Malmö vacation packages

How to reach Malmö

• Travel options: While there are no direct flights to Malmö, Copenhagen Airport is conveniently located with easy connections across the Øresund Bridge. Once you arrive in Copenhagen, getting to Malmö is straightforward.

• Transportation time: From Copenhagen Airport, you can reach Malmö in just about 20 minutes by train over the Øresund Bridge. Alternatively, taking a taxi will take around 30 minutes.

• Cost: The train from Copenhagen Airport to Malmö costs about $12 for a single ticket, while a taxi ride can range from $60 to $72.

Best time to visit Malmö

The ideal time for visiting Malmö depends on your preferred activities and the weather you enjoy.

• March to May: March marks the return of light after a lengthy winter. May offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the city’s natural spaces. Temperatures climb from 41°F in March to around 55°F in May, with daylight extending to 8–10 hours of sunshine.

• June to August: These summer months feature longer days and warm temperatures, perfect for enjoying the city's beaches, where the sea becomes suitable for swimming. Expect temperatures from 64°F to 72°F, with mild evenings ideal for dining outdoors. Rainfall is minimal, averaging around 2 to 3 inches, with plenty of sunshine-about 10 to 12 hours daily.

• September to November: The arrival of fall brings glorious colors, making it an excellent time to explore Malmö's cultural attractions. Temperatures drop from about 59°F in September to roughly 43°F by November, with daylight dwindling to around 6–8 hours.

• December to February: With fewer crowds and vibrant Christmas markets, December is a fantastic time to visit Malmö. While milder than other parts of Sweden (temperatures range from 32°F to 39°F), January might bring snow. Daylight hours are brief, about 5–6 hours.

Practical information

• Language: Swedish is the official language, though English is widely spoken throughout the city.

• Local customs: When meeting, friends typically hug rather than kiss. In formal situations, people shake hands while stating their name. Nude lake swimming and sunbathing are common. Respect others' privacy if people are around, but it's not typically opposed. Haggling is not customary.

• Health and safety: Malmö is very safe, and the medical care is excellent. If you're visiting from the UK, you can use the global health insurance card, which is obtainable for free.

• Currency: Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK). Credit cards are widely accepted, and cash is rarely used.

• Getting around: Although the city center is easy to navigate on foot, you may need to use the city bus service for certain sights and accommodations. Bus tickets aren’t sold on board; download the Skånetrafiken app for mobile ticketing.

• Electricity and plug types: Sweden uses Type C and F plugs with 230V. Ensure you bring an adapter if traveling from the US.

• Time zone: Malmö operates on Central European Time, observing Daylight Saving Time, which is typically 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

• Travel documentation: If you're from the US, ensure you have a valid passport for immigration. For stays under 90 days, a visa is not required.

Best things to do in Malmö

With its charming medieval center and numerous cobblestone pedestrian streets filled with vibrant restaurants and bars, Malmö exudes plenty of style.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Turning Torso: From the western side of Malmöhus, you can see Malmö’s most breathtaking sight on the northern horizon: the Turning Torso. This is Scandinavia's tallest building, a sleek, twisting tower of steel that curves 90 degrees clockwise, reaching a height of 622 feet above the ground.

The best districts

• Lilla Torg, Malmö: This beautiful, cobbled square in the city center is an excellent spot to relax with a drink and unwind.

• Möllevångstorget: This vibrant square is largely populated by people of diverse backgrounds, featuring exotic food stores, shops selling unique items, and newly established Chinese restaurants and karaoke bars.

• Västra Hamnen: Known as the Western Harbor, this eco-friendly district is famous for its modern architecture and waterfront atmosphere. It’s home to the Turning Torso and the popular Sundspromenaden walkway, which offers scenic views of the sea and many picnic spots.

Museums

• Moderna Museet: Worth a visit if you’re interested in contemporary art, Moderna Museet hosts temporary exhibitions from its rich collection dating back to 1900, including works by artists like Matisse, Picasso, and Dalí.

Parks and gardens

• Kungsparken and Slottsträdgården: With elegant trees and classic sculptures along the canal, Kungsparken is Malmö’s oldest park, connected to Slottsträdgården, an organic garden boasting beautiful plant displays, a canal, and a charming little café.

• Pildammsparken: The largest park in the city, Pildammsparken features serene lakes and impressive fountain displays.

Historical monuments

• Sankt Petri Kyrka: Essentially Malmö’s cathedral, this church dates back to the 14th century. Although Baltic in inspiration, it has significant German influences; its dark, imposing Gothic exterior hides a light, airy interior.

