'''Malmo''' [http://www.malmo.se/] is Sweden's third largest municipality with a population of about 271,000. It is a port city located on the southern tip of the country.

Understand

Malmo, along with the southern parts of Sweden, belonged to Denmark until 1658. In many ways more Danish than Swedish, some inhabitants feel more longing towards Denmark than their home-country. The city is also very much like Copenhagen in its mentality and architecture.

Malmo has a large part of its inhabitants born abroad, thus contributing to a rich cultural life and many exotic and fine food opportunities. The ship building Kockums company used to be the city's biggest employer, but today the industrial city of old has been replaced by something more middle class.

Get in

By plane

Both Malmo Airport (Sturup) [http://www.lfv.se/sv/Malmo/Resenar/] and Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) [http://www.cph.dk/CPH/UK/MAIN/] serve Malmo. If you get to the Malmo Airport you'll then have to take the bus shuttle service to downtown Malmo, but first check the schedules at Flygbussarna's homepage [http://www.flygbussarna.se/Default.aspx?lang=EN] because on Saturday afternoons they don't have many buses. From Copenhagen Airport you can either take the train or the bus, bus being the cheapest option.

By train

Trains from Copenhagen cross the bridge in 35 minutes from Kobenhavn H (Copenhagen Central Station). They leave all day from Elsinore (Helsingor), traversing the east coast of Sjalland, before crossing CPH centre and then crossing the bridge to Malmo, also connecting Kastrup airport to the city. Extra trains leave in peak hours from Kobenhavn H (Copenhagen Central Station) to Malmo Svagertorp, on the southern fringes of the city with bus connection to the centre, making it 6 trains an hour. Expect to pay 190 SEK for a return ticket to Kastrup airport or Copenhagen Central.

There are about ten daily X2000 trains [http://www.sj.se/sj/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=10&l=en] to Stockholm and roughly 100 daily departures for the nearby university town of Lund (17 km north). For travel northward, there are hourly services to Helsingborg and Gothenburg with connections to Oslo. There is also a bi-nightly overnight service connecting Malmo to Berlin [http://www.berlin-night-express.com/].

Night trains depart for Storlien (Friday and Sunday) with connection to Trondheim. For every-night connection, grab a train (or bus) for Gothenburg.

Frequent and regular local trains go from Malmo south through the province of Scania to Lund, Helsingborg, Hoor and Ystad. These are known as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A5gat%C3%A5gen Pagatagen], operated by Skane Commuter Rail.

By car

If you don't take the train across the bridge (and tunnel), you can drive for yourself. It is a pay bridge, where you pay to enter Sweden (250 DKK in 2008), after you go through the tunnel and across the bridge, and then it costs the same to come back. The view is much less obstructed if you choose to go by car as compared to train. [http://www.oeresundsbron.com]

By bus

'''Grahundbus''' [http://www.graahundbus.dk/index999.htm], '''Swebus Express''' [http://www.swebusexpress.se/], and '''Safflebussen''' [http://www.safflebussen.se/] have routes to Copenhagen and other places. To Copenhagen the buses take longer but are cheaper than the train, especially for daytrips.

By boat

There is a ferry link from Travemunde, Germany to Malmo by '''Finnlines''' [http://passenger.finnlines.com/asp/system/empty.asp?P=690&VID=default&SID=822175241751819&S=0&C=20152].

Get around

Malmo is best experienced by bicycle, the city is interlaced with lots of bicycle roads. Use the green '''Skanetrafiken''' [http://www.skanetrafiken.se/] buses to get around town. Taxi is also a priceworthy option, fixed rates begin at 49/59/79 SEK.

