{"id":7730,"date":"2024-03-18T11:20:11","date_gmt":"2024-03-18T11:20:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/?p=7730"},"modified":"2026-05-29T12:53:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T11:53:54","slug":"48-hours-in-malmo-the-perfect-itinerary-for-first-time-visitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/48-hours-in-malmo-the-perfect-itinerary-for-first-time-visitors\/","title":{"rendered":"Secret Itinerary: 48 hours in Malm\u00f6"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Short on time in Sweden\u2019s third-largest city and not sure which of the top sights to see? Or perhaps you\u2019re visiting Copenhagen and wondering whether Malm\u00f6 is worth the visit? Short answer: It is. Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ve got you covered with our secret 48 Hours in Malm\u00f6 itinerary. Cobbled streets, green spaces and a unique blend of medieval and modern \u2013 Malm\u00f6 has it all! This picturesque city has plenty to offer, but two days give you enough time to see all of its top sights (and maybe discover a hidden gem or two along the way). First-timers will find it easy to navigate the city, as many of these must-see attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. So, without further ado, here\u2019s our Secret Escapes Malm\u00f6 weekend itinerary for the ultimate city break<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1 in Malm\u00f6<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Morning: Breakfast, Old Town and the Moderna Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Start your two days in Malm\u00f6 the right way \u2013 with a fika break. Roughly translating to \u2018coffee and cake break\u2019, fika is a cherished Swedish tradition involving taking a break with coffee and a sweet treat to socialise with those around you. You\u2019ll find caf\u00e9s and bakeries on every corner, offering a wealth of mouthwatering buns and pastries. Be sure to try the Swedish favourite, the kanelbullar (cinnamon bun); it\u2019s so popular it has its own national day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lilla Kafferosteriet<\/em> is a popular spot in the Old Town where you can indulge in speciality coffees and a pastry or two. After breakfast, have a wander around the beautiful Old Town. Known locally as the Gamla Staden, this historic area of the city is dotted with lively market squares and bustling shopping streets tucked between timber-beamed houses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View of beautiful night scene in Stortorget, Malm\u00f6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Start off in Stortorget, the largest and oldest square in the city, surrounded by impressive 16th-century buildings that you\u2019ll definitely want to grab a photo with. Just off this square, you\u2019ll find the main shopping street of S\u00f6dergatan, as well as picturesque Lilla Torg, a pretty cobbled square that\u2019s a must-see for first-time visitors. Then end your morning with a visit to Moderna Museet Malm\u00f6 to see what\u2019s on at this small contemporary art museum. Exhibitions alternate all the time, so it\u2019s a worthy stop on your itinerary whether you\u2019re a first-time visitor or a long-time fan of modern art and sculpture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afternoon: Lunch & Shopping in M\u00f6llev\u00e5ngen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once the working-class neighbourhood of Malm\u00f6, trendy M\u00f6llev\u00e5ngen (known as M\u00f6llan to locals) is now the heart of multiculturalism in the city. Home to a wealth of restaurants serving up cuisines from all around the world, it\u2019s the perfect place to recharge after a morning full of walking. Indulge in some delicious Indian food at Art of Spices, Thai food at Soi29 \u2013 one of the city\u2019s most iconic spots, or Ramen at Ramen to B\u00ediru.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve eaten your fill, walk down the road to Mitt M\u00f6llan and pick up a unique souvenir; this artsy shopping mall is full of independent boutiques and local businesses selling everything from handmade homeware to vintage fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top tip:<\/strong> If you\u2019re travelling with kids (or are simply young at heart), then stop by Folkets Park, a short walk from the square. This amusement park was opened in 1893 and features carousels, rides, a mini golf course, a petting zoo, and more. Best visited in summer, this is a must-see for those travelling as a family.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The bar area of M\u00f6llev\u00e5ngstorget in Malm\u00f6, Sweden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Evening: Dinner in Gamla Staden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If nothing takes your fancy in M\u00f6llev\u00e5ngen, why not head back to Gamla Staden for dinner? Malm\u00f6\u2019s Old Town is scattered with top-rated eateries, from chic, Michelin-recommended restaurants to local favourite spots. For a truly historic meal, make a reservation at \u00c5rstiderna and get ready to dine beneath the brick arches of a 16th-century house that once belonged to the mayor of Malm\u00f6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 2 in Malm\u00f6<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Morning: Malm\u00f6 Castle & Fika Break<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Malm\u00f6 Castle, also known as Malm\u00f6hus Slott in the afternoon light, Sweden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Start your second day in Malm\u00f6 with a hearty brunch at Brunchoteket before heading over to Malm\u00f6 Castle. This impressive red-brick fortress was built in the 1500s and now houses an art gallery, an aquarium, and the Malm\u00f6 Museum, the largest museum in southern Sweden (closed on Mondays).