Secret Itinerary: 48 hours in Malmö

Short on time in Sweden’s third-largest city and not sure which of the top sights to see? Or perhaps you’re visiting Copenhagen and wondering whether Malmö is worth the visit? Short answer: It is. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our secret 48 Hours in Malmö itinerary. Cobbled streets, green spaces and a unique blend of medieval and modern – Malmö 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’s our Secret Escapes Malmö weekend itinerary for the ultimate city break!

Day 1 in Malmö

Morning: Breakfast, Old Town and the Moderna Museum

Start your two days in Malmö the right way – with a fika break. Roughly translating to ‘coffee and cake break’, fika is a cherished Swedish tradition involving taking a break with coffee and a sweet treat to socialise with those around you. You’ll find cafés 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’s so popular it has its own national day!

Lilla Kafferosteriet 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.

View of beautiful night scene in Stortorget, Malmö

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

Afternoon: Lunch & Shopping in Möllevången

Once the working-class neighbourhood of Malmö, trendy Möllevången (known as Möllan 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’s 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 – one of the city’s most iconic spots, or Ramen at Ramen to Bíiru.

Once you’ve eaten your fill, walk down the road to Mitt Möllan 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.

Top tip: If you’re 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.

The bar area of Möllevångstorget in Malmö, Sweden

Evening: Dinner in Gamla Staden

If nothing takes your fancy in Möllevången, why not head back to Gamla Staden for dinner? Malmö’s 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 Årstiderna and get ready to dine beneath the brick arches of a 16th-century house that once belonged to the mayor of Malmö.

Day 2 in Malmö

Morning: Malmö Castle & Fika Break

Malmö Castle, also known as Malmöhus Slott in the afternoon light, Sweden

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

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

Afternoon: Lunch at Malmö Saluhall & Vastra Hamnen

Head out of the park and straight up Slottsgatan to Malmö 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’re 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.

After lunch, discover the modern side of Malmö in Västra 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 Öresund Bridge, the second-longest bridge in Europe.

Evening: Dinner at Aster & Turning Torso Sunset Views

There are several great places to eat in the Västra 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 Malmö Gastronomy Award. It’s best to book ahead unless you don’t mind being seated on the patio.

End your day and trip with one of the best sunset views Malmö has to offer on the Turning Torso observation deck. This neo-futurist skyscraper is Sweden’s tallest building, offering sweeping panoramic views of the city, Copenhagen, and the Öresund Strait.

Where Is the Best Place to Swim in Malmö?

Ribersborgs Kallbadhus is arguably Malmö’s 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 Öresund Sea all year round, followed by a warming visit to one of its five saunas. It’s a truly invigorating Swedish experience, complete with stunning views back towards the city skyline.

Can You See the Northern Lights in Malmö?

While Malmö 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.

More Top Tips for First-Timers in Malmö

Language: The local language is Swedish, but you’ll find that – like roughly 90% of Swedes – the majority of Malmö inhabitants can speak English. Nevertheless, it’s sure to be appreciated if you learn a few key phrases before your trip.

Currency: Sweden’s currency is the Swedish krona, and 20 krona is about £1.50. Be sure to exchange some money if you’re travelling between Sweden and Denmark, as the two countries use different currencies despite being very close.

Transport: It’s easy to get around central Malmö on foot or by cycling, but if you’re 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 Skånetrafiken website. You can also purchase tickets on the Skånetrafiken app, at station ticket machines or at Pressbyrån 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.

Weather: Malmö 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’t forget about those extra-long daylight hours, either –  Malmö enjoys 17 hours of daylight in July.

Tipping: Tipping in Sweden is welcome but not expected; it’s 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.

Discover Sweden’s Best City Breaks with Secret Escapes

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

Looking to spend longer than 48 hours in Malmö? Make sure you discover the best things to do in Malmö in our Secret guide, where we break down even more things to see and do in this exciting city.

For more travel advice and inspiration, deep dive further into the Escapist magazine, or get in touch for more information.

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