See

  • At the heart of Malmo lie three squares, called '''Gustav Adolf's Square''' (''Gustav Adolfs torg''), the '''Big Square''' (''Stortorget'') and the '''Little Square''' (''Lilla torg''). Stortorget and Lilla Torg are directly connected at one corner, and a ''pedestrians only'' shopping street connects them with Gustav Adolfs torg.
  • *At the center of the Big Square is a '''statue of King Karl X Gustav''' of Sweden, who took the city from Danish dominion. The ornate '''Malmo City Hall''' (built in 1546) is on the east side, and in the northwest corner is '''Kockska Huset''', the house of Jorgen Kock, a German immigrant who became mayor of the city and achieved wealth simply and directly: by taking control of the city mint. In the winter the square becomes a skating rink.
  • *The Little Square is the place for socializing and dining, with the edges taken up by various restaurants' outdoor tables.
  • '''Gustav Adolfs torg''' is surrounded on three sides by buildings containing shops and a McDonalds. At the center of the square is a bus platform. A cemetery lies at the south side of the square, through which one can reach Slottsparken, a beautiful park that surrounds Malmohus.
  • '''Malmohus Castle''', located west of the old city core, was built in 1437 by Erik of Pomerania, inhabited by the kings of Denmark in the 1500s, and used as a prison until 1914. Currently it houses a history museum, art museum, aquarium, and terrarium. Sharing the castle grounds are the '''Kommendanthuset''' (Commandant's House) used for various exhibitions throughout the year. '''Fiskehoddorna''' - a small, traditional fish market - lies nearby.
  • '''Tekniska och Sjofartsmuseet''' (''Technology and Maritime Museum''), located west of the castle. The largest section of the museum is devoted to transport, in particular aviation, and there are lots of cut-away models, including the entire front end and cockpit of a Vickers Viscount. Visitors can walk (crawl, actually in places) through a 1943 Swedish U3 submarine. Unfortunately the displays are only labelled in Swedish, but is well worth a visit, nonetheless. Adult entrance fee is 40SEK.
  • '''Slottstradgarden''', (''Castle Garden'') located south of the castle, within Kungsparken (''King's Park''). This is one of the city's newest amenities and is an organic community garden, open throughout the year. There are eight themed gardens and a potager. Freshly picked flowers and vegetables are available for purchase in the summer months. There is also a small cafe, run entirely by volunteers.
  • '''Turning Torso''', completed in 2005, is at 190 m the tallest building in Scandinavia. Mostly apartments with some offices, it's located in a new zone near the waterfront and has no observation tower or other sightseeing facilities, so it's probably best to admire it from afar (visible from almost anywhere in the city). If you are visiting in the summer there is a nice waterfront promenade and a open-sea bath nearby the Turning Torso. There is also a state of the art skateboarding park in the area.
  • '''Mollevangstorget square''', south of the city center, has a bustling open-air market on weekends. The surrounding neighborhood is full of inexpensive Asian and Middle Eastern shops, restaurants and grocery stores catering to the alternative side of the city, the immigrant population and people who are tired of mainstream commerce.
  • '''Gamla Vaster''', between Lilla Torget and Malmohus, is a quiet and sophisticated part of town with lots of galleries, design shops and restaurants.
  • '''Davidshallstorg''' is a square with design shops, clothes stores and restaurants. The atmosphere here is posh, so the vibe is very different from Mollevangstorget's. There are similar shops on the nearby parts of Davidshallsgatan.
  • '''Koggmuseet''' [http://www.koggmuseet.se/] lets you set foot on two cog ships built after originals from the middle ages.
  • '''S:t Petri kyrka''' is the city's oldest church (from the 14th century), while '''S:t Johannes kyrka''' probably is the largest.
  • Browsing the shelves of '''Malmo Stadsbibliotek''' [http://www.malmo.se/bibliotek] (Malmo's public library, Kung Oscars vag) and admiring the building itself is a must for all architecture buffs and intellectuals. They will also want to go to '''Malmo Konsthall''' [http://www.konsthall.malmo.se/] (Malmo Art Hall, S:t Johannesgatan 7, free entrance).
  • Itineraries

  • Malmo is the end of the itinerary 'Sixteen days in Gotaland and Svealand'.
  • Do

