A hotspot expedition in a Swedish city that often is shadowed by its larger Danish neighbour. Here is my list of things to do in Malmö.
So now and then I have to travel to Malmö. Malmö is Sweden’s thirds largest city. Recently I was back in Malmö, time for a hotspot expedition in a city that often is shadowed by its larger Danish neighbour. Here is my list of things to do in Malmö.
Traveling to Malmö is easy. Malmö is quite near to Copenhagen and its airport. You just have to cross the bridge known from the series The Bridge. Before, when I went to Malmö I had to travel via Amsterdam to Copenhagen. Luckily I could now take the plane from Groningen airport. For me, just in 1.5 hour in the middle of the city of Malmö.
Malmö is and always has been a port city. This is reflected in its sometimes edgy appearance and in the amount of inhabitants from different cultures. Which again is reflected in the many restaurants in the city.
But, Malmö is far more a Swedish place. The city is modern, especially the newly renovated port area of Västra Hamnen. You’ll find many Scandi design stores and Swedish design fashion boutiques. I love Swedish interior design and I’m loving their fashion style even more (duh). So, here’s my tips for the things to do in Malmö.
Malmö’s train stations. The first of what you’ll see from the city, but absolute worth it. The train from Copenhagen stops in central Malmö at Malmö Triangaln and Malmö Centralstation. This line is quite recent and the station are modern and fresh. I liked the comfortable modern designs of the stations. The food court at the central station is just great, where do you find these things at this location these days?
Malmö central station is the best exit for the city’s old town centre. Just near Triangeln station is Triangeln shopping mall and Möllevången restaurant and bar area.
Turning Torso. Scandinavia’s highest (and only?) skyscraper. Turning Torso is located in a former ship yard area of Västra Hamnen, today a modern and light area of housing and ships. A great location because the sea is adjacent. Building design lovers would love this area (or at least think this area is interesting) for the various modern styles of housing.
Bus line 5 leads to Västra Hamnen. Modern too, because I cannot say it’s a bus or a tram or a metro. The line features them all!
Most shops and boutiques are to be found in the old town centre of the city. But have a look in streets next to the big shops. I found this nice Davidshalltorg square and surrounding streets. At Davidshallstorg you’ll find many vintage shops, coffee houses, and some alternative fashion stores. Where you definitely need to have a look is at Roy & Son – Classic Shaves And Modern Haircuts. I didn’t need a cut, but this barber shops looks so stunning I had to enter to take some pictures of this own designed store.
The square has an easy vibe and was a nice surprise to me.
Möllevångentorget. This place is the centre for going and eating out. You’ll find many restaurants and bars around the square. During my first stays in Malmö I focussed on the restaurants at the city centre itself, but I discovered there’s far more choice at Möllevångentorget when I walked onto the square the last time. Definitely a revisit for me!
Möllevången is also the centre of Malmö’s multicultural neighbourhood. You’ll find multicultural groceries stores here too.
Fashion. … and visit some of the interesting fashion stores selling Sweden’s noteworthy (minimalistic) fashion design. The Swedish fashion houses are located across the city centre. My favorites: I couldn’t resist to drop by at COS for some new items; Filipa K, Nudie Jeans, Aplace, many more.
Cycling. As someone from Groningen I am very pleased to see cycling is also serious business in Malmö. Cycling is looking to be very safe in Malmö; cycling lanes, cyclist get their own space on the roads (also by car drivers), there are many bike shops and bike parking lots. I didn’t do it, but the city seems very suitable to discover by bike. For me that would one of the things to do in Malmö next time.
So, if you have the opportunity to pay a visit to Malmö, you should. The city is Sweden and Sweden is nice.
It’s high on the wish list! I even saw a vegan bar on your googlemaps pic. Like!!