15 of my Favourite Local Malmö Hangouts

Paid partnership with Malmö Town, all words and pictures are my own

When you visit a new city for a couple of days it's very exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming, especially when you don't know anyone who lives there and you're relying on tourist guides. The good news is, in Malmö you know me! And I'd REALLY like to make sure that if you ever visit, you have the best time! In the past I've posted winter and summer guides, but today I'd like to share 15 of my favourite local hangouts. 

The cafes, bars, restaurant and even a small theatre in this list, are places I regularly go to and more often than not, know the owners on a first name basis. They are just a small selection of the independent, small businesses that make Sweden's third largest city such a special, unique and relaxed place - a city I am proud to call home! I hope you'll visit some of these on your next trip to Malmö, I promise it'll make your time here even more enjoyable! 

Let's start with some of my favourite morning hangouts. 

1. Leve bakery

We often stop by at this wonderful plant-based bakery for Leve's version of  Swedish sweet treats such as 'dammsugare', cinnamon buns and chocolate balls - and on this occasion 'pepparkaka' (gingerbread biscuits). Ask for the day's speciality (they are always experimenting with exciting new recipes). And don't miss Fredagsmunk (the Friday doughnuts), they are an institution in Malmö! 

2. Patisseriedavid

Nestled in the corner of Malmö's historical St Gertrud quarter in the heart of Malmö, you'll find Patisseriedavid, a French patisserie run by well-known pastry chef David Fernandes. If you're feeling a bit 'cinnamon bunned' out, head here for absolutely delicious French pastries that look almost too good to eat!

3. Solde

This discreet cafe is easy to miss unless you know about it! Selling arguably the best coffee in town, enjoy your cup at the Solde bar and chat to the friendly barista or take a seat on the bench beside other Malmoeites. Oh, and don't leave without buying a bag of coffee beans from the Solde in-house roastery!

4. Noir Vin & Kaffekultur

Located just off picturesque Lilla Torg, 'Noir Wine and Cafe Culture' is a great meeting place. I love to go in the morning on my way to work (nothing beats a simple coffee and croissant on the street side terrace, watching the people of Malmö go past) - or at the weekends with my girls. It's also a great place for a glass of ecological wine at the end of a long day! 

5. Miloii

Just up the street, you'll find Miloii, one of my favourite clothing and interior boutiques. Although busy, Lena is always friendly and helpful - and when time and the weather permits, we'll grab a quick coffee on the bench outside. 

6. Ruths

Formerly named Bastard, Ruths serves one of the best brunches in town. It's also great for a fika (coffee and cake), lunch and supper. There's always the option of picking up some great locally produced supplies in the deli section on your way out too! 

7. Bise

Relatively new on the block, Bise prides itself on being 'intimate, familiar and international'. It's packed with locals at lunchtime who come here to tuck into the day's special - and transforms into a popular wine and cocktail bar by night.  

8. Nostra 

Opposite Triangeln shopping centre you'll find Nostra, owned by mother and daughter team  Gaalas and Soma. The interior has a relaxed, minimalist, Scandinavian vibe. Enjoy great sandwiches and a soup of the week or visit at the weekend for the all-day brunch. Order a cappuccino made from their own exclusively roasted beans, it's delicious! 

9. Marvin

A new kid on the block, Marvin on Davidshallstorg is where I go for my English pie fix - with other British friends (after all, you can take a girl out of England, but you can't take England out of the girl!). Experienced British chef Matthew Young creates the most delicious and beautifully presented pies (think chicken and leek, steak and ale  mushroom and Parmesan etc) and other English classics such as scotch eggs in a small, cosy and minimalistic setting. Needless to say, it quickly fills up at lunchtime so get there early.  

10. AB Småland

I simply wouldn't allow anyone to visit Malmö without a wander in the green lifestyle store AB Småland. It has everything: beautiful second hand and vintage interior items, a cafe and restaurant and lots of events (hence why it's made my hangout list!). 

11. Pivo

Nestled on a corner near Stor Torget, Pivo serves Czech food (tuck into their gulasch soup!) and beer in a cosy bar, which overflows onto the street in warmer weather. 

