2.1K

Sweden’s third-largest city, Malmö, is a vibrant cultural hub for tourists and visitors. The coastal town in the country’s Southern region offers several activities that are entertaining, insightful, refreshing, yet budget-friendly. You can explore the place and even get a tiny glimpse into the city’s rich heritage and culture without burning a hole in your pocket.

From charming parks to visiting iconic landmarks, in this guide, we’ll take you through the top 10 free things to do in Malmö. Whether traveling solo or with friends and family, these activities will surely make your trip memorable without costing a dime. So let’s dive in and discover the best free experiences in Malmö.

Things To Do In Malmö For A Day

1. Free Walking Tours

Malmö Walking Tours start at 11 AM at the Charles X Gustav statue at Stortoget and take roughly two to three hours. Look for the guide with a light blue umbrella. Listen to the stories (In English) as you walk leisurely for about 4.5 km by some of the city’s famous historical landmarks. The tour ends at Lille Torg. Prior booking is required, and bookings open 14 days in advance. 

We would recommend starting your day with Malmö Walking Tours as you get to visit the main tourist attractions peppered with fascinating tidbits about their history. Alternatively, you can also go on a self-guided bike tour if you feel like you don’t want to experience the mainstream curation of places and their stories. Malmö’s terrain is almost flat and has dedicated bike lanes. Thus the city roads are biker-friendly. So, if you’re in the mood, gear up and bike around!

2. Turning Torso: Scandinavia’s Tallest Building

In 2005, Malmö became the home to Scandinavia’s tallest building, Turning Torso. Designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the residential skyscraper was built after 5 years of arduous efforts. The building comprises 9 cubes and 54 floors and stands tall at 190 m. Each cube is tilted by a few degrees such that from the base to the top, the overall angular twist is 90 degrees. 

You cannot go inside the building, but you can view it from the outside. However, It is possible to book the meeting/ conference rooms (surcharge) on the top floors on levels 53 and 54. However, the building’s height will soon be surpassed by Karlatornet in Gothenburg, currently under construction.

Since we are discussing the tallest building, you might be interested in Scandinavia’s largest skatepark, Stapelbäddsparken. While visiting this place, don’t miss the climbing wall. Besides this, you can take a stroll along the Western Harbour or Västra Hamnen. Once you are done, check out the Dockan Marina, which harbors colorful row houses and lighthouses. If you’re hungry or crave something drool-worthy, you’ll find several cafes and restaurants in this area. 

3. Robersborgsstranden

Ribersborgsstranden (The Ribersborg Beach), locally known as Malmö’s Copacabana, is a 2.5 km long sandy beach with 10 piers. Just 2 km from Turning Torso is the first pier called Ribersborg Kallbadhus (Cold bath house) with a sauna. On the other end resides Pier 10, reserved for people who wish to take a nude bath or sunbath. 

On a warm sunny day, you can walk or bike along the beach or even have a small picnic with your friends and family. The place also has numerous recreational spots and activities, such as an outdoor gym, playgrounds, beach volleyball, and a dance floor, to name a few. Besides these, the beach also offers a closer view of the Øresund Bridge and a distant view of the Copenhagen coastline.

4. Malmö Saluhall

Malmö Saluhall ($) is a food market built in a warehouse that dates back to the 1800s. The sibling pair renovated the warehouse into a space for foodies. Tourists can check out numerous cute little stalls and eateries which sell a wide range of cuisines. These include freshly brewed coffees, Hawaiian poke bowls, Korean street food, Japanese ramen, homemade ice creams, and a whole lot more. You can also find craft beers that go well with your hot food. The place gives off the Mysa or the Swedish Hygge vibe. All you need to do is vibe to the music and enjoy the different delicacies.

• Timings: Monday to Thursday from 11-20, Friday from 11-21, Saturday and Sunday from 11-17
• Admission: Free

5. The Malmöhus Slot

Malmöhus Slot (Castle) is the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordic countries. The preserved parts are now part of Malmö Museums. Malmöhus was originally a small fortress built in 1934 by the king of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, Erik of Pomerania. The Malmöhus has been redesigned and reconstructed multiple times over the years. These renovations served the different purposes of the majestic structure. However, in 1937, the castle became a part of the museum. 

