48 hours in Malmö: the perfect itinerary for first-time visitors

Short on time in Sweden’s third-largest city and not sure which of the top sights to see? In this guide we share the perfect 48-hour itinerary for first-time visitors.

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 gives 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. Here’s how we’d spend a perfect 48 hours in Malmö!

Perfect 48-hour Malmö Itinerary

Day one

Breakfast at Lilla Kafferosteriet

Coffee and cake holds a special place in Swedish culture, so you’ll find cafés and bakeries on every corner. Lilla Kafferosteriet is a popular spot in the Old Town where you can indulge in specialty coffees and a pastry or two to start your day. Be sure to try the Swedish favourite, the kanelbullar (cinnamon bun); it’s so popular it has its own national day!

Explore the Old Town

View of beautiful night scene in Stortorget, Malmö

A trip to Malmö wouldn’t be complete without 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. Start off in Stortorget; the largest and oldest square in the city, it’s 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.

Top tip: Malmo is very walkable, but it’s also super bike-friendly. With flat streets, miles of bike paths and plenty of places to rent a bike from, you can hop between top sights even faster on two wheels.

Catch an exhibition at the Moderna Museet

Head over 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.

Lunch at Värnhems Falafel

Did somebody say falafel? This middle-eastern street food is a Malmö staple, introduced by immigrants from Israel and Lebanon in the 80s, and you’ll find vendors all over the city. If you’re looking for a quick bite at lunch time, Värnhems Falafel comes highly recommended by locals and tourists alike.

Discover the hip Möllevången neighbourhood

The bar area of Möllevångstorget in Malmö, Sweden

Once the working class neighbourhood of Malmö, trendy Möllevången (known as Möllan to locals) is now the heart of multiculturalism in the city. The central square of Möllevångstorget holds a lively fruit and vegetable market every day except Sunday (arrive before lunch if you want to catch it in full swing).

Just down the road, Mitt Möllan is the place to 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.

If you’re starting to get peckish again, then you’re in the perfect place. Möllevången is full of restaurants serving up all kinds of international cuisine. Here are a few restaurants in the area:

Shamiat, Bergsgatan 5

Art of Spices, Bergsgatan 10

SOI 29, Bergsgatan 29

Khanh, Friisgatan 3

The Paradise Indisk Restaurang Malmö, Amiralsgatan 18

Ramen to Bíiru Malmø, Simrishamnsgatan 10

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 you can dine beneath the brick arches of a 16th century house that once belonged to the mayor of Malmö.

Day two

Visit the amazing castle

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).

Top tip: Some top sights in Malmö, including the castle, extend their opening hours on Thursdays. If you’re visiting over a Thursday, rearrange the itinerary slightly to make the most of these extra hours.

Wander the parks and snap a picture with the historic windmill

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.

Lunch at Malmö Saluhall

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.

Explore the Vastra Hamnen neighbourhood

Sunset at the Öresund Bridge from Malmö, Sweden

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 – don’t miss a picture with the futuristic Turning Torso skyscraper, the tallest building in Scandinavia and an icon of the city. 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.

Dinner at Aster

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.

Top tip: The Öresund Bridge connects Sweden with Denmark and makes it possible to travel between Malmö and Copenhagen in about 40 minutes. Make the most of the proximity and tick two top cities off your bucket list in one go.

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.

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