The Turning Torso is an icon of the new waterfront development in Malmö, Sweden.
A few eyebrows were raised when Sweden chose Malmö as the host of Eurovision 2024 over the capital city, Stockholm. But as a former two-time host, Malmö submitted a passionate bid to host the event following Loreen’s historic win in Liverpool in 2023.
In May 2024, Eurovision fans from across Europe will descend on the Malmö Arena, usually home to the Malmö Redhawks ice hockey team. While the spotlight will fall on Malmö due to Eurovision, there's so much more to the multicultural city for visitors to enjoy.
From its rich history, architecture, and art to its beautiful parks, Malmö invites you to enjoy one of Sweden’s best city breaks along with the best of European pop music next spring.
Getting to Malmö
Traveling to Malmö is straightforward from Sweden’s capital Stockholm, but even easier from Denmark’s capital Copenhagen.
Located just across the narrow Öresund strait from Malmö, Copenhagen Airport is the busiest airport in the Nordic region with direct flights from North America and Asia. Downtown Malmö is just 25 minutes by train from the airport terminal.
From Stockholm, Malmö is a 4.5 hour train journey, or a short flight to Copenhagen or the small airport in Malmö itself.
Explore the city squares
Start your cultural exploration of Sweden’s third biggest city at the public square Lilla Torg. Literally ‘The Little Square’, it’s just yards from Stortorget, or ‘The Big Square.’ The two squares serve as the cultural heart of Malmö.
Lilla Torg is one of the most picturesque spots for food and drinks in Malmö.
Founded as a market square in the 16th century, it still hosts occasional markets today, but is best known for its varied architecture, historic atmosphere and charming cafes that spill out onto the cobblestones.
Lilla Torg is the perfect place to partake in Swedish fika before a stroll around the historic buildings of Stortorget, including the attractive old town hall.
Things to do in Malmö
Malmöhus Slott, the oldest surviving renaissance castle in northern Europe, is a short walk from the central area.
Since its construction on the ruins of an old fort in the 16th century, the castle has played an important role in the history of Scandinavia. Today you can enjoy the historic castle and its smart grounds, but also spend time in the art museum, city museum, and natural history museum contained within.
Malmöhus Castle is a historic monument that played a key role in the history of Sweden and Denmark.
In addition to the castle’s art museum, Malmö boasts the modern art museum Moderna Museet in a former power station and the spacious Malmö Konsthall, both must-visits for any lovers of art and design.
But Malmö isn’t all about museums and history. Västra hamnen (West Harbour) is a former industrial neighborhood that’s been rapidly transformed into one of Europe’s most sustainable and exclusive districts.
Its centerpiece is the eye-catching Turning Torso, a neo-futurist residential tower that pierces the otherwise low-rise waterfront skyline. Although there are conference rooms available for hire, the tower isn’t usually open for tourists aside from special events, but the district is still worth a visit for waterfront walks, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
The Scandinavian love of the outdoors
As with all Nordic cities, there’s plenty of opportunity to embrace the Scandinavian love of nature and the outdoors for yourself in Malmö. In particular, the parks Kungsparken and Pildammsparken offer refreshing green space in the heart of the city.
Farther afield, Ribersborg beach, known as ‘Ribban’ by locals, is a long sandy beach with ten piers for bathing. If the Scandinavian weather isn't playing ball, there are walking and cycling trails behind the beach that offer the same views across the Öresund strait.
Don’t miss out on Copenhagen
Given how close Malmö is to Denmark’s capital city, it makes sense to include at least a day in Copenhagen on any trip to Malmö.
Copenhagen offers family-friendly highlights including the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, the national aquarium, and Copenhagen Zoo. To complete your Eurovision experience, don't miss the Danish Museum of Music. It’s packed with musical instruments, some of which you can try out for yourself.
