2026-03-18
Most travellers cross the Øresund Bridge for the photo and move on. Malmö becomes a checkbox, quick visit, a few streets, back to Copenhagen by dinner. That’s the default itinerary. It’s also the least interesting one.
Thirty-five minutes is all it takes to move between Denmark and Sweden, but the shift is noticeable. Prices drop, the pace slows, and the architecture changes just enough to remind you that this was once Danish territory.
Malmö isn’t trying to compete with Copenhagen, and that’s exactly why it works.
This is Sweden’s third-largest city, yet it feels compact and manageable. You can walk across the historic centre in minutes, cycle along the waterfront without a plan, and still find time for museums, parks, and a proper meal without rushing. It’s the kind of place that rewards a slower approach, even if most visitors don’t give it one.
So the real question isn’t “what to do in Malmö.” It’s whether Malmö deserves more than a half-day detour.
This guide answers that properly. It focuses on what actually matters, cuts what doesn’t, and shows how to structure your time. whether you’re visiting for a few hours or deciding to stay overnight.
Is Malmö Worth Visiting from Copenhagen?
Short answer: yes, but not for everyone.
If Copenhagen is already stretching your budget, Malmö immediately makes sense. The difference in cost is noticeable across accommodation, restaurants, and even small things like coffee or transport. For travellers coming from the UK or the US, this matters more than expected.
But Malmö’s value isn’t just financial. It’s atmospheric. Where Copenhagen can feel curated and busy, Malmö feels lived-in. There’s less pressure to “see everything,” fewer crowds, and more space, physically and mentally.
That said, if your time in Copenhagen is limited to one or two days, Malmö is not essential. You’ll get more depth by staying put. Malmö works best when you’ve already covered the main highlights in Denmark and want something different without committing to a long journey.
It also suits specific travellers:
- those interested in architecture (from medieval squares to modern landmarks)
- travellers who prefer slower, walkable cities
- anyone curious about the Denmark–Sweden contrast in a single trip
If that’s you, Malmö isn’t just worth visiting, it’s one of the easiest, most rewarding detours in Scandinavia.
How to Get from Copenhagen to Malmö (Train vs Car vs Bus)
Getting to Malmö is straightforward, but choosing how depends on what you value: speed, price, or flexibility.
The train is the most efficient option. Departures from Copenhagen Central Station are frequent, and the journey takes around 35–50 minutes. It’s direct, reliable, and drops you in the centre of Malmö, ideal for a day trip with minimal planning.
Buses are cheaper, but slower. Expect around 1h15 to 1h30, depending on traffic. If you’re travelling on a budget and booking in advance, this can be a good option, but you’ll lose time.
Driving is the most flexible, and the most interesting if you’re exploring beyond Malmö. Crossing the Øresund Bridge by car is a different experience altogether, especially if you plan to continue into southern Sweden.
👉 Compare car rental prices before your trip, availability between Denmark and Sweden can vary, and booking early usually means better rates.
For most travellers, the train is the right choice. But if you’re building a broader itinerary across both countries, having a car changes everything.
What to Do in Malmö (A Walkable, Focused Itinerary)
Malmö doesn’t require a checklist. The city works best when explored on foot, with a loose structure and time to move between areas without rushing.
Start in Stortorget and Lilla Torg
Begin in Stortorget, Malmö’s main square since the 16th century. It’s wide, open, and anchored by the City Hall, a building that immediately sets the tone for the historic centre.
A short walk away, Lilla Torg offers a completely different scale.
Timber-framed houses, smaller spaces, and a concentration of cafés and restaurants make it one of the most recognisable corners of the city. It’s more intimate, more photographed, and yes, more predictable. Still worth your time.
Step Inside St. Peter’s Church
Just behind the main square, St. Peter’s Church is Malmö’s oldest building and one of the few places where the city’s medieval past feels intact. The exterior is imposing, but the interior is restrained, almost austere.
Entry is free, which makes it an easy addition without overthinking it.
Malmö Castle: Worth It or Not?
Malmö Castle (Malmöhus) is less about the exterior and more about what’s inside. The complex houses several museums, covering everything from natural history to art.
If you enjoy museums, it’s worth the time. If not, you can appreciate the structure from the outside and move on without feeling like you missed something essential.
Kungsparken and Slottsträdgården
These two parks wrap around the castle and offer a different side of Malmö, quieter, greener, and more local.
Even in colder months, you’ll see people running, walking, or simply spending time outdoors. In spring and summer, this becomes one of the most pleasant areas in the city.
