'I visited a hidden gem just 30 minutes from Europe's most liveable city'
However, when it came to exploring the surrounding areas, nothing particularly stood out for journalist Sophie Harris until she discovered that Sweden was a mere 30-minute journey away.
Sweden is renowned for its bustling cities like Stockholm, but Malmo, the country's third-largest city, was relatively unknown to her, she said.
Situated in the far south of Sweden, it's at the eastern end of the impressive Öresund Bridge, a lengthy road and railway bridge connecting to Copenhagen, reports the Express.
Sophie said: "After deciding I wanted to visit the city to tick off two countries in one visit, I purchased the tickets and was in Sweden in just 30 minutes. Malmo is located in the far south of Sweden (Image: Getty)
"Having done some research, I headed to Lilla Torg in the centre, a gorgeous cobblestone square full of cafes, restaurants and half-timbered houses."
Constructed in 1952 as a market square, she said it proved to be one of the most picturesque spots to grab a bite to eat and a drink.
Malmo ranks among the top 10 cycling cities globally, and while she didn't explore the city on a bike, many others were.
The city centre features an extensive network of bike lanes and scenic waterfront paths for sightseeing.
Sophie said one must-see landmark in the area is the Turning Torso, a neo-futurist residential skyscraper designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
Completed in 2005, it's based on one of his earlier works named Twisting Toso, a white marble piece that mimics the form of a twisting human being and was the world's first twisting skyscraper. Lilla Torg is a gorgeous square in the centre (Image: Sophie Harris)
Other must-see attractions include the Disgusting Food Museum, Malmo City Library, St. Peter's Church and Malmohus Castle.
The Western Harbour is another must-see in Malmo, offering a respite from the city's hustle and bustle.
It's just a short stroll from the city centre, where locals enjoy a kickabout on the grass, indulge in ice cream from local shops and take in the sea views towards Denmark.
Sophie added: "Sweden is also known for its famous sweets, known as Bubs, so I was sure to pick some up from the many sweet shops located in the centre.
"There was also a huge shopping centre full of well-known chain restaurants and shops, which was handy when looking for some supplies.
"Malmo was a gorgeous city to visit and with lots of green space, it didn't feel like a city at all. I'd highly recommend making the trip over to Sweden if you do visit Copenhagen."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
21 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Cruise passenger left ‘sliced open' as waterslide on Icon of the Seas ship shatters sending water pouring over deck
A PASSENGER was "sliced open" when a waterside shattered onboard an enormous cruise ship. A section of slide in the Icon of the Seas' record-breaking waterpark burst just as a child was shooting down it, according to eyewitness accounts. 4 Water was left spurting out of the slide Credit: X / @jimmuldoon 4 A sharp hole could be seen in the side of the slide Credit: X / @SauniR6 4 The accident happened on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Credit: Getty One passenger reported that the kid's "leg and back were cut open pretty bad" by the dangerous malfunction on Thursday. Footage shows water cascading from the slide down onto the deck. And a photo taken after the water stopped reveals a jagged hole cut out from one of the panels. The casualty's exact condition is unknown. Icon of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean, is currently en route to Coco Cay, Bahamas, having departed from the Virgin Islands on Wednesday. Its waterslides are made of glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, according to Wiegand Waterrides. In a statement, the cruise ship said: 'Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide. "The guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation.' The Icon of the Seas is a colossal cruise ship with the world's largest at-sea waterpark, called Thrill Island. It features six massive slides, including the Frightening Bolt, Pressure Drop, Storm Chasers, Hurricane Hunter and Storm Surge. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Holiday hotspots report cases of organ destroying virus sparking global outbreak fears in China
Since early 2025, this viral wave has crossed continents, with 250,000 cases and 90 deaths recorded across 16 countries this year SOME favourite holiday destinations for Brits are now hotspots for a crippling mosquito-borne virus, new figures reveal. Chikungunya, which is rarely deadly but capable of wreaking havoc on organs and causing agonising, months-long pain and disability, is exploding worldwide. Advertisement 4 Chikungunya is spread by infected mosquitoes Credit: Getty 4 An outbreak of chikungunya in China has sparked alarm Credit: Getty Just last month The World Health Organisation warned chikungunya could soon affect billions across the globe as it tears through parts of the Indian Ocean and edges closer to Europe. The health watchdog said it was seeing the same warning signs as in the last major outbreak two decades ago, when nearly half a million were infected worldwide. More than 7,000 people have been struck down by the mosquito-borne bug in China alone, marking the country's biggest ever outbreak of the disease, according to experts. Most cases have been reported in the city of Foshan, in the southern province of Guangdong. Advertisement In recent days, cases have cropped up in neighbouring areas and countries, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, according to media reports, this is despite China imposing Covid-like measures to contain the virus. Since early 2025, this viral wave has crossed continents, with 250,000 cases and 90 deaths recorded across 16 countries this year, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). And while the UK remains free of risk for now, parts of France and Italy - both very popular with Brits, are already battling the virus. There have been 12 local transmission episodes in several regions of southern France within the last year - meaning people were infected by mosquitoes in Europe, not while travelling. Advertisement While this sounds concerning, experts have fortunately said it isn't going to be the next pandemic. Professor Will Irving, a virology expert at the University of Nottingham said: "There have been equally large, if not larger outbreaks around the world prior to this one." What is Chikungunya However, he added: "With climate change, the mosquitos are spreading, and there are reports of the mosquito being present in parts of Europe (France, Italy, Spain).' Last year, Europe saw a sharp surge in mosquito-borne diseases - including dengue, West Nile, and malaria - with some infections doubling in just 12 months. Advertisement Chikungunya is primarily spread by the Aedes mosquito (also known as the tiger mosquito) and cannot spread from person to person. But a mosquito can pick up the disease by feeding on an infected individual and then transmit it to new human hosts by biting them. Unlike malaria-carrying mosquitoes, these critters are most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. 