Malmo is a city with historic buildings, outdoor summer festivals, castles, museums, beaches and parks. Affectionately known as the “City of Parks”, Malmo is situated on Sweden’s southwest coast and is the country’s third largest city.
Malmo is easy to travel around. Navigate the streets by foot or rent a bicycle and take advantage of the 470 kilometres (292 miles) of scenic bikeways. Most of the major attractions are in the Old Town. Visit the 16th-century Town Hall in the Stortorget, the city's oldest public square. Marvel at the historic buildings in Gustav Adolf's Square or relax in a café in the Lilla Torg where you can see half-timbered houses from the 1600s.
During the summer when there is sunlight for nearly 17 hours a day, the city parks become the centre of Malmo's social life. Enjoy a picnic in the perennial gardens or walk along the paths in Castle Park and Kungsparken. In Pildammsparken, listen to a free concert and visit the century-old water tower. Families can relax in Folkets Park where there is a petting zoo and amusement rides. When the weather is hot, head to Ribersborg Beach, a 2.4-kilometre (1.5-mile) beach, which is a 20-minute walk from the city centre.
Malmo prides itself on its range of cultural events, many of which are free. During the summer months up to 500 open-air concerts and performing arts events take place in the parks and squares along the waterfront. Two of the biggest festivals are the Malmo Festival and Sommarscen.
Enjoy a daytrip to the attractions outside the city. Rent a car and drive 20 minutes to Lund, where the Lund Cathedral School is. The school was established in 1085 and is still in operation today. Alternatively, get a train to Copenhagen, a journey that will take you over the 16-kilometre (10-mile) Oresund Bridge.
While outdoor activities are plentiful during the summer months, Malmo is just as entertaining in the winter. Visit the 15th-century Malmo Castle and admire the artefacts in the Malmo Museum.
