Six Things to Do in Helsingborg, Sweden

Helsingborg is a scenic city located in the northern part of west Skåne in Sweden. It’s the closest Swedish point to Denmark – you can actually see Danish city Helsingør from the harbor.

The city shines in the warmer months due to sandy beaches and multiple seafront restaurants, a thriving social scene and late night patios. Regardless of the season, Helsingborg is always bustling with culture, food, and beautiful waterfront views.

Stay

There are many options in Helsingborg,from 5 star accommodations to “living like a local” in charming, contemporary Airbnb apartments.

V Hotell Viking is a cozy option for your nightly rest. The hotel is set in a renovated foundation from the 1850s and located near tons of shops and cafes. It is very accessible by foot, surrounded by pretty scenery and a five minute walk from Helsingborg Central station. Each room is uniquely designed with both modern and antique furniture and fixtures.

→ V Hotell Viking

Fågelsångsgatan 1
252 20 Helsingborg

Eat

There are many options for delicious cuisine in Helsingborg, with re-opened trendy Gastro and the classic cool Sillen & Makrillen for fresh seafood and seaside views.

Drottninggatan 35 stands out both in quality and lively atmosphere. Come with friends and share a table filled with tapas dishes or feast on one of their succulent mains. There is also an extensive selection of wines to choose from, plus great cocktails to boot (try the rum punch!).

→ Gastro

Järnvägsgatan 3
252 24 Helsingborg
Opening Hours:
Breakfast Mon – Fri 8:00 – 10:00 am
Lunch Mon – Fri 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, Sat 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Café/bar Mon – Fri from 2:00 pm
Dinner Mon – Fri from 6:00 pm
Sun 4:00 – 8:00 pm

→ Sillen & Makrillen

Gröningen Norra 1
254 33 Helsingborg
Opening Hours:
Tues – Sat 5:00 pm -1:00 am
Mon & Sun 5:00 pm – 1:00 am (May – Sept only. Closed on these days Oct – April)

→ Drottninggatan 35

Drottninggatan 35
252 21 Helsingborg
Opening Hours:
Daily from 5:00 pm until late

Drink

Bar/Restaurant fusions are common in the Helsingborg nightlife scene. Take a trip to the center and have a cocktail at Bara Vara. Make sure to get a seat at the bar so you can view their interesting paintings (and, of course, decide on which of the huge variety of liquor you’d like for the night).

Other options include KOL, known for their cocktails, Aptit for elegant, minimalistic décor and Mogwai for a lively scene, with special pop-up events on the weekends.

→ Bara Vara

Fågelsångsgatan 2
252 20 Helsingborg

Opening Hours:
Weds & Thurs 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 1:00 am
Fri 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Sat 6:00 pm – 1:00 am
Sun – Tues Closed

→ KOL

Södra Storgatan 11-13
252 23 Helsingborg

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm – late (closes at 3:00 am Fri & Sat)
Sun Closed

→ Aptit

Södra Storgatan 1
252 23 Helsingborg

Opening Hours:
Mon & Tues 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Weds 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thurs & Fri 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm until late
Sat 5:00 pm until late
Sun Closed

→ Mogwai

Norra Storgatan 15
252 20 Helsingborg

Opening Hours:
Weds & Thurs 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Fri & Sat 5:00 pm – 3:00 am
Sun – Tues Closed

Coffee

Coffee-lovers should visit Étoile, a Parisian-inspired café that offers a variety of coffees, teas and juices paired with traditional pastries and croissants. Étoile is also a very popular lunch spot, with freshly-made soups, sandwiches and salads.

After work they begin serving cocktails, wine and appetizers to a backdrop of great old school hip hop.

The energy of Étoile is consistently upbeat, with seated & to-go customers all taking a moment to greet Amor, the owner. A must-do in Helsingborg!

→ Étoile

Drottninggatan 27
252 21 Helsingborg

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sun 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Shop

The shopping streets of the city center are sure to satisfy any impulse purchase. Along the center on Kullagatan is Zebra, where you can find a mix of light designer pieces and bohemian clothing and accessories.

→Zebra

Kullagatan 29
252 20 Helsingborg

Walk

Salt water crashing onto the multicoloured rocks that dot the walkways of Gröningen is as relaxing as it is beautiful. The summertime provides the option of laying in the sun, on the grass, or the provided chairs and benches surrounding the area. In the colder months, it’s the whip of fresh air you need.

A walk through the city center also has its pretty sights, from the curved cobblestone paths to the large mix of independent commercial shops and eateries. An incredible view of Helsingborg awaits after climbing the stairs to Karnan Castle, a historical medieval tower right in the middle of town. Definitely worth the uphill trek!