Malmö Guide: Sights, Falafel & The Ultimate Copenhagen Day Trip

Malmö is a city of vibrant energy and endless possibilities. As Sweden's third-largest city, it's a cultural melting pot where historic charm meets cutting-edge sustainable design. With the iconic Öresund Bridge connecting it to Denmark, Malmö truly feels like Sweden's gateway to the continent.

This guide is based on a 3-day adventure, using a cozy camping cottage at Firstcamp Sibbarp-Malmö as a unique coastal base. We'll dive into how to explore the city's best neighborhoods, hunt down its legendary falafel, and embark on an incredibly easy and unforgettable day trip to Copenhagen. This is your all-in-one guide to planning a fantastic visit.

Arriving in Malmö is straightforward. While our journey was by car from Stockholm, offering the flexibility to pack more, many visitors arrive via Copenhagen Airport (CPH). CPH is, ironically, the most convenient airport for Malmö—a quick and scenic train ride across the Öresund Bridge will have you in Malmö Central Station in about 20 minutes.

Our base at Firstcamp Sibbarp-Malmö, located right on the coast south of the center, was a perfect choice for a different kind of stay. While parking at the campsite was simple, be aware that parking in Malmö's city center can be expensive and hard to find. We recommend leaving the car at your accommodation and embracing the excellent public transport.

Malmö is a city best explored on foot, by bike, or with its fantastic public transport system, managed by Skånetrafiken. From our campsite, we used a combination of buses and trains to navigate the region seamlessly.

• Walking: The heart of Malmö, especially the Old Town (Gamla Staden), is compact and perfect for exploring on foot.
• Buses: A dense network of city buses will take you to any district you want to visit, from the city center to the Western Harbour.
• Trains (Öresundståg): These regional trains are your key to the wider region. They connect stations within Malmö (like Hyllie and Centralen) and are essential for the quick journey to Copenhagen.

Malmö's character unfolds in its diverse neighborhoods. Here are the key areas to explore:

• Gamla Staden (The Old Town): The historic heart of the city. Lose yourself in the cobblestone streets around Lilla Torg, a stunning square lined with half-timbered buildings and buzzing cafés. It's the picture-perfect image of old-world Scandinavia.
• Västra Hamnen (The Western Harbour): A symbol of Malmö's modern transformation. Come here to see the iconic Turning Torso skyscraper, a marvel of architecture. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the magnificent views of the Öresund Bridge.
• Möllevången ("Möllan"): The vibrant, multicultural soul of Malmö. This is where you'll find the bustling Möllevångstorget market, a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and smells from around the world. It's also the undisputed capital of Malmö's food scene.

You cannot visit Malmö without trying its most famous culinary export: falafel. The city's reputation is well-deserved. For around 60-80 SEK, you'll get a warm pita bread packed with crispy, flavorful falafel balls, fresh salads, tangy pickles, and delicious sauces. The best places are often unassuming spots in the Möllevången district—just look for the queue!

Beyond falafel, Malmö is a paradise for fika. Take a break in one of Gamla Staden's cozy cafés for a cup of coffee and a classic pastry. It's an essential Swedish ritual and the perfect way to recharge during a day of sightseeing.

One of Malmö's biggest draws is its jaw-dropping proximity to Copenhagen. A day trip isn't just possible; it's incredibly easy and a must-do.

The Öresundståg train runs from Malmö Central Station directly to Copenhagen Central Station every 20 minutes. The journey takes just under 40 minutes, including the spectacular crossing of the Öresund Bridge. You can buy your ticket directly in the Skånetrafiken app. In less than an hour, you can go from having fika in Sweden to exploring the capital of Denmark.

If you have more time, don't miss these other fantastic spots:

• Malmöhus Castle: The oldest preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordics. A single ticket gives you access to multiple museums housed within, including the Malmö Art Museum and a small aquarium. It's fantastic value for money.
• Ribersborgsstranden ("Ribban"): Malmö's city beach. This long stretch of sand is perfect for a summer swim or a scenic walk any time of year, offering great views of the Turning Torso and the bridge.
• Kungsparken & Slottsparken: These lush, beautiful parks wrap around the castle, creating a green oasis in the heart of the city. They are perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.
• Moderna Museet Malmö: For art lovers, this museum offers a world-class collection of modern and contemporary art in a striking industrial building.

Our trip was in May, which offered pleasant, sunny weather perfect for exploring. Generally:

• Summer (June - August): The best time for warm weather, long daylight hours, and enjoying outdoor life, from the city beaches to the bustling café terraces.
• Spring & Autumn (May & September): Excellent shoulder seasons with fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and beautiful natural scenery.
• Winter (October - April): Colder and windier, but a great time to explore museums and enjoy the cozy café culture. The Christmas markets in December are magical.

Malmö is generally more affordable than Stockholm. Here's how to make your money go further:

• Accommodation: Staying at a place like Firstcamp Sibbarp in a camping cottage can save you a significant amount compared to a city center hotel.
• Transport: Invest in a 24 or 72-hour pass from Skånetrafiken. It’s much cheaper than buying single tickets if you plan on exploring.
• Food: Embrace the falafel! It's delicious, filling, and incredibly budget-friendly. Also, look for "Dagens Lunch" (lunch of the day) deals on weekdays.
• Activities: Balance paid attractions with free ones. Exploring Gamla Staden, the parks, and the beach costs nothing. The Malmöhus Castle ticket is also great value.

Your choice of accommodation will shape your trip. Here are the main options:

• Coastal Camping (Firstcamp Sibbarp): Our choice. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, families, or those with a car. It offers a relaxed, nature-focused vibe but requires a short bus or car ride to get to the city center.
• Gamla Staden (Old Town): Stay here if you want to be immersed in history and have restaurants and shops at your doorstep.
• Near Central Station: The ultimate in convenience for train travel, especially for the Copenhagen day trip.
• Västra Hamnen: Choose this area for modern apartments, stunning sea views, and a quieter, more residential feel.

Malmö is a city that consistently exceeds expectations. It's a place where you can spend the morning exploring a 16th-century castle, have a world-class falafel for lunch, and be in a different country by the afternoon. Its friendly atmosphere, beautiful green spaces, and unbeatable connection to Copenhagen make it a truly special destination.

If you're looking for a dynamic, affordable, and welcoming Swedish city with an international twist, Malmö is an absolute must-visit.

Ready to plan your own Malmö adventure? Here are the essential links:

• 🔗 Official Malmö Visitor Information
• 🔗 Skånetrafiken (Your Key to All Transport)
• 🔗 Firstcamp Sibbarp-Malmö