Turning Torso and the Waterfront
The Turning Torso is Malmö’s most recognisable modern landmark. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it dominates the skyline and signals the city’s shift towards contemporary architecture.
You can’t go inside, but the surrounding waterfront area is worth exploring, especially if you want to see how Malmö balances old and new.
Øresund Bridge Views
The Øresund Bridge was inaugurated in 2000. It is almost 8 km long and connects the Danish city of Copenhagen to the Swedish city of Malmö, with a journey of about 40 minutes between train stations.
There is both road and railway connection, meaning it is possible to cross the bridge by car (or bus) and train.
The upper deck of the Øresund Bridge is for cars, while the lower deck is for trains.
You don’t need to cross the bridge to appreciate it. From certain points along the coast, you can see the structure stretching towards Denmark, a reminder of how close the two countries really are.
Where to Stay in Malmö (High-End Picks That Actually Deliver)
Staying overnight changes your experience of Malmö completely. The city becomes quieter in the evening, and you start to notice details that are easy to miss on a day trip.
For a design-led stay, MJ’s is the strongest choice. It’s bold, slightly theatrical, and built around atmosphere. If you want a hotel that feels intentional rather than generic, this is it.
Elite Hotel Esplanade offers something more classic. Located in the historic centre, it’s comfortable, well-positioned, and a safe choice if you prefer understated quality.
For convenience and modern comfort, Clarion Hotel Malmö Live stands out near the station. It’s practical, especially if you’re arriving late or leaving early, and offers good views over the city.
👉 Compare prices and availability before booking, Malmö can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends.
👉 For this trip, it’s also worth organising:
- Car rental for flexibility across Denmark and Sweden
- eSIM to avoid roaming charges
- Travel insurance, healthcare costs can be high without coverage
Where Malmö Surprises You
Malmö doesn’t try to impress, and that’s exactly where it wins.
The city’s strongest quality is balance. Historic squares don’t feel staged. Modern architecture doesn’t dominate. Green spaces aren’t decorative, they’re used.
There’s also a noticeable shift in rhythm compared to Copenhagen. Things move slower. Streets feel less crowded. Even in central areas, there’s space to pause without feeling in the way.
Another unexpected detail is how international the city feels. Malmö has a diverse population, and that’s reflected in its food, neighbourhoods, and daily life. It’s less polished than Copenhagen, but arguably more real.
This isn’t a city built around tourism. It’s a city that happens to be easy to visit.
Did You Know?
Malmö was part of Denmark until 1658.
The entire Skåne region changed hands under the Treaty of Roskilde, which explains why Malmö feels subtly different from the rest of Sweden. Architecture, layout, and even cultural influences reflect this shared history.
Crossing the Øresund Bridge isn’t just a geographical shift, it’s a historical one.
Practical Tips for Visiting Malmö
Malmö is easy to navigate, but a few details make the difference between a rushed visit and a well-paced one.
One day is enough for the main highlights, but staying overnight allows you to experience the city without pressure. If your itinerary allows it, this is the better option.
Prices are lower than in Copenhagen, but Sweden is not a budget destination. Plan accordingly, especially for meals and accommodation.
The best time to visit is between late spring and early autumn, when parks and outdoor spaces are at their best. Winter visits are quieter, but also more limited in terms of atmosphere.
Finally, don’t overplan. Malmö rewards a flexible approach. Walk, adjust, and allow time to explore beyond the obvious.
Lejonet, the oldest pharmacy in Sweden
Lejonet Pharmacy (Apoteket Lejonet), locally known as the Lion Pharmacy, was founded in 1571 and is the oldest pharmacy in Sweden.
Inside, you can observe the wooden cabinets and antique jars.
If you want to explore a little more, enter the tunnel on the right side of Lejonet Pharmacy and explore at your leisure.
The history of the Malmö Griffin
The griffin is a mythical creature, half eagle and half lion, meaning the animal has the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle.
This statue of the Malmö Griffin is located in Gustav Adolfs Torg square, resting on a sphere representing the world and adorned with a golden crown.
The author of this bronze statue is Sivert Lindblom, and since its placement in the square in 1999, it has become one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the city.
Therefore, don’t forget to include it on your list of must-visit places in Malmö.
Malmö Castle
Malmö Castle is a fortress built in the 15th century.
It was once an important prison, but today it hosts something more pleasant: the Malmö Museum, the Natural History Museum, and art exhibitions.
Malmö Castle was surrounded by walls with a bastion at each corner.