While you need a ticket to enter the museum, you can visit the Castle Mill, Slottsmöllan, for free anytime during the day. Located in the garden, the mill was built in the 1850s, and regular operations in the building were discontinued in 1945. What’s truly fascinating is its Dutch-style architecture that exudes an archaic vibe.

• Timings for the museum: Open on all days from 11-17 except Mondays.
• Admission to the museum: 40 SEK for adults, 20 SEK for students, and free for children until 19 years.

6. The Parks of Malmö

Numerous parks are spread across the main city. These include Slottsparken, Kungsparken, Varvsparken, Pildammsparken, and Folkets Parken. Kungsparken resides within the castle premises, and Pildammsparken is the city’s largest park. The places are pleasant and perfect for workouts, strolls, relaxation, and more. On the days when you want to do nothing but just sit in a place and revitalize your energy levels, you can go to these parks for a picnic.

7. Emporia – One of Scandinavia’s Biggest Shopping Mall

Residing in Hyllie City, Malmö, Emporia is a shopping mall with three storeys and about 200 stores, restaurants, and cafes. The place is a haven for shopaholics who’ll find everything from branded outlets to indie stores. Besides these, the mall also has ample seating areas, free wifi, and play areas for children.

Södergatan is a good alternative to Emporia. It is the city’s first pedestrian street, constructed in 1978, and is one of the city’s major commercial hubs. Riddled with brand stores, quaint boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and more, the street is the perfect getaway for people who want to explore the city’s social culture. What’s fascinating is that the street is home to one of the oldest buildings, Flensburg House, which has stood there since 1596. 

• Timings: Open on all days except Saturday from 10 to 20. The timings might vary on public holidays.
• Admission: Free 

8. Malmöfestivalen

Malmöfestivalen (The Malmö Festival) is Scandinavia’s largest city festival, founded in 1985. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free. Enjoy the groundbreaking music and performances every year for 8 days in August. However, it takes place on different streets of the city each day. You can check the official website for updated information. If you are a party animal, then you should definitely visit Malmö in August.

9. The City’s Squares

Malmö has many squares with a fascinating history including:

• Gustav Adolfs Torg
• Lilla Torg (Small Square)
• Möllevångstorget
• Nobeltorget (The Nobel Square)
• Stortorget (The Big Square), etc.

Take a stroll around the place and just soak in the surroundings. 

Did you know? 13° eastern longitude passes through Stortorget, meaning its mean solar time is exactly eight minutes after Central European Time.

Stortorget has historically been Malmö’s central square. But it was taken over by Gustav Adolfs Torg. At Stortorget, you will find the governor’s residence, Malmö town hall, and other buildings. In the center also lies the Equestrian statue representing King Karl X Gustav. 

Gustav Adolfs Torg, named after the Swedish king Gustav IV Adolf, is a famous square widely used for conducting events and meetings. In this square, you will find some of Malmö’s oldest buildings like Rivieron (A row of white houses), Valhalla Palace, Trygghuset (One of Malmö’s foremost modernist buildings), etc. The place bustles with people, families, and tourists during Christmas, exuding a carnivalesque vibe.

10. Form Design Center

If you are interested in architecture, design, and crafts, the Form Design Center is for you. It is built on a three-storey warehouse building in Hedmanska Gården and dates back to the 19th century. The center hosts exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and guided tours. Besides these, it also offers engaging activities for children. 

There is a shop on the first floor that sells Scandinavian design classics, newer products, and handicrafts. The Magazine Cafe, on the same floor, serves coffee, tea, etc. It has good Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can sit and work in peace. 

• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 to 17, Sunday from 12-16, and closed on Mondays
• Admission: Free

Did you enjoy visiting a new city in an affordable way? There are always plenty of things to do without worrying about your expenses and budgets. Now, it’s time to cross the Øresund Bridge and visit Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark. See you on the other side. 

For more captivating travel stories, insightful travel tips, detailed itineraries, and comprehensive travel guides, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media – Instagram, Youtube, and Instagram.