10 Free and Cheap Things to do in Malmo

Slottsträdgården is a large botanical park overlooking the historic Malmo Castle. Spanning 210,000 sq m of lush gardens, it’s filled with around 500 plant species. The kitchen garden and orchard cultivate local vegetables and fruits such as plums and pears, which you can purchase at the onsite nursery when they’re in season. The meadow features park benches overlooking Malmo Castle, making this grassy expanse a popular spot for picnics and fika (coffee break).

Malmo Konsthall is a modern museum displaying artwork by some of the world’s top contemporary artists. Its well-designed exhibition space is the work of architect Klas Anselm, and features 550 roof lights and glass roof windows, allowing plenty of natural light. In addition to art exhibits, you can enjoy events such as lectures, theatre, film screenings, and poetry recitals. Some of these events may require admission fees, but the main gallery is free for all. The onsite bookstore stocks posters, postcards, and literature on modern design. 

Malmo Salluhall has over a dozen vendors selling breads, local produce, meat, and fish, as well as a choice of international cuisines. This food hall occupies a refurbished 19th-century warehouse in Gibraltargatan, about 800 metres northeast of Malmo Castle. Chocolate lovers may enjoy Chocolatte’s handmade pralines and fudges. Holy Greens caters to the health conscious with its fresh salads and pressed juices, while Hedvigsdal serves wood-fired pizzas with toppings that come from their own vegetable garden.

Kungsparken is an English-style garden dating back to 1869. It’s known for its collection of unique tree and plant species, including a 29-metre-tall Turkish oak tree and a sweet chestnut tree from China. Paved trails surround a beautiful lake called Stora Dammen, making it a popular spot among joggers and cyclists. Kungsparken’s centrepiece is a 19th-century cast iron fountain, surrounded by a lush lawn overlooking the park’s canal and Malmo Castle.

Lilla Torg (Small Square) may be known for its nightlife scene, but it’s also a popular sightseeing spot in Malmo. The cobbled streets are lined with half-timbered structures built in the late 16th century, one of which houses the Form/Design Center. Street performances and food stalls occupy Lilla Torg, especially during the summer and Christmas holidays. Bars and restaurants have outdoor terraces (blankets and heaters are provided on cool evenings), so it’s worth spending a few kronor for a drink and a good view of the square. 

The Malmo City Library displays over 500,000 materials, including books in different languages, DVDs, and CDs on various topics. It occupies a Renaissance building with a modern architectural design by Danish architect Henning Larsen. It’s also called the Calendar of Light as its massive glass façade, which overlooks King’s Park (Kungsparken), allows the library to be illuminated with natural light. The Malmo City Library has an onsite café that serves light lunches, pastries, and coffee for those looking to enjoy a fika during their visit.

Mollan is what locals claim to be the hipster neighbourhood of Malmo, but it’s also the home of a multicultural community. Ethnic stores, international restaurants, Scandinavian cafés, and funky galleries surround its main square, Möllevångstorget. The square hosts an outdoor market every day (except in winter). A short walk to the east is Folkets Park, Mollan’s family-friendly park which houses the Malmös Reptile Center and Malmo Mini Zoo. The neighbourhood is best explored on foot, as you get to experience the lively atmosphere of this diverse place.

The Form/Design Center occupies a 16th-century half-timbered building in Lilla Torg. The gallery focuses on textile, furniture, industrial design, and handicrafts by Scandinavian artists. Admission is free all year round, and exhibits change regularly so it’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of design. Shop for souvenirs at the onsite boutique, which is on the 3rd floor of the Form/Design Center. It has a selection of locally-produced jewellery, toys, books, porcelain, textiles, and posters.

The streets of Malmo are often decorated with statues of notable Swedish figures and art installations, many of which are located in Gamla Staden (Old Town). Go for a self-guided walking tour to Stortorget Square, where you get to see the iconic Non-Violence (a bronze statue of a revolver with a knotted barrel) and Optimistic Orchestra (a humanoid marching band). A short walk from Gustav Adolfs Square is the Davidshallsbron Bridge, which is lined with 19 pairs of bronze shoes representing Swedish artists.