The bastions are named after Swedish kings and military leaders, namely King Charles Gustavus and King Charles, and the first two governors-general of Skane, Stenbok and Banér.
While the castle served as a prison (1828-1914), the barracks housed offices and a guard.
The prisoners then crossed a wooden bridge leading to the prison on the castle island, Stottsholmen.
This wooden bridge became known as the Bridge of Sighs.
Inside the prison, several workshops exploited the cheap labor of the prisoners, such as a blacksmith’s workshop, quarry, carpentry, and a shoe factory.
In 1434, King Eric of Pomerania ordered the construction of a citadel at this location, with the aim of protecting Malmö and safeguarding the customs duties collected from ships passing through the Sound.
He was king from 1397 to 1439 of the Kalmar Union between Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Parts of the citadel are still visible in the castle facade. In fact, the white chalk bands on the wall are remnants of the fortress. In 1536, King Christian III of Denmark ordered the construction of Malmö Castle.
The new castle was intended to function as a fortress, a residence for the county sheriff, and a temporary royal residence.
Architecture of Malmö Castle
The castle is built in a combination of late Gothic and Renaissance styles that were common in Western Europe at the time.
The Renaissance style is visible in details such as the floor plan, windows, staircase, and the king’s apartment. Externally, the architecture is characterized by late medieval Gothic style.
Malmö Castle originally had four cannon towers. From the still existing cannon towers in front of the castle, it was possible to observe the Sound.
Until the 18th century, the castle was painted in the same red hue that the cannon towers have today.
When Skane became Swedish in 1658, the castle ceased to be a royal residence and was rebuilt to function as a military fortress against the enemy, Denmark.
In the 18th century, the castle became obsolete and the threat from the Danes diminished. Instead, the castle began to be used as a prison.
In other words, the castle functioned as a prison until 1914. So, in the 1920s, extensive restoration work was carried out, and modernist wings were added to the courtyard.
In the summer of 1937, the Museums of Malmö were able to move into these facilities.
Shopping in Malmö
As I mentioned before, the city of Malmö is more affordable compared to Copenhagen, for example, which makes this city a good choice for shopping.
So, if you enjoy shopping during your travels, the best area to go shopping in Malmö is in the historic center, specifically on Södergaten street.
There you will find many clothing stores, souvenir shops, home goods stores, and cafes if you want to take a break from shopping.
How to Travel from Copenhagen to Malmö: Fast, Cheap, and Flexible Options
Crossing from Copenhagen to Malmö is easier than most travellers think, and how you choose depends on your priorities: speed, cost, or flexibility.
Fastest: The train is the most efficient option. Departing frequently from Copenhagen Central Station, it reaches Malmö in about 35–50 minutes. The ride is direct, comfortable, and drops you in the heart of the city, making it ideal for a day trip.
Cheapest: Buses are slower, around 1 hour and 25 minutes, but often the most budget-friendly. Prices vary depending on the time of booking, so reserving tickets in advance is essential. Providers like Flixbus offer competitive fares, especially for early bookings.
Most Flexible: Driving across the Øresund Bridge gives you full control of your schedule. Renting a car allows detours, stops along the coast, or a more relaxed pace, and can be combined with exploring southern Sweden beyond Malmö. Remember that tolls apply and international insurance is required.
Pro tip: Whether travelling by train, bus, or car, consider preparing an eSIM for seamless data roaming and securing travel insurance to cover cross-border trips.
With these options, the choice is clear: the train is ideal for efficiency, the bus for savings, and the car for flexibility, letting you tailor the Malmö experience to your travel style.
FAQ – Things To Do in Malmö
Yes, especially for travellers looking for a quieter, more affordable alternative with a mix of history and modern design.
One full day is enough for the main highlights, but staying overnight offers a more relaxed experience.
The train is the fastest option, taking around 35–50 minutes.
Yes, particularly in terms of accommodation, dining, and general expenses.
Yes. The city is compact, and public transport between Copenhagen and Malmö is efficient.
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I travel with my family, but not only. I look for real experiences, sustainable choices, smart decisions on the ground, and well-chosen comfort, because traveling well also means knowing where to sleep, eat, and spend time. On passaportenobolso.com, I share practical guides and honest tips about destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, created for those who want to travel with more intention and less improvisation. I’ve visited more than 40 countries and I’m still looking for the next ones. Sometimes with my family, sometimes solo, but always with curiosity and a critical eye. Follow along on YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / X / Pinterest.
