Västra hamnen used to be an industrial area that housed the operations of Kockums, a shipbuilding company. Where ships used to be made and launched is now home to the burgeoning Malmö University and leading Swedish IT companies.

The landmark “Turning Torso” building twists and turns improbably skywards, rising 200 metres above this new seaside cityscape of apartment and office buildings, beaches and beachfront. The beachfront here is packed with restaurants, bars, cafés and nightclubs, bursting with life, especially in the summer months.

From Västra hamnen you have stunning views of the 8-kilometre long Öresund Bridge, gracefully arching its way over to the coastline of Denmark, which you can see on a clear day. For the best views go to the Luftkastellet lookout point.

If you want to enjoy the beach life in Malmö the best time to come is in the summer months. Year-round however, Malmö and the new West Harbour district are fabulous destinations for a taste of the 'new' south coast of Sweden.