What to do in Malmö
Discover the best sights, practical parking tips and comfortable hotels in Malmö, the city that lies literally at the foot of the Øresund Bridge. This guide helps you explore this versatile Swedish city directly after your crossing.
Immediately unwind after the impressive crossing
You have just made the drive over the Øresund Bridge. The experience of the tunnel and the high bridge is behind you and you have passed the toll booths. Welcome to Sweden! Many travellers hit the accelerator to drive on to the north, but the smart traveller takes the first exit to Malmö.
Malmö is Sweden’s third city, but feels much more compact and relaxed than Copenhagen. It is the perfect place to land in a new country, get some Swedish kronor (although almost everything is card-only) and enjoy a ‘fika’ (coffee break).
About the route:
- Distance to the Øresund Bridge: This is the biggest advantage. From the toll booths you are in the centre of Malmö in less than 10 minutes.
- Atmosphere: Malmö is an interesting mix of old and hypermodern. It is a young, diverse city with a raw edge and innovative architecture.
- Contrast: Where Copenhagen is grand and royal, Malmö is surprising, green and very walkable.
Top 8 Sights: What to do in Malmö?
Malmö is ideal for a day out or an overnight stay. As a travel expert who knows the city well, I know that you will find the perfect balance here between history and modern city development. These are the places you must see.
1.Lilla Torg (The Little Square)
The most charming part of Malmö. This cobbled square from the 16th century is surrounded by crooked half-timbered houses. It is full of restaurants and terraces. The perfect place for your first Swedish meal or a drink in the sun.
2. Turning Torso en Västra Hamnen
You can’t miss it. The ‘Turning Torso’ is the iconic, twisted skyscraper that dominates the skyline. The building itself is not accessible (it is residential), but the district around it, Västra Hamnen (Western Harbour), is fantastic. Walk along the boardwalks by the water with a view of the Øresund Bridge in the distance.
3. Malmöhus Slott en Slottsträdgården
The oldest existing Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. Formerly a fortress and a prison, now a collection of museums (art, natural history). The park around it, the castle garden, is an oasis of calm in the middle of the city, complete with a beautiful Dutch windmill.
4. Ribersborg Kallbadhus (Local Tip!)
Want the real Swedish experience? Go to ‘Ribban’. This beautiful wooden bathhouse on stilts in the sea offers separate saunas for men and women. You warm up in the sauna with a view over the sea and then jump into the ice-cold water of the Sound. A huge boost after a long car journey.
5. St. Petri Kyrka (St. Peter’s Church)
Close to the central station and Lilla Torg you will find this imposing Gothic church from the 14th century. It is the oldest building in the city and the interior is impressively austere and light.
6. Disgusting Food Museum (Unique experience)
For those with a strong stomach who want something different from a standard museum. Here you will find the world’s most disgusting delicacies, from fermented shark to cheese with maggots. You are even allowed to taste some things. A guaranteed success story for when you get home.
7. Folkets Park (People’s Park)
Especially recommended if you are travelling with children. It is one of the oldest public parks in the world and feels a bit like a permanent fairground with lots of greenery, playgrounds and a convivial atmosphere.
8. Gamla Staden (The Old Town)
The area around Lilla Torg and Stortorget (the big square) forms the historic heart. Here you can wander through shopping streets and small alleyways.
Practical information for drivers in Sweden
You have just crossed the border, so slightly different rules apply. Malmö is very car-friendly, certainly compared to larger capitals.
Lights on!
The most important thing when entering Sweden: in Sweden it is mandatory to drive with dipped headlights on at all times, even in the middle of a sunny day.
Parking in Malmö
Parking is generally easier and slightly cheaper than in Copenhagen.
- Car parks (P-hus): The easiest option. Follow the signs to a ‘P-hus’. For example ‘P-hus Bagers Plats’ or the car park under the ‘Malmö Live’ complex are very central.
- On street: Street parking is divided into zones with different rates. Payment is almost everywhere via apps like EasyPark, which is also used in the UK and Europe. Pay close attention to the signs for the times you have to pay.
Where to stay in Malmö?
Want to recover from the journey before you travel deeper into Sweden? Malmö has excellent hotels that are easily accessible from the motorway.
| Traveller Type | Hotel Suggestion | Why? |
| Comfort & Car | Clarion Hotel Malmö Live | A striking tower near the station and the centre. Has its own car park underneath and a skybar with top views. |
| Atmosphere & City | Elite Hotel Esplanade | Located on the beautiful Lilla Torg. You step out the door and are right in the middle of the fun. Parking is possible in nearby car parks. |
| Modern & Hip | Story Hotel Studio Malmö | Located in the harbour, near the station. Modern design, good restaurant and a roof terrace. |
Ready for the rest of Sweden?
Have you recharged your batteries in Malmö? Then you are ready for the continuation of your journey. The E20 and E6 will quickly take you further north towards Gothenburg or east towards Stockholm.
On this page
After you have made the crossing to Denmark, you will naturally want to continue to Sweden as quickly as possible. On MalmoBridge.com we show you exactly which routes are most convenient and how to get to the Copenhagen and Malmo bridge without detours. On the page about the crossing to Denmark, you can read step-by-step how to drive from the UK or Germany towards Copenhagen and then easily cross via the bridge towards Malmö and the rest of Sweden.
Destinations in Sweden
The Øresund Bridge is the starting point of a larger tour for many travellers. Popular destinations after the bridge include Stockholm, the island of Bornholm, the coastal city of Gothenburg and the Kalmar and Öland region.
From Malmö you can drive to these places in a single day, making the bridge the ideal gateway for your complete Swedish trip.
Discover Malmö
As soon as you cross the bridge you are almost immediately in Malmö. This city is perfect for a first stop in Sweden, with sights such as the Turning Torso, the historic centre around Lilla Torg and the promenade at Ribersborg beach. You can easily walk around here for a few hours or stay the night before driving further inland.
Copenhagen as a stopover
Before you drive onto the Malmo bridge, you pass Copenhagen. Many travellers choose to stay here for one or two days. You can visit Nyhavn, Tivoli, the Little Mermaid and the lively food markets while your car is parked in or near the city. Afterwards, you drive on to Sweden via the Øresund Bridge in no time.