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Volcanic eruption 16th of March in Reykjanes

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156 thousand departures of foreign travelers in February

Since 2021, Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula has been experiencing volcanic eruptions. Travel to Iceland has been open and safe throughout this seismic activity as the eruptions are localized.

Update on Travel Safety in Iceland in Light of Recent Volcanic Activitys

131 thousand departures of foreign passengers in January

Volcanic eruption in Reykjanes

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Joseph Herbert

Joseph Y. Herbert is a journalist, author, and travel writer based in Iceland. He is passionate about exploring the culture and history of Iceland and sharing insights into its unique landscapes and people with his readers.

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

When it started to develop as a town in the 18th century, Reykjavík had already been inhabited for almost a thousand years. Legend has it that the first permanent settler in Iceland was a Norwegian named Ingólfur Arnarson. He is said to have thrown his seat pillars into the sea en route to Iceland, and decided to settle wherever the pillars were found. The pillars washed up in Reykjavík, and so that was where he set up his farm.

Although the story of Ingólfur Arnarson is not widely believed to be true by modern historians, it's clear that Reykjavík was one of the first settlements in Iceland. Archaeological remains confirm that people were living there around the year 871, and for the first few centuries of Icelandic settlement, Reykjavík was a large manor farm. Its fortunes steadily waned as other centres of power increased in importance. By the 18th century, the farm of Reykjavík was owned by the king of Denmark (under whose domain Iceland fell at the time). In 1752, the estate was donated to a firm, Innréttingarnar, led by Icelandic politician Skúli Magnússon. Innréttingarnar were meant to become an important industrial exporter and a source of development in Iceland, and their main base was in what is now the heart of Reykjavík. Although the company didn't achieve all its high ideals, it did lay the foundations of Reykjavík as it is today. In 1786, Reykjavík got a trading charter and it soon started to grow in importance.

In 1801, Reykjavík went from being the largest town in the country to its capital. That year a new supreme court, Landsyfirréttur, was set up in the city after the abolition of Alþingi (which no longer had any legislative functions). The same year the office of the Bishop of Iceland was founded in Reykjavík, merging the bishoprics of Hólar and Skálholt. In 1845, Alþingi was re-founded as an advisory council to the king on the affairs of Iceland, located in Reykjavík and in 1874 it regained legislative powers. As the sovereignty of the country grew, so too did Reykjavík, which by the beginning of the 20th century had been transformed from a small trading and fishing village to a fully fledged capital.

The Second World War was a boom era in Reykjavík. The city wasn't directly affected by the many horrors of the war, but the occupation of Iceland by first the UK and later the US provided increased employment opportunities and inflows of cash that enabled the rapid expansion and modernisation of the Icelandic fishing fleet. Reykjavík was a leader in this development and it grew very rapidly in the years following the war. New suburbs were built and the city started to reach across municipal limits, subsuming various surrounding communities. The city continued expanding until the financial collapse of 2008.

Because it is young, and in particular it expanded rapidly in the late 20th century, Reykjavík is very different from the other Nordic capitals. It lacks their grand buildings and the picturesque old quarters. Instead it has come to resemble American cities with their sprawling suburbs and big motorways, as was recommended by the urban planners of the post-World War II era. Nevertheless Reykjavík has a charm of its own, quite unique, shaped by the dualistic nature of this place which still doesn't seem to have made up its mind on whether it's a small town or a big city.

Climate [ edit ]

The weather in Reykjavík is notoriously unpredictable. One minute the sun may be shining on a nice summers day, the next it may change into a windy, rainy autumn. Temperatures in Reykjavík are quite bland: they don't go very high in the summer, nor do they go much below zero during winter. It follows that the differences between seasons are relatively small compared to what people experience on either side of the Atlantic.

January is the coldest month and usually has some snow, while there is frequently no snow on the ground during Christmas in December. Summer is without a doubt the favorite season of most Reykjavík inhabitants. Many of them seem to imagine their city is slightly warmer than it really is and it takes little to get them to start wearing shorts and t-shirts, or to go sunbathing in parks. Don't think too much about how silly it may seem, just join them in enjoying the season!

Wind is the main problem with the Reykjavík weather. The city is quite open to the seas, and the winds can be strong and chilling to the bone.

