Where to stay in Malmö — pick the right hotel, book in 3 clicks
Malmö is Sweden's third-largest city, perched on the southern tip of the country along the Öresund strait. Its biggest draw is location: a quick 35-40 minute train ride across the Öresund Bridge puts you in central Copenhagen, so many travellers base themselves here and explore two countries on one trip. The city blends a Renaissance old town with bold modern design like the Turning Torso, the tallest twisting skyscraper in Scandinavia. It's also strikingly multicultural, home to people from over 187 countries, which translates into a fantastic food scene, above all the falafel widely rated the best in Sweden. Here's where to stay, what to see and what to eat.
Why stay in Malmö
Two countries, one trip
The Öresundståg train crosses the bridge to Copenhagen Airport and city centre every 20 minutes in just 35-40 minutes, so you can sleep in Malmö but fly in and out of Copenhagen with ease.
Old town meets the future
Wander 16th-century squares like Stortorget and Lilla Torg, then head to the waterfront Västra Hamnen district, anchored by the twisting Turning Torso landmark.
A food lover's playground
Thanks to its diversity, Malmö has more than 60 falafel joints, cheaper than elsewhere in Sweden, plus classic Swedish treats like the cinnamon bun.
Compact, green and easy
Small enough to walk and cycle everywhere, with big parks, the Ribersborg city beach and bike lanes throughout, perfect for a relaxed, unhurried trip.
Pick an area first — where to stay in Malmö
Location is the single most important thing about a hotel — choose the right area first, then pick the hotel
Gamla Staden (Old Town)The walkable city centre where the squares, restaurants, shopping and main sights all cluster together. The best pick for first-timers and just about everyone.
Coming soonVästra Hamnen (Western Harbour)Modern waterfront district with the Turning Torso, a beach and sauna, and a calm vibe. Great for families and anyone who likes contemporary digs with sea views.
Coming soonMöllevången (Möllan)Malmö's liveliest multicultural quarter, packed with markets, falafel spots, bars and nightlife, right by Folkets Park. Ideal for budget travellers and foodies.
Coming soonAround Malmö CentralBy the main train station, the most convenient base if you plan daily train trips to Copenhagen or a short stay, with the old town a short walk away.
Coming soonRanked reviews — find your ideal stay in Malmö
Start with where to stay (the heart of the trip), then explore food and sights
We're rolling out Malmö stay reviews — meanwhile search Malmö hotels across all 3 sites now
Local dishes to try in Malmö
- 1🧆
Falafel
Malmö's unofficial signature dish has earned it the title of falafel capital, with 60-plus spots especially around Möllevångstorget. Cheap, crisp and served in fresh flatbread.
📍 The city's signature - 2🍰
Spettekaka
A traditional Scanian spit cake, a tall, crunchy meringue-like gateau made from eggs and sugar. A regional speciality you should seek out.
📍 Scania sweet - 3🌀
Kanelbulle
The classic Swedish cinnamon roll, the star of the country's fika coffee-break culture. Found in bakeries and cafés all over the city.
📍 Cinnamon bun - 4🥮
Semla
A sweet bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream, eaten seasonally from January to March. A must if you visit in winter or early spring.
📍 Seasonal treat - 5🥞
Äggakaka
A thick traditional Scanian pancake served with crispy fried smoked pork and lingonberry jam (lingonsylt). Hearty, rustic regional comfort food.
📍 Scanian pancake - 6☕
Fika & local roasters
Sweden's beloved coffee-and-cake ritual. Malmö has a café open since 1903 and roasteries like Lilla Kafferosteriet that roast their own beans.
📍 Café culture
- 1🏰
Malmöhus Castle
One of Scandinavia's oldest preserved Renaissance castles, now home to the Malmö Art Museum, the Natural History Museum and an aquarium all under one roof.
📍 Castle & museums - 2🏙️
Turning Torso
A 54-storey twisting residential skyscraper rising 190 metres, the tallest in Scandinavia and the icon of the Västra Hamnen district. Best photographed from the waterfront.
📍 Landmark - 3🏛️
Stortorget & Lilla Torg
The city's twin 16th-century squares. Stortorget holds the City Hall, while cobbled Lilla Torg is lined with cafés and restaurants whose terraces buzz all summer.
