Malmö may be Sweden’s third-largest city, but it is also one of the easiest places in Europe to visit two countries in one weekend. Trains from Malmö run across the Öresund Bridge to Denmark, which means you can spend Saturday exploring Malmö’s squares and parks and Sunday wandering the streets of Copenhagen. All it takes is a hotel in central Malmö close to the railway.
The four hotels below are all in the city centre, near the squares, shops and stations that make a two-city weekend simple.
Planning the Copenhagen Day Trip
Trains towards Copenhagen leave from Malmö Central and also stop at Triangeln station in the centre of town, and Denmark is only about twenty minutes away. Most visitors head straight to Copenhagen Central Station, which sits beside Tivoli Gardens and within walking distance of Nyhavn and the main shopping street, Strøget.
- Carry ID: bring your passport or national ID card, as checks can apply when crossing between Sweden and Denmark.
- Start early: a morning train gives you a full day in Copenhagen and an easy return for dinner in Malmö.
- Think about currency: Denmark uses Danish kroner, but cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Leave room for Malmö: keep at least one day for the Old Town, the parks and the seafront at Västra Hamnen.
With the trip planned, choosing between these Malmö weekend break hotels comes down to which part of the centre you prefer.
What to See in Malmö Itself
It is worth giving Malmö its own day rather than treating it only as a gateway. The Old Town centres on two squares: the grand Stortorget and the smaller, cobbled Lilla Torg, which is lined with restaurants and outdoor tables. A short walk away, Malmö Castle and the surrounding parks make for a relaxed afternoon, while the Västra Hamnen district shows off the city’s modern side, with a seaside promenade, places to swim in summer and the twisting Turning Torso tower. Malmö is also very bike-friendly, so renting a bike is an easy way to see more in a day.
Four Hotels in Central Malmö
Scandic Stortorget
Scandic Stortorget sits on Malmö’s main square, close to everything the city has to offer. Malmö Central Station is just a stone’s throw from the hotel, and from there you can be in Denmark in around twenty minutes, which makes it the most convenient base for a Copenhagen day trip. After a long day of exploring, the sauna and gym are waiting.
Scandic Kramer
Scandic Kramer combines a contemporary atmosphere with a historic building from 1878, with the bustle of the city right on the doorstep. Mornings begin with a breakfast buffet, and in the evening the food bar serves dishes and drinks. Its character and central location make it a favourite for a classic city weekend.
Scandic S:t Jörgen
At Scandic S:t Jörgen you stay in the city centre, just a short walk from many of Malmö’s attractions. The comfortable lobby is a relaxing place for a drink at the end of the day, and the hotel has a gym and sauna for those who want to recharge.
Scandic Triangeln
Scandic Triangeln puts shopping, entertainment and culture right on your doorstep in the heart of Malmö. Dinner is served at the Triangeln Restaurant and Lounge, and breakfast at the Restaurant and Bar Upstairs. With Triangeln station close by, it is easy to catch a train to Copenhagen or the airport.
Whichever you pick, a hotel near Malmö Central Station or Triangeln keeps the train journey short and the weekend relaxed.
A Simple Two-City Weekend
- Friday evening: check in, walk around Stortorget and Lilla Torg and have dinner in the Old Town.
- Saturday: take the train to Copenhagen for Tivoli, Nyhavn and Strøget, then return to Malmö in the evening.
- Sunday: visit Malmö Castle and the parks, then walk to Västra Hamnen to see the Turning Torso and the seafront.
Final Thoughts
Malmö is the rare city break that comes with a second capital included. Choose Stortorget for the shortest route to the station, Kramer for history, S:t Jörgen for a relaxed central base and Triangeln for shopping and easy trains. Either way, Copenhagen is only a short ride across the water.
These four hotels can all be booked through Scandic. Before your next trip, check back with BlogsBuddy for more weekend ideas.