Best Things to Do in Lund, Sweden: Travel Guide to the Charming University City

A day trip to Lund

Thinking about what to do in Lund, Sweden? You’re in the right place.

This charming university city in Scania (Skåne) may be compact, but its walkable centre is filled with historic sights, cosy cafés, peaceful green spaces and beautiful architecture.

While staying in Scania for the summer, we decided to take a day trip to Lund.

We had visited many years ago and remembered it fondly, but to our delight, we liked the city even more this time around.

Lund is one of those places that rewards you the moment you arrive. It feels relaxed and welcoming, with cobbled streets, historic houses and a lively, yet calm atmosphere.

Strolling around in the afternoon sun among autumn colours and centuries-old buildings felt almost dreamy.

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning a longer stay, there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Lund, and we’ll cover them here.

We’ll also share how to get there from Malmö or Copenhagen by train, what to know about parking, when to visit, our best tips and where to stay in Lund.

We hope this Lund travel guide helps you experience some of the magic of the city for yourself!

Where to stay in Lund

• Budget: Winstrup Hostel – Budget-friendly self-service hostel near the central station with cosy sleeping alcoves.
• Value for money: Hotel Concordia – Comfortable ECO-certified hotel in central Lund with a breakfast buffet, sauna and a small gym.
• Luxury: Grand Hotel Lund – Elegant historic luxury hotel with classic interiors, fine dining and a prime central location.

Search for the best hotels in Lund here.

Map

Lund is a university city in Scania, Southern Sweden, with about 90,000 inhabitants – many of whom attend the city’s university.

Malmö is located about 15 kilometres to the south-west of Lund, while Helsingborg is around 55 kilometres to the north.

Copenhagen, Denmark, is just on the opposite side of the Øresund Strait.

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Best things to do in Lund

There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful old city.

If you’re wondering what to do in Lund on a day trip or searching for the very best things to do in Lund during a longer stay, you’ll find plenty of historic sights, cosy cafés and peaceful corners to explore.

Here are our 6 favourite things to do in Lund:

1. Visit Lund Cathedral

You simply can’t visit the city without seeing Lund Cathedral.

Dominating the city centre, this magnificent church is the undisputed star of what to see in Lund – and it earns every bit of that status.

Originally consecrated in 1145, the cathedral dates back to the early 12th century and is one of the oldest stone buildings in Sweden still in active use.

It has even been described as the finest example of Romanesque architecture in the Nordic countries.

Despite having seen photos beforehand, we were still highly impressed when standing in front of it ourselves. The scale, details and atmosphere were special.

Going inside is free and absolutely worth it, and make sure not to miss the atmospheric crypt below the cathedral.

Even with plenty of visitors around, the cathedral still feels peaceful and awe-inspiring.

It’s easy to see why Lund Cathedral attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, and despite Lund being a relatively small city, the cathedral is actually Sweden’s most visited church.

2. Wander around the historic Lund University

You don’t need to enrol at Lund University to enjoy it – simply wandering around the historic campus is one of the most interesting things to do in Lund.

Founded in 1666, the university is one of Northern Europe’s oldest and most prestigious institutions.

It’s actually ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and number one globally for sustainability.

With more than 45,000 students, the university has a strong presence throughout the city.

We liked the pretty main building, but university buildings are scattered all across Lund, giving the whole city a lively student atmosphere.

As we visited in autumn, we really loved strolling past the vine-covered buildings, and the golden leaves made the whole area feel even more magical.

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3. Discover Lund’s oldest park

Right in the city centre, between Lund Cathedral and the main university buildings, Lundagård is the city’s oldest park.

Today, it feels like a calm, open lawn framed by grand university buildings and filled with students on sunny days, but its history runs much deeper.

Lundagård was originally the site of the archbishop’s castle, built in the early 12th century when Lund was still under Danish rule. It was a fortified complex with a walled garden.