12. Victoria Teatern

Victoria Theater is a favourite among locals and touring bands - and not a month or two go by without Per and I booking a ticket for a gig.  Keep an eye on the events calendar to see which bands will be in town and make sure you book a small table so you can bring your own picnic. The atmosphere is cosy, understated and relaxed. 

13. Julie

If I'm meeting a friend, I'll often head to the relaxed, yet award winning Julie -a small wine bar in the old town for a catch up over a glass or three of wine and their delicious oven baked mont d'or cheese - made for dipping! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! 

14. Aster 

Tucked away in an industrial area not far from the central station, Aster is one of my go-to restaurants for a celebration or bigger gatherings. The in-season dishes are delicious, the service is great and there's always a lively crowd. Book in advance, and don't miss their cocktails!  

15. L'énoteca

And finally, Per and my favourite wine bar - L'énoteca. The friendly cosy, candlelit bar, just off pretty Lilla Torg offers an assortment of over 300 different types of wine which have been carefully selected from small, independent winemakers who work sustainably, ecologically and with great care for the environment. Tell the friendly staff the type of aroma and taste you like, and they will guide you through a mini tasting until you find just the wine for you! 

Bonus hangout: something you shouldn't miss if you are in Malmö: a falafel! Everyone has their go-to place and mine is 'Super Falafel' (I always opt for 'everything' with mixed sauce, sometimes a little feta cheese too!). You'll find places serving falafel all over town, it's a great and inexpensive way to refuel! 

I hope this list of my favourite local hangouts proves useful on your next visit to Malmö! I always think it's nice to have some insider tips so you can find the places you might not discover otherwise. 

You might also like to see some of my other Malmö guides including: 

20 things to enjoy in Malmö in wintertime

30 things to do in Malmö for design lovers

Would you like to peek inside a few Malmö homes too? Here are some I've featured recently: 

The cosy, vintage-style home of a Malmö florist 

A Malmö home full of design classics and art

Malin's atmospheric family home (we're actually meeting for lunch today - her home is even more beautiful in real life!)

Right friends, that's it from me this week. I think I might just head to one of the above places tonight. I hope you've got some fun plans too!

See you Monday!

Niki

A big thank you to my partner in crime Sarah Wilson. daughter Allie and Per for helping me capture my favourite local haunts! 

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20 Instagrammable Places to Stay In Sweden

Are you planning to visit Sweden this summer? If so you're in for an amazing time, there's just so much to see and do! But where to stay? I get countless e-mails asking about beautiful holiday homes, bed & breakfasts and hotels - and I finally put pen to paper (well, er... keyboard to blog). So here it is, a comprehensive list of twenty places to stay in Sweden this summer for budgets big and small. Välkommen till Sverige! 

(I snapped the above picture in Fiskebäckskil - I dare you to try pronounce that - a few weeks ago. If you're visiting Sweden's West Coast this pretty village is a must!). 



Sweden's capital city is a perfect place to start your visit. Not only will you find all the flagship Swedish design stores (we like!), museums, galleries and beautiful architecture - the city is built across a series of islands so you're never far from water.

Ola Ericcson

Ett Hem. 
Hidden away on a quiet, leafy stree, the 12-room hotel was designed by owner Jeanette Mix and interior designer Ilse Crawford with a vision to create a home from home: hence the name 'ett hem' (a home'. In the winter, guests can enjoy plenty of sheepskins, a roaring fire and a soak in a tub. In the summer, the hotel is light and fresh (with a blend of mid-century and contemporary design). The perfect base from which to explore Sweden's capital city. Mind you, you might not want to leave!
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Ash James

The Modern Apartment (sleeps 3)
Looking to live like a local? This modern apartment sleeps up to 3 guests and is on the residential island of Kungsholmen with great access to restaurants and bars (hey, I know what's important!) - as well as good transport links to the whole of Stockholm. And will you take a look at that kitchen?!
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The Architects Apartment (sleeps 2)
This charming 1920's studio in Norrmälarstrand has been renovated by an architect (hence the fabulous decor!) and is nine minutes by Subway to the central station. It's also a short walk from beautiful parks and boardwalks. Loving this one!!

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Any visit to Stockholm in the summer time warrants a boat ride out to the stunning archipelago. Think incredible nature, dips in the sea and relaxing on your very own island.

