Tips on what to do in Stockholm in September
Visiting Stockholm in September? September, when summer starts turning to autumn, is a fantastic time to visit both the city and the archipelago. We’ve put together our top tips on what to see and do, whether you’re a tourist or resident in Stockholm. At the end of this post, you’ll find a map showing the locations of the places of things to do in Stockholm in September.
Day trip by boat – 3 excursion tips
Stockholm is a unique city as it’s surrounded by water – the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren. That’s why a day trip by boat is one of our top tips. Here are three popular excursions:
- Artipelag – art gallery
Do you like both art and nature? Then take the M/S Gustafsberg VII to the Artipelag art gallery. The boat takes you through the archipelago, Skurusundet (the Skuru strait) and the narrow passage at Baggendäcket – a truly scenic experience. Once you arrive at Artipelag, you can enjoy art, both indoors and outdoors, surrounded by nature!
- Fjäderholmarna – islands in the Stockholm archipelago
Take the boat from the city and 30 minutes later, you can enjoy Fjäderholmarna, a cluster of islands in the Stockholm archipelago. You can stroll around, take a dip, visit the craft ateliers and quaint shops, and enjoy some homemade ice-cream.
- The Viking town of Birka – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
You can travel to Birka and back on M/S Mälar Victoria from Klara Mälarstrand to Birka. During the trip, you can enjoy Lake Mälaren, a place of outstanding natural beauty. Once you arrive at Birka, you can go on a guided tour, experience the Viking village and visit the museum. Then have a bite to eat or just relax over a coffee at the restaurant Särimner.
City sightseeing – by bus and boat
The best and most convenient way to experience a city is to go on a sightseeing tour. The great thing about Stockholm is that you can do that by either boat or bus, or both! Enjoy the history, architecture and sights from different perspectives! By bus or boat, whichever you prefer.
The tour entitled Under the Bridges of Stockholm is exactly that – a guided boat tour that takes you under 12 of the city’s bridges. You also travel between Saltsjön (saltwater) and Lake Mälaren (freshwater).
If you want to experience the city on a bus instead, we recommend the Hop On-Hop Off Bus. The bus allows you to see many of the sights and visit the attractions at your own pace – all you need to do is to hop on and hop off wherever takes your fancy.
Stockholm’s most popular museums – The Top Five
Stockholm boasts more than 70 museums, featuring everything from art and history to science and technology. Here we list five museums that we highly recommend.
Did you know that the Hop On-Hop Off Bus stops at many of the city’s museums?
- Vasa Museum
In Djurgården, you’ll find the popular Vasa Museum. Go on a guided tour and learn all about the ship that sank during its maiden voyage in 1628. In September, you can visit the Brickwrecks exhibition and see models of famous shipwrecks built in Lego.
Bus stop for Hop On-Hop Off Bus: Number 9/13 – Vasa Museum and Nordic Museum
- Skansen
Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum, is located in Djurgården. Here you can experience Swedish nature and culture from the past and the present. The museum is home to a wide range of animals, both wild Nordic ones and exotic ones at the Skansen Aquarium.
Bus stop for Hop On-Hop Off Bus: Number 11 – Skansen
- The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace, in the heart of Stockholm, is one of Europe’s largest and grandest palaces. You can go on a guided tour, visit the Treasury, the Royal Chapel and the Royal Armoury, and see the Changing of the Guard and the Guard Parade.
Bus stop for Hop On-Hop Off Bus: Number 2/6 – Old Town and The Royal Palace
- ABBA The Museum
You don’t have to be an ABBA fan to visit ABBA The Museum, one of the capital’s most popular attractions! Discover the legendary band’s story, look at the gold discs and costumes, and sing along to their songs. Fun for the whole family – as they say, “walk in and dance out”!
Tip – buy a combo ticket that includes admission to ABBA The Museum and travel by the Hop On-Hop Off Bus.
Bus stop for Hop On-Hop Off Bus: Number 10/12 – ABBA The Museum and Gröna Lund'
- Fotografiska
Fotografiska is located at Stadshuskajen and is a museum of photography, art and culture. During September, you can enjoy spectacular street art from all over the world, created by Shepard Fairey. The exhibition features more than 135 murals.
Bus stop for Hop On-Hop Off Bus: Number 5 – Slussen (then about 10 minutes’ walk to Fotografiska)
Eat well – Stockholm’s best food & views
Stockholm offers some fantastic culinary experiences, so why not enjoy some food and drink at one of the city’s popular restaurants? And when your meal is served on a boat, the experience is boosted by the views and surrounding water.
Brunch, lunch or dinner, whichever suits you.
One of the best brunch buffets is served on board S/S Stockholm. The buffet is seasonal, classic and imaginative, and has something for everyone! And don’t miss the array of irresistible desserts. The tour takes you out into the archipelago, a place a Nordic beauty and serenity.
You can also book the Archipelago Tour with Lunch, where lunch is included. Whether you choose a meat, fish or vegetarian dish, the food is guaranteed to be well-prepared and tasty. The on-board guide will introduce you to the sights as you pass them during the trip.
From Thursday to Saturday in September, you can book a dinner cruise via Drottningholm Palace. On board the M/S Prince Carl Philip, they serve some excellent food with flavours inspired by the archipelago and Swedish cuisine. And with Lake Mälaren offering some breathtaking views!
Map - what to do in Stockholm Sweden in September
The map includes our recommendations of things to do in Stockholm Sweden in September.
