Lovers of both architecture and great public spaces should not miss the Malmö City Library. Its three interconnected buildings bring history and modernity together in a beautiful setting, and the resulting vibe makes it one of my favourite places in the city.
The original building, called “the Castle”, was initially designed and built as a museum in 1901 and converted into the city’s main public library in 1946. An extensive expansion completed in 1997 added two very different, yet complementary, buildings by world-renowned Danish architect Henning Larsen.
Visitors enter through “the Cylinder” that houses the main information desk and cafe serving traditional Swedish “fika” fare. High-ceiling glass corridors seamlessly connect “the Castle” to the soaring “Calendar of Light” where 1,400 square meters of glass facade provide patrons with maximum natural daylight and spectacular views of the adjacent park through the changing seasons.
The library has won numerous awards for both architectural design and the public services offered to the multi-cultural population of Malmö. Besides books and other media in up to 60 different languages, it maintains magazine and newspaper subscriptions from all over the world, as well as a regular schedule of free educational and cultural events for all ages and interests.
This is a great place to stop for refreshment or reflection, or both, after a stroll through the adjacent Kungsparken. It’s generally open 7 days a week, though hours of operation are scaled back during the spring and summer months when nature-crazy Swedes prefer to be outdoors.
Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The hosts, Natalie and Mia, have incredible energy and absolutely love what they do. The crowd is fun and easygoing, and will easily make some new friends.
by
Personally, I like my flavors a little adventurous, the “Get it on” with goat cheese is a delight. For something refreshing, I love the “Key lime pie”...
by
Walk in to find plastic-free soaps, reusable sponges made of sustainable material, farm-fresh organic eggs, bulk loose-leaf teas, and spices!
by
Come nighttime, the space transforms into a venue for local music, film screenings, book readings, exhibition openings and all things art and culture.
by
I learnt that all tea comes from a single plant, Camellia Sinensis which thrives in the hot and humid climate of the far east – China, Japan and India.
by
Tucked away in a sleepy corner of Davidshall, every experience at Riket is unique and associated with the complex and nuanced flavors of the season.
by
If you're looking for something less common, they have mead – humanity's most primitive form of beer - a delicious apricot mead from Norwegian Mjoderiet.
by
This family-run artisanal tea shop does a brilliant job of combining high quality teas with a sophisticated palette and just the right amount of sweetness.
by
Malmö is said to be flat, but this hidden place and its ten hills next to Hyllie Badet is perfect for running training!
by
"Café Jesusbaren" brings a piece of Spain into the middle of Malmö's hip neighbourhood Möllan. It really feels like someone's living room...
by
"Hummusson" in Malmö is a perfect pit stop if you're in the center. They're a vegan restaurant making delicious hummus from a family recipe...
by
128 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 128 Insider Tips