The park as we see it today was redesigned in 1745, shaping it into the open space that links the cathedral with Lund University.

One of the few surviving remnants of its older structure is the historic gate, which now serves as the entrance to the open-air museum Kulturen (see number 5).

4. Smell the flowers at Lund Botanical Garden

Lund Botanical Garden (Botaniska trädgården) is one of the loveliest places to slow down in the city if you enjoy plants and flowers.

Despite being close to the centre, it feels peaceful with winding paths, huge old trees and thousands of plant species from around the world.

The garden belongs to Lund University and has existed in some form since the 1690s, giving it a long academic history as well as its natural beauty.

We enjoyed wandering around among the warm autumn tones!

Normally, the greenhouses are one of the highlights, but they are currently closed for renovation and are expected to reopen in spring 2027.

Best of all, visiting the botanical garden is completely free.

Read more about Lund Botanical Garden and see opening hours on the official website.

5. Go back in time at Kulturen

Kulturen is a true hidden gem among the best things to do in Lund.

This fascinating open-air museum feels like stepping into a small historic village right in the middle of the city.

In fact, it’s the second-oldest open-air museum in the world (only Skansen in Stockholm beats it).

More than 30 historic buildings have been carefully preserved here, spanning everything from the Middle Ages to the 1930s.

On top of that, there are several exhibitions exploring local history, design and everyday life through the centuries.

Read more about opening hours and prices on the official website here.

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6. Stroll around town

Central Lund is very pedestrian-friendly with a network of cobbled streets, quiet alleys and pedestrian zones that make it easy to explore on foot.

We particularly loved wandering between Lund Cathedral and Lund Botanical Garden, where some of the city’s prettiest streets are found.

Along the way, you’ll pass rows of charming pastel-coloured houses, leafy courtyards and preserved historic buildings that give Lund its relaxed, almost village-like feel.

There is also plenty of shopping to enjoy – from independent boutiques and design shops to cosy cafés tucked into side streets.

7. Eat delicious food

For such a small city, Lund has a nice food scene with plenty of great places to eat.

It’s easy to find vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options that are both affordable and full of flavour.

Not long after arriving near the central station, we spotted a falafel stand and couldn’t resist grabbing a wrap (or two).

Hummus Bar near Lund Central Station also looks like a great option for a quick, satisfying bite.

Later on, we enjoyed a classic Swedish fika – coffee and kladdkaka (the rich, fudgy take on a brownie) at Ebba’s Skafferi, which was a fully vegan café right in the centre of town. Sadly, it seems to have closed permanently since our visit.

Next time, we’d love to try Minù, a café and bakery that looks perfect for something sweet, as well as Alice & Kattens Tesalong – a charming tea room serving lunch and traditional afternoon tea.

See an updated list of all the vegan and vegetarian spots in Lund on HappyCow.

8. See Skissernas Museum (Museum of Artistic Process)

If you’re into art, Skissernas Museum is one of the most interesting things to see in Lund.

It’s a unique museum dedicated to the creative process behind public art, focusing less on finished masterpieces and more on the journey of how they come to life.

Instead of completed works, you’ll find sketches, models, drafts and experiments from artists around the world – something you rarely come across elsewhere.

It offers a behind-the-scenes look at how large-scale artworks are developed from first idea to final form.

We haven’t visited ourselves yet, but we’ve included it in this Lund travel guide anyway because it’s consistently highlighted as one of the city’s most distinctive cultural attractions.

You can find more information and plan your visit on the museum’s official website.

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Where to stay in Lund

Wondering where to stay in Lund?

Well, the good news is that the city is very compact and easy to explore on foot.

No matter which area you choose, you’ll never be far from the best things to do in Lund, cafés and restaurants.

However, if you’re looking for where to stay in Lund for a short city break, we’d recommend staying somewhere central so you can easily walk between Lund Cathedral, Lund University, the botanical garden and the old town streets.

Search for the best hotels in Lund here (adlink) or scroll down to see three great hotels in Lund for different budgets and travel styles.

