Looking for the best things to do in Malmö in one day? Malmö is a fantastic day trip from Copenhagen, and a great addition to a longer Sweden itinerary.
Why? This compact coastal city has everything you need for a perfect short break. Think sleek architecture, creative street art, great food, and a strong sense of Swedish style, all within walking distance.
Here’s how to make the most of your day in Malmö, including what to see, where to eat, and what to do if you’ve got extra time.
Also read: Two Days In Copenhagen Itinerary | The Perfect Weekend Trip
You can comfortably see everything I mention in this Malmö itinerary in one day. Just follow all of the things to do in the same order.
Of course you can discover Malmö on your own, but for a little more context while exploring the city I can recommend this walking tour.
Although Malmö is best explored on foot, for getting to the Turning Torso, you could consider hopping on an e-scooter. Have a fun day!
1. Admire The Architecture Of The Turning Torso
Kick off your Malmö visit with one of its most striking landmarks: the Turning Torso. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this twisting white tower was inspired by a human spine in motion.
Completed in 2005, it stands 190 metres tall and is the tallest building in Scandinavia. The project was developed by Sweden’s largest housing cooperative, and the tower houses luxury apartments as well as offices and event spaces.
The Turning Torso is located in Västra Hamnen, a former shipyard area that has been transformed into one of Malmö’s most sustainable and modern neighbourhoods. Today, it’s home to young professionals, families, and creatives drawn to the waterfront lifestyle.
Tip: The tower is best appreciated from a distance, such as at this perfect spot.
2. Stroll Along the Coast and Spot the Öresund Bridge
From the Turning Torso, follow the path to the water’s edge for sweeping coastal views. Look out over the Öresund Strait and you’ll see the Öresund Bridge, a true marvel of modern engineering.
Spanning nearly 8 kilometres, the bridge links Malmö with Copenhagen and was officially opened in 2000. It was commissioned to strengthen ties between Sweden and Denmark and create new economic opportunities in the region.
The bridge carries both road and rail traffic, with around 20,000 vehicles and 33,000 train passengers crossing daily.
Tip: The Öresund bridge also gained international fame as the central setting of the Swedish–Danish crime series Bron/Broen (The Bridge), which begins with a murder discovered exactly on the border between the two countries. Check to see if it’s on Netflix or Prime Video.
3. Explore Malmö Castle and Slottsparken
Continue toward Malmöhus Slott, the oldest surviving Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. Originally built in the 16th century by King Christian III of Denmark, the fortress has served as a royal residence, prison, and military base over the centuries.
Today, it houses several museums under the umbrella of Malmö Museer, including exhibitions on natural history, science and technology, and regional history. There’s also an aquarium and rotating contemporary art shows.
Even if you skip the exhibits, the surrounding Slottsparken is a peaceful place to stroll, with flowerbeds, lakes, and sculptures dotted throughout. Look out for statues like “Boy and geese”.
4. Pass by the Castle Mill and the High Court
As you exit Slottsparken, don’t miss the charming Slottsmöllan, a 19th-century windmill. While it no longer functions as a mill, it remains one of Malmö’s most photogenic landmarks.
On the day we visited, there was a circus set up in the field next to the mill — the park regularly hosts events, from local festivals to outdoor theatre and pop-up food markets.
Nearby, you’ll see the stately Hovrätten över Skåne och Blekinge — the High Court of Skåne and Blekinge, which used to handle appeals for southern Sweden. It’s still an active court, but has since moved to the other side of the canal.
Today, the old courthouse that was completed in 1917, is used as a congress and event venue. And during the warmer months, it also hosts Restaurant Ivar, a seasonal spot for drinks and dining with beautiful views across the water.
5. Have Lunch at Malmö Saluhall
By now, you’ve earned a break, and there’s no better place than Malmö Saluhall. Housed in a restored brick warehouse from the 1800s, this indoor food market brings together some of the city’s best independent food vendors.
You’ll find everything from steaming bowls of ramen to sourdough pizza, plant-based meals, buttery cinnamon buns and other Scandinavian hits. The hall is especially popular during lunchtime, so expect a buzz of activity.
Saluhall opened in 2016 as part of the regeneration of the Universitetsholmen district, and it’s quickly become a local favourite. Grab a seat inside or out on the terrace if the weather’s nice!
6. Find the Magic Book Street Art Mural
From Saluhall make your way to one of Malmö’s most photographed murals: The Magic Book. This colourful piece shows children climbing out of an open book into a dreamlike world. It was painted in 2013 by Brazilian street artists as part of the Artscape street art festival.
Interestingly, the mural sits on the wall of a temporary car park, and the surrounding area is set for future development — so it may not be around forever.
If you’re into urban art, it’s worth noting that Malmö has several other graffiti spots, including the skate park near Folkets Park and Graffiti Hangaren near Annelund Park.
