Visit Malmo for its castles and museums, summer festivals, parks and beaches. Sweden’s third-largest city is situated on the southwest coast and is known as the City of Parks. It was established in the 13th century as part of the Danish crown, but became a part of Sweden in 1658.
Malmo’s streets are easy to navigate by foot. Alternatively, rent a bicycle and explore the city along 292 miles (470 kilometers) of bikeways. You’ll find major attractions within walking distance of the Old Town. Go to Stortorget, the city’s oldest public square, to see the 16th-century Town Hall. Find more historic architecture at Gustav Adolf’s Square. At Lilla Torg, sit at an outdoor café while admiring half-timbered houses that date back to the 1600s.
Parks are a large part of Malmo’s culture. These are best enjoyed in summer when the weather is warm and the city has sunlight for up to 17 hours a day. Take leisurely walks and picnic in the perennial gardens of central Kungsparken and Castle Park. Watch free concerts and visit a century-old water tower at Pildammsparken. Younger visitors can enjoy the petting zoo and amusement rides at Folkets Park. When the sun shines, head to Ribersborg Beach. This 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) beach is only a 25-minute walk from the city center.
Malmo places an important emphasis on cultural events, many of them free almost 500 open-air concerts and performing arts shows take place in parks and squares and along the waterfront. Don’t miss Sommarscen and the Malmo Festival, the city’s two biggest summer festivals.
Rent a car to visit areas outside of Malmo. Lund is situated only 20 minutes away and is the site of the Lund Cathedral School, established in 1085 and still active. Catch the train to Copenhagen and travel across the 10-mile (16-kilometer) Oresund Bridge.
Outdoor activities are plentiful in Malmo, but the city also entertains with indoor activities in the winter months when the weather is cold. Visit the Malmo Castle, a 15th-century fortress and the home of the Malmo Museum.
