Cheap flights to Malmö from PLN55*

Malmö is famous for the Öresund Bridge linking Sweden and Denmark, and the eight-kilometre ride across the strait is quite a trip. But Sweden’s third-largest city’s got lots more to discover, including a twisty skyscraper, a round red castle, café-lined cobblestone streets and the world’s oldest public park. This friendly town is perfect for a Swedish city break, which can be rounded off with a Danish day trip!

 

Two city breaks in one

Malmö is the city that brings Scandinavia and the European continent closer together, thanks to the Öresund Bridge, completed in 1999. Innovation in Malmö includes the Turning Torso, the first skyscraper to twist 90 degrees as it rises 190 metres. After admiring high-tech engineering and the neo-futurist tower, move on to Art Nouveau, Renaissance and medieval masterpieces set in a city run through with canals that connect to the harbour. Explore museums, then rest your mind in nature at parks, where locals also lounge and indulge in their favourite pastime, fika, a coffee or tea break that must include pastries and conversation.

 

Old-town charm and new design

To get down into the old town, visit Malmöhus, or Malmö Castle, a round red-brick fortress that once protected the Swedes from the Danes. Now that they’re peacefully linked by a bridge, the castle is home to the Malmö Art Museum, the natural history museum and an aquarium. Speaking of peaceful, take time to stroll the Kungsparken around the castle. Another unusual landmark is the Malmö Synagogue, in Art Nouveau and Moorish Revival styles, while the oldest building in Malmö is St Peter’s Church, from the 14th century. While you’re in the old town, see Malmö’s Renaissance city hall, and be sure to pop over to Lilla Torg, a charming square with restaurants and cafés, perfect for people-watching. The rest of the Gamla Väster, or old town, has colourful buildings, art galleries, and cafés. Head to the now-hip harbour area, or the beach affectionately known as the Copacabana of Malmö. For more greenery, stroll through Folkets Park, the oldest public park in the world, with trampolines, jungle gyms, wading pools and a small zoo, all free. If you’re a Swedish design and/or art aficionado, Malmö Konsthall is an art exhibition space that the architect Klas Anshelm described as “a large, low concrete box open on the park and the light of heaven.”

 

Unusual and classic cuisine

Would you like to taste roast guinea pig, a delicacy in Peru? Or maggot-infested cheese from Sardinia? These may not be Swedish specialities, but you can try them, if you dare, at the Disgusting Food Museum, a Malmö invention! The exhibit has 80 of the world’s most repulsive-sounding foods – but remember, each of them are tasty dishes to some people, even the world’s stinkiest cheese… Don’t worry, of course Malmö has excellent tasty food as well. For something truly traditional, descend to the cellar of 16th-century mayor Jörgen Kock’s house on the main square, Stortorget, to Arstiderna for dishes such as reindeer and caviar. Or try the tiny, tucked-away Västergatan on the street of the same name for imaginative Swedish cuisine. Choose juice pairings instead of wine, if you wish. Multicultural Malmö, which has residents from over 150 countries, offers world cuisines as well, from Vietnamese to Lebanese, Indian to Italian, plus vegetarian and raw food restaurants.

 

Swedish design in focus

Södergatan is Malmö’s main pedestrian shopping street, extending from Stortorget, next to City Hall, to Gustav Adolf Square, which is where the annual Christmas market is held. In addition to big international brands, here you’ll find smaller shops selling Swedish design products, bakeries, cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating. Lilla Torg is also a good spot for buying souvenirs, such as Swedish modern design items at Form Design Center, or glass and other handicrafts at Gustus Butik & Gallery. Also in Gamla Väster, the old town, you’ll find Formargruppen, a crafts collective showcasing work by 30 different artists. For something quite different, explore Mitt Möllan, a shopping centre from the 60s transformed into an art, crafts and food market. There’s plenty to choose from in Malmö in terms of nightlife, too. Try out all three dance floors at Slagthuset, dancing and games ‘til late at Big Bowl, or see live music at Kulturbolaget, to name just a few.

 

A day in Denmark

Naturally, crossing the Öresund Bridge into Denmark is the thing to do for a day trip from Malmö. Once there, you could tour Kronborg Castle, which not only provided Shakespeare with the inspiration for Elsinore in Hamlet, it also fortified the entrance to the Baltic Sea for six centuries. Or opt for Frederiksborg Palace, the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. See Copenhagen’s iconic sights, such as the mermaid statue or Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish royals. Back in Sweden, visit Malmö’s neighbour, Lund, whose cathedral dates from 1145. The neighbourhood of winding streets and colourful houses isn’t much newer, dating from the 1700s, making for a charming day trip back in time.

 

Malmö airport

Malmö Airport is 30 kilometres from the centre. Flygbussarna Airport Coaches drive between the airport, and Malmö and Lund. You can also take a bus to Copenhagen, but it’s a good idea to book the Neptunbus a few days in advance. Alternatively, choose among rental car companies or Sunfleet carsharing service. As for shopping at the airport, there’s duty-free, book and travel necessities shops. Dining options include a coffee bar, deli snacks, a Swedish restaurant and an Irish pub.

 

Malmö weather

Malmö has mild summers, with high temperatures of 23°C, and daylight lasts 17 hours in midsummer. Winters are cool and windy, with temperatures between −3°C and 4°C. In midwinter, there’s only about seven hours of daylight. That means it’s magical at Christmastime!