7. Relax in Lilla Torg, Malmö’s Cosy Central Square
From here, head to Lilla Torg a small square packed with a lot of charm. It’s surrounded by timber-framed houses and cobbled streets, and filled with outdoor cafés that spill into the square during warmer months.
This area has become one of Malmö’s liveliest hangouts, especially in the evening. But during the day, it’s perfect for a coffee stop.
8. Visit the Form/Design Center
Just off Lilla Torg, you’ll find the Form/Design Center, a free space dedicated to Scandinavian architecture, design, and sustainability.
It’s located in a historic 18th-century granary, and the central courtyard where the centre now sits was once used for loading and storing grain when this part of town was still Malmö’s commercial core.
Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibitions, often with a focus on eco-friendly innovation and Nordic aesthetics. The space also hosts workshops, talks, and events — and the small shop is a great place to pick up Swedish-made design objects.
Exhibitions typically change every couple of months, so there’s always something fresh to see. And it’s also free to visit!
9. Explore Around Stortorget
Only a couple of minutes from Lilla Torg, lies Stortorget, Malmö’s oldest and largest square. It was laid out in the 16th century when the city was under Danish rule and still serves as a central meeting point.
You’ll immediately notice the City Hall (Rådhuset), a red-brick Renaissance building with a façade that hints at the city’s trading wealth. Next to it stands the Kockska Huset, once home to powerful merchant Jörgen Kock, who also served as mayor.
Just behind the square you’ll find Sankt Petri Church, Malmö’s oldest building. Built in the early 14th century, it’s a textbook example of Baltic Brick Gothic style, with soaring columns and a bright, whitewashed interior.
Coffee tip: Just a short walk away, you’ll find Lilla Kafferosteriet, a beloved local roastery housed in a historic building with a peaceful courtyard garden. Their pour-over coffee and cardamom buns are hard to beat.
10. Visit Moderna Museet Malmö
From Lilla Torg, it’s a short walk to Moderna Museet Malmö, a branch of Stockholm’s National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The museum is housed in a bold architectural blend: a former power station from 1901, with a striking orange modern extension designed by Tham & Videgård.
Inside, you’ll find curated exhibitions featuring both Swedish and international artists, with a focus on experimental and provocative works. Entry is 50 SEK, and even if modern art isn’t usually your thing, the building itself is worth a look.
If you’re planning to visit Moderna Museet Stockholm later in your trip, this branch offers a great introduction.
11. Shop for Swedish Design and Local Treats
Malmö is a great city for a bit of shopping — especially if you like Scandinavian design, Nordic skincare, or stylish souvenirs.
We stopped by Nordiska Galleriet, a high-end interior design store filled with sleek furniture and lighting pieces from brands like Hay and Gubi. Even if you’re not redecorating, it’s inspiring to browse.
If you’re after something more traditionally Swedish, look for Dala horses, handmade wooden figures that originated in Dalarna, or Fika-themed kitchenware that celebrates Sweden’s coffee break culture.
12. Visit Malmö Konsthall
Just a short walk from Triangeln station is Malmö Konsthall, one of the largest contemporary art spaces in Europe.
The building, designed by Swedish architect Klas Anshelm, is known for its minimalist, light-filled design that uses concrete, wood, and glass to create a gallery that feels open and calming.
The exhibitions here change regularly and often feature bold, large-scale works by both Swedish and international artists. Past artists include Edvard Munch, Louise Bourgeois, and Keith Haring.
Tip: Entry is free, and there’s also a nice café on-site if you want a break before the final stretch of your day.
13. Catch a Show at Malmö Opera
If you’re spending the evening in Malmö, check what’s on at the Malmö Opera. This impressive theatre opened in 1944 and is one of the largest opera houses in northern Europe.
It was designed by architect Sigurd Lewerentz, with acoustics so finely tuned that it’s considered one of the best venues for live performance in Sweden.
We planned our entire visit to Malmö around seeing Joyride – The Musical, a spectacular tribute to Roxette. The production has won nine Swedish Musical Awards and was everything we hoped for. A high-energy show with standout vocals, clever choreography, and plenty of nostalgic moments.
Even if Joyride isn’t running, the opera’s programme includes musicals, ballet, and classical concerts throughout the year. So check out Malmö Opera website to see what’s on. If you want to see Joyride, then you’re in luck, because after a successful run in Stockholm the show will return to Malmö at the end of 2026!
Tip: Book early if you’re visiting on a weekend, because popular shows often sell out.
14. Grab a Craft Beer at Malmö Brewing Co & Taproom
End your Malmö day with a laid-back drink at Malmö Brewing Co, a local brewery and taproom just a short walk from the city centre. The brewery serves its own wide-ranging craft beers — from IPAs to porters — along with guest taps and hearty bar food.