Budget: Winstrup Hostel

If you’re looking for where to stay in Lund on a budget, Winstrup Hostel is one of the best-value options in the city.

Located just 150 metres from Lund Central Station, it’s perfectly placed for both day trips and exploring the city centre on foot.

The hostel is known for its clever sleeping alcoves, which give dorm beds a bit more privacy than a typical hostel setup.

There’s also a large shared kitchen, lounge areas and simple private rooms available for couples or families.

The atmosphere is relaxed and social without being overly party-focused.

Winstrup Hostel is unstaffed and fully self-service, which is one of the reasons it manages to keep prices comparatively low for Sweden.

While the rooms are fairly simple, the location and affordable rates make it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers visiting Lund.

Check prices and availability at Winstrup Hostel (adlink).

Value for money: Hotel Concordia

For travellers looking for a nice hotel in Lund without splurging on luxury, Hotel Concordia strikes a really good balance between comfort, location and price.

The hotel is in the centre of Lund, only a short walk from the cathedral, the university and the train station, so it’s an easy base for exploring the city on foot.

Rooms are individually designed with colourful details and decorative tapestries that give them more character than what we are used to with the typical minimalist Scandinavian hotel style.

The family units are particularly spacious and practical for longer stays or travelling with children, while some of the economy double rooms can feel a little compact, with beds placed against the wall to maximise space.

At the top of the building, there’s a roof terrace, and you’ll also have access to a small gym and a sauna with city views.

It’s Nordic Swan Ecolabel-certified, which we think is really cool, so it’s a good option for more sustainability-minded travellers.

Oh, and the breakfast buffet is included!

Check prices and availability at Hotel Concordia (adlink).

Luxury: Grand Hotel Lund

If you want the classic luxury option, Grand Hotel Lund is one of the best hotels in Lund.

Opened in 1899, this historic property dominates the square beside the central station and combines old-world elegance with modern comfort.

The 19th-century sandstone building itself is beautiful, designed in a French Renaissance-inspired style with grand staircases, chandeliers and richly decorated interiors.

Rooms range from classic doubles to more luxurious suites, and many have traditional décor mixed with updated Scandinavian touches.

The hotel is also known for its restaurants, wine cellar and refined atmosphere, so we think it’s a great choice for a romantic stay or a more special trip to Lund.

Despite the luxury feel, you’re still only a short walk from all the best things to do in Lund’s city centre.

And if you get dirty shoes after a day of walking, there’s even a free shoe-shining service!

Check prices and availability at Grand Hotel Lund (adlink).

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How to get to Lund

Whether you’re planning a day trip to Lund from Copenhagen, a quick escape from Malmö, or driving in from further afield, getting to Lund is quite easy.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get to Lund.

By train from Copenhagen

Planning a day trip to Lund from Copenhagen or Malmö?

Then the train is by far the best option, and it’s pretty straightforward.

Trains to Lund depart Copenhagen Central Station around three times every hour, from early morning until midnight, with over 50 services on most days.

The journey takes around 55 minutes (and it stops in Malmö on the way, if you want to combine your visit to Lund with a day trip to Malmö).

Services are operated mainly by Øresundståg, and all trains are direct – no changes needed.

Tickets are around 14-22 EUR / 16-26 USD (in 2026), one way per person. You can bring two children under the age of 7 free of charge.

If you are travelling in a group, you can often get a cheaper family ticket (you don’t need to be related), and a return ticket can also work out cheaper.

Read more about how to buy tickets online or via apps at Skånetrafiken (Swedish) or DSB (Danish).

You can also buy them from ticket machines at Copenhagen Central Station and Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup).

Tip: If you’re flying into Copenhagen Airport (CPH), you’re in luck – there are many direct train connections from the airport to Lund each day, with the journey taking around 38 minutes. No need to go into the city centre first.

By train from Malmö

A day trip to Lund from Malmö is very easy.

