1 Day in Malmö, Sweden: A Delicious, Delightful Guide

Full of cafes perfect for grabbing a cup of coffee and morning bite, the hip neighborhood of Davidshall is the perfect place to start your day. After you've fueled up, stroll through one of the independent boutiques that line the street. I blew my shopping budget on the home decor goodies in Designtorget and spent nearly an hour browsing through the funky fashion, food, and art goodies in AB Smaland.

Continue your morning by taking the 10-minute walk from Davidshall over the waterway to Kungsparken in the center of the city. This spectacular park, which translates to King's Park, looks straight out of a painting. Ducklings trail behind their mothers down into flowing waterways, students toss balls between classes, and parents enjoying Sweden's famously generous parental leave take long strolls down the winding paths. You can amble through the park on foot or rent a paddleboat and float your way through.

End your park exploration at Slottstradgarden. The lush grounds on the edge of Kungsparken include an elegant community garden full of perfectly groomed walkways, a historic windmill, and a casual cafe with outdoor seating. Soak up the bucolic atmosphere by enjoying a leisurely lunch here. When ordering, I suggest asking which dishes are made using fresh produce straight from the garden.

The lunch cafe places you directly behind the Malmö Art Museum — although you probably won't realize that the imposing medieval fortress encased by a moat is a museum. The original structure was built as a castle in the 15th century and went on to be reincarnated many times since then, once even as a prison. Since the mid-19th century, the complex has been home to the Malmö Art Museum, one of the leading art museums in Scandinavia. Take in some Nordic culture by viewing the exhibits here.

When exiting the museum, be sure to scan the skyline for the Turning Torso building. As the tallest building in Scandinavia, it won't be hard to find. Based on the form of a twisting human, this award-winning residential skyscraper was built by architect/sculptor Santiago Calatrava with surprising artistry.

Make your way over to Lilla Torg (translation: "Little Market") before dinnertime. This bustling market is full of charming period architecture, traditional Swedish shops, and plenty of places to grab a happy-hour drink. Sit down at one of the al fresco eateries with a cocktail and enjoy people watching.

Finish your day with a selection of mouthwatering contemporary takes on traditional Swedish grub at Restaurang Västergatan. We recommend whetting your appetite with a gin and tonic aperitif and then going with the tasting menu. Trust us, you won't regret it.