Malmö Hotels

Malmö stands out as one of the most diverse cities in Scandinavia. From savoring the finest falafel in Sweden to indulging in Michelin star cuisine that fuses local and international flavors, the city offers a culinary experience like no other. With a population of over 350,000 people from 170 different countries, Malmö is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, catering to all interests, whether it's sightseeing, cultural exploration, culinary adventures, or vibrant nightlife.

When it comes to exploring Malmö, the city's accessibility is a major plus. With an impressive 515 kilometers of cycle paths, Malmö is famous as one of the most bike-friendly cities globally. Thanks to thoughtful urban planning, everything is within a convenient 15-minute bike ride, making it easy to navigate and explore the city's offerings.

Malmö's climate is relatively mild compared to the rest of Sweden, with its coastal location bringing a slightly windy atmosphere. However, the city enjoys warm and pleasant summers, along with relatively temperate winters, making it an appealing destination year-round. So, you shouldn’t worry about choosing hotels in Malmo at all. Whether you’re looking for budget or luxury hotels in Malmo, the experience you have will be one of the greatest during your trip. However, before goings to somewhere, it’s always practical to know about its environment. That’s why we prepared a Malmo city guide for you to know what’s awaiting you there. Without further ado, let’s get started!

Things to Know Before Going to Malmö

• Malmö is generally a safe city, despite its reputation for high crime rates.
• The "not so safe" neighborhoods like Rosengård and Lindängen are often exaggerated, and many residents report feeling safe even at night.
• Malmö is safer compared to many other major European cities, and significantly safer than cities in North or South America.
• Sweden, including Malmö, is generally more expensive than many other European countries, especially for things like alcohol.
• Malmö is well-connected by public transportation, including trains to nearby cities like Copenhagen.
• Exploring Malmö on foot or by bicycle can be a great way to experience the city.
• Malmö has a vibrant food and brewing scene, with many restaurants and bars to explore.
• The historic Gamla Stan (Old Town) and Malmö Castle are popular tourist attractions.
• Malmö is close to beautiful natural areas and the sea, making it a good base for outdoor activities.
• Malmö has a diverse population, with a significant immigrant and foreign-born population.
• This diversity is often seen as a positive aspect of the city by residents.
• Walk along the coastline from Västra Hamnen to Limhamn and over to the bridge.
• Check out the bars and pubs along the way from the castle to the Möllevången neighborhood.
• See an exhibition of Banksy's art at "The Mystery of Banksy - A Genius Mind" near Folkets Park.
• Check out the Disgusting Food Museum for an unusual and interesting experience.
• Spend a day exploring the picturesque town of Ystad, easily accessible by train from Malmö.
• Take the train to nearby Lund, a university town with its own attractions.

Where is Malmö?

Malmö is located in the southern part of Sweden, specifically in Skåne County. It is situated on the southwestern tip of the country, directly across the Öresund Strait from Copenhagen, Denmark. The city is linked to Copenhagen by the Öresund Bridge, which was completed in 2000, enhancing its role as part of the transnational Öresund Region.

As Sweden's third-largest city, Malmö is known for its rich history, having been a significant city in Denmark before becoming part of Sweden in 1658 following the Treaty of Roskilde. The city has undergone substantial transformation and development since the late 20th century, evolving from an industrial center to a modern metropolis with a diverse cultural landscape.

Where to Stay in Malmö?

Here’s a quick table of which areas in Malmö are great for tourists:

Best Hotels in Malmö 

Malmö hotels offer a blend of luxury and convenience, providing eMalmöceptional services and amenities for your trip to be more comfortable. Even though luxury hotels in Malmö may make you break the bank, they will be worth every penny thanks to their services. However, there are always mid-range and budget hotels in Malmö to enhance your days and make your city tour seamless. Tailored for everyone, finding what kind of accommodation you want won’t be as hard as you think. Now, here are some of the best hotels in Malmö we recommend and why:

Best Malmö Attractions

• Oresund Bridge: A combined railway and motorway bridge across the Oresund Strait between Sweden and Denmark. It's a significant piece of infrastructure and a remarkable engineering feat.
• Turning Torso: A neo-futuristic residential skyscraper in Malmö, it’s the tallest building in Scandinavia and a famous landmark, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
• Lilla Torg: A charming square in Malmö, known for its historic buildings, lively atmosphere, and numerous cafes and restaurants. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
• Malmö Castle: Also known as Malmöhus Castle, it's a historic fortress dating back to the 16th century. Today, it houses several museums, including the Malmö Museum, which covers a range of topics from natural history to contemporary art.
• Kungsparken and Slottsträdgården: These are beautiful parks in Malmö, with Kungsparken being the oldest park in the city, and Slottsträdgården, located next to Malmö Castle, known for its lovely gardens and scenic walking paths.
• Disgusting Food Museum: An interactive exhibition showcasing around 80 of the world's most unusual and "disgusting" foods, including delicacies like fermented herring and roasted guinea pig, designed to challenge perceptions of food and culture; visitors can smell and taste select items, making for a memorable and adventurous experience.

Is Malmö Safe for Tourists?

It can be said that Malmö is a safe city as long as you’re in the right neighborhood. Although most of the tourists, travelers, and locals claim that they have never felt safer than before, some of them had their own concerns about the city itself. We can say that taking common precautions during your Malmö trip can enhance your sense of security.

Is Malmö Expensive to Visit?

Malmö can be considered relatively expensive to visit, especially when compared to other cities in Sweden and Europe. Overall, a two-week trip to Malmö averages around $1,191 for one person and $2,381 for two people, which includes accommodation, food, and other expenses. Budget hostels start at around €22 for hostels, but prices can rise significantly for hotels, often ranging from $52 to €100.

