Malmö city guide

PIVO VÄSTERGATAN

A proper Czech pub in the heart of Malmö, that only serves one beer. Sounds potentially boring, but hear me out. The lager is from Únêtický brewery, and they pour the beer the proper Czech way, with a huge fluffy head in the correct glassware. Bar bites are traditional Czech food as well, and the decor is straight out of a rural tavern. Na zdraví!

GUSTAVINO

This is an incredible spot for wine - a proper Italian wine bar, the extensive menu is hand-picked and imported, and there are traditional Italian bar bites to accompany your wine. The vibe is cosy and relaxed, and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely one for spending a whole evening, chatting, sipping and munching. 

CARE/OF COCKTAIL BAR 

One of the best cocktail bars in the city, run by some of the most experienced bartenders in the country. The cocktails are creative - for example, one of their ‘house’ cocktails is a sea buckthorn riesling, wasabi, vodka, orange and absinthe concoction. Fun, modern and cool. 

BREWERIES:

HYLLIE BRYGGERI

Hyllie brewery, located right in the heart of the city, shows its passion for making modern, interesting, high-quality beer without compromises - there are only two beers in its core range (an IPA and a lager) and the rest of its output is ever-changing, and tries to capture the mood of the seasons. The taproom is hella cool, as well, and features a gorgeous mural. 

MALMÖ BREWING CO

Malmö Brewing Co is a bit unique in that you can only really get its beer from its taproom. The brewery’s focus is on making the tastiest beers in homage to the historic brewing traditions of the old building it is based within, and all ingredients, styles and brewing practices are authentic. There’s a meadery on-site too, and the 42 taps in the taproom pour all Malmö Brewing Co’s core range beers, some experimental stuff, mead, cider and all the rest. Go hungry, because the food is low-n-slow BBQ. 

WHERE TO EAT:

QUAN

Pan-Asian food with a European twist, presented beautifully, in stunning modern surroundings, with creative cocktails, sake, wines and beers. Perfection. Come here for an intimate date night, or book one of their private dining rooms which seat 14+ people - this is a restaurant for all occasions. 

HUMMUSSON

Falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, and pitta, with roasted veg and dressed salad. Is there anything better? Plus, Hummusson is fully vegan and very eco-friendly. *Liz Lemon voice* I want to go to there. 

LYRAN

Small and stylish, this lovely establishment specialises in Scandinavian-style small plates and natural wine. The chefs work closely with local independent vendors and producers, so the menu changes often, but is always carefully-crafted. Ideal for a fancy, romantic evening. 

MALMÖ SALUHALL

Housed in a roofless former freight depot, Malmö Saluhall is a thriving food market with over 20 cafes, restaurants, butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers, bakeries, cheesemongers, chocolatiers and an ice cream stand. Here you can find everything from traditional Swedish dishes to Korean street food and Middle Eastern salads. A great place to go for a late lunch and a wander, on your own or with friends.

WHAT TO DO IN MALMÖ:

CROSS A BRIDGE

Hire a car, pretend you’re The Bridge’s Saga Norén/Martin Rohde, and drive across the incredibly striking Øresund Bridge to Copenhagen for the day. 

GET STEAMIN’ 

Ribersborgs Kallbadhus is an open-air bathhouse on the Ribersborg beach, popular with locals and visitors alike who want to experience the Swedish traditions of taking a sauna, ice swimming, etc. You can get massages too, and there are steam rooms, wooden hot tubs, and facilities such as a restaurant. It’s not as sordid as it sounds, I promise. 

BUY SOMEONE ELSE’S STUFF 

Malmö has an excellent second-hand scene, with loads of vintage shops, retro clothing boutiques, flea markets and antique/bric-a-brac stores. A quick Google will throw up loads of ‘best-of’ lists, all of which feature different spots to shop and rummage around in, so be prepared to spend more than a day visiting them all. 

EXPERIENCE EXTREME DISGUST

The Disgusting Food Museum is one of the weirder things I’ve featured on these city guides, but I mean *come on* why wouldn’t you want to look at hundreds of the world’s most gross foods? The museum’s aim is to make the visitor challenge their notion of what is and isn’t edible - but don’t worry, you don’t have to actually eat anything, it’s just an interesting exhibit.