Tips for Malmö in Sweden (sleeping, eating, drinking and to do)
Malmö is hot and happening. Where the city was first seen as a declining port city, today it is the destination for a cool young crowd. You can eat well there, the city understands better than anyone how a fika works and the Vrijmibo is 'on'.
Thanks to the construction of the Öresund Bridge, Malmö is also fun to visit during a city trip from Copenhagen in Denmark. Or even better, during a road trip through the province of Skåne. Voilà, the tips for Malmö in Sweden for sleeping, eating, drinking and to do.
Road trip through the south of Sweden? These are the nicest stops.
First things first, and that is your shelter.
- Hotel Duxiana: a top location with friendly staff in a beautiful old building.
- MJs: a special hotel with beautiful decoration and a nice restaurant.
- The More Hotel: located in an old chocolate factory from the end of the 19th century. Not a hotel, but an apartment with everything for yourself.
- Grand Circus Hotel: You understand, sleeping in a circus wagon. An experience in itself with a large circus tent on the site for performances.
- Clarion Hotel Malmö Live: not the sexiest hotel, but a always-good-and-almost-always-available-space-as-large hotel.
- Cycling: get on the bike. Malmö is not big, but you still waste valuable time walking to do and see everything. Moreover, the city is bicycle-friendly. You can easily rent bicycles in the travel shop, next to the station's underground bicycle shed.
- Kallbadhuset: Sweden is known for its sauna tradition. Of course you have to experience it and that is what you can do at Kallbadhuset. Take a dip in the water before or after your visit and you will have another experience richer.
- Lund: you will find many students in Malmö, but the real student city is Lund. Easy to reach from Malmö and beautiful in terms of architecture.
- Malmohüss castle: believe us, after the list below you will also want to see something other than catering, such as the historic fort. Built in the sixteenth century, it is the oldest surviving Scandinavian fortress from the Swedish Renaissance.
- Malmö Konsthall: one of the largest art galleries in Europe.
- Kungsparken: beautiful park with cozy restaurants.
- Gamla Vaster: a street with low and colored houses.
We've said it before, but to get to know a city quickly and effectively, let the locals guide you. And as far as we are concerned, the best way to do that is, how could it be otherwise, with a food tour. The organization Matkaravan has been active in culinary walks for fifteen years and thus the OG from Malmö. Matkaravan (translates as food caravan) works with guides who are culinary professionals, such as journalists or old chefs. The tours are small, allowing plenty of time for questions and special requests. For English speakers there are five walks: The Swedish Caravan – classic delicacies from Sweden and Skåne, the New Nordic Caravan – special “foodie” tour through the gastronomic in's and out's of Malmö today, the sweet “Swedish Fika” Caravan – coffee and pastries, Scandi style, the fast Caravan – an hour with the top dishes of Malmö Saluhall, the Vegan Caravan – discover Sweden's most vegan city.
- Ruth's restaurant: you can put these in any row (breakfast, lunch, dinner). But with the best bread in town, we still serve this for breakfast. They cook with seasonal ingredients and the pastries are something to write home about. An institution in the city according to the tour leader of Matkaravan thanks to the opportunities they give young chefs here.
- Atrium: nice atmosphere and affordable by Swedish standards you can get the breakfast platter here with all kinds of things, such as yoghurt, cheese and fresh bread. Yes, and the coffee here is good.
- Farm2Table: small, but nice and they can also cook innovatively at the plant-based brunch restaurant. The tempeh sandwich is especially recommended. Take the kids along for the waffle with fruit.
- Karleksgatan 3: a tiny brunch spot in Davidshall with a delightful interior and menu.
- Kaka på kaka: the hidden places are nice, but sometimes we just want to have brunch in the old town of Limhamn. Can be done here and done well too.
- Uggla Kaffebar: a small café, where the dishes they serve are also small. With a limited number of seats there is a good atmosphere.
- Cafe Grannen: a buffet, but in a good way. With fresh vegan and vegetarian brunch dishes.
From breakfast to lunch, here:
- Two Forks: best hummus in town. Most dishes are plant-based and made with fresh vegetables. Add to that a nice chef and you have your lunch spot. Tip we received during the Matkaravan.
- Malmo Saluhall: the “food hall” is the place for everyone with a variety of restaurants, such as burgers, fresh fish and pizza.
- Salt imports Canteen: only open during the week, but then you have to go! You won't get more local than this. They serve a different menu every day.
- Scandwich: it's in the name. The modern version of Danish sandwiches in Malmö.
- AB Småland: a lifestyle concept store, where they also have a great vegan lunch buffet and a coffee bar.
- Spoonery: here they serve everything in bowls. A great place to try Swedish meatballs.
- Fiskehoddorna: Malmö's fish market. A small street with colorful huts, where you eat fresh fish on their back terrace.
- Slottsträdgårdens Kafé: summer hotspot in the middle of the large park in Malmö.
We'll never want to go home again thanks to these great dinner options:
- Lyran Matbar: in this tiny restaurant the chefs use only seasonal, mainly local ingredients with a menu that changes daily.
- Mutantur: Scandinavian food in tapas style, we are in favor. Please reserve in advance.
- Aster: hidden behind industrial buildings lies Aster. A cozy atmosphere with delicious dishes and good wines.
- Riket: natural wines on the menu, balanced flavors with the dishes, well-informed staff and a relaxed atmosphere.
- BISe: in the heart of the city center and a restaurant, cocktail bar and wine bar in one.
- Donkey: yes, delicious pasta in Malmö. And delicious tiramisu.
- Opopoppa: and also pizza. A simple place with four types of sliced pizzas with a lot of creativity.
- Self 29: premium Thai food. Thai the way we like it.
- Elsa: new building with a nice menu and good music.
- Embassy: favorite too. Very hospitable and professional staff in a quiet environment. And the food is full of interesting flavors, paired with a selection of good wines.
- Casual Street Food: here you might find the best burgers (and other American dishes) in Malmö.
You have to pay something for it, because wine is a bit pricey here (think about twelve euros). But if you order one, preferably at one of these top places:
- Julie: a staple for many with good natural wine and tap wine (they serve a lot in the city) in Malmö. In the summer months they have a courtyard and small snacks. On busier days, the staff often opens unique bottles for you to try.
- the wine bar: super cozy summer spot on the accompanying terrace across the street.
- Ava Vinbar: a hidden spot, but once you're inside you won't want to go outside.
- Freja cafe & vin bar: good for both coffee and wine (oh, what more could one want). And if you come here on the weekend, be sure to try the croissant with pistachio and rhubarb.
- San Greal: and Malmö even has its own champagne bar. Nice for a champagne tasting in Malmö or just for drinking a glass in the cozy courtyard.
