Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, has become increasingly popular over the past few years, thanks in part to its prowess as a culinary destination, as well as its history and architecture (it was named the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture in 2023). But many travelers may not realize how close the Danish city is to Malmö, the third-largest city in Sweden and a vastly underrated place to visit. Get more out of any trip to Scandinavia by combining the two cities in one trip, which are located only 40 minutes apart by train and 45 minutes by car. It’s a good way to experience the culture, history, and food of two distinct countries without ever needing to change hotels.
What to Do
In Copenhagen, one of the biggest draws for visitors is the water, where a guided or self-guided boat tour is the best way to see many of the most significant sights. Netto Boats sail from Nyhavn, and the hour-long tours include stops at the Little Mermaid statue and Amalienborg Palace. Those who prefer to be freer with the itinerary can rent a GoBoat, which fits eight passengers and can be driven by the average traveler. Malmö is also popular for boat tours, as visitors can captain their own ship with BookaBoat Malmö to see the canals, the King’s Park, and Malmö Castle.
Art lovers will have a lot to discover in both Copenhagen and Malmö, two destinations known for their well-respected museums. Allocate at least half a day for the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, which is located north of Copenhagen on the coast and well worth the 45-minute train ride. The expansive museum is comprised of several interconnected buildings and a vast, tree-filled sculpture garden, which also has a very nice café. The exhibitions rotate throughout the year, although there are several permanent installations, including impressive pieces by Louise Bourgeois and Yayoi Kusama’s mirrored room “Gleaming Lights of the Souls.” Tickets don’t need to be booked in advance, but it’s a good idea to arrive early as the museum can get very crowded.
Back in the city, Copenhagen Contemporary hosts avant-garde, large-scale installations and is home to a James Turrell work called “Aftershock,” while the Statens Museum for Kunst showcases both Danish and international art from the 14th century through today. Across the water, the Moderna Museet Malmö focuses on modern and contemporary art like its sister museum in Stockholm, and the Malmö Konsthall boasts one of the largest art exhibition halls in all of Europe.
Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is a historic amusement park that welcomes families and adults alike. It’s accessible by ticket only, although casual visitors can grab a bite to eat at the adjacent food hall. Despite the cold weather in the winter, Tivoli is open year-round, with a big emphasis on its Christmas celebration, so don’t be deterred if it’s chilly outside. Kids will also enjoy the Natural History Museum of Denmark and Malmö’s Disgusting Food Museum, which highlights more than 80 unusual foods from around the world.
Both cities regularly host festivals and special events throughout the year, which can be a particular draw for travelers. Copenhagen is home to music festivals like Distortion, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, and CopenHell, while Roskilde Festival and NorthSide take place in nearby cities. Malmö, which hosted Eurovision in 2024, also hosts the South Ocean and Malmö Folk festivals.
Where to Eat and Drink
Since Noma opened in 2003, Copenhagen has slowly become a mecca for fine dining. But you don’t need to blow your budget to find a great meal in the city. If you’re willing to splurge, book a table at Alouette or Barr, which is located in the former Noma building. For something more moderate, Vækst serves modern Nordic cuisine in a greenhouse-inspired space, while Selma takes traditional smørrebrød to another level. On the go, Hart Bageri is a must-try (the cardamom croissant is a form of wizardry), while and TorvehallerneKBH showcases casual global dishes that will please everyone (the tacos at Hija de Sanchez are a top pick). For coffee, Coffee Collective is the popular spot in town. In the evenings, Mikkeller is where you go for a beer and Bird serves creative, high-end cocktails in a record store-like setting.
While Malmö doesn’t have the same culinary cache as Copenhagen, travelers will find many delicious meals in the Swedish city. For example, there's one Michelin-starred restaurant, Vollmers, which showcases Scandinavian ingredients and flavors. On the less pricy side Ruths is a low-key spot serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as baked goods and bread, and Scandwich offers a taste of Sweden’s answer to the Danish open-faced sandwich. The city also has its own expansive food hall, Malmö Saluhall, where you can find everything from ice cream to salads. Mikkeller has its own outpost in Malmö, but there are also several cocktail bars worth discovering, including Aster (which also serves food) and Gaji.