Read [ edit ]

The Fish Can Sing (Halldór Laxness, 1957). A story of a young boy growing up on a farm on the outskirts of Reykjavík in the early 20th century, during a period of rapid change in Iceland. Like many of the stories by Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness, The Fish Can Sing ( Brekkukotsannáll , "The Annal of Brekkukot", in Icelandic) is partly based on real people and places, although names have been changed.
101 Reykjavik (Hallgrímur Helgason, 1996). The quintessential book about downtown Reykjavík, capturing its spirit in a way no other book has. The main character never leaves postcode 101 if he doesn't need to, and spends his time either in bars and clubs or at home doing nothing. He has since become seen by many (who don't live in central Reykjavík themselves) as the model for the "101-type".
Jar City (Arnaldur Indriðason, 2000). A crime novel about the detective Erlendur, with the Reykjavík criminal police department. Portrays the grittier sides of the city, although perhaps slightly exaggerated for the sake of writing a good story. The book has also been translated as Tainted Blood , but the original Icelandic title ( Mýrin , "the swamp") refers to the Norðurmýri neighbourhood, by the city centre. Arnaldur has written 10 further books about the detective, most of them happening in or around Reykjavík.

Tourist information [ edit ]

"Visit Reykjavik" website (the physical tourism office closed.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Two airports serve the Reykjavík area, one for international flights and another for domestic flights. They are 50 km away from each other.

Icelandair — operates domestic flights to Akureyri , Egilsstaðir and Ísafjörður , international flights to the Faroe Islands and several airports in Greenland . Leaves from a terminal on the west side of the airport.
Eagle Air — operates domestic flights to Bíldudalur , Gjögur , Sauðárkrókur , Höfn and Vestmannaeyjar . Leaves from a terminal on the east side of the airport.

By bus [ edit ]

Strætó . operates buses from North , West and South Iceland, stretching from Egilsstaðir in the east to Höfn in the south-east. The main terminal for Strætó's long distance buses is Mjódd. Strætó also operates buses to the Reykjanes peninsula including the town of Keflavík and the airport. Otherwise Reykjavík Excursions and Gray Line operate buses between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport. 440k within Reykjavík . ( updated Sep 2017 )

By car [ edit ]

Three main roads serve as entry points into Reykjavík:

Reykjanesbraut (Road 40), enters the city from the west linking it to Southwest Iceland and Keflavík International Airport;
The Ring Road (Road 1), enters the city from both east and north.

If you're driving into the city from South Iceland or West Iceland , beware of some quite heavy traffic jams on Sundays when people are going back home after a weekend away. This mainly applies during the summer, and becomes even worse on Mondays after three-day weekends, not to mention if the weather has been good.

Renting a car [ edit ]

There are rental car services all over Iceland, and many in Reykjavík. The cheapest car at the cheapest dealer you may find would average out to about 5,500 kr each day. If you intend to just stay in Reykjavík, renting a car is not necessary as the bus system is great and it is easy to walk around. If you plan to leave Reykjavík and go to the countryside, then renting a car is the best way to experience Iceland.

Renting a campervan [ edit ]

There are several campervan or RV rental companies in Reykjavik, with average prices ranging from 13,000 kr to 48,000 kr in high season. Low season prices are 50–60% lower.

By boat [ edit ]

Several cruise liners stop in Reykjavík each summer, mostly arriving in Sundahöfn, which is 3 km east from the city centre. Cruise Iceland is a website run by several companies that service cruise liners in the country and has a list of companies that sail to Iceland.

Reykjavík is not served by any ferries, but if you have an abundance of time it is possible to take the Smyril Line (a cruise company based in the Faroe Islands) from Hirtshals to Seyðisfjörður (a small town on the east of Iceland), via Tórshavn . This service is on the expensive side, and puts you on the other side of the country. However, it offers the possibility of bringing a car, which can be one of the best ways to travel around Iceland. If you take the ferry and drive from Seyðisfjörður to Reykjavík, you should plan to spend the night somewhere along the way.

Of course, if you have a boat capable of crossing the Atlantic it is possible to sail to Reykjavík. Check with the port authority, the United Ports of Faxaflói , to find out about harbour options.

Get around [ edit ]

On foot [ edit ]

Walking in Reykjavík is highly recommended, the downtown is very compact and many attractions are within walking distance from most hotels. The city is very beautiful, and the sidewalk and pathway system is first-rate. Reykjavík drivers are in general very friendly, and will sometimes stop for you even when there is no crossing facility.