Trains from Malmö Central Station or Triangeln run at least every 15 minutes, and the journey takes just 15 minutes.

Tickets cost around 1.7-7 EUR / 2-8 USD (in 2026), one way per person, and you can bring two children under the age of 7 free of charge.

By car

Driving to Lund is easy enough, but honestly, the train is the better option if you can manage it.

The city centre is old with narrow streets and a limited number of car parks, which makes driving and parking slightly impractical.

That said, if you do drive: from Malmö, it’s about 20 minutes via the E22 motorway.

From Copenhagen, cross the Øresund Bridge into Malmö and continue north on E22 – the whole drive takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic at the bridge.

You can check the latest toll prices for crossing the bridge on the official Øresund Bridge website.

Parking in Lund

We parked our car in the outdoor parking area right next to Lund Central Station and paid for 24 hours so we would have plenty of time to see all of the best things to do in Lund without having to think about moving the car.

There are several parking areas around the city centre to choose from; however, we would recommend checking recent Google Maps reviews beforehand, as people often share useful tips about payment methods, time limits and which car parks are easiest to use.

Parking in central Lund typically costs around 20-30 SEK per hour (as of 2026).

If you don’t mind walking for around 10 minutes, prices often drop to roughly 10-15 SEK per hour instead.

One important thing to know is that cash is no longer accepted at parking meters in Lund.

You’ll need to pay using a parking app, and Parkster is generally considered the easiest option since it doesn’t add extra service fees.

If you already have a valid Skånetrafiken public transport ticket, commuter parking can be exceptionally good value at just 20 SEK for 24 hours, which is ideal if you’re combining driving with train travel.

Paid parking is most common near the university and the city centre, while residential neighbourhoods slightly farther out (such as Spoletorp, Nilstorp, Stampelyckan and Möllevången) often have free or lower-cost street parking within walking distance of the main sights.

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When to visit Lund

Lund generally has short but very pleasant summers, colourful autumns, relatively mild but dark winters and lovely, slightly unpredictable springs.

If you ask us, June is probably the sweet spot for visiting Lund and the rest of Scania.

The days are incredibly long, outdoor cafés spill onto the streets, and the parks and gardens are lush and green.

Around midsummer, the sun barely sets, giving the whole city a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Lund’s compact size and student population also make it feel lively without ever becoming too hectic.

May is another fantastic time to visit Lund, especially if you prefer slightly cooler temperatures and fewer people.

Spring arrives gradually, and when the trees begin to bloom around Lundagård and the botanical garden, the city feels incredibly fresh and inviting.

July and August are usually the warmest and busiest months.

Students largely disappear for the summer holidays, but visitors fill the cafés, parks and outdoor terraces instead.

It’s a lovely time for wandering around the old streets and spending long evenings outside.

We visited Lund in early September and thought it was a wonderful time to experience the city – we had sunny and pleasant weather.

In the sun, shorts and a T-shirt were perfectly comfortable, but later in the afternoon, a jumper was definitely needed once the temperature dropped in the shade.

Autumn arrives fairly quickly in southern Sweden, but September and October can be absolutely beautiful in Lund.

The city’s many vine-covered buildings turn deep red and gold, and the historic streets feel extra atmospheric beneath the autumn colours.

Winter in Lund is much milder than many people expect from Scandinavia.

Snow is possible, but temperatures often hover around freezing rather than dropping extremely low. What you notice more is the limited daylight during December and January.

Still, the cosy cafés, Christmas decorations and warm indoor spaces give the city plenty of charm during the darker months.

One thing worth keeping in mind is that the weather in southern Sweden can change quickly at any time of year. Even in summer, a sunny morning can turn cool or rainy later in the day.

Tip: Bring a raincoat and a jumper whenever you’re visiting Scandinavia, no matter the season!

