Lilla torg, Malmö
Cobbled, compact and full of life, Lilla torg weaves four centuries of Malmö history into one intimate square of cafés, courtyards and characterful façades.
Lilla torg is Malmö’s most atmospheric square, a compact cobbled plaza in the Old Town framed by centuries-old townhouses, timbered facades and lively cafés. Laid out in the 1590s as a market for local traders, it has evolved into a culinary and social hub, with restaurant terraces spilling across the stones from spring to late autumn. Historic courtyards, design spaces and the central fountain lend character, making this a natural meeting point by day and an animated dining quarter after dark.
A brief summary to Lilla torg
- Malmö, SE
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Come late morning or early afternoon to appreciate the historic façades and courtyards before the evening restaurant crowds build up.
- Look closely at the fountain reliefs in the centre of the square; they depict scenes from Lilla torg’s past as a bustling food and produce market.
- Step through archways on the south side to discover sheltered courtyards and historic merchant buildings tucked just off the main square.
- If you plan to dine here on a summer evening or weekend, reserve a table in advance as the outdoor terraces fill quickly.
- Visit in different seasons; in winter the square feels cosy under heaters and lights, while summer brings long evenings and a lively outdoor scene.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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On foot from Malmö Central Station
From Malmö Central Station, walking to Lilla torg through the Old Town takes about 10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route is flat and fully paved, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. In winter months, allow a little extra time for icy conditions and bring warm, windproof clothing due to the open waterfront nearby.
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City bus within central Malmö
Several city bus lines stop close to Lilla torg and Stortorget, with typical journey times of 5–15 minutes from inner districts such as Möllevången or Västra Hamnen. Single tickets usually cost around 25–35 SEK when bought with a transit card or mobile app. Buses run frequently during the day and evening, though late-night services are reduced, especially on weekends and holidays.
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Bicycle in the city centre
Malmö is a cycling city with a dense network of bike lanes leading into the Old Town. From most central neighbourhoods, you can reach Lilla torg in 5–20 minutes by bike on mainly flat terrain. Public bike-share and rental shops are available; expect to pay from about 80–150 SEK for a day’s hire, with helmets and locks often included. Be aware that the square itself is cobbled and shared with pedestrians, so you may prefer to walk the final stretch.
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Taxi within Malmö
Taxis in Malmö can drop you on streets bordering the pedestrian area around Lilla torg. From central districts the ride typically takes 5–15 minutes depending on traffic. Fares within the city centre commonly range from about 120–220 SEK, with higher prices late at night and on weekends. Vehicles are generally accessible, but if you require a wheelchair-adapted taxi, pre-booking is recommended.
Lilla torg location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Lilla torg
A little square with a long city memory
Lilla torg, literally “Little Square”, sits in the heart of Malmö’s Old Town, just a few steps from its larger neighbour Stortorget. Created around the 1590s as a marketplace, it was laid out on previously empty ground at the edge of the medieval street grid, chosen for practical trading rather than ceremony. For centuries this was where local small-scale commerce played out, forming one of the city’s everyday stages. The square’s modest footprint gives it an intimate feel. Underfoot, the surface is largely cobbled, with smoother stone used where people sit and stroll. Around you rise façades from nearly every century since the 1500s, their rooflines and materials telling a compressed version of Malmö’s architectural story.From bustling market stalls to food-lovers’ favourite
In its early years, Lilla torg was a tightly organised market. Traders occupied wooden stalls: bakers clustered along the south side, butchers in the west, fish sellers in the east and grocers in the north. Over time, these temporary booths were replaced by permanent houses. In the early 1900s, a grand covered market hall was built over the entire square, turning it briefly into an indoor trading block before it was demolished in the 1960s and the open space was recreated. Later redesigns gave the square its present-day look, with natural stone paving throughout and space carefully set aside for outdoor seating. Today, almost every ground-floor frontage along the west, north and east sides, and part of the south, is occupied by restaurants, bars and cafés. Heated terraces and parasols extend the season, and the atmosphere shifts from relaxed coffee stops by day to buzzing dining and drinks in the evening.Architecture in miniature around the cobbles
Lilla torg’s encircling buildings form an outdoor gallery of Malmö architecture. On the southern side, Hedmanska gården preserves a set of historic merchant’s buildings spanning several centuries, including richly detailed timber framing that reflects a building tradition dating back to the 1500s. Nearby half-timbered houses, colourful plastered façades and later brick structures sit side by side, showing how the square evolved rather than being planned all at once. Dominating the north side, a five-storey building once known as Hotel Anglais displays early 20th-century national romantic style, with robust forms and decorative details. Elsewhere you can spot former merchant houses, warehouses and town palaces that have been adapted to hold offices, shops, eateries and cultural venues, all oriented toward the life of the square.Stories in stone, water and courtyard corners
At the centre of the cobbles stands a fountain dating from the 1970s, replacing an earlier well. Around its rim, sculpted reliefs depict scenes from the old market days, when produce and provisions passed hand to hand in the open air. These images offer a quiet reminder that the social buzz that fills the square today has deep roots in trade and exchange. Slip through one of the archways along the edges and you may find yourself in a sheltered courtyard, paved in stone and ringed by old warehouses with hoists and loft doors. These spaces once housed goods bound for ships and shops; now they often host design centres, galleries and cafés, extending the square’s cultural life beyond its visible edges.Modern meeting place in the heart of Malmö
Today Lilla torg serves multiple roles at once: workplace, neighbourhood, dining area and open-air living room. Offices, a hotel, speciality shops, a preschool and private homes all look onto the same compact plaza. In fine weather, tables spill across much of the square, yet there is usually a slice of cobbled ground free to wander, pause by the fountain or study the varied façades. As daylight softens, the mood becomes warmer and more animated, with conversations rising under strings of lights and the smell of food drifting from kitchens all around. Yet even at its busiest, the square’s scale keeps it approachable. You can cross it in a few dozen steps, but its layered history, architectural variety and lively street life reward lingering far longer than that.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stortorget 8
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Nyholm Central Guardhouse
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Inderhavnsbroen
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Christianshavns Kanal
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Ofelia Plads
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Larsens Pl.