Unknown to many tourists a very long and scenic pathway for walking and cycling circles almost the whole city. A good starting point is anywhere where the city touches the sea. The path leads by an outdoor swimming pool, a sandy beach, a golf course, and a salmon river.

Reykjavík has a public bus system that is clean and reliable, called Strætó . There are several different methods of payment:

Single rides cost 570 kr in cash. If you need to switch buses to get to your final destination, ask the driver for an exchange ticket ( skiptimiði ), which is valid for the next 75 minutes on any bus. Tickets from the app are also valid for 75 minutes, once activated.
Single rides can also be paid for through the Klappið app connected to your credit card.
Sets of tickets are available only through the app, but have no discount.
If you're staying outside the city centre it may be best best to get a Reykjavík City Card , which allows unlimited access to the buses, along with free museums and free internet at the hostel. The tourist cards are available at the Tourist Information Centre by Ingólfstorg, and also at some hotels and convenience stores. A 24-hr card costs 4,770 kr, a 48-hr card 6,630 kr and a 72-hr card 8,180 kr, as of December 2023.
If you're staying for longer you can buy a long-term pass: A green pass lasts a month and costs 9,300 kr, a red pass is for three months and costs 21,000 kr and a blue pass lasts nine months and costs 49,900 kr.

Hlemmur and Lækjartorg are the main bus interchanges in central Reykjavík, with buses that can take you to any part of the city. The Strætó system has buses going all the way east to Selfoss and north to Akranes , the former leaving from Mjódd and the latter from Háholt. Both of these stations can be reached from Hlemmur.

Note that while most areas of Reykjavík and the neighboring towns are accessible by bus, the last buses leave around 23:00. Also, on Sundays there are no bus services before noon. There are no bus services after noon on Christmas Eve, and all day on Christmas Day.

Driving in Reykjavík is the preferred method for most residents there. As a tourist though, you should be able to manage without a car if you're only staying in the city. Driving is recommended though for travel outside of Reykjavík and its suburbs. Note that many streets in central Reykjavík are one-way only and some of them are closed to cars in good weather.

Compared to most other European cities, Reykjavík has a reasonable number of parking spaces, especially for a city that boasts the most cars per capita in the world. If you're in the centre and can't find a place to park, there are big parking lots by the harbour and in front of Kolaportið (the flea market). Parking spaces in the city centre generally have parking meters charging between 80 and 150 kr per hour. The city's new meters allow you to pay by card if you don't have coins on you. The fine for not paying is 2,400 kr.

By taxi [ edit ]

The main taxi companies in Reykjavík are Hreyfill-Bæjarleiðir ( ☏ +354 588 5522 , +354 561 0000 (BSR) ) and Borgarleiðir ( ☏ +354 422 2222 ). All taxis are metered and most are very clean and comfortable, but be warned that travelling by taxi is one of the most expensive ways of getting around Reykjavík. There is a start fee of 600-700 kr and a fee of 200-400 kr per kilometer. Taking a taxi is, however, the best way to get home after a night on the town. Paying by card is not a problem, nor is splitting the bill. You can either order a taxi by phone or find one at a taxi rank, of which there are several in the city. In central Reykjavík there is one rank by Lækjargata and another by Hallgrímskirkja.

By bicycle [ edit ]

It is easy to get around Reykjavík by bicycle , if you can deal with sometimes strong headwinds and a few hills. There are not many dedicated bicycle paths and so most cycling is done on the street or on the sidewalk (both are legal). When cycling on the street you must obey the same traffic rules as cars. When cycling on the sidewalk it's important to be considerate of people who are walking there, they have the right of way.

Where there are specially marked paths for cyclists these are frequently shared with pedestrians, with a painted white line indicating the division between the two forms of transport. In these cases the narrower section is the bicycle path. Dedicated bicycle paths are a new phenomenon in Reykjavík but their number is increasing every year. These mostly link the city centre with the suburbs.

