Sweden's third largest city, Malmo is a busy port that has
alternated between Swedish and Danish control throughout its
900-year history. Its location at the southern tip of Sweden and
close proximity to Copenhagen contribute to its reputation as the
most diverse and cosmopolitan city in Sweden, or even as a suburb
of Copenhagen. Visitors to Malmo enjoy a mixture of Swedish
heritage and diverse culture in the form of cuisine, music, art and
festivals.
Downtown Malmo is centred around three public squares which host
some unique attractions. At
you'll find beautiful buildings and statues
dating back to the 16th century. Little Square has a number of
bustling restaurants that spill out onto the pavement, and Gustav
Adolf's Square has great shops and is good for accessing the pretty
Slottsparken.
There are a number of attractions in Malmo for sightseers,
including museums dedicated to technology and art; beautiful
churches such as St Peter's Church, St Johannes Church and the
Malmo Synagogue; historical buildings including Malmohus Castle and
City Hall (
); and interesting modern buildings like the
Turning Torso skyscraper.
The City has many public parks as well: Pildammsparken and
Kungsparken are tranquil and nice for a picnic, while Folketsparken
has a small amusement park with rides and other attractions.
Malmo's beaches are also very popular during the summer months.
Sightseeing and shopping intertwine in Malmo's diverse
neighbourhoods. Just south of the city centre, Mollevangstorget
Square is the centre of an Asian and Middle Eastern neighbourhood
with many shops and restaurants, as well as an open-air market on
weekends. Gamla Vaster has a number of sophisticated boutiques and
galleries. The main shopping plazas include Hansa Compagniet,
Triangeln, and Caroli.
Malmo's restaurant scene and nightlife reflect its cosmopolitan
reputation, with cuisine from all over the world represented and a
wide array of pubs, nightclubs, and bars to choose from. Lilla Torg
is the centre of Malmo nightlife, but Mollevangstorget is the area
to try if you're on a budget.
Only 35 minutes' journey from Denmark, Malmo is closer to
Copenhagen than it is to the other major cities in Sweden. It comes
as no surprise that Malmo is a popular stop on any Scandinavian
holiday, and thousands of visitors each year fall in love with this
unique city.