Where to Stay
Instead of hauling your luggage between Copenhagen and Malmö, make Copenhagen your home base for the entire stay. The city has a thriving hotel scene, with multiple new openings in recent years, and because it’s so easy to access Malmö by train there’s no reason to change hotels.
The most obvious choice for visitors to Copenhagen looking to splurge is Hotel d'Angleterre, a historic five-star grand dame that overlooks Kongens Nytorv square and the colorful area of Nyhavn. It’s been open since 1755 and has surprisingly large rooms and suites that are especially great for families. The spa and gym are a bonus, as is the Michelin-starred restaurant Marchal, which also serves an impressive buffet breakfast. The hotel connects to Copenhagen Central Station via the Kongens Nytorv metro stop or a quick taxi ride. It’s also a short walk to many of the boat tours, which set sail from Nyhavn.
Those on more of a budget who don’t want to skimp on style should book into Hotel Bella Grande, a recently opened boutique property adjacent to City Hall Square. It surrounds a charming courtyard and features contemporary rooms that have a distinctly comfortable feel. There’s a small fitness center, a notably good buffet breakfast, and an Italian restaurant that's extra buzzy in the evenings. The location puts you close to Tivoli, the famous TorvehallerneKBH food hall, and Copenhagen Central Station, which is a 15-minute walk or one-stop metro ride away.
If you prefer to stay a night or two in Malmö, MJ’s evokes a similar vibe to Bella Grande, pairing contemporary accommodations with lively dining. The rooms are vibrant, although on the smaller side, and guests can enjoy the Mediterranean restaurant or the chic lobby bar. The location is notably convenient, with the entrance to Malmö Central Station only a few blocks away.
When to Go
Although Scandinavia is a year-round destination, it’s significantly nicer to visit both Copenhagen and Malmö during the warmer months, especially since summer can bring 18 hours of sunshine per day. It gets very dark in the region during the winter, meaning your days can feel extra short. Opt for late spring, summer, or early fall when planning a trip: shoulder season, when crowds are smaller and rates may be lower, is April to May and September to November. Copenhagen tends to be busier during summer, especially during one of its many festivals, but the crowds shouldn’t be a deterrent for either city.
How to Get There
Most travelers will fly in and out of Copenhagen, which has a large international airport that connects to the city center in 15 minutes by train or metro. Many airlines fly to Copenhagen directly from the U.S., including American Airlines, although travelers can also connect through major cities like London, Amsterdam, and Oslo on international carriers like SAS and British Airways. To fly to Malmö from the U.S., it’s easiest to connect through Stockholm.
Copenhagen’s airport is extremely central and connected to the center of town via train or metro, both of which are inexpensive and quick. To get to Malmö from the airport, take a train to Copenhagen Central Station and head onward to Sweden.
Tips for Visiting
- If you plan to spend several days in Copenhagen, opt for the Copenhagen Card. It includes free unlimited public transportation for a specified amount of time and free entry to numerous museums and attractions. It can be used to travel to and from the airport. While Malmö is not part of the Copenhagen Card, you can use it to get to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, and Frederiksborg Castle. The card can be purchased online ahead of a trip and used via an app.
- In Malmö, most places you’ll visit in the city are walkable, so you may not need public transportation if you’re only there for a day or two. Bikes are popular in both cities, and many hotels have bicycles available for rent for guests. If you feel confident on a bike, it can be a great way to get around town, and it’s relatively safe thanks to dedicated bike paths and bike lanes.
- Scandinavia can have cold, rainy, and unpredictable weather, even in the summertime. Bring an umbrella and a rain jacket, as well as layers and extra warm clothes during the fall and winter.
- For an added dose of Sweden, extend your visit to Malmö to the nearby city of Lund, which has a charming town center and is home to the memorable Skissernas Museum.