Bicycles can be rented at the following locations:

64.12916 -21.86768 1 Bikecompany ( Hjólafélagið ), Faxafeni 8 , ☏ +354 665 5600 , [email protected] . M-F 09:00-17:00; Sa 09:00-16:00 . Bikecompany offers guided bike tours around Reykjavik in varied degree of difficulty. They also operate one of the largest bike rentals in Reykjavik at various locations. Flexible opening hours and they even have tandem bikes for rentals.
64.145968 -21.927035 2 Borgarhjól , Hverfisgata 50 ( the same street as the national theater and other important buildings ), ☏ +354 551 5653 , [email protected] . M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa 10:00-14:00 . Half a day: 3600 kr, 24 hours: 4200 kr, week or longer: 3600 kr per day .
64.15203 -21.94326 3 Reykjavik Bike Tours ( Hjólreiðaferðir um Reykjavík ), Ægisgarður 7 ( next to the Life of Whales Whale Watching ticket booth at Reykjavik's Old Harbor ), ☏ +354 694 8956 , [email protected] . Open every day, flexible opening hours by appointment . Bicycle rental - city and mountain bikes, children's bikes, scheduled guided city tours by bicycle and day tours by bicycle. Private tours available. Bicycle delivery to hotels and guesthouses available.
64.15373 -21.7848 4 SeasonTours ( Árstíðaferðir ), Vættaborgum 104-112 , ☏ +354 863 4592 , +354 820 7746 , [email protected] . 09:00 and 16:15 all year round .

See [ edit ]

Reykjavík's old town is small and easy to walk around. The houses have some very distinct features, most notably their brightly colored corrugated metal siding. Plan to spend at least a couple hours just wandering around, taking in the city. And for further feasts of the eyes, there are several museums and art galleries in the city, most of them within easy reach of the downtown area.

Parks and open areas [ edit ]

Buildings [ edit ]

Reykjavík has a very eclectic building style, which is mainly the result of bad (or no) planning. Many of the oldest houses still standing are wooden buildings covered in brightly coloured corrugated iron. Don't be surprised to see that the next buildings down the street are an ultra-modern functionalist cube followed by early 20th-century neoclassical concrete. Some of the most interesting buildings you'll see in Reykjavík are those you find wandering about. Some deserve a special mention, however.

Museums [ edit ]

There are several museums of art and of history found around the city.

64.13788 -21.91349 17 Reykjavík Art Museum - Kjarvalsstaðir , Flókagata ( in Klambratún park ), ☏ +354 517 1290 , [email protected] . It is safe to say that Jóhannes Kjarval (1885-1972) is the single biggest name in Icelandic painting. Kjarvalsstaðir hosts a collection of his work, as well as hosting other temporary exhibitions. Adults: 2200 kr, students: 1370 kr, children under 18: free. Price includes all three art museums, Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn. . ( updated Dec 2023 )
64.1473 -21.93216 22 The House of Collections ( Safnahúsið ), Hverfisgata 15 , ☏ +354 545 9600 , [email protected] . Summer: daily 10:00-17:00; winter: Tu-Su 10:00-17:00 . The House of Collections, built in 1906, has housed all the major Icelandic collections at some point. It houses the semi-permanent exhibition Resistance which is an interdisciplinary exhibition that bridges the gap between visual arts and science. The works include some of the pearls of Icelandic art from the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland. The House of Collections is one of three locations of the National Gallery of Iceland, ticket price includes admission to all three. Adult 2200 kr; senior citizens and students 1,100 kr, child under 18: free . ( updated Jun 2023 )

Do [ edit ]

There is a lot to do in Reykjavík, despite being a small city. There is a vibrant music scene with concerts most evenings in the centre of the city. For theatre enthusiasts the city boasts two main theatres staging around 10 domestic and foreign plays a year each, and a number of smaller theatre groups specialising in different kinds of modern theatre.

There are a number of opportunities to experience at least a bit of Icelandic nature without leaving the city itself, and outdoors activities in the immediate vicinity of the city are easy to find. And no visit to Reykjavík would be complete without going to at least one of the geothermal pools.

For more information about tours and attractions, it may be a good idea to pay a visit to the Tourist Information Centre located in a beautifully renovated old building by Ingólfstorg.

Music and theatre [ edit ]

Reykjavík has a remarkably active cultural scene for a city of its size. There are a number of art galleries, theaters and concert venues. Some of these are listed below, but many of the places mentioned in the “drink” section below also frequently host concerts. There are no dedicated literary locations listed here, but for book readings it may be best to visit book stores and libraries and ask the staff what's coming up.