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Our best tips for visiting Lund

• Go thrift shopping. Lund is full of delightful second-hand shops.
• Drink tap water. The water quality in Lund is excellent.
• Walk around. Lund is a tiny city, and walking from one place to another is often, if not always, the best option.
• Bring layers. Even on sunny days, temperatures can drop noticeably in the late afternoon, especially outside the summer months.
• Explore the parks. The parks in Lund are great places to relax.
• Eat falafel. While Malmö is more famous for its falafels, they’re also great in Lund.
• Don’t forget fika. Having a cup of coffee and something sweet is a great way to spend the afternoon whenever you’re in Sweden.
• Pay by card everywhere. Sweden is famously cash-light, and many places barely handle cash anymore.
• Combine Lund with Malmö or Copenhagen. Lund is small enough for a day trip and works perfectly alongside other destinations in southern Sweden or Denmark.
• Check opening hours beforehand. Shops, cafés and even some attractions may open later or be closed entirely on Sundays and Mondays, so it’s worth planning ahead.

FAQ about Lund

Is Lund worth visiting?

We definitely think so, and it’s the perfect size for a day trip.

For such a small city, it has a medieval cathedral, a world-class university, a botanical garden, a brilliant open-air museum, great food, and charming streets to wander.

How long do you need in Lund?

Lund is a fairly small city, so you can see most of the main highlights in just a few hours. However, we think it’s best enjoyed at a slower pace.

You can easily spend a full day walking around the city, visiting the main sights, enjoying a long lunch and stopping for fika along the way. That’s what we would recommend.

Spending the night in Lund can be wonderful too, especially if you want more time to enjoy the food scene and picturesque streets, but it’s not necessary if you’re visiting on a day trip.

Is Lund better than Malmö?

Different, rather than better. Malmö is bigger, busier and more cosmopolitan, with more nightlife, museums and a larger food scene.

We personally think Malmö is the more interesting city overall, simply because there’s more to see and do.

That doesn’t mean Lund is boring or not worth visiting, though – quite the opposite.

Lund has a beautiful historic centre, a relaxed university-town atmosphere and plenty of charm packed into a very compact area.

Many visitors combine both cities in one trip, which is easy to do considering the train journey between Malmö and Lund only takes around 15 minutes.

Is Lund good for a day trip from Copenhagen?

Yes, we think it’s one of the best day trips from Copenhagen.

The train from Copenhagen Central Station takes under an hour, runs multiple times per hour, and drops you right in the middle of the city.

You can easily see all the highlights of Lund and be back in Copenhagen for dinner.

What is Lund best known for?

Lund is best known for its university (one of the oldest and highest-ranked in Scandinavia) and for Lund Cathedral – a stunning 12th-century Romanesque landmark.

The city is also famous for its cycling culture, its cosy café scene, and being the falafel-loving little sibling of nearby Malmö.

Is Lund expensive to visit?

By Scandinavian standards, Lund is fairly reasonable.

Many of the best things to do in Lund are free – the cathedral, the university campus, the botanical garden and the streets themselves cost nothing.

Food can be very affordable, especially at falafel stands and lunch spots near the university.

Is Lund safe for tourists?

Yes, Lund is a very safe city and a welcoming one.

The city centre is pedestrian-friendly, well-lit and easy to navigate.

Normal common sense applies (as it would anywhere).

Can you visit Lund without a car?

Easily, and in fact, we’d recommend it.

Lund is very walkable, and the entire city centre can be crossed on foot in 15-20 minutes.

Everything worth seeing is within easy walking distance of the train station.

Thanks for reading our Lund travel guide

Thanks for getting all the way to the end of this guide with the best things to do in Lund, Sweden!

We hope it has helped you plan what to do in Lund, whether you’re going on a day trip or staying a little longer.

What do you think about the charming university city?

If you’ve been there, it would be awesome to hear your best tips on what to do in Lund and if you stayed at one of the best hotels in Lund or just enjoyed the city for a couple of hours.

If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments! We’re happy to help.

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