Is Malmo worth visiting? My top reason for saying yes
If you are planning a trip to Sweden, you might be wondering is Malmo worth visiting? Malmo is the country’s third-largest city. Located in the southern region of Skane, Malmo is a vibrant and diverse city that is known for its beautiful parks, historic architecture, and thriving arts scene. But is it worth the trip? In this travel blog, we will take a closer look at what Malmo has to offer and help you decide whether it should be on your itinerary.
Things to do:
Malmo is a city steeped in history and culture. It’s also a melting pot of different nationalities, with a large immigrant population that has influenced the city’s cuisine, architecture, and way of life. Hence, there is lots to learn and explore.
1. Lilla Torg:
One of the first places you should visit in Malmo is Lilla Torg, which translates to “little square” in Swedish. This picturesque square boasts a unique architectural style and a variety of shops that reflect the local culture. Take a stroll through this historic square, which dates back to the 1500s, and immerse yourself in the Swedish way of life. Stop for a coffee or a traditional Swedish meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.
2. Museum of modernism:
Next up, we have the Museum of Modernism, located in a converted power station dating back to 1901. This museum is a branch of the original Moderna Museet in Sweden and features an impressive collection of art by famous names such as Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, and Dali. Even if you’re not an art lover, the unique setting of the museum is worth a visit.
3. Davidshall:
For a taste of the local culture, head to Davidshall, a trendy and vibrant neighborhood that is home to a variety of cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and pretty side streets. It’s also where you’ll find Södra Förstadsgatan, the main shopping street in the city.
4. Stortorget:
No trip to Malmo would be complete without a visit to Stortorget, the largest and oldest square in the city, dating back to the 16th century. This stunning square is the heart of Malmo, featuring impressive council and government buildings, the mayoral residence, and a striking statue of King Karl Gustav X. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a local event or festival taking place on the square.
DISCLAIMER YOU MUST GO HERE:
The disgusting food museum:
This museum is not for the faint of heart, it is truly one of my most favourite travelling memories. You will learn about the culinary differences of dishes around the world though, a lot of these will make you gag. Its also a “feast” for the senses as they offer visitors a chance to smell the dishes and even take part in a challenge to try some. This place is truly a core memory for me and so I will be writing a post about my experience soon. Here is some information to help you get there alongside some more activities to fill your itinerary:
My itinerary:
If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Copenhagen, Malmo is the perfect destination! Follow my itinerary for a memorable day in this charming Swedish city.
12:00 PM – Outbound: Copenhagen Central Station Hop on a train and get ready for a scenic ride to Malmo.
12:40 PM – Arrival in Malmo: As soon as you arrive, head to one of the many cozy cafes for a traditional Swedish fika. Don’t worry, I’ll be sharing my favorite spots with you soon!
1:30 PM – Museum of Modernism: Explore some of the world’s most iconic works of art at the Moderna Museet Malmo.
2:30 PM – The Disgusting Food Museum: This may not be for the faint of heart, but it’s a unique experience you won’t want to miss.
4:00 PM – Stroll and Shop: Take a leisurely stroll through Stortorget and Lilla Torg. Then, head to Davidshall.
6:00 PM – Dinner: After all that exploring, you must be hungry! Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Swedish cuisine or something more exotic, you’re sure to find something delicious.
8:00 PM – Departure: It’s time to head back to Copenhagen. Hop on the train and relax as you reflect on all the amazing experiences you had in Malmo.
Crime in Malmo:
Malmo is a city that has gained some negative reputation when it comes to safety, and you might have stumbled upon some alarming information while researching about it. Some sources even claim that it is the most dangerous area in Sweden, and one of the most perilous places in Europe. While this can be quite concerning, I personally think that it’s important to take such statements with a grain of salt.
Based on my own experience, I found the people in Malmo to be friendly and welcoming, even more so than those in Copenhagen. Of course, it’s important to note that my visit was during the day, and I can’t vouch for the safety of the city at night. It’s true that Malmo has had some issues with gang-related crime, which is something to keep in mind as a tourist. But don’t let this discourage you from exploring the beauty of the area.
As with any destination, it’s always a good idea to take some precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. By staying vigilant and taking common-sense safety measures, you can enjoy all that Malmo has to offer without feeling worried or unsafe.
Budgeting:
Malmo is definitely a budget-friendly destination when compared to its neighboring city, Copenhagen. If you’re planning a day trip, here’s a breakdown of the recommended budget depending on your preferred level of experience.
For a cheap and cheerful day out, a budget of €30 should suffice. This will cover your basic necessities, including lunch, dinner, and of course, some fika while exploring the beautiful squares and museum for art enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for a more complete experience, you might want to consider a budget of €50. This will allow you to enjoy a nice lunch, dinner, and indulge in some fika while also having enough to pay for entry to some exciting experiences. You’ll even have some spare change for picking up souvenirs!
For those seeking a luxury experience, a budget of €100 or more would be ideal. This budget will give you an opportunity to dine in some of Sweden’s Michelin star restaurants, savor some delicious fika, and still have enough for visiting paid attractions. With this budget, you’ll have a truly indulgent and memorable day out in Malmo.
Getting to Malmo/Copenhagen:
Transportation between Copenhagen and Malmo is made easy with the Oresund stag bridge, connecting the two countries. This journey is a must-do experience, as you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the sea and the iconic wind farms. The train is the most efficient way to travel between the two cities, with trains running frequently between Copenhagen’s Kobenhavn station and Malmo’s central station. While official train tickets can be quite expensive, I recommend using Omio to find the cheapest option available. Personally, I only paid £20 for a return ticket, which also covered cancellations.
The train ride itself takes just 38 minutes each way, and if you’re looking for alternative modes of transportation, buses and cars are also available. It’s important to remember that as you’re crossing two countries, you’ll need to bring your passport or relevant photo ID.
FAQ’s:
Does Malmo have an airport?
No, it does not, the easiest way to reach Malmo is by train from Copenhagen.
How long should I spend in Malmo?
We found 7 hours was more than enough time for lunch, dinner, sightseeing and an experience.
Is Malmo worth visiting? Definitely! It is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, and it has plenty to offer to all types of travellers. Whether you are interested in art, architecture, shopping, or just want to explore a new city, Malmo has something for everyone.
We have gone through some of the top things to do in Malmo, provided a sample itinerary, as well as budgets and transport options to help make planning your trip to Malmo easier.
Of course, this is just a small selection of what Malmo has to offer. We encourage you to explore the city on your own and discover all of the hidden gems it has to offer. And if you have any suggestions or recommendations of your own, we would love to hear from you in the comments section below.
Overall, Malmo is a wonderful destination that should not be missed. With its charming streets, historic buildings, and vibrant culture, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveller. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Malmo today!