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The castle is surrounded by parks and gardens that make for perfect strolling on warm-weather days. Stop for a selfie by Castle Mill (Slottsm\u00f6llan in Swedish), the historic windmill built in 1851, and wander along the canal until you come to little Lilla Dammen \u2013 this small pond reflects the beautiful old building of Malm\u00f6 City Library, another great photo opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afternoon: Lunch at Malm\u00f6 Saluhall & Vastra Hamnen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Head out of the park and straight up Slottsgatan to Malm\u00f6 Saluhall. A must for first-time visitors, this food hall houses rows and rows of stalls serving up everything from wood-fired pizzas to fresh oysters. You\u2019re sure to find something delicious to feast on here; top it off with a homemade ice cream or a fresh, flaky pastry, and pick up some handmade chocolates to bring home as a delicious souvenir. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After lunch, discover the modern side of Malm\u00f6 in V\u00e4stra Hamnen (Western Harbour). Once a former shipyard, this area is now a trendy locale full of modern architecture. Head over to Ribersborgsstranden to stroll along the sand and admire the view out towards the impressive \u00d6resund Bridge, the second-longest bridge in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Evening: Dinner at Aster & Turning Torso Sunset Views<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several great places to eat in the V\u00e4stra Hamnen neighbourhood. Aster is a spot that embraces its industrial setting with its modern decor and serves up sexy cocktails alongside inventive, Turkish-inspired cuisine that bagged it a Malm\u00f6 Gastronomy Award. It\u2019s best to book ahead unless you don\u2019t mind being seated on the patio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

End your day and trip with one of the best sunset views Malm\u00f6 has to offer on the Turning Torso observation deck. This neo-futurist skyscraper is Sweden\u2019s tallest building, offering sweeping panoramic views of the city, Copenhagen, and the \u00d6resund Strait. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where Is the Best Place to Swim in Malm\u00f6?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ribersborgs Kallbadhus is arguably Malm\u00f6\u2019s most famous spot for a swim. This traditional open-air bathhouse, known as a ‘kallbadhus’, has stood proudly on a pier off Ribersborg beach since 1898. Here, you can take a dip in the chilly \u00d6resund Sea all year round, followed by a warming visit to one of its five saunas. It\u2019s a truly invigorating Swedish experience, complete with stunning views back towards the city skyline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You See the Northern Lights in Malm\u00f6?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While Malm\u00f6 is technically far enough north for the Northern Lights to be visible, sightings are extremely rare. The city’s southern location in Sweden, combined with light pollution, means you would need exceptionally strong solar activity and very clear, dark skies to have a chance of spotting them. For a better Northern Lights experience in Sweden, you would need to travel much further north to places like Abisko or Kiruna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Top Tips for First-Timers in Malm\u00f6 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Language: <\/strong>The local language is Swedish, but you\u2019ll find that – like roughly 90% of Swedes – the majority of Malm\u00f6 inhabitants can speak English. Nevertheless, it\u2019s sure to be appreciated if you learn a few key phrases before your trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currency:<\/strong> Sweden\u2019s currency is the Swedish krona, and 20 krona is about \u00a31.50. Be sure to exchange some money if you\u2019re travelling between Sweden and Denmark, as the two countries use different currencies despite being very close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transport:<\/strong> It\u2019s easy to get around central Malm\u00f6 on foot or by cycling, but if you\u2019re travelling longer distances you might need to board a bus or a train to reach your destination quickly. You can plan your journey and purchase tickets on the Sk\u00e5netrafiken website<\/a>. You can also purchase tickets on the Sk\u00e5netrafiken app, at station ticket machines or at Pressbyr\u00e5n convenience stores, or with a payment card on green city buses. Consider purchasing a 1- or 3-day pass if you plan on making a lot of bus or train journeys to save money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weather:<\/strong> Malm\u00f6 is in the south of Sweden, so winters will be pretty chilly but unlikely to drop below zero during the day. Expect top summer temperatures in the low twenties, and don\u2019t forget about those extra-long daylight hours, either –  Malm\u00f6 enjoys 17 hours of daylight in July. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tipping: <\/strong>Tipping in Sweden is welcome but not expected; it\u2019s common to round your bill up to the nearest big number (e.g. round 280kr up to 300kr), or simply add 10% of the final total if you want to show your appreciation for the service you received. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover Sweden\u2019s Best City Breaks with Secret Escapes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re admiring the views from the Turning Torso or taking an invigorating dip at Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, Malm\u00f6 provides the perfect Swedish getaway. Find the best hotels in Malm\u00f6 with Secret Escapes and start planning your trip today. We do the work to find you the most outrageous deals on city breaks<\/a> and weekend breaks<\/a> so you can enjoy a well-deserved getaway on a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking to spend longer than 48 hours in Malm\u00f6? Make sure you discover the best things to do in Malm\u00f6<\/a> in our Secret guide, where we break down even more things to see and do in this exciting city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more travel advice and inspiration, deep dive further into the Escapist<\/a> magazine, or get in touch<\/a> for more information.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t