how to spend a long weekend in malmö and copenhagen on a budget whilst having fun and enjoying a 'hygge' way of living.
Looking for a weekend getaway that won’t break the bank but still offers unforgettable experiences? Malmö, with its budget-friendly charm, is the perfect base for exploring both Sweden and Denmark. Here’s a curated itinerary from my recent trip, highlighting must-see attractions and recommendations on how to best see the cities.
Day 1: Embrace Malmö’s Charm
Morning: Delightful Café Breakfast
Start your adventure with a cozy breakfast at a charming café near St. Peter’s Church. Picture yourself enjoying flaky pastries, creamy yogurt, and aromatic coffee on a sunlit terrace, all while gazing at the stunning church. For around £10-£15, it’s a delicious way to kick off your day.
Late Morning: Scenic Canal Boat Tour
Experience Malmö from the water with a relaxing canal boat tour. I booked mine through GetYourGuide, and it was a highlight of the trip. The tour provides a unique perspective of landmarks like the Turning Torso and the picturesque Kungsparken. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early for the best seats! Click here for a link to the boat tour I did in Malmo!
Afternoon: Gardens and Hidden Gems
Stroll through Slottsparken with its various landscaped gardens and a windmill in the background. I was delighted by the colourful Dahlia Gardens when I was there. A tip for a spot of relaxation after some walking around: find a secluded wooden deck chair to unwind and soak in the serene surroundings, also then find the cafe which sometimes has live music playing and an outdoor terrace to enjoy a bakery treat, coffee or some alcohol. Don’t miss a visit to the historic Slottsmöllan Windmill—it’s a charming piece of Malmö’s heritage.
Evening: Beach Bliss and Local Flavors
Head to Ribersborg Beach for a refreshing swim, especially if you’re lucky enough to visit during a warm spell. Enjoy a picturesque sunset and then treat yourself to delicious ice cream from the Malmö food market. Finish the evening with dinner at Lilla Torg, a cute square in Malmö, where you can savor outdoor dining and vibrant local bars.
Day 2: A Day Trip to Ystad
Morning: Scenic Train Ride
Catch a budget-friendly train to Ystad, a quaint town known for its medieval charm.
Late Morning: Medieval Exploration
Wander through Ystad’s charming streets and visit the historic Ystad Abbey. The town’s medieval architecture offers a fascinating glimpse into its past, and it’s a delightful place to explore
Afternoon: Ice Cream, Beach time and perhaps a Spa Retreat
Indulge in some of the best ice cream at the Ystad Food Market—it’s both generous and delicious. Then head to the beautiful white sand beach to take in some sun if you’re lucky and possibly a dip in the Baltic Sea, which felt so refreshing when I did it at 6pm on a fluke heatwave weekend in September, where the sea actually felt not too cold!
For some relaxation, perhaps visit a local salt spa. Although I didn’t know about it in advance to try it out, but having seen a beautiful one with outdoor hot salt water jacuzzi and sunbeds both inside and outside over looking the sea and a gorgeous interior- I would be tempted to next time especially as they were more reasonable than expected!
Evening: Ales Stenar
End your day with a visit to Ales Stenar, an ancient stone circle perched above the sea. The panoramic views and tranquil setting make it a memorable spot to reflect before heading back to Malmö.
Day 3: Discover Copenhagen
Morning: Cross to Copenhagen
Make the short trip from Malmö to Copenhagen via the Øresund Bridge. The journey is simple and budget-friendly, setting you up for a day of Danish exploration.
Late Morning: Nyhavn and The Little Mermaid
Start your Copenhagen adventure with taking a stroll to The Little Mermaid statue—it’s a classic must-see, even if it’s smaller than you might expect. Then head to the iconic Nyhavn harbor, with its famously colorful buildings and lively atmosphere
Afternoon: Canal Boat Tour
Experience Copenhagen from a different angle with a canal boat tour. I love doing boat tours as you can see from my experience in Malmo and Copenhagen, as they’re such a relaxing way to get a view of the city from a different angle, whilst enjoying the atmosphere and learning some history! I booked mine easily through GetYourGuide, at a great price in advance (with 24 hour cancellation option if needed) and it was fantastic. The boats fill up fast, so get there early for the best seats and enjoy views of Copenhagen’s architectural gems. (I recommend the left hand side as most sights were on that side!)
Click here for a link to the boat tour I did in Copenhagen.
Late Afternoon: Ice Cream and Rooftop Relaxation
Savor some delectable ice cream from a shop near Nyhavn, with options like chocolate dips and various toppings. If the weather is warm, relax at the rooftop café of Illum Shopping Centre, enjoying panoramic views of the city while sipping a coffee. One of my favourite sights whilst wondering Copenhagen, was seeing the bridge open vertically near Nyhavn to let a tall ship through! It’s also lovely to take some time just to sit along the canals and take in the Danish hygge way of doing things
Hygge is a Danish concept that describes a feeling of coziness, comfort, and contentment, focused on enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Evening: Tivoli Gardens or Christiansborg Palace
For evening entertainment, you can visit Tivoli Gardens—even if you don’t go there for the rides, it is an enchanting amusement park with beautiful gardens—or head to Christiansborg Palace for a taste of Danish history and beautiful architecture.
Day 4: Explore Lund
Morning: Train to Lund
On your final day, hop on a train to Lund, a charming Swedish city with a rich history.
Late Morning: Lund Cathedral
Visit Lund Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and the impressive astronomical clock that chimes at 11 AM and 3 PM. It’s a memorable sight that’s worth catching.
Afternoon: Botanic Garden and Swedish Treats
Stroll through the tranquil Botanic Garden, a haven of lush greenery.
Then, explore Lund’s cozy cafés and indulge in traditional Swedish treats like coconut cones and cinnamon buns—a sweet end to your Scandinavian adventure.
Evening: Return to Malmö
Head back to Malmö in the evening to catch your flight home, reflecting on a weekend packed with Scandinavian charm and memorable experiences.
Budget Tips:
- Plan Ahead: Secure accommodation and tours early for the best rates.
- Public Transport: Use affordable public transportation to get around.
- Local Eats: Enjoy local markets and casual dining to keep food costs down.
- Free Attractions: Take advantage of free or low-cost attractions to enhance your trip.
This itinerary shows how you can get a blend of history, relaxation, and culinary delights across Malmö, Ystad, Copenhagen, and Lund—all while keeping your budget in check.
Please note whilst this page includea affiliate links to help support time in sharing recommendations, I did these tours myself, greatly enjoyed them and only recommend ones I think are worthwhile and worth their value. (On that note, if you do book a tour with getyourguide following a link on this page, (costs you the same, i just benefit a tiny bit instead of Google !) i would greatly appreciate if you accept cookies and use the website rather than the app.
Hope this helps inspire you on how to spend some time in these lovely cities and towns! Any one could also be done as an extreme day trip! Please comment below or reach out via my contact details if any questions!