Malmo’s oldest public square and historic centre has cafés and restaurants, and hosts free cultural events and the Malmo Festival.
Stortorget is in the centre of the Malmo’s Old Town. It is the oldest square in the city and is home to some of Malmo’s most prominent and important buildings. It also hosts popular cultural events and with outdoor terraces, cafés and restaurants, it is a popular place to dine, socialise and people-watch. The square was built in 1536 by the mare, Jorgen Kock. When it was inaugurated, it was the largest city square in Northern Europe.
The historic buildings and half-timbered houses along the Stortorget make great photo opportunities. The Dutch Renaissance-style façade of the Town Hall, with its busts of prominent people from Malmo’s history, make a particularly picturesque photo. Visit the late 19th-century Apotetek Lejonet, the city’s oldest pharmacy. In the centre of the square is an equestrian monument that honours King Karl X Gustav. Gustav liberated the Skane region, Sweden’s southernmost area, from Denmark.
Relax in a café or restaurant on the square and admire the surrounding architecture. Enjoy sitting in one of the outdoor seating areas that fill up quickly on warm summer nights. Dine in a restaurant and try the local seafood, stuffed cabbage, veal burgers or international cuisine.
If visiting in August, enjoy the free events that are part of the Malmo Festival. See art exhibitions, sports displays or get active and join a trapeze class. A full schedule of events can be found on the official Malmo Festival website. In the winter months, rent a pair of skates and glide across the ice in the public ice-skating rink. Enjoy the winter atmosphere with the surrounding fairy lights and holiday decorations that light the historic buildings.
A walk south to the pedestrianised Sodergatan Street is Gustav Adolfs Torg, where there are numerous other shops, bars and cafés.
Located in the city centre, Stortorget is an easy walk from Malmo’s Central Station. Parking is available for a fee on the square, however, walking is a cheaper and more convenient option.
