10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Malmo

Gamla Staden is the historical district of Malmo, with 2 squares (Stortorget and Gustav Adolf Torg) surrounded by beautiful old buildings built between the late-13th and 19th centuries. A stroll along its cobbled streets between half-timbered houses evokes a sense of being transported back in time. Shoppers can find department stores, boutiques, and shopping malls lining Södergatan Street. In the evening, Lilla Torg Square has a buzzing nightlife scene, with dozens of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating areas.

Slottsträdgården is a large botanical park that cultivates around 500 unique plant species. Spanning 210,000 sq m of lush gardens, the meadow features park benches overlooking the historic Malmo Castle. 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. Slottsträdgården’s pictureque setting makes it a popular spot for picnics and fika (coffee break).

Ribersborgsstranden is a 1.5-km-long stretch of sandy beach nearby Malmo Castle. It’s where many locals enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach games during the summer. The grassy expanse behind the beach features playgrounds and ponds, as well as a mini-golf course and football field. Ribersborgsstranden also has a wooden bathhouse at the end of a pier, which features 5 traditional saunas and outdoor pools with views of the ocean.

Moderna Museet Malmo occupies a 20th-century brick building with a striking steel façade painted in red. Its 800 sq m space displays travelling exhibitions of contemporary artwork from all over the world. The museum’s permanent collection of 20th-century masterpieces features prominent names such as Picasso and Dali, and is free to visit and view. 

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. 

Malmo (and most of Scania County) is known for its craft beer scene, with dozens of microbreweries offering guided tours and beer tasting sessions. Malmö Brewing Co & Taproom attracts beer lovers with its quality drinks brewed using traditional methods dating back to 1889. Some of its signature brews include The Daekel (Belgian-inspired pale ale), Janky Stout, and Canned Wheat IPA (made with Citra and Amarillo). Every Friday at 5.30pm, enjoy a guided tour of the brewpub and beer tastings for about 300 kr per person.

Malmo Town Hall (Rådhus) is an impressive 16th-century structure in Stortorget Square. Renovations in the late 1800s resulted in the building’s Renaissance-style façade, while the banquet hall maintain its late-Gothic designs, with portraits of Danish royalty decorating the walls and corridors. Rådhuskällaren, a fine-dining venue, is located on the ground floor of Malmo Town Hall. This elegant restaurant accommodates around 250 people, and serves traditional Scandinavian dishes for lunch and dinner.

Svaneholm Castle is a Renaissance structure overlooking a tranquil lake in Skurup, about 37 km east of Malmo Old Town. Over 10,000 artefacts are displayed across 4 floors of the castle, including toys, coins, furniture, and textiles dating back to the 15th century. The basement level houses a wine cellar that’s open for tasting sessions with a local guide. Couples may enjoy boat rides on the lake, which offer views of the castle and its green surroundings. Admission to Svaneholm Castle costs around 60 kr per adult and 20 kr per child (6-15 years old).

Häckeberga Castle offers accommodation for those looking to spend a night in a 19th-century castle. It’s set in the middle of Lake Häckeberga in Lund Municipality, with lush garden surroundings. There’s an onsite restaurant that serves a breakfast buffet, as well as 2-course lunch and 4-course dinner menus using local produce. Häckeberga Castle is about 36 km east of Malmo Old Town, making it a popular spot for weddings and romantic occasions all year round.

Malmo Opera House is known for its regular schedule of classical performances, including chamber music, ballet, opera, theatre and musicals. The concert venue has a beautiful foyer decorated with Scandinavian artwork, and marble staircases that lead you to the 1,500-seat auditorium. Guided tours can be arranged for about 100 kr per person, and give visitors a behind-the-scenes experience of Malmo Opera House, as well as coffee and cake as refreshments.