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The Kissing Stairs
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Christianshavn
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Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Unmissable attractions to see
Form/Design Center
0.1 km
Historic half-timbered granary turned free design hub, blending contemporary exhibitions, curated shopping and a relaxed café around a cobbled Malmö courtyard.
Stortorget
0.1 km
Malmö’s grand 16th‑century main square, where Renaissance power, shifting borders and everyday city life all play out on a single open stage.
Södergatan
0.2 km
Södergatan — Malmö’s iconic pedestrian avenue, renowned for historic architecture, vibrant shopping, street life, and the dynamic spirit of southwestern Sweden.
St. Peter's Church
0.3 km
Malmö’s oldest building and a Brick Gothic masterpiece, St. Peter’s Church blends medieval architecture, Reformation history and serene light-filled interiors in the city center.
Malmö old cemetery
0.4 km
Historic green refuge at the edge of Gustav Adolfs torg, where tree‑lined paths, old gravestones and quiet stories of Malmö’s 19th‑century citizens meet city life.
Ebbas hus / Malmö museum
0.4 km
Malmö's tiniest museum preserves a 1910s working-class home frozen in time, offering intimate glimpses into ordinary urban life.
Malmo Live Concert AB
0.4 km
Waterfront concert and congress hub where Malmö Symphony Orchestra, bold architecture, and a full spectrum of music and culture share one sculptural urban block.
Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge
0.5 km
A modest Malmö canal bridge transformed into a poetic trail of bronze footsteps, celebrating the city’s creative souls above the waters of Södra Förstadskanalen.
Kungsparken, Malmö
0.5 km
Malmö’s oldest park, Kungsparken, blends English-style landscapes, myth-laced fountains and castle-side canals into a tranquil green escape in the heart of the city.
Disgusting Food Museum
0.5 km
A playful Malmö museum where 80 of the world’s most reviled dishes invite you to sniff, squirm, taste and rethink what “disgusting” food really means.
Malmö City Library
0.6 km
Light‑filled landmark library on the edge of Slottsparken, blending bold glass architecture, rich multilingual collections and lively cultural programmes.
Moderna Museet Malmö
0.7 km
Bold contemporary art in a converted power station, Moderna Museet Malmö blends national collections, changing exhibitions and a relaxed café in the heart of the city.
Slottsträdgården
0.7 km
An organic urban sanctuary where passionate gardeners transformed a fortress island into a thriving ecological oasis.
Malmö Castle
0.7 km
A red-brick Renaissance fortress turned museum hub, Malmö Castle weaves royal power, prison stories and Nordic culture into one moat-ringed city landmark.
Malmo Museum
0.8 km
A Renaissance castle turned all-in-one museum complex, where Malmö’s history, nature, art, technology and an aquarium come together beside a tranquil city moat.
Essential places to dine
Malmö Saluhall
0.6 km
A vibrant industrial‑chic food hall where Malmö’s local flavors, global street food and artisan producers come together under one historic brick roof.
Noma
25.9 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
La Banchina
26.1 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Alchemist
26.1 km
Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.
Restaurant Lola
26.3 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Restaurant Barr
26.5 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Restaurant Kanalen
26.6 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Cafe Wilder
26.7 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Kadeau
26.8 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Khun Juk
26.8 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Skipperkroen
27.0 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
27.0 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
No. 2
27.1 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
à terre
27.1 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Nyhavns Færgekro
27.1 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Field's
26.6 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination blending retail excellence, dining diversity, and family entertainment in Copenhagen's vibrant Ørestad.
Copenhagenglass
26.9 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
26.9 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
The Crown souvenir
26.9 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
27.1 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Zane
27.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Magasin du Nord
27.3 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
The Wilde Shop
27.3 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
27.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
27.3 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
27.3 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
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Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Urban Outfitters
27.5 km
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Danish Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
ILLUM
27.5 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Whammy Bar
25.1 km
Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.
Lassie Bar
26.0 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Eiffel bar
26.7 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
27.1 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
27.2 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Black Swan
27.4 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Aloha Beach Bar
27.4 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
27.4 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
27.4 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
1105
27.4 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Ved Stranden
27.5 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
K-Bar
27.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Moose
27.6 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Charlie's Bar
27.6 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Dubliner
27.6 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
27.4 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Mini Bar
27.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
27.6 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
The Zoo
27.6 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
27.8 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Club Mambo
27.9 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Hive
27.9 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mirror
28.0 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
28.0 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
28.0 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
28.1 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
La Terraza
28.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Arch
28.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
28.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Cosy Bar
28.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
