Day Trip to Malmö From Copenhagen: How to Get There & What to Do

The best kind of day trip

A day trip from Copenhagen to Malmö is one of the easiest cross-border adventures in Europe.

Hop on a train in central Copenhagen, and 40 minutes later you’re in Sweden, ordering coffee in a different language, paying in a different currency and wandering streets that feel familiar yet refreshingly not Danish.

We love Malmö, and we’ve done this trip more times than we can count. It never gets old.

As with all day trips, spending just a single day in Malmö will only scratch the surface. But the city is small enough that you can enjoy some of the highlights as an appetiser and then return one day for the full course.

Denmark and Sweden are two countries that are similar in many ways – until you zoom all the way in and explore the details.

Visiting Malmö from Copenhagen will make you appreciate both cities in their own right and see each of them in a new light. At least that has been our experience.

So go on that day trip to Malmö! The city is just a hop and a skip away from Copenhagen, full of amazing shopping, delicious food, green parks, beautiful streets, charming culture and a uniquely Swedish atmosphere that makes us return time and time again.

Why visit Malmö from Copenhagen

Visiting both Malmö and Copenhagen on the same trip makes for the perfect combination.

Located just 40 minutes away from each other by train, you get the capital of Denmark and Sweden’s third-largest city, each with its own unique cultural, gastronomical and historical differences.

Malmö is obviously much smaller than Copenhagen, which is exactly why it’s such a great city to visit on a day trip.

The old cobblestoned streets invite you to slow down and enjoy your time in Malmö’s compact city centre; small enough to be easily walkable and big enough to hold several days’ worth of experiences.

On hot days, visiting the city’s green parks or even going to the beach is a favourite pastime for the locals – and you’re invited.

If the Scandinavian weather doesn’t show itself at its best side, or you’re simply more culturally inclined, Malmö also has lots of interesting stuff to see and do inside – including cool museums, unique shops and tasty food.

Malmö is hip, cool and trendy. While it’s perhaps not obvious at first glance, dive a bit deeper and you’ll discover cutting-edge art, fashion, design, gastronomy and much more.

PS. If you plan to visit for longer, make sure to check out our big Malmö travel guide with all the best things to do.

Is a Malmö day trip from Copenhagen worth it?

Yes, we honestly think so – every time.

The contrast between the two cities is bigger than you’d expect for places that share a bridge.

Malmö feels slower, greener and noticeably less polished than its Danish neighbour, in the best possible way.

If you only have one day, you’ll get a proper taste; if you can stretch it to two, even better in our opinion.

How to get to Malmö from Copenhagen

Wondering how to get to Malmö from Copenhagen?

Good news! It’s one of the simplest border crossings you’ll ever do.

You have three options: train, bus or car.

By train

Getting to Malmö from Copenhagen is super easy.

The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Copenhagen to Malmö is to go by train.

Direct trains leave regularly from Copenhagen Central Station, and the journey to Malmö Central Station takes around 35 to 45 minutes, including the ride across the impressive Øresund Bridge (and through the underwater tunnel).

Train tickets usually cost around 8-13 EUR / 9-14 USD per person each way in 2026, depending on when you book and which operator you use.

Tickets can easily be bought at the station, online on the DSB website or via the Danish Rejsekort app (if you travel to Hyllie, Triangeln or Malmö Central Station).

You can bring two children under the age of 7 free of charge.

Check out Journey Planner for departures and prices from Copenhagen to Malmö.

By bus

Buses between Copenhagen and Malmö can be a bit cheaper than the train, but the journey takes slightly longer at around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

They are mostly operated by FlixBus.

One bonus of travelling by bus is that you actually drive across the Øresund Bridge, whereas the train travels beneath it.

By car

Driving from Copenhagen to Malmö is very straightforward and surprisingly easy.

The journey across the Øresund Bridge takes around 45 minutes depending on traffic, and it’s quite a special experience driving between the two countries with sea views almost the entire way.

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

For our weekend trips to Malmö, we have parked the car in one of the city’s larger indoor parking garages or further out of the centre in residential areas.

In 2026, prices are generally around 200-300 SEK (roughly 17-26 EUR / 19-29 USD) per 24 hours, depending on location, although you may find slightly cheaper options a little outside the centre.

The good news is that once you arrive, you most likely won’t need the car again during your stay.

Malmö is compact, walkable and easy to explore on foot or by bike.

If you’re road-tripping through Sweden, an indoor parking garage is usually your best option, as free parking in central Malmö is fairly limited.

Some shopping centres offer a couple of free hours, but overall parking can be both expensive and a bit tricky to navigate.