64.13813 -21.94677 1 Nordic House ( Norræna húsið ), Sturlugata 5 ( in Vatnsmýri, south of Tjörnin ), ☏ +354 551 7030 , [email protected] . Exhibition space open Tu-Su 12:00-17:00, irregular opening hours for other events but the building is generally open during office hours . A cultural centre in Vatnsmýri designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, just south of the city centre. Art exhibitions, concerts, poetry readings and other cultural events frequently take place here.
64.15045 -21.93284 2 Harpa , Austurbakki 2 ( just east of the old harbour ), ☏ +354 528 5050 (tickets) . The new home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and regularly host to other acts as well. Delayed by the economic collapse, this building was under construction for several years before finally opening in May 2011. This marked the end of a long wait for the symphony orchestra, who had been using a cinema as their main venue the last 50 years. Today the symphony plays a concert every Thursday evening from September through June (although often at other times as well), but the building is rarely empty at other times with Iceland's lively music scene having embraced this new location. ( updated Apr 2023 )
64.14717 -21.93137 3 National Theatre of Iceland ( Þjóðleikhúsið ), Hverfisgata 19 , ☏ +354 551 1200 (tickets) . A theatre in the centre of Reykjavík, in many ways the focal point of Icelandic theatre. The repertoire is a mix of Icelandic and international plays, both new and old.
64.12899 -21.8965 4 Reykjavík City Theatre ( Borgarleikhúsið ), Listabraut 3 ( adjecent to Kringlan shopping mall ), ☏ +354 568 8000 (tickets) . Like the national theatre, the city theatre puts on a mix of new Icelandic plays and highlights of international theatre.
64.14599 -21.94384 5 Vesturport , Tjarnarbíó, Tjarnargata 12 ( on the west bank of Tjörnin ), [email protected] . This experimental theatre group has toured the world and won many prizes for its daring productions which include Romeo and Juliet , and Woyczek. They have also made films including the acclaimed Children and Parents , in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

Festivals [ edit ]

At least three times a year, Reykjavík comes out to celebrate.

National Day ( 17. júní ). It may come as a surprise, but the National Day celebrations on 17 June every year are probably the smallest of the three festivals mentioned here. Nonetheless, it is a public holiday day of festivities in the city where people (especially families with children) celebrate the date Iceland was declared a republic in 1944. The date was selected because it is the birthday of the Icelandic independence hero Jón Sigurðsson.

The city also annually hosts a music festival and an international film festival, both take place over several days in the city centre.

Iceland Airwaves . Second weekend in October . A music festival held in pubs, bars and clubs in downtown Reykjavík. It literally takes over the city for a few days in October. Airwaves prides itself of frequently having artists on the line-up that are just about to make it and become world famous, before you've ever heard of them. They usually have a wide selection of Icelandic and international acts, but keep the "big names" to a minimum. Book early, in 2011 the tickets sold up 5 weeks in advance.

Get in touch with nature [ edit ]

If you want to experience some of Iceland's nature but don't have time to leave the capital for too long, don't worry, you have several options to get a good feel for nature and the countryside without actually leaving the city.

