we have visited, check out my full Top 10 Things To Do list here.
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