Underrated Malmö, Sweden: It Surprised Me More Than Expected | Guide I

I visited Malmö—a small Swedish coastal city—at the end of May for work. Before coming, I checked travel guides, and most described it as a “no-frills” destination: just a 20-minute cross-sea train ride from Copenhagen, good for a quick day trip but lacking standout highlights. But I have to say: one day in Malmö is far from enough! This is such an underrated Nordic city. Beyond its convenience (trains from Copenhagen’s city center/airport run every ~10 minutes, with sea views along the way), Malmö’s strengths in urban design, architecture, culture, and aesthetics are no less impressive than major Nordic capitals. During the 3-day Southern Sweden Design Days (SSDD), over a hundred brand spaces, boutiques, exhibition halls, and pop-up shows across the city collaborate. What won me over most? Almost every venue is small but incredibly fascinating. Unlike Milan Design Week—where you’re exhausted from rushing between spots—Malmö’s pace lets you slow down: pause at each place to chat with owners, grab a drink, then cycle to the next. It’s like living a chill day in a small southern Swedish city, just like a local 🚲. 💙 Practical Tips 1. Transportation From Copenhagen Airport: There’s a row of red ticket machines inside the airport—buy a train ticket directly to Malmö Central Station (Malmö C). Within Malmö: Most spots are within a 30-minute bike ride—cityride is highly recommended! If you take an Uber, a 20-minute ride costs around 120 SEK. 2. Dining No restaurant we tried in 3 days disappointed! Top picks: BISe: A super popular local spot with unique dishes and a stylish interior. Mygel AB: Housed in a converted old train station, it has high ceilings, creative dishes, and great wine 🍷. Don’t miss fika—Sweden’s official workday tradition: all companies offer employees a short afternoon break to enjoy coffee and pastries. Head to cafés like Lilla Kafferosteriet to experience it ☕. 3. Shopping Wander the city to find vintage clothing/furniture stores. Sweden also has a strong secondhand culture—dig around, and you’ll uncover nice surprises (like unique home decor or retro clothes) 🛍️. 4. Must-Visit Spots St. Peter’s Church (Sankt Petri Kyrka): A historic gem with elegant architecture. Malmö University: Open to the public—its library boasts stunning sea views 📚🌊. #NordicLife #OneDayTrip #TravelMoments #LivingAbroad #Travel #TravelDiary #SceneryOnTheRoad #Travel #BusinessTripDays #LifeInSweden #Malmö #MalmöTravelGuide