Traditional Swedish Scenery! Top 10 Recommended Tourist Spots in Malmö

Malmö, located near the southwestern tip of Sweden, is a compact city with the third-largest population in the country, yet it’s possible to tour the main sights in just one day. However, don't let its compact size fool you. Centered around the old town, where traditional Swedish streetscapes remain preserved, Malmö is packed with numerous attractions worth exploring.

Another appealing aspect of Malmö is its proximity to Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, making it ideal for a day trip. It’s a city not only worth visiting for travelers to Sweden but also for those traveling in Denmark.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the Top 10 recommended tourist spots in Malmö!

1.Malmö Castle

About a 15-minute walk from Malmö Central Station, Malmö Castle stands proudly, surrounded by a moat. With its solid fortress-like appearance, it is more fitting to call it a fortress, and it even served as a prison in the past.

Currently, it has been transformed into a comprehensive museum showcasing Malmö’s nature, history, and art, making it a popular spot not only for tourists but also for local families. It’s a great place to get an in-depth understanding of Malmö, a Swedish city close to Denmark.

However, the museum’s interior is vast, so it can take quite a bit of time to see everything. The surrounding park, which features seasonal blooms, is also a place for relaxation, making it a lovely sightseeing spot even for a casual stroll around the castle.

2.Stortorget

Stortorget is the heart of Malmö’s old town. A short walk from Malmö Central Station toward the old town leads you right to it.

This square, also the center of Malmö sightseeing, is surrounded by some of the attractions we’ll introduce later. It also hosts various establishments, including the historic Lion Pharmacy, founded in 1571, along with hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. From here, you’ll also find the pedestrian street "Södergatan," lined with numerous shops.

Despite its size, Stortorget has a calm atmosphere, making it a recommended place to relax and unwind during your Malmö sightseeing.

3.Malmö City Hall

Facing Stortorget, Malmö City Hall is considered the face of the city. Like the Lion Pharmacy mentioned earlier, it is a historic building still used as a city hall.

Its reddish-brown brick and symmetrical design are stunning, especially against a clear blue sky, making it a popular photo spot in Malmö. Many tourists try to capture this beautiful building from Stortorget, so be sure to take a photo here as a memory of your Malmö visit.

4.St. Peter's Church

To the east of Malmö City Hall, you’ll notice an old clock tower with a traditional look. This clock tower is part of St. Peter’s Church, Malmö’s most famous church. Although the clock tower, which serves as a landmark, was rebuilt in the 19th century, St. Peter's Church itself began construction in the early 14th century. It’s one of Malmö's oldest buildings, retaining the architectural style used in Sweden at the time.

The interior is simple and calming, with a white base, featuring Gothic-style arched ceilings, altarpieces, reliefs, and wall paintings that have been preserved since its establishment. Don’t just admire the exterior; be sure to step inside and explore this remarkable spot.

5.Lilla Torg

Close to Stortorget is another square, Lilla Torg.

A bit smaller than Stortorget, this square is particularly lively, especially with its many restaurants, rivaling the atmosphere of Stortorget. Surrounding the square are charmingly designed buildings, and open cafes are set up within the square itself. It’s the perfect spot for a meal or a quick break during your Malmö sightseeing.

During the long summer nights, locals gather here for dinner and drinks, making it a lively spot not only for tourists but also for residents. If you want to experience the local atmosphere and interact with locals, this is the place to be.

6.Malmö City Library

Located beyond the old town from Malmö Central Station, the Malmö City Library may appear to be mainly for local residents and not seem like a typical tourist spot at first glance. However, what makes this library a noteworthy spot is the design contrast between the old and new buildings.

The old building has a historical appearance, while the new building is fully glass-covered, offering a spacious atmosphere that reflects Nordic design. You can catch a glimpse of the development of Swedish design history just by visiting this library.

Tourists are also welcome to enter. On sunny days, the glass-walled new building lets in ample sunlight. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a bit of luxurious leisure time reading while traveling.

7.Möllevången Square

Malmö is one of Sweden’s most multicultural cities, with immigrants from various countries. Möllevången Square is a spot where you can experience this multicultural atmosphere.

A regular open-air market is held at Möllevången Square, where you can find fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers at affordable prices. Around the square, there are also shops selling ingredients used in traditional cuisines from countries across the Middle East and Asia. It’s an ideal spot for those interested in Malmö’s global side, and even for travelers looking to cook for themselves.

The nearest station is Malmö Triangeln Station, just one stop from Malmö Central Station.

8.Gamla Väster

As its name suggests in Swedish, "Old West," Gamla Väster is located on the western edge of Malmö’s city area. It may not seem like a typical tourist attraction, but it’s recommended for those who want to fully enjoy Malmö’s streetscape.

In Gamla Väster, you’ll find well-preserved, small traditional houses that reflect the everyday lives of Malmö’s residents. The colorful and charming houses make it a popular photo spot.

At one point, this area was on the verge of modernization, but now it’s home to quaint cafes and galleries. A slow stroll through this district allows you to discover hidden gems among small shops and cozy spots.

9.Turning Torso

Though Malmö is known for its historical buildings, it also boasts a world-famous piece of modern architecture: the Turning Torso, a high-rise building that towers over the Malmö harbor area.

Visible from nearly anywhere in Malmö, this 193-meter building is the tallest in the Nordic countries, but its defining feature is its unique design. True to its name, the building "twists" as it rises, with a 90-degree difference between the first and top floors. Though primarily used as a residential building and not open to tourists, it’s worth a visit to admire from the outside.

There’s also a nearby beach, so if you visit in spring or summer, you might enjoy spending time by the sea and taking in the Nordic coastline.

10.Form/Design Center

For those wanting to enjoy more modern Nordic design like the Turning Torso, the Form/Design Center is highly recommended. Located near Lilla Torg, this three-story facility features a cafe, exhibition space, and a shop.

The exhibition space displays the latest fashion items and interior designs by Nordic designers, and if something catches your eye, you can even purchase it. The shop on the third floor sells plenty of items that make great souvenirs, so even if the exhibits are out of budget, you can still enjoy some Nordic shopping.

The cafe’s interior also reflects Nordic design, allowing you to enjoy coffee or snacks surrounded by, or even using, Nordic-style furniture. This is truly a sightseeing spot where you can immerse yourself in Nordic design.

◎ Summary

The appeal of Malmö as a tourist destination may lie in its ability to showcase Sweden’s historic landscapes alongside cutting-edge design within a compact cityscape. The next time you travel to the Nordic countries, why not visit Malmö, a city packed with Swedish charm?

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Traditional Swedish Scenery! Top 10 Recommended Tourist Spots in Malmö