The term a “city of contrasts” is commonly used at this point, as dozens of cities around the world could fit the bill. There’s Buenos Aires, with its mix of European and Latin American cultures; Edinburgh, with its distinct “Old Town” and “New Town;” or Hong Kong, home to both traditional villages and skyscraper neighborhoods.
Cliché or not, this is certainly true of Malmö, Sweden. Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, is both historical and futuristic, with a well-preserved Old Town (Gamla Staden) along with neighborhoods straight out of science fiction. It manages to be very Swedish yet a veritable melting pot, home to a large international population, which is reflected especially in the cuisine. Located at the southern tip of Sweden, a lesser-visited Scandinavian region with fairytale castles, national parks, and trendsetting cities, Malmö is also a short trip across the Øresund Strait (or “The Sound”) from Copenhagen, Denmark, giving it a little extra Danish flavor, to boot.
Malmö: Home to international flavors, ultra-modern buildings, and charming squares
Copenhagen is just a 10-minute train ride (or 20-minute drive, depending on the traffic, across the awesomely modern Øresund Bridge) from Malmö. This, paired with the fact that the Danish capital is home to one of the world’s least stressful airports, with quite a few more international arrivals than Malmö’s airport, makes it an ideal starting point for your trip. Pro tip: It also makes a great day trip from Malmö!
Malmö is sometimes known as the “Falafel City,” not just because of its plethora of falafel stands, but due to its diverse variety of restaurants. You’ll find traditional Swedish fare and falafel, of course, but also Chinese (try Kin Long, the city’s oldest Chinese restaurant), Iranian, Lebanese, and Mexican. You’ll find these delicious eateries all over town, in the picturesque squares of the Old Town, and in the revived areas of modern design, like the Western Harbour district (Västra Hamnen). Västra Hamnen is a former industrial port now home to chic seafood restaurants, modern apartments, the lovely Ribersborg Beach, and the famous Turning Torso. The iconic skyscraper, one of the tallest buildings in Scandinavia, is a feat of modern design that’s become a symbol of Malmö and a must-see for any visitor.
What to do in Malmö, Sweden