Henry Trygg

The Island Retreat (sleeps 4)
Calling all nature lovers  - this is your bag! Take over this modern retreat for a few days and your friends will do a double take when you get home (you'll look that relaxed!). Enjoy saunas, dips in the sea and day trips with your very own boat. Word of warning: The Grand Hotel it's not. It has a dry loo and an outdoor shower only - but hey, the seas on your doorstep and cod is on the menu for lunch!
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Sweden's second largest city and the gateway to the magnificent west coast archipelagos, this city is not be missed. Design lovers: don't forget to visit Artilleriet and Grandpa (conveniently placed across from one another!).

Per Pixel Petersson

Airbnb Apartment (sleeps 4)
This lovely apartment in the rooftops of Delsjö is a short walk to the centre of town as well as supermarkets, restaurants and boutiques on your doorstep. Oh and there's a family friendly bathing spot and kayaking just nearby, so bring your sea legs and togs! 
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If someone asked me for the best kept secret in Europe, I'd say the Gothenburg Archipelago. When the sun shines it's my favourite place on earth and represents everything that's wonderful about Sweden in the summertime. Made up of hundreds of islands and skerries, the waterways are laced with clusters of small fishing huts and pretty villages with restaurants selling fresh fish. Go anytime between midsummer and mid august when it's at it's peak and enjoy the atmosphere. Or pack a picnic and make your way out to your own little island for the day.

The pretty old village of Gullholmen snapped from our boat.

Gullmarsstrand Hotel, Fiskebackskil
Treat yourself to a stay at Gullmarsstrand and koppla av (unwind) with nature on your doorstep. Relax in the spa, take a dip in the sea (there's a family friendly beach a stone's throw away), play tennis, take a cliff walk or enjoy the village. The hotel also has Carpe Diem Beds so you're sleep like you're on a cloud! This little village is truly romantic (although I'm a little biased, as it played a major role in my husband and my holiday romance, back when it all started!).
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Strandflickornas Havshotell ('The Beach Girl's Hotel)
If you're looking for something a little more cosy and traditional I can totally recommend this lovely hotel in Lysekil. Every room is different in a truly quirky way and the staff couldn't be friendlier. Oh and did I mention there's a sauna and hot tub on the water's edge too?!
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A House with a View (sleeps 5)
Be king of the hill for a week (or three) in this modern house and enjoy vistas across Instön island and the sparkling waters beneath. I love that it's 200 metres from a secluded swimming bay and a short hop to the sailing capital of Marstrand (well worth a visit too - although prepare to glam up a little!).
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Looking to wile away the summer and experience genuine island life? Located on Sweden's East coast - this lovely Baltic island is a perfect size to explore by bike. Visit wonderful galleries, enjoy local cuisine and wile away a day or two on the beach (word of warning, the Baltic is a little colder than the West coast!). Here are some beautiful Gotland home tours to wet your appetite!

Rodrigo Rivas

Fabriken Furillen, Boutique Hotel Cast your eye to the northeastern corner of Gotland and you'll discover this industrial-chic boutique hotel on the peninsula of Furillen. Formerly a gravel factory, this remote hotel offers two 'hermit cabins' for those who truly wish to get away from it all and enjoy the wild landscape, deserted beaches and wildlife.
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The Farmhouse (sleeps 4)
A beautiful newly built farmhouse that's perfect for a family of four, it has a cute garden for dining alfresco and is an easy walk to the medieval centre of Visby - and personally, I think it looks super boho and cosy!
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Funkis House in Visby (sleeps 6)
A charming house built in the 1930's a mere five minutes walk from the main square in the island's capital of Visby. Think mid-century meets contemporary design (I spy a SINNERLIG daybed and bench designed by Ilse Crawford!).
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A Little Cottage to Call home (sleeps 3)
This idyllic cottage is located a few hundred meters from the small fishing village of Herrvik, and the beautiful nature reserve of Grogarnsberget. Take in the great beaches, seafood smokehouses and local restaurants, but not before you've enjoyed a slow breakfast at the pretty kitchen table!
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If you're looking for somewhere pretty to stop between Gothenburg and Malmö, Torekov's a great idea. I might be a little biased since my husband's family have a summer cottage there, but it really is a beautiful part of the world (and is said to get more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in Sweden - now you're sold?!). The pretty fishing village is buzzing with waterside restaurants (in the peak season you're bound to hear a live band or two), a wonderful beach and bathing platforms, golf, the beautiful old spa in the harbour Torekovs Warmbadhus (make sure you enjoy a seaweed bath in a classic lion claw tub!) and seal safaris on the island of Hallands Väderö (pictured above).

