10 Best Things to Do This Summer in Malmö

Ribersborg Beach, or simply Ribban as it's known to locals, is a gorgeous beach just a stone's throw away from Malmö's historical centre. This artificial beach in the heart of the city is one of the most popular in the Greater Malmö Region, thanks in large part to the wide array of services on offer. In addition to the main bathing spot, there's also an accessible swimming area, a nudists' beach and an area for dogs. Not to mention the many kiosks and sports facilities such as a volleyball area. On summer evenings, there are often barbecue parties and sometimes special events such as salsa shows on a permanent outdoor dancefloor. The open-air bath house next door offers several pools, saunas and a number of special treatments.

Castle Garden (Slottsträdgården) is a lush garden in a beautiful location right next to the Renaissance Malmö Castle (Malmöhus). You can get here by one of the city buses which stop outside the Technology & Maritime museum (Teknikens Och Sjöfartens Hus) just 300 metres away. There is also parking available right next to the park. Once here, you can stroll around themed gardens, such as the climate garden, where you'll find exotic palm trees and grass species, or the Japanese garden inspired by Zen Buddhism. Be sure not to miss the 150-metre long flowering plant bed with a touch of Dutch and English elegance about it. Castle Garden also boasts a cosy little café where you can sample the organic and biodynamic fruits and vegetables that you can see growing in the garden.

Malmö's medieval centre is encircled by charming canals which make for a perfect way to see the city by canal boat. Book an easy-to-steer and quiet-running electric boat or a solar-powered boat with soft seats and space for all the family. A shorter trip will be enough to experience the inner canal ring, but you also have the option to book your boat for a little longer and find yourself a tranquil spot to moor up and enjoy an ice cream or a picnic. If you want to show off your strong legs then why not opt for a popular and somewhat cheaper alternative – a pedal boat? That way you and your sweetheart or group of up to 4 friends can explore Malmö together by foot, but from the water!

People's Park (Folkets Park) is not just a charming park, but also a meeting place, a spot for celebrations and a playpark offering pulse-raising activities, interesting animals, heaps of play and ample entertainment. The concept of the People's Park is a thoroughly Swedish idea – a public park offering entertainment, culture and fitness for all strata of society. At People's Park in Malmö you can play minigolf and there is even a skate ramp and a paddling pond. Not to mention a broad array of games including all the pieces and full instructions. People's Park is located in central Malmö and there are many different entrances if you're arriving by foot. If you prefer to come down by public transport then the easiest way to get here is to take one of the city buses to the Folkets Park Stop which is located right by the main entrance.

The Scaniabadet offers deep-sea swimming with several jetties and a 75-metre long wooden deck with plenty of room to sunbathe. Yoga and other exercise classes are often held here in the mornings, but the main attraction is of course the swimming. The water is deep and there are often currents, so good swimming skills are recommended. There are lifeguards in the summer for peace of mind. Scaniabadet is located in the neighbourhood of Västra Hamnen which is in central Malmö. Local buses stop right outside at the bus stop of the same name. Parking is also available immediately beside for those arriving by car.

Malmö by Bike is a great way to experience the city from the best possible perspective and entirely at your own pace. Simply buy a subscription for 24 or 72 hours and check out a bike from one of the company's almost 100 bicycle stations. When your adventure is over, simply return the bike to whichever station you like. A great idea is to combine a rental bike with a guide book. For example, you can rent a cycle guide on 1930s Malmö from Malmö Museum (Malmö Museer) or explore the city's parks using the mobile app Träd i Malmö.

Favvo Glass is one of Malmö's best-loved ice cream parlours, and that's a hard-won title in a foodie town like this. Sample fresh ice creams and sorbets which are made from scratch on site by the owners themselves. Their ice cream inventors are constantly coming up with new flavour combinations which go beyond the classics like chocolate and vanilla. For example, how about a scoop of refreshing apple and basil? Seasonality is also key here and the flavours often change in line with the time of the year and the holidays. Favvo Glass is located in Malmö's modern Market Hall (Malmö Saluhall) so be sure to combine your ice cream with a stroll around the stalls. The Market Hall is within comfortable walking distance from Malmö Central Station. There is also parking available right next door.

The craggy Sibbarp Beach (Sibbarpsstranden) is a cosy yet spacious swimming spot in Malmö offering views over the Öresund Bridge (Öresundsbron), multiple jetties and even an open-air bath house right beside. Also in the area, you'll find a range of pulse-raising and more laid-back activities, from a skate park to a mini-golf course. There are also barbecue spots and a café which make this a great beach for spending the entire day. The open-air bath house, also known as Sibbarps Saltsjöbad, offers both outdoor bathing and a wood-fired sauna. Sibbarp Beach is located in the district of Limhamn in south-west Malmö. There is ample parking and camping is also available in case you feel like staying a little longer.

Little Square (Lilla Torg) is a lively area full of popular restaurants, cafés and pubs whose outdoor terraces sprawl out into the square. Enjoying a beer or a dinner on the square is a popular summertime activity in Malmö. Even on colder days, the area is full of people huddled under the outdoor heaters on the terraces. Lining the square are some of the oldest buildings in the city in a traditional half-timber style. Nowadays they mostly house exhibitions and shops or act as concert venues. The large brick building, which is now a hotel and restaurant, was once home to the city's market hall. Be sure to check out the well with its intricate reliefs which tell the story of the square's history as a centre for trade and commerce.

Guided walking tours are an exciting and enriching way to get to know a new city and Malmö is naturally no exception. Take part in a historical walking tour through Malmö from the Middle Ages to modern day with Malmö by Foot. Or perhaps you're particularly interested in 20th-century history and all of its intrigue? In that case, book yourself onto a tour around Malmö during World War II with Hemliga Malmö (lit. Secret Malmö). Or do you prefer your tours centred around food? If so, book onto a guided taste tour all throughout Malmö or around the international and specialist food stores at Möllevång Square with Matkaravanen (lit. the Food Caravan).