64.15209 -21.94134 6 Whale watching ( most ships sail from Ægisgarður in the old harbour ). With the exception of Húsavík in the north, Reykjavík is actually one of the very best places to go whale watching in Iceland. Whales frequently come into Faxaflói, the large bay which Reykjavík sits by and on a typical trip of around 3 hours you can almost be guaranteed to see at least some minke whales and possibly even a humpback. The companies offering whale watching mostly occupy a small area in the old harbour called Ægisgarður, close to the whaling ships. All sail out to the same bay but since conditions there change make sure you are on a good ship. Around 7000-9000 kr, often half price for children .
Puffin Safaris . The same companies that offer whale watching, also offer puffin safaris, about one to one and a half hours in length. A little boat takes you next to islands some 15 minutes out where puffins nest, swim around and catch fish. They have binoculars onboard to borrow so you can get a good look of the birds. About 5000 kr .
Hiking . The immediate vicinity of Reykjavík offers some good hiking opportunities. By far the most popular among these is Esjan, the mountain that dominates the view to the north from much of the capital and is easily accessible by bus nr. 57. It's a relatively easy hike although there is a steep patch early on and at the tops there are some cliffs to climb. You can estimate 4-5 hours to get to the top and back again, although experienced walkers will be quicker. Another popular place to experience nature is Heiðmörk , a green belt to the southeast of the capital. Heiðmörk mostly flat and there are many paths criss-crossing the area, but getting there may be difficult without a car.
64.1387 -21.8718 7 Reykjavík Domestic Animal Zoo ( Fjölskyldu- og húsdýragarðurinn ), Hafrafell v/ Engjaveg ( in Laugardalur ), ☏ +354 57 57 800 , [email protected] . This small zoo, in the middle of Reykjavík, is a place where city children can come and get in touch with some of the farming heritage of the country, with most species of domestic animals found in Iceland represented. They also have some non-domestic animals including reindeer and seals. Admission: Adults (12 years +): 450 kr, children (Under 4 years): free, children (4 - 12): 350 kr .
Aurora Borealis ( Northern lights ) watching . Iceland is very favorably located within the aurora belt and chances of observing the beautiful atmospheric phenomenon are rather high between September and March even in the vicinity of the capital; in summer months lack of darkness is the limiting factor. To boost your viewing chances commons sense suggests escaping from the city lights. Due to the tree-free character of the Icelandic countryside only clouds can obstruct your view then. A valuable tool for getting prepared for your observation is the local meteorological office's Aurora site , forecasting both auroral activity and cloudiness. If you don't have a car available, there are plenty of agencies organising short trips who pick you up at your hotel.
63.998444 -21.698927 8 Inside the Volcano . 08:00-17:00, every hour . Descend into the magma chamber of the Thrihnukagigur volcano. Transport provided from the city for the 30 minute drive to the starting point, or you can drive yourself. 44 000 kr . ( updated May 2015 )

Sports and activities [ edit ]

Horse riding introduces you to the special nature of the Icelandic horse. Several companies offer riding tours on the outskirts of the city.
64.099 -21.735 9 [dead link] Islenski Hesturinn , ☏ +354 434 7979 . Operated by a small group of friends and family, Islenski Hesturinn offers excellent service and tours with hotel pickup. Riders of all skills are welcome and matched to horses of their ability and personality, and various tours are available through Icelandic lava fields.
Football: the men's national soccer team play at Laugardalsvöllur (capacity 9800) 2 km east of city centre. Club teams in Reykyavík and playing in Besta deild karla , the top tier, are Fram at the national stadium, Fylkir at Fylkisvöllur, KR ( Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkurat , since you were wondering) at KR-völlur, Valur at Hlíðarendi, and Vikingur at Víkingsvöllur. The domestic playing season is April-Oct.

Geothermal swimming pools [ edit ]

Outdoor geothermal swimming pools are an important part of Icelandic culture and a visit to them is a great way to relax with Icelanders. In fact it is not stretching the truth too far to suggest that because drinking is so expensive the hot-pots at these pools serve the same role that pubs and bars do in the rest of Europe.

64.1459 -21.87917 10 Laugardalslaug , Sundlaugarveg ( In the same complex as the National Stadium. Near campsite and youth hostel ), ☏ +354 411 5100 , [email protected] . M-F 06:30 - 22:00, Sa Su 08:00 - 22:00 . The city's largest pool with extensive facilities, in Laugardalur Valley east of the city centre. It has two large pools for swimming, several hot-pots, a seawater bath, a steam bath, and water slide. It is a well-used large complex that is starting to show its age a little but it is still the best option in the city. It is undergoing quite a lot of renovation work, but the pool remains open. 1255 kr . ( updated Dec 2023 )
64.11215 -21.7949 11 Árbæjarlaug , Fylkisvegur , ☏ +354 411 5200 , [email protected] . M-F 06:30 - 22:00, Sa Su summer: 08:00 - 22:00, winter: 08:00 - 20:30 . A brand new complex on the outskirts of the city, it has nice views over the city centre and is a nice place to watch the sunset. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, a waterslide, several hot-pots and a steam bath. This is a favourite with families and is perhaps the nicest of the city's pools. Buses run here from central Reykjavik. 1255 kr . ( updated Dec 2023 )
64.14183 -21.92068 12 Sundhöllin , Baronsstígur, 101 Reykjavik ( Located a few minutes from Hallgrimskirkja ), ☏ +354 411 5350 , [email protected] . M-F 06:30 - 21:00, Sa Su 08:00 - 19:00 . The city's oldest and only indoor pool (with outdoor hot-pots), located in the city centre. Has a more municipal feel than the other pools, but has a very central location.
64.14446 -21.96294 13 Vesturbæjarlaug , Hofsvallagata, 107 Reykjavik ( Located a few minutes from Hotel Saga and the University of Iceland ), ☏ +354 411 5150 , [email protected] . M-F 06:30-22:00, Sa-Su 08:00-20:00 . The city's oldest outdoor pool. Located in a residential area but within a walking distance of the city centre.
64.12083 -21.92952 14 Nautholsvík Thermal Beach ( To the south of the domestic airport ), ☏ +354 511 6630 . 15 May-15 Sep: 10:00-20:00 . Here you can swim in the Atlantic, because they pipe hot water into the ocean. A beach of golden sand has been created and a “pool” has been enclosed nearby, where the water temperature is about 20°C. There are several hot-pots. Refreshments and various services are available at the beach.