The space is relaxed and unpretentious, with long tables, friendly staff, and a bit of a neighbourhood feel. It’s open late, making it a good final stop whether you’re celebrating a fun-filled day or winding down after a show.
Map of Things To Do In Malmö in One Day
To help you navigate your way around Malmö, I’ve created the map below on Google Maps. It includes all of the Malmö things to do in this one day itinerary.
How To Get To And Around Malmö
Getting to Malmö
Malmö is one of Sweden’s most accessible cities, with excellent train connections and its location just across the bridge from Copenhagen. Whether you’re visiting from Denmark or travelling within Sweden, getting here is straightforward.
From Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup)
The easiest and most popular way to reach Malmö, especially for international visitors, is to fly into Copenhagen Airport. From there, direct Öresund trains take you across the famous Öresund Bridge in about 25 minutes.
Trains run every 20 minutes during the day, and you don’t need to pre-book tickets, simply use the station machines. Or if you do want to pre-book for convenience sake, then get your tickets in the Omio app.
From Stockholm, Gothenburg or Lund
If you’re travelling within Sweden, Malmö is very well connected by train:
- Stockholm to Malmö takes around 4.5 to 5 hours by direct high-speed train (SJ or Snälltåget).
- Gothenburg to Malmö takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Lund to Malmö is a quick 15-minute regional train — perfect if you’re based nearby.
You can book your tickets on the SJ trains via omio.com, for a comfortable, scenic journey with onboard Wi-Fi and cafés.
Also read: Stockholm Itinerary | How To Spend 3 – 5 Days In Sweden’s Capital
Getting Around Malmö
One of the best things about visiting Malmö is that the city is compact and walkable. Most of the sights listed above are located within a 15–20 minute walk from each other, and the flat layout makes it perfect for exploring on foot or by bike.
- Walking | Ideal for a one-day itinerary, so no public transport needed if you stay centrally.
- Bike rental | Malmö is very bike-friendly, with clearly marked lanes and rental options like this one.
- E-Scooter | All over the city you’ll find e-scooters stationed. Just scan their QR-code, sign-up and you’re good to go.
- Public transport | If you want to travel further afield, Skånetrafiken operates Malmö’s buses. You can use the Skånetrafiken app for planning, real-time updates, and digital tickets. Or simply tap your card upon boarding the bus.
If you’re arriving by car, do note that central Malmö has limited parking and traffic-calmed zones, so a car-free visit is usually much easier.
What’s The Best Time To Visit Malmö?
The best time to visit Malmö is from May to September, when the weather is mild, the days are long, and the city truly comes alive. Summer temperatures usually range between 18–25°C, and locals head outdoors to enjoy the parks, waterfront, and café terraces.
This is also when Malmö hosts Sommarscen, a free summer arts festival with performances all over the city. Late spring and early autumn offer similar charm with fewer crowds, especially in May and September.
Malmö in winter (October to March) is colder and often overcast, with shorter days and more time spent indoors. While the city doesn’t usually get heavy snow, it’s not the ideal season for exploring its outdoor sights.
That said, if you’re visiting for a show at Malmö Opera, winter can still be a great time, especially around December, when festive lights brighten the city streets. Or even April when the trees are blossoming.
Where To Stay In Malmö
Malmö has plenty of great accommodation options, from design-forward hotels to laid-back neighbourhood stays. If you’re planning to explore the city in one day, staying somewhere central makes everything easy on foot.
Our Pick: Home Hotel Temperance
We stayed at Home Hotel Temperance, located just a short walk from the city centre and Malmö Opera. It was one of the highlights of our trip. The room was spacious and thoughtfully designed, with everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
What really stood out was the all-inclusive concept, with breakfast, fika, and dinner all included. This made it feel very personal and relaxing compared to a typical hotel experience.
The hotel’s vibe was calm and welcoming, and the location couldn’t have been more convenient for a one-day visit.
Final Thoughts | Is One Day in Malmö Enough?
With just one afternoon and evening in Malmö, we felt like we saw everything we came for, and more. The city’s compact size, creative energy, and mix of modern architecture and historic charm make it ideal for a short trip.
Of course, if you have extra time, you could easily stretch your visit. We would’ve loved to explore the Moderna Museet in more depth or linger longer in the parks and galleries. But for us, the combination of good food, seaside views, design shop stops, and a brilliant night at the Malmö Opera made for a perfectly rounded day.
Have you been to Malmö, or have any questions? Leave a reply below, because I’d love to hear your thoughts! You can also connect with me on Instagram for more travel inspiration, and subscribe to the newsletter to get new itinerary ideas straight to your inbox.
Planning your trip to Sweden? Check out my Sweden Travel Guide for more inspiration.
