Sweden Travel Guide 2026: Cities, Tips & Top Things to Do
Sweden combines Scandinavian design sensibility with extraordinary natural beauty — long summer days, archipelago coastlines, and forests that stretch to the Arctic. Beyond Stockholm, Gothenburg is Sweden's second city and arguably its most underrated: a maritime port with a vibrant food market (Saluhallen), a thriving craft beer scene, and a compact historic district that invites exploration. Malmö sits at the southern tip of Sweden, connected to Copenhagen by the iconic Øresund Bridge, and offers a multicultural, design-forward urban experience within easy reach of Denmark.
This guide covers the best of Sweden — including Gothenburg, Malmö — with expert tips on old towns, beaches, day trips, safety, and travel planning for 2026.
Gothenburg Old Town & Canals
Gothenburg's compact historic centre is crossed by a network of canals — a legacy of Dutch city planners hired in the 17th century. The Haga neighbourhood's charming wooden houses, the Feskekôrka fish market, and the Liseberg amusement park complete a rich city experience.
Malmö & the Øresund Bridge
Malmö's skyline is defined by the Turning Torso — Scandinavia's tallest building — and the Øresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark. The old town's Stortorget square, Malmöhus Castle, and diverse Möllevångstorget food market are highlights.
Beaches & Archipelago
Sweden's west coast south of Gothenburg has sandy beaches that attract summer crowds. The Bohuslän archipelago north of Gothenburg offers thousands of granite islands perfect for sea kayaking, sailing, and wild camping.
Swedish Food Culture
Gothenburg is Sweden's food capital with the highest concentration of Michelin stars per capita outside of Copenhagen. Malmö's diverse food scene reflects the city's multicultural character. Husmanskost (traditional Swedish home cooking) and smörgåsbord are the national dining traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travelling to Sweden
Is Malmö worth visiting?
Yes — especially if you're already visiting Copenhagen (20 minutes by train). Malmö offers a different, more affordable Scandinavian city experience with excellent food, design culture, and a charming old town.
How do I get from Copenhagen to Malmö?
The Øresund Bridge train takes about 20 minutes from Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö Central. Trains run every 20 minutes. A combined Copenhagen-Malmö day is very popular and easy to organise.
When is the best time to visit Sweden?
June–August for long days and outdoor activities. December for the festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and the chance of snow. September is excellent for fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.
Is Sweden expensive?
Sweden is one of Europe's more expensive countries. Gothenburg and Malmö are cheaper than Stockholm but still pricier than most European cities. Budget €120–150/day. Self-catering and local markets reduce costs significantly.
Sweden offers an extraordinary breadth of experiences — from medieval old towns and ancient ruins to dramatic coastlines and vibrant food scenes. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to explore deeper, our city-by-city guides below give you everything you need to plan a confident, rewarding trip in 2026. For official travel information, visit Visit Sweden, the country's official tourism board.