If possible, we’d generally recommend arriving by train instead, especially for shorter visits, since Malmö Central Station is conveniently located within walking distance of most central attractions.

What to do in Malmö for a day

Now that you know why Malmö is well worth a visit and how easy it is to get there from Copenhagen, it’s time to plan what to do in Malmö for a day.

There’s plenty to fit into a single visit, and we think the best way to approach it is to break it down into different categories so you can mix and match depending on your interests.

Whether you’re going for the cafés, culture, parks or shopping, we hope our guide helps you create your own itinerary for your Malmö day trip from Copenhagen.

Shopping

Interior

The Swedes really know how to make functional, stylish furniture and cool interior design – and Malmö is one of the best places to find some of those unique pieces that aren’t found in IKEA’s all around the world.

If you’re planning a day trip from Copenhagen to Malmö and love Scandinavian interiors, you’ll have no trouble filling a few hours browsing the city’s many design shops.

AB Småland is a must-visit. Not only is it a nice café ideal for fika (the very Swedish concept of a coffee and cake break), it’s also one of the best shops in town for all things interior, vintage furniture, sustainable clothes, children’s toys, plants, recycled items and more.

The store itself is beautifully decorated and the (huge!) space is lovely to browse, whether or not you end up buying something.

Granit is the best place to go to get organised – in the kitchen, office, closet and elsewhere. Their solutions are always simple, stylish and affordable.

For additional shops selling trendy interior design, check out Indiska, Boligheter, Bolia and Designtorget.

Fashion & clothing

It seems like a new trendy clothing shop has opened every time we revisit Malmö.

If you’re doing a Malmö day trip from Copenhagen and enjoy Scandinavian fashion, Malmö is dangerously good for shopping.

Weekday is not unique to Malmö but is still worth a visit for its no-brand organic cotton garments.

For upcoming brands, check out fashionable shops like APLACE, Meadow, Grandpa and Circle of Friends.

Nudie Jeans, Tiger of Sweden, Filippa K and Peak Performance are classic Swedish brands with high-quality goods.

Also, while not that special, H&M is, after all, from Sweden, and there’s a huge store at Gustav Adolfs Torg right next to an H&M Home.

More into secondhand? We hear you! Check out Pop Boutique, A Piece Lux, Love Street Vintage, Rad Susie Vintage and Mani.

Buying preloved stuff is a great way to stay stylish while putting much less of a strain on our natural resources.

Outdoor & sports

If there’s one thing Sweden does exceptionally well, it’s outdoor life.

With vast forests, lakes and open landscapes across the country, spending time in nature is very much part of the culture, and Malmö is no exception.

Even in the city itself, you’re never far from parks, beaches or green spaces filled with runners, cyclists and people enjoying the outdoors.

If you need outdoor gear while visiting Malmö, Naturkompaniet has two large central stores stocked with everything from hiking clothing to camping equipment and travel accessories.

For more affordable sportswear and well-known brands, Stadium and XXL are reliable options.

And if you’re specifically looking for running shoes or technical running gear, both Runner’s Store and Löplabbet are popular with local runners (and Alex).

Other stores

For some reason, the florists in Malmö are among the best we’ve ever come across. Check out BlomsterPigan, Bara Blommor and Wallflower for their stunning displays and beautifully arranged bouquets.

Equally colourful, Lush is a great stop for incredible bath bombs, soaps and other cosmetics.

LillaSkåne only sells products from southern Sweden, many of them handmade and produced in small batches. It’s a lovely place to pick up gifts or bring home a little piece of Sweden.

And honestly, how could you not love the smell of walking into Paloma Tea Company? The shop itself is beautiful too, filled with tea, tins and cute little details.

Speaking of beautiful shops, Apoteket Lejonet (the Lion Pharmacy) is well worth a visit. Not only is it one of Malmö’s most historic pharmacies, but the interior feels like stepping back in time while still functioning as a modern-day pharmacy.

For healthy food and speciality ingredients, you really have to visit Rawfoodshop. Most of the products are organic and vegan, the prices are surprisingly reasonable, and it’s probably the only place in town where you can find things like dandelion leaves, agar-agar and cordyceps.

This is actually where we stock up on things like organic nuts in bulk, beans and vegan protein powder ourselves.

When visiting Malmö on a day trip from Copenhagen, these smaller independent shops are part of what makes the city feel so special.

Cultural activities & architectural highlights

A day trip from Copenhagen to Malmö is the perfect excuse to slow down and soak up a bit of culture: from medieval history and impressive architecture to cosy old squares and modern waterfront design.

