Things To Do
in Helsingborg

Helsingborg, located in southern Sweden, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history and stunning waterfront views. The city boasts a mix of modern architecture and historic buildings, with the impressive Kärnan tower standing as a symbol of its medieval past. Its proximity to Denmark, just across the Øresund Strait, enhances its cultural exchange and accessibility.

Visitors can enjoy beautiful parks, bustling shopping streets, and a lively arts scene.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the City
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kärnan tower, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Øresund Strait.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the picturesque Sofiero Palace and its gardens, famous for their beautiful floral displays and stunning views of the coastline.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant, sampling fresh herring and salmon, followed by a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Visit the Dunkers Kulturhus, a cultural center that showcases art exhibitions, music events, and local history.

afternoon
:

Take a ferry to the nearby island of Ven, where you can explore the charming villages and enjoy lunch at a local café.

evening
:

Return to Helsingborg and experience the nightlife by visiting a bar or pub in the city center, enjoying drinks and live music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at a restaurant$15
Coffee$4
🍕Pizza$10
🚌Public transport ticket$3
🏨Hotel (per night)$120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful coastal scenery and parks
  • Rich cultural and historical heritage
  • Vibrant dining and nightlife scene
  • Weather can be unpredictable
  • Higher cost of living compared to other regions
  • Limited options for late-night transportation
  • "Hej" - Hello
  • "Tack" - Thank you
  • "Förlåt" - Sorry
  • "Var ligger...?" - Where is...?
  • "Jag förstår inte" - I don't understand

Places to Visit in Helsingborg

Visit one of these nice places.

Kärnan Tower

Capture stunning views of Helsingborg and the Öresund Strait from the top of this historic medieval tower.

Sofiero Palace Gardens

The beautifully landscaped gardens are perfect for colorful and vibrant photographs, especially in spring and summer.

Helsingborg Waterfront

The waterfront area, with its charming harbor and modern buildings, provides a great backdrop for sunset photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Helsingborg

Helsingborg is a culinary delight, offering a rich array of local dishes that reflect its coastal heritage.

Helsingborg Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Herring

A staple of Swedish cuisine, herring is often pickled or marinated and served with potatoes and lingonberry sauce.

Must-Try!

Köttbullar

Swedish meatballs served with creamy gravy, lingonberry sauce, and mashed potatoes, are a must-try comfort food.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Kullagatan

This lively street market features a variety of local vendors selling street food, from hot dogs to traditional pastries.

Climate Guide

Weather

Helsingborg experiences a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by mild summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while winters can drop to around 0°C (32°F) with occasional snowfall. Rain is common throughout the year, with the wettest months typically being late summer and autumn. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Swedes value punctuality, so it's important to arrive on time for appointments and social gatherings.

Personal Space

Personal space is respected; avoid standing too close when conversing with others.

Quiet Public Spaces

In public transport and restaurants, maintaining a moderate volume when speaking is appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

Helsingborg is generally a safe city for both locals and tourists. However, standard safety precautions should be taken, such as being aware of your surroundings and securing personal belongings. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and it's advisable to familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and procedures.

Tipping in Helsingborg

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is appreciated in Sweden, but not mandatory. A tip of around 10-15% is common if service is not included.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, and many places also accept mobile payments through apps like Swish.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring offers mild weather and blooming flowers, making it a great time to visit parks and gardens, especially Sofiero.

Summer

Summer is warm and bustling, ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the beach along the coast.

Autumn

Autumn brings vibrant foliage and cool temperatures, perfect for scenic walks and photography.

Winter

Winter can be cold and snowy, but the city lights up with festive decorations, making it a cozy time for visiting cafes.

Nightlife Guide

Helsingborg at Night

Helsingborg has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. The city center is bustling with nightspots, offering everything from cozy pubs to energetic dance clubs. Many places feature live music, especially during weekends, while others provide a laid-back atmosphere perfect for socializing over drinks. The waterfront also hosts several bars with stunning views, making for a perfect evening outing.

Hiking in Helsingborg

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kullaberg Trail

This trail offers stunning views of the coastline and is perfect for both experienced hikers and casual walkers.

Råå Vallar Trail

A scenic trail that runs along the coast, providing opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying nature.

Airports

How to reach Helsingborg by plane.

Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Located about 60 kilometers away, this international airport offers extensive flight options and is easily accessible via train or ferry.

Getting Around

Walkability

Helsingborg is highly walkable, with most attractions located within a short distance of each other. The city center features pedestrian-friendly streets, making it easy to explore on foot. Well-marked paths and public squares enhance the walking experience, and the waterfront promenade provides beautiful views while strolling.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young Professionals

Helsingborg is home to a growing population of young professionals, attracted by job opportunities and a vibrant social scene.

Families

Many families reside in Helsingborg, drawn by the city's excellent schools, parks, and family-friendly activities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Football is the most popular sport in Helsingborg, with local teams attracting enthusiastic crowds during the season.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is also widely followed, with local matches offering an exciting atmosphere for sports enthusiasts.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Helsingborg is generally manageable, with most areas easily accessible by car, bike, or public transport. The city offers a reliable bus network, and cycling is a popular mode of transportation. Parking can be limited in the city center, so using public transport or walking is often more convenient.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Helsingborg.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian/Vegan

Many restaurants in Helsingborg offer vegetarian and vegan options, particularly in cafes and international eateries.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options are increasingly available, especially in bakeries and restaurants that cater to dietary needs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Sweden has a robust healthcare system, and Helsingborg is equipped with several hospitals and clinics. Emergency care is available at Helsingborg Hospital, which provides comprehensive medical services. For tourists, it’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers health care to avoid high costs.

Discover Sweden

Read more in our Sweden 2025 Travel Guide.

Sweden Travel Guide