Photograph: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home

Torekov Hotell and Spa
I've never stayed at this spa hotel but know many friends who have, and they came away well fed, rested and glowing! Plus if the sea is a little frigid for your liking, this joint has a pool!
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Airbnb Guest House (sleeps 4)
Enjoy your own house set among farmland between Torekov and Båstard and make the most of what both towns have to offer (as well as all the nature in between!). 
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My adopted home town of Malmö is Sweden's third largest city and totally worth a visit! From the cobbled Stortorget and Lilla Torg (big and little squares), museums, galleries and parks to the bathing platforms at Västra Hamnen and beach at ribbersborg - you'll never get bored. Plus Copenhagen is a quick train ride over the Öresund bridge (yes that's THE BRIDGE!). For more ideas you can check out my city guide here.

Duxiana hotel Malmö
'Bright lights, big city, great sleep' reads their slogan - looking at this bedroom and knowing the location in the heart of the city I can well believe it! Also, there's nothing like a hotel breakfast, right?!
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The Malmö Apartment (sleeps 2)
Sometimes the best things come in small packages and this little studio between Triangeln and Möllevången (AKA the funky, boho side of town) is the perfect pad from which to explore. 
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A house by the Sea (sleeps 5)
If you love beautiful interiors, architect and being by the sea, this is your pad! Once featured in Elle Decoration, this lovely space is a short cycle through the park to the centre of town and has the sparkling Öresund sea on it's doorstep!

 Intrigued? Take a little look behind the facade of more of Malmö's most beautiful homes here. 

Österlen

If you're looking for a holiday that combines a city break with nature - Malmö and Österlen are a great combination! Situated in the Southeastern corner of Scania, Österlen is famous for its rolling hills, stunning coastline, small villages, apple orchards and farmland. It's also home to many artists who are inspired by the magnificent light.

Mellby Klockagård Bed & Breakfast, Kivik
This charming B&B is located in Kivik, one of my favourite villages along the Österlen coastline. Enjoy your charming bedroom (no two rooms are alike), relax in the beautiful garden, enjoy seasonal food or wonder down to the waters edge. You can't go wrong with this gem of a place! 
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Krickelin

In case you're wondering about those artist's home - you can step inside some of Österlens most charming homes here - I have to confess, I dream of owning an old house in this area, with a pottery wheel and plenty of space for all my family to visit one day! A girl can dream, right?!

WANÅS RESTAURANT HOTEL
In a few weeks time I'll be checking out this hotel first hand and I can't wait!  Located in North Skåne and surrounded by a majestic beech forest, Wanås hotel and restaurant is nestled on a historic estate complete with a magnificent sculpture park Did I mention that the interior combines vintage furniture and contemporary art with natural materials; limestone floors and wooden details and there's a restaurant offering Nordic farm to table cuisine? Yep, my kind of place too! 
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I've no doubt missed hundreds of incredible places to stay (not to mention great Swathes of Sweden crying out for a visit!), but I hope this guide helps as an initial first step! Please do let me know if you have any personal recommendations in the comment section below, we'd love to hear them (and of course, visit one day!). There'll no doubt be a follow up guide once the winter season begins. In the meantime, I'll continue to explore - and perhaps our paths will cross in the process?!

Have a wonderful stay!

Niki
(with lots of great help from Ana!)

PS Why not go the whole way and pick up a copy of Lagom, The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy life to read while you're there and The Scandinavian Home once you're back?! Yes, I know they're both my books, but still - I'm proud of them and think you'll find them inspiring! 

PPS Other useful Resources (where to stay, what to do and where to eat):

1.  Visit Sweden
2.  Stockholm
3. Stockholm Archipelago
4. Gothenburg
5. Gotland
6. Gotenburg Archipelago
7. Skåne County
8. Torekov.se 

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