  • Visit the '''Folkets park''' (People's Park, free entrance) [http://www.malmo.se/folketspark]. Try the different rides on the amusement park (mostly for smaller kids, as the attractions aren't scary enough for teenagers). See the terrarium. Ride a pony. Sunbathe. Eat and drink.
  • Go to the '''Pildammsparken''' (with gardens, buildings from the Baltic exhibition in 1914 and a theater) and '''Kungsparken / Slottsparken''' (behind the castle). Sunbathe or have a picnic.
  • Don't miss '''Malmofestivalen''' [http://www.malmofestivalen.se/] - a free festival that takes place for eight days every year, with lots of cultural and culinary experiences.
  • Swim and sunbathe on the two-kilometre sandy beach '''Ribersborgsstranden'''. In the winter you can enjoy ice swimming, ideally combined with '''kallbadhuset''''s [http://www.ribban.com/] sauna with panoramic view of Oresund.
  • Experience the multicultural area around "Mollevangstorget". Here you can find exotic shops selling asian and middle eastern food stuffs and a wide selection of pubs and bars. In the mornings there is also an open market where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • The flat landscape of Skane is ideal for golf. Around Malmo there are quite a few good courses and a new 36 holes PGA standard course being built.
  • Learn

    The '''Malmo University''' [http://www.mah.se/] offers education on the university level.

    Work

    Buy

    Malmo offers five shopping plazas in the centre, '''HansaCompagniet''' [http://www.mitthansa.se/], '''Triangeln''' [http://www.triangeln.com], '''Entre''' [http://www.entremalmo.se/], '''Storgatan''' [http://www.storgatan.nu/], and '''Caroli''' [http://www.caroli.nu/]. Storgatan mostly has clothes for young people and coffee shops. The others offer the usual mixture of town shopping with clothes, cameras, jewelry, electronics, books, movies etc. blended with eateries, both international fast food chains and local ones. World famous Swedish glassware can also be bought there.

    The main shopping streets are '''Sodergatan''' and '''Sodra Forstadsgatan''', where you can find all kinds of shops. Look out for '''Village''', well designed homeware, at reasonable prices.

    '''Form/Design Center''' [http://www.formdesigncenter.com/html/engelska/engelska.html] (free entrance) is located on Lilla Torg.

    '''Les Trois Roses''' (Gustav Adolfs torg, Davidshallstorg) is a great chocolaterie.

    There are also some shopping plazas outside the city centre, like '''Mobilia Shopping Center''' [http://www.mobilia.se/] and '''Jagersro Center''' [http://www.kff.se/templates/kop_start____2422.aspx].

    Eat

    Look out for pepparkakor, literally pepper cookies, but flavoured with cinnamon, ginger, molasses and cloves. Traditional accompaniment to glogg (mulled wine).

    Budget

  • Many places around '''Mollevangstorget''' cater to the budget option. Get a falafel (15-25 SEK), Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern or Chinese meal from 35 SEK and up. Plenty to choose from. '''Raa Bar & Restaurang''' and '''Krua Thai''' on Mollevangstorget are two great, inexpensive Thai places. On Sodra Forstadsgatan near Mollevangstorget are a number of good places - '''Ganesha''' does tasty and cheap Indian fast food for 45 SEK and up, and restaurant '''Middle East''' has good shawarmas for 30 SEK. Just off Mollevangstorget on Ystadsgatan is an unpretentious Persian restaurant which does good food.
  • '''Restaurant Asia''' is an unpretentious looking restaurant that serves delicious vietnamese food. You'll find it a short walk from Mollevangstorget, down Ystadsgatan. On the menu you will find food like Pho or Vietnamese springrolls. Very tasty and reasonably priced.
  • '''La Empanada''' [http://www.laempanada.com] is a price worthy option for a budget traveller, big portions at a low cost. It is a chain with three outings that serves both Latin American and Swedish food.
  • Turkish restaurant '''Ankara''' (on Sodra Forstadsgatan near the Hilton Hotel) does an excellent buffet (59 SEK daytime and 79 SEK evenings). On Friday and Saturday evenings they have a free belly-dancing show too.
  • '''Crepa Cafe''', Spangatan 32, ''+46'' 40971755. Serves tasty crepes with Greek flavor, in a trendy yet calm atmosphere. Mains 45-47 SEK.
  • '''Koh Chang Thai''', Amiralsgatan 6, ''+46'' 406116496 [http://www.kohchang.gastrogate.com/]. Serves really tasty and cheap thai food in a calm environment. Mains 69-120 SEK.
  • '''Dolce Sicilia''', Drottningtorget 6, [http://dolcesicilia.se/]. Heavenly homemade ice cream.
  • '''Lilla glassfabriken''' [http://www.lillaglassfabriken.se/], Holmgatan 9. Really tasty homemade ice cream and sorbet.
  • '''Di Penco''', [http://www.penco.se/] is an Italian lunch restaurant situated a short walk from "Triangeln". They serve delicious home made pasta with freshly baked ciabatta bread for only 65 SEK.
  • Mid-range