• Malmö Castle (Malmöhus): This 16th-century castle is Scandinavia’s oldest surviving Renaissance fortress and now houses several museums, including the Malmö Art Museum.

• Rådhus: Dating from 1546, this town hall is an impressive display of architectural flair, with abundant statues, and is topped by the red-and-gold flag of Skåne, of which Malmö is particularly proud.

Day trips in the area

• Hallands Väderö: A boat trip to this unspoiled island off the Bjäre Peninsula offers opportunities to enjoy nature and spot seals.

• Lund: Just a 15-minute train ride from Malmö, Lund is a picturesque university town with charming streets and the finest Romanesque cathedral in northern Europe.

Activities for families in Malmö

Malmö is a fantastic destination for families, with plenty of attractions to keep children entertained.

• Beaches: Malmö's long sandy beaches stretch for several kilometers to the old limestone-quarrying area of Limhamn to the southwest. These beaches are family favorites, as the water stays shallow for several meters out to sea.

• Canal boats: Canal boat tours, known as Rundan Sightseeing, provide a fun way to see the city. They leave daily from the canal opposite the Elite Savoy hotel. Alternatively, pedal boats are available, allowing for a self-paced tour around the canal network. They are moored at Amiralsbron.

• Parks and gardens: Folkets Park offers playgrounds, duck ponds, a mini-golf course, and a skate park, making it a perfect place for kids to burn off some energy.

Free things to do in Malmö

Malmö offers plenty of free activities, mostly in the city’s natural surroundings but also through its major festivals.

• Beaches: Enjoy some of Sweden's warmest weather on Malmö's city beaches, ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

• Parks: Malmö is proud of its beautiful parks, which form a chain running south from Malmöhus' grounds. A leisurely stroll through these green spaces can be quite enjoyable.

• Festivals: Every August, Malmö hosts the Malmöfestivalen, one of Sweden's largest festivals. It spans the city, with a giant crayfish party in Stortorget marking the grand opening and free music and entertainment lasting for eight days.

Nature and outdoor activities in Malmö

Malmö's scenic surroundings and coastal location make it perfect for outdoor activities, whether exploring its green spaces or enjoying water sports.

• Cycling: Ride along the waterfront in Västra Hamnen or explore cultural areas like Gamla Staden and Möllevången by bike. For an unforgettable experience, ride the bike-friendly Öresund Bridge from Malmö to Copenhagen.

• Beaches and nature reserves: The nearby town of Skanör boasts a fantastic 3-mile-long sandy stretch of beach leading to Svanrevet. Close by is the beautiful Flommen nature reserve, known for its wetland meadows adorned with blue butterfly iris and sea holly amidst the sand dunes.

• Water sports: Kayaking and paddleboarding are available at Ribersborg Beach, while Västra Hamnen’s calmer waters are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding.

Local dishes in Malmö

Over the years, Malmö has embraced a diverse culinary scene, thanks to the arrival of immigrants and second-generation Swedes. This means there is a wide variety of cuisines to explore during your trip to Malmö.

Some typical dishes

• Herring: A classic Swedish dish, typically served marinated. It's best enjoyed with a cold beer or a strong shot of aquavit.

• Köttbullar: Potato and meatballs served with a rich, creamy brown sauce and lingonberries.

Meat dishes

• Sjömansbiff: Sailors' beef casserole, featuring thin slices of beef baked with potatoes and onions and garnished with parsley.

• Biff Rydberg: Sautéed beef chunks served with fried potatoes, onions, and mustard.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Gravad Lax: A Swedish twist on cured salmon, marinated with dill and sugar, served with mustard sauce on crisp bread.

• Surströmming: Fermented Baltic herring, known for its strong odor and usually eaten in small quantities. Definitely an adventurous choice!

• Fisksoppa: A fish soup made with various types of fish, shrimp, and dill.

Sweets and desserts

Sweden's love of fika (coffee break) ensures plenty of sweet treats are available. Favorites include cinnamon buns, pastries flavored with cardamom, and sweet almond tarts. Sweden is also famous for semlor (cream-filled buns) and the iconic prinsesstårta, a bright green marzipan-covered sponge cake layered with whipped cream.

Local drinks

• Aquavit: A potato-based spirit served ice-cold in small shots, often accompanied by beer. It comes in a range of unique flavors, from lemon to cumin-and-dill.

• Swedish beer: Malmö's craft beer scene is vibrant, with local breweries like Malmö Brewing Co offering a broad selection from pale ales to stouts.