Malmöhus Castle is a historical fortress located centrally in Malmö. The exterior alone is interesting, but it’s also worth going inside for exhibitions on history, shipping, technology and natural science.

Gamla Staden, meaning “the old town”, is an old and very picturesque part of Malmö, perfect for strolling around. The western part, Gamla Väster, is especially well preserved with colourful streets and charming houses, while the eastern side is called the Caroli Quarter.

At Snapperupsgatan 10, you’ll find Ebba’s House, the smallest museum in Malmö. It’s a fascinating glimpse into everyday life from a different era and feels surprisingly personal compared to larger museums.

Just a short walk from the central station is Moderna Museet Malmö (The Modern Museum), a leading museum of modern and contemporary art housed in a bold orange building.

In the city centre, Stortorget (The Big Square) is the main square and impossible to avoid. Here you’ll find the City Hall and the beautifully ornate Apoteket Lejonet – the most beautiful pharmacy we’ve ever seen.

Nearby, Lilla Torg (The Small Square) is a smaller, cute square packed with cafés and restaurants. It’s one of the most atmospheric places in the city for a short break between sights, and we try to visit it every time we’re on a day trip to Malmö.

A little further along, Gustav Adolfs Torg (The Square of Gustav Adolf) offers a more local feel, with market stalls during the day and seasonal events throughout the year, including a festive Christmas market in winter.

Sankt Petri Kyrka (Saint Peter’s Church), a 14th-century brick Gothic church, is another highlight and home to one of the largest altarpieces in Scandinavia.

Finally, head out towards Västra Hamnen (Western Harbour) for a glimpse of modern Malmö.

This former industrial area is now one of Europe’s first climate-neutral urban districts, known for its cutting-edge architecture – including the 190 metre-tall skyscraper Turning Torso.

On the way, it’s worth stopping by the Old Lighthouse for a quick photo break.

Parks & recreational areas

Malmö is a wonderfully green city, and much like Copenhagen, you’re never far from a park, a beach or a quiet spot to unwind.

Kungsparken (The King’s Park) is Malmö’s oldest park and very easy to reach from the city centre.

It flows seamlessly into Slottsparken (the Castle Park), and together they form one large green area that feels peaceful and spacious.

Right nearby, you’ll also find Slottsträdgården and the old Slottsmöllan windmill.

Pildammsparken is another highlight, known for its scenic ponds, tree-lined paths and calm atmosphere. It’s especially beautiful in summer when the park feels full of life but never crowded.

Folkets Park is the most playful of Malmö’s parks. It’s a lively mix of green space, playgrounds, events and activities, making it a great stop if you’re on a Malmö day trip with kids or simply want something a bit more energetic.

For a dose of sea air, Ribersborg Beach is perfect on warm days. It stretches along the coast with plenty of space to relax, swim or go for a walk, and offers beautiful views of both the Øresund Bridge and the iconic Turning Torso.

Don’t miss the nearby open-air bath, Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, for a very classic Malmö experience.

You might be interested in:Malmö Travel Guide: 21 Best Things to Do

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Cafés & restaurants

After all that walking around on your day trip from Copenhagen to Malmö, you’ll definitely need to replenish your energy.

Thankfully, Malmö is full of excellent coffee shops, cosy cafés and restaurants to suit all tastes (and budgets).

One of the things we like most about Malmö is that eating out here is generally cheaper than in Copenhagen (and it makes a Malmö day trip feel even more rewarding).

So either the trip across the Sound almost pays for itself – or you simply get to order more delicious things without overthinking it. That’s our excuse.

Read more about where to eat in our comprehensive vegan eating guide to Malmö with the best restaurants and cafés in the city.

You can also find our top picks here.

The best cafés

• Leve. The best croissants (and other baked goods) in Scandinavia, right by Triangeln Station.
• AB Småland. Get a taste of the Swedish countryside at the city’s most atmospheric café.
• Lilla Kafferosteriet. Large, cosy café in the old town with good coffee.
• Slottsträdgårdens Kafé. A lovely greenhouse/outdoor café at the organic garden Slottsträdgården in Kungsparken. Perfect for a nice lunch break in the sun.
• Espresso House. Sweden’s own coffee chain makes excellent coffee (with good options for plant milk) and sells tasty baked goods (including several vegan options).
• Solde. Speciality coffee in the centre of Malmö.

Brunch and lunch:

• Café Holmgången. Brunch plates, lasagna, cakes and other tasty plant-based dishes.
• Farm2Table. Cosy café with the city’s best breakfast (including smoothie bowls and waffles).
• Jord. Another brunch favourite with tofu scramble, smoothie bowls, French toast and other plant-based goodies.
• Hummusson. Hummus bar with delicious hummus, falafel and pita bread – perfect for a quick lunch.
• Vegegården. Affordable, completely vegan Asian buffet, great for very hungry people.