    There are a lot of restaurants in the '''Little Square''' with outdoor seating (with heating year-round).

  • '''Mello Yello''', ''+46'' 40304525. A delicious mix of Swedish and European food. The best view and service is in the one located close to the Turning Torso and the beach (150 SEK each).
  • '''Paddy's''', ''+46'' 04078600. Kalendergatan. Excellent Swedish food, don't let the idea of eating in an Irish bar put you off! Booking is essential in this busy restaurant.
  • '''Victor's''', ''+46'' 40127670. Swedish and international cuisine.
  • '''Izakaya Koi''', ''+46'' 4075700. Not quite like a Tokyo tavern, but it still manages to attract visiting Japanese businessmen.
  • '''Steak House''', ''+46'' 40973497. Very nice food for a reasonable price by Scandinavian standards. Unfortunately service was poor.
  • '''Indian Side''', ''+46'' 40307744.
  • There are also lots of mid-range restaurants in other parts of town.

  • '''Svea Bar och Bistro''', Master Johansgatan 11, ''+46'' 40121318, [http://www.sveabarobistro.se/]. Serves high-quality, traditional Swedish dishes as well as modern dishes based around local Swedish flavours. Mains 155-225 SEK.
  • '''Indian Haweli''' on Sodra Forstadsgatan near Mollevangstorget is not the best Indian restaurant in town and the service is quite bad (140 SEK).
  • '''La Couronne''' on Sodra Forstadsgatan (north of the Hilton Hotel) does excellent moules marinieres with or without french fries and mayonaisse. Nearby restaurant '''Brogatan''' on Brogatan serves oysters at 14 SEK each, which is almost what you'd pay in the shop (12 SEK).
  • '''Nesta''' on the main shopping street (at the corner of Baltzarsgatan) is an excellent mid-priced Italian cafe, with good snacks and Malmo's best coffee.
  • '''Pizzeria Ristorante Siciliana''' (Mollevangsgatan 34) is an authentic Italian restaurant with great food. It was founded in 1970.
  • '''Moonlitlounge''', Davidshallstorg 7, [http://www.moonlitlounge.se/]. Has a nice mix between unpretentious cosyness and Davidshallstorg-style trendyness. Mainly Italian food. Mains 120-205 SEK.
  • '''Tempo bar och kok''', Sodra Skolgatan 30A. A trendy place with a modern version of Swedish food. Mains 75-135 SEK.
  • '''Metro''', Angelholmsgatan 14, [http://www.metropamollan.se/]. Another restaurant and bar for the local hipsters. They also have club nights. Mains 115-230 SEK.
  • '''Yukai''', Bergsgatan 35. A calm place with great atmosphere, great sushi and great service. Probably the best Japanese restaurant in town. Mains 64-175 SEK.
  • '''Lemongrass''', Grynbodgatan 9, [http://www.lemongrass.se/]. A sophisticated place serving asian crossover food to a well-to-do crowd. Mains 134-208 SEK.
  • '''Tva Krogare - Bullen''', Storgatan 35, [http://www.bullen.nu/]. One of few restaurants that still serve traditional Swedish food (husmanskost).
  • '''Maguro Sushibar''', Ostra Forstadsgatan 15, [http://www.maguro.se/]. Great sushi place.
  • Splurge