4 The symptoms can last for months - even years Advertisement 4 Patient with joint deformities of the hands 6 years after confirmed chikungunya virusCredit: SehatHub How to stay safe Several experts have shared precautionary steps those travelling the sunny beaches of Europe can take to prevent infection. Professor Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, advised travellers to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. Ideally, he said: "They will be light coloured, so you can see if mosquitos have landed on you." Advertisement In particular, he warned that it is a bad idea for women in late stages of pregnancy to travel to these destinations. "If you get infected with it later on in the pregnancy, it can pose a risk to the baby," he said. Two chikungunya vaccines have recently been approved for use in the UK - although one is under safety review for older people. Those are mostly targeted at travellers and are not widely available in the countries most affected by chikungunya. Advertisement Once someone has recovered from chikungunya, there is evidence to suggest they have lifelong immunity. In 2024, there were 112 confirmed and probable cases of chikungunya, all linked to people returning from popular destinations like India, Pakistan and Brazil. Once mostly confined to Asia, Africa, and South America, the virus is now expanding its reach across Europe and the US, with local outbreaks on the rise. It has surged in places like Madagascar, the Seychelles, Somalia, Kenya, India, and Brazil. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Pacific Islands are also grappling with rising outbreaks in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji, and Kiribati. The US has recorded 46 cases this year, all in travellers returning from high-risk regions, with no deaths reported so far. Crippling joint pain While chikungunya very rarely causes death, its symptoms are debilitating. They usually begin within a week of being bitten and can include a sudden high fever, fatigue, nausea, reddening of the eyes, sensitivity to light and a rash. Advertisement The virus gets its name from a word in the Kimakonde language spoken in southern Tanzania meaning 'to become contorted,' to the crippling joint pain it causes. The virus triggers an immune response that leads to inflammation in the joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness similar to rheumatoid arthritis that can persist for weeks, months and sometimes years after the initial infection. Advertisement Those most at risk of severe illness include newborn babies, older adults, and people with underlying conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
One of the world's biggest airlines introduces strict new travel item ban for all passengers
Plus, the other airlines to ban the same item HOL NO One of the world's biggest airlines introduces strict new travel item ban for all passengers A MAJOR airline has become the latest to ban a popular travel item. Emirates - one of the world's biggest airlines - has banned the use of portable power banks on all its flights. Advertisement 4 Emirates is the latest airline to place restrictions on power banks onboard their flights Credit: Getty 4 It follows growing concerns that power banks can overheat and cause a fire Credit: Getty Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here The new ban comes after fears that the devices could possibly explode whilst in the air. The airline's ban on power banks is the latest in a string of airlines to restrict the use of power banks on flights. Yet, Emirates' new rule goes a step further. Advertisement Read more on travel tips COSTA LITTLE Twelve cheap & pretty Spain holiday spots that locals love & Brits never visit The ban will be introduced on October 1 and from this date any passenger travelling with Emirates will be unable to use a power bank onboard the flight. This will include charging their devices or using an in-seat power supply to charge a portable charging bank. Additionally, each passenger will only be allowed one power bank. They then must be kept in the seat pocket, or in a bag that is under the seat in front of the passenger. Advertisement Passengers will not be able to store them in the overhead bins, nor can the power banks exceed 100 Watt Hours. The airline has shared that the new rule to ban all passengers from using power banks comes after a "comprehensive safety review". The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying Recently, a power bank caught fire on an Airbus A321, in South Korea. The portable bank overheated in the overhead locker as passengers were still boarding the plane. Advertisement Flight staff were then unable to put out the fire and had to conduct an emergency evacuation of the aircraft. The reason why so many airlines are adding restrictions on power banks is because they use lithium-ion batteries, which can be prone to overheating. When they do overheat, they can create a fire which is difficult to extinguish. The airline said in a statement: "Emirates' new regulations will significantly reduce risks associated with power banks by prohibiting their use while onboard the aircraft. Advertisement "Storing power banks in accessible locations within the cabin ensures that in the rare event of a fire, trained cabin crew can quickly respond and extinguish the fire." Other airlines that already have power bank restrictions in place include Lufthansa. 4 A number of other airlines including Lufthansa, have already introduced restrictions Credit: Alamy Lufthansa's restrictions mean that passengers cannot charge a power bank using the in-seat power supply. Advertisement The airline insists that power banks must also be kept within easy reach and sight, if being used to charge another device. Just last week, Turkish Airlines also became the latest to enforce a ban on smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries in the hold. On its website, the policy on smart bags now states: "Smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries cannot be transported as cabin baggage or checked baggage. "The lithium battery has to be detached from the smart baggage, carried as cabin baggage and cannot be reinserted until the destination is reached. Advertisement "To protect the detached lithium battery from short-circuiting, the battery should be placed in its original packaging, or its terminals should be insulated, or the battery should be placed in secure plastic bags." And back in July, Japan's transport ministry also enforced rules that passengers need to keep power banks in sight at all times whilst travelling. Brits also face being banned from their flights when the new Europe visa launches due to confusing new rules. Plus, the full list of banned food and drinks passengers cannot bring onboard on TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 flights. Advertisement
