Just a short trip over the Öresund Bridge from Copenhagen, Malmö stands proudly out of the shadow of its more-celebrated Danish neighbor. Sweden’s third-largest city is stylish, cosmopolitan, earthly, and a little gritty. It’s a city that wears its contradictions well: where a historic cobblestone center complements sleek waterfront developments and gleaming ultra-modern architecture, and humble falafel joints are as celebrated as Michelin-starred restaurants. Home to a youthful, multicultural population, Malmö is always energetic, yet one of its most satisfying experiences is taking it easy in the open-air bath at Ribersborgs beach. Needless to say, Malmö has no shortage of things to do.
The best time to visit Malmö is from May to September when the days are warmer and longer. Summer is also best for swimming at the Ribersborgs Kallbadhus open-air bathhouse (although it is open year-round) and for enjoying boat rides on the inland canals and picnics in leafy Kungsparken, the city's oldest public park. In August, the eight-day Malmö Festival features live music, food stalls, comedy, films, and more.
Malmö’s historic center and main attractions are easily walkable, but the city also has an excellent public transportation system. Buses operated by Skånetrafiken can get you anywhere you need to go around the city, and the company’s network of buses and trains can easily get you farther around Skåne län, Sweden’s southernmost county.
If you expect to use Malmö’s public transportation system frequently, you can save hassle and money by buying a rechargeable Jojo Card. Pre-loaded cards are sold at most convenience stores and are valid for travel on buses and trains throughout the Skåne region and across the bridge to Copenhagen.