Currency & Exchange in Malmö

The official currency of Malmö is the Swedish Krona (SEK). This currency is used throughout Sweden, and while some shops in border areas may accept Danish Krone (DKK), transactions are primarily conducted in SEK. The Swedish Krona is denoted by the symbol "kr" and is subdivided into coins and banknotes of various denominations.

It's advisable to compare rates among different exchange services to ensure you get the best deal. Currency exchange at airports often comes with higher fees and less favorable rates. Withdrawing cash directly from ATMs using your debit or credit card can sometimes offer better rates than exchange services, depending on your bank's fees.

Spoken Languages in Malmö

In Malmö,a linguistically diverse city, several languages are spoken due to its multicultural population. As the official language of Sweden, Swedish is widely spoken throughout Malmö. English is commonly spoken, especially among younger people and in urban areas, due to its status as a second language in Sweden. Given Malmö's proximity to Denmark, Danish is frequently heard, particularly in shopping areas and among residents with Danish heritage.

On the other hand, Arabic is one of the most prevalent immigrant languages in Malmö, spoken regularly by many residents, especially in neighborhoods with a significant Muslim population. Other languages such as Polish, Spanish, and various African languages are present, though to a lesser extent compared to Swedish, English, Arabic, and Danish.

How Many Days Are Enough to Visit Malmö?

For most travelers, one day is generally sufficient to explore the main attractions of Malmö. This allows you to see highlights such as the Turning Torso, Lilla Torg, and the Malmö Castle, along with enjoying the local cuisine and atmosphere. If you have a keen interest in exploring more thoroughly, two days will provide a more relaxed pace. This extra time would allow you to visit additional sites like the Moderna Museet and the Disgusting Food Museum, as well as enjoy some local dining experiences. Spending three or four days in Malmö might be excessive unless you plan to explore the surrounding Skåne region or have specific interests such as cultural events or extended culinary experiences. Many visitors find that beyond two days, the city can feel less engaging as it is relatively small compared to larger cities like Copenhagen.

What to Do in Malmö?

Although Malmö is not a big city, there are still lots of activities you can do during your trip. From the cultural Scandinavian streets of Sweden to the amazing heritage of the past, you can do lots of what to do in Malmö:

• Malmö is among the top ten cycling cities in the world, explore it by bike.
• Dating back to the 16th century, Malmö Castle houses museums, gift shops and restaurants.
• Malmö's iconic twisting residential skyscraper Turning Torso offers stunning views of the city
• Learn about Malmö's history and architecture while enjoying a relaxing cruise
• Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and squares of Malmö's Old Town (Gamla Staden).
• Relax at Ribersborg Beach’s sandy shores with views of the Öresund Bridge and explore the historic Ribersborg Kallbadhus seawater bathhouse.
• Experience the beloved tradition of taking a break for coffee and Swedish fika in cozy cafes in the Old Town.
• From charming local boutiques to grand shopping centers, Malmö offers a range of shopping experiences.
• Discover Malmö's vibrant street art scene as it has become an urban art gallery with colorful murals and installations

When is the Best Time to Stay in Malmö?

Visiting Malmö between June to September is considered the best time to visit this Swedish haven. If you want to enjoy warmer weather and take advantage of outdoor activities, summer is your go-to. The city hosts the Malmö Festival in August, which could be an interesting event to attend. Spring and fall can be windy and rainy in Malmö as weather may not be ideal for outdoor activities. Winters are cold in Malmö, so be prepared with warm clothing if visiting then. Moreover, the city will have a different atmosphere and charm during the colder months.

What to Pack for Malmö Trip?

Here’s your fast packing list for Malmö, Sweden:

• Light clothing for summer
• Layers and rain gear for spring and fall
• Warm layers for winter
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Headphones or earbuds
• Toiletry Bag
• Masks to moisturize your skin
• A reusable water Bottle
• A portable charger
• Adapter
• Sunscreen
• Toiletries
• Hand Sanitiser
• Documents
• Moisturizer
• Bicycle gear
• A handy bag

What to Eat in Malmö?

Scandinavian cuisine doesn’t give empty promises when it comes to satisfying your palate. Especially being in Sweden, Malmo will offer you lots of options. Here are some of these foods to eat in Malmo: 

• Semla Buns: A Swedish cardamom yeast bun filled with marzipan and topped with whipped cream, traditionally served from January to Easter.
• Meatballs: Large, meaty meatballs served with divine gravy, pickles, and lingonberry compote, often associated with home cooking rather than restaurants.
• Swedish Fika: A cultural concept in Sweden referring to a coffee and cake break, often enjoyed with a sweet treat like a coconut delight.
• Pizza: Notable for its sourdough crust and unique toppings like crème fraîche, smoked mozzarella, roasted potatoes, and brown butter.
• Burgers: Customizable burgers made with fresh local ingredients, featuring options for different buns, proteins, and toppings.
• Baked Goods: Includes Punschrulle or Dammsugare, a truffle-like treat made from cookie crumbs, butter, and cocoa, covered in marzipan and chocolate.

Malmö Nightlife

Malmö's nightlife offers a variety of options, though it is often considered quieter compared to nearby Copenhagen. Here are some popular nightclubs and bars in Malmo for you to have a night of your life:

• Étage: One of the most popular nightclubs located on Stortorget, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
• Plan B: A favorite among locals, this venue is known for its lively events and diverse music scene.
• Moriska Paviljongen: A cultural venue that hosts concerts and events, often featuring a mix of genres.
• Inkonst: A hub for the alternative scene, hosting various performances and events.
• Möllevångstorget: This area is known for its more laid-back bars and pubs, like Ölkafeet, which offers a relaxed vibe and affordable food.