📍 Old town squares - 4🏖️
Ribersborg Beach (Ribban)
A 1.5 km city beach just 10 minutes from the old town, with the historic Kallbadhus open-air bathhouse where you can sauna with sea views, then dive into the Öresund.
📍 Beach & sauna - 5🎡
Folkets Park
Sweden's oldest folk and amusement park, open since 1893, with a playground, adventure golf, a family science centre, a reptile centre and a skate park.
📍 Amusement park & family - 6🤢
Disgusting Food Museum
A museum of foods considered revolting around the world, where you can smell and taste dishes other cultures find off-putting, with the cultural stories behind them.
📍 Quirky museum - 7🌳
Slottsträdgården
The gardens around Malmöhus Castle, with themed plantings, a windmill, an organic café and canal-side walking and cycling paths. A lovely spot for a stroll.
📍 Castle garden - 8⛪
St Petri Church (Sankt Petri Kyrka)
A 14th-century Brick Gothic church and one of the city's oldest buildings, set in the old town and worth a stop for its soaring architecture.
📍 Gothic church
Things to do in Malmö
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Malmö — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
3 Malmö hotels our team picked for you
Selected from real reviews — one per budget tier, each with a score and instant 3-site price comparison
★ 9.6Upper-mid
★ 9.2Upper-mid
★ 8.6Upper-midโรงแรมแนะนำทั้งหมดในMalmö
ครบทุกระดับงบ — คัดจากคะแนนรีวิวจริง พร้อมเทียบราคา 3 เว็บ
Clarion Hotel Malmö Live
Canal-side high-rise with rooftop bar
Story Hotel Studio Malmö
Design hotel by Hyatt in Western Harbour
Haven't found the one? Search all 3 sites yourself
Compare real-time room availability for your Malmö dates
🚆 Getting around Malmö
Fly into Copenhagen (CPH)
Most visitors land at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH), then take the Öresundståg train across the bridge to Malmö in about 35-40 minutes, every 20 minutes. There is a small Malmö Airport (MMX) too, but with limited flights.
Öresundståg train
The backbone of getting around the region, running from Copenhagen and CPH airport to Malmö Central every 20 minutes. Carry your passport, as ID checks can happen at the Swedish border.
Walking & cycling
The city is very compact, the old town is fully walkable, and Malmö is one of the most bike-friendly cities anywhere, with dedicated lanes and rental bikes throughout.
City buses & Skånetrafiken app
The green city buses don't take cash, so buy tickets via the Skånetrafiken app or by card. Flixbus also runs across the bridge from Copenhagen.
Card & mobile pay everywhere
Sweden is nearly cashless, so shops, restaurants, museums and public transport mainly take cards and mobile payments. The currency is the Swedish krona (SEK).
Where to go next near Malmö
StockholmSweden's capital on 14 islands — Gamla Stan, the Vasa ship, art-filled metro, the archipelago, and Scandinavian design.
See this city's guide →
GothenburgSweden's laid-back second city — Liseberg amusement park, old canals, fresh seafood and a serious cafe culture, all on the breezy west coast.
See this city's guide →
UppsalaThe Nordics' oldest university town — Scandinavia's tallest cathedral, a hilltop castle, and ancient Viking burial mounds, just 40 minutes from Stockholm.
See this city's guide →Frequently asked — where to stay in Malmö
How do I get to Malmö from Copenhagen, and how long does it take?+
Take the Öresundståg train across the Öresund Bridge from Copenhagen Central or the airport (CPH) to Malmö Central in about 35-40 minutes, departing every 20 minutes. Bring your passport, as there can be border ID checks.
Which area should I stay in?+
For first-timers, Gamla Staden (the old town) puts everything within walking distance. For a modern waterfront feel or a family trip, choose Västra Hamnen. For food, budget stays and nightlife, head to Möllevången.
Should I use cash or card, and what currency?+
Sweden is almost cashless, so a credit/debit card or mobile payment is easiest and accepted nearly everywhere. The currency is the Swedish krona (SEK), not the Danish krone, despite being so close to Denmark.
Ready to book your Malmö stay?
Start with the 3 hotels our team picked, or search all 3 sites — always compare before booking