Dinner:

• Far i Hatten. Yummy Neapolitan pizzas in Folkets Park.
• The Vegan Bar. Burgers and speciality beers. The music can be loud and it’s a little bit far to walk from the city centre, but the burgers are worth it.
• Bastard Burgers. Good burgers located closer to the city centre.
• Malmö Saluhall. Lots of different food stalls near the Central Station.

You might be interested in:Vegan in Malmö: The Best Restaurants & Cafés With Plant-Based Options

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How to get around in Malmö

Central Malmö is quite small, which makes it easy to get around on foot.

You’ll very rarely need more than 30 minutes of walking to reach anywhere in the centre, and there’s usually plenty to see and do along the way, so the journey itself is part of the experience.

If you want to get around a bit faster, renting a bike or using an electric scooter is a great option.

Just like Copenhagen, Malmö is very cycle-friendly, with plenty of dedicated lanes and a relaxed cycling culture.

The public transport system is also reliable, convenient and straightforward to use, and it’s a good backup if you need to travel a bit further.

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Staying in Malmö

Isn’t a day trip to Malmö enough?

It can be challenging to experience everything you want to in Malmö in just one day. Even though it’s a relatively small city, there are truly many exciting things to do!

We have stayed in Malmö ourselves on several occasions and can easily recommend spending a bit more time in the city.

Below, there’s a brief overview of our top hotel recommendations.

You can also read our comprehensive guide on where to stay in Malmö here.

Where to stay in Malmö?

• Budget: HOTEL N Hostel Malmö City – Centrally located hotel/hostel where you can choose between a double bed or a bunk bed if you want to save even more money.
• Value for money: Best Western Plus Hotel Noble House – Where we’ve stayed ourselves. A quirky, characterful spot with a gym and sauna in our favourite pocket of the old town.
• Luxury: MJ’s – Colourful and exclusive rooms in a cosy hotel near Lilla Torg.

Search for the best hotels in Malmö here.

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FAQ about a Malmö day trip from Copenhagen

How long does it take to get from Copenhagen to Malmö?

The train ride takes 35-40 minutes from Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö Central Station.

By bus it’s around 1 hour 15 minutes, and by car, roughly 45 minutes depending on traffic and border checks.

Do I need a passport for a day trip from Copenhagen to Malmö?

Yes. Sweden does regular ID checks at the border, so bring your passport or a valid national ID card (with photo identification) – an EU driving licence or bank card won’t do the job.

Train passengers are checked at Hyllie Station, the first stop on the Swedish side. If you arrive by car, the border control takes place at the Øresund Bridge toll area when you pay the crossing fee.

Can I use my Danish Rejsekort in Malmö?

Yes, but only on the Øresundståg line and only at three stations: Hyllie, Triangeln and Malmö Central.

However, the physical Rejsekort cards are no longer in use for cross-border travel. Instead, you now need to use the official Rejsekort app-based solution to check in and out when travelling between Denmark and Sweden.

What currency is used in Malmö?

Swedish krona (SEK). That said, Sweden is close to cashless, so you can pay by card pretty much everywhere – including buses, parking machines and small cafés.

We rarely bother withdrawing cash for a day trip to Malmö.

Is one day enough in Malmö?

For a first taste, absolutely. You can comfortably walk the city centre, see the main squares, eat well and squeeze in a bit of shopping.

To explore Västra Hamnen, Ribersborg Beach or the museums properly, though, an overnight stay makes a big difference.

Check out where to stay in Malmö here.

When is the best time to visit Malmö from Copenhagen?

Late spring through early autumn (May-September) is lovely.

Parks are full, cafés have outdoor seating, and the beach is in play on hot days.

December is also magical thanks to the Christmas markets in Malmö.

Is Malmö cheaper than Copenhagen?

Generally, yes – especially when it comes to eating out, coffee and clothes.

The Swedish krona tends to give Danish visitors a bit of extra spending power, which is part of the reason a day trip to Malmö from Copenhagen is such a popular weekend move.

Thanks for reading our Malmö day trip guide

We hope this guide to planning a day trip to Malmö from Copenhagen has been helpful.

What do you think about Malmö? What would you do in Malmö for a day?

If you’ve already been, it would be great to hear your favourite spots and best tips for a day trip to Malmö from Copenhagen.

If you’re still in the planning stage, fire away with any questions in the comments. We’re happy to help!

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