  • '''Bloom''', Pildammsvagen 2, [http://www.restaurangbloom.com/park/]. Five Course Menu, 695 SEK.
  • Drink

  • '''Mollevangstorget''' Any of the many bars, cafes and restaurants in this bustling part of town is good value.
  • '''Slagthuset''', Jorgen Kocksgatan 7A, [http://www.slagthuset.se/]. The city's best-known nightclub, housed in a former slaughterhouse (hence the name). The facility also includes a performance theater and restaurants during the day.
  • '''Etage''', Stortorget 6, [http://www.etage.se/]. Popular nightclub in the Big Square.
  • '''Gatan Bar''', Master Johansgatan 15. Lively pub with darts, located just off the Little Square.
  • '''Kulturbolaget''' (usually known as just KB), Bergsgatan 18, [http://www.kulturbolaget.se/?section=english]. Malmo's premier rock club with many international and national touring acts. They also have clubs on weekends for those who are more into partying.
  • '''Fagans''', Per Weijersgatan 4, [http://www.fagans.se/index1.html]. Great Irish pub just off Gustav Adolf's Square.
  • You can pick up the free Nojesguiden and Dygnet Runt magazines in various stores to read more about Malmo's nightlife. They are only available in Swedish though.

    Sleep

    Budget

  • '''STF Hostel Malmo City''', Ronngatan 1, phone 040-611 62 20, [http://www.stfturist.se/templates/hostel.aspx?id=20876]. The IYHF hostel in town. Dorm bed 180 SEK, singles from 325 SEK, doubles from 430 SEK. Add 45 SEK to the price if you're not a member of the IYHF. It opened in 2006, so it's new and fresh. Helpful staff.
  • Mid-range

  • '''First Hotel Garden''', Baltzarsgatan 20, [http://www.firsthotels.com/Garden]. Central location, with a unique rooftop garden.
  • '''Elite Hotel Savoy''', Norra Vallgatan 62. Central location opposite train station. Comfortable traditional hotel. Breakfast is a very relaxed affair!
  • '''Scandic S:t Jorgen''', Stora Nygatan 35, [http://www.scandic-hotels.com/stjorgen]. A nice building with views over the Gustav Adolfs Torg market square and the famous Hansa shopping mall.
  • '''Angavallen''', Norra Haslov, [http://www.angavallen.se/index.php?lang=1]. An ecological hotel ten minutes from Malmo with a cosy atmosphere. Small hotel with only 12 rooms.
  • '''Moment Hotels''', Adelgatan 5v, [http://www.momenthotels.com]. New boutique hotel in Malmo, located close to Malmo Central station.
  • Splurge

  • '''SAS Radisson''', Ostergatan 10, [http://www.malmo.radissonsas.com/]. Central location, and very comfortable. Bedrooms are suite-sized, and include office area and living area, free Wi-fi and Internet. Breakfast is not served after 10.00am on weekdays!
  • '''Hilton Malmo City''' [http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=MMAHIHI], Triangeln 2. A gigantic edifice towering over the Triangeln shopping center.
  • Contact

    Internet cafes

  • '''Sidewalk Express''', Railway station. 19 SEK per hour.
  • '''Gameness''', Master Nilsgatan 20. 20 SEK per hour.
  • '''Twilight Zone''', Stora Nygatan 15. 15 SEK per hour.
  • Stay safe

    By the locals, Malmo is sometimes called "Sweden's Chicago". Street crime has become a problem,the offenders are often arab and african immigrants and victims are usually young swedish people.

    The biggest problem facing a tourist is the unregulated taxi market. There are many instances of tourists being charged exorbant prices by unscrupulous taxi drivers. To avoid this happening to you, stick to the well known companies like 171717, 232323, Taxi Skane, Taxi kurir etc. Avoid unmarked taxis. Always ask for the price of your trip before getting in.

    Cope

    Get out