It is possible to hire swimsuits and towels at all the pools. As Icelandic pools have very minimal amounts of chemicals in them it is very important to shower thoroughly naked beforehand, and pay attention to the notices and posters that highlight hygiene issues.

Learn [ edit ]

Being the main population centre of the country, Reykjavík is also the location of most of Iceland's education institutions. Close to the city centre is the University of Iceland , which offers courses in Icelandic as a second language. Most degree programmes are in Icelandic, but there are some specialised postgraduate degrees available relating to sustainable development and to medieval manuscripts taught in English.

Reykjavík University was founded as a business school under the auspices of the Icelandic Chamber of Commerce. It has evolved into an institution offering a wide range of degrees in the fields of business, law, computer science and engineering, with a higher number of English-language programmes than the University of Iceland.

At pre-higher education levels, Menntaskólinn við Hamrahlíð [dead link] (Hamrahlíð College) offers an IB programme in English. Several smaller schools offer Icelandic language courses for foreigners, including Mímir [dead link] and IceSchool .

Work [ edit ]

There's not much in way of employment opportunities in Reykjavík. Since the economic collapse of 2008, unemployment has risen to around 8% and unless you have special skills you're likely to be at a disadvantage as a foreigner in a job hunt. Additionally, it's extremely difficult for non-EEA citizens to get a visa unless they already have a job. If you are an EEA citizen, however, you can head over to Eures , a database of jobs advertised in the entire EEA. In Iceland it's run by the Directorate of Labour (Vinnumálastofnun) who may also be able to offer you further advice. If you're from one of the other Nordic countries and are aged between 18 and 28, you may be able to take use of the Nordjobb summer job program, funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Buy [ edit ]

64.1461 -21.931 1 Laugavegur is the main shopping street of Reykjavík and has many funky boutiques, with both Icelandic and international designs. 64.145 -21.9311 2 Skólavörðustígur , running from Laugavegur up to Hallgrimskirkja, has a range of souvenir and craft shops. Record shops and bookstores are also located on these streets, where you can find Icelandic music and literature as well as a wide range of foreign music and books in English. European plug adapters are available at the Eymundsson bookstore on Laugavegur.

Reykjavík has one flea market, 64.1488 -21.938 3 Kolaportið , in a warehouse by the harbour and open Sa Su 11:00-17:00. In addition to stalls selling clothes, antique furniture, old books and other typical fleamarket wares, there is a food section where you can buy many Icelandic specialities as well as cheap and fresh fish and potatoes.

If you yearn for international chains such as Zara and Debenhams, then head to one of 2 malls in the capital area; 64.1299 -21.8947 4 Kringlan in Reykjavík and the newer 64.1009 -21.8836 5 Smáralind in neighboring Kópavogur . Everything in Iceland probably costs more than it does back home. Items can be as much as 3-4 times the price in neighboring countries, mainly because of taxes (24.5% sales tax on products, 7% on books), import duties and so on, though there are exceptions to this rule.

Sales tax is always included in the sticker price. All foreign visitors are entitled to claim back the tax if they spend 4,000 kr or more in one shop in one day. Iceland is not a member of the European Union, so visitors from all European countries are entitled to sales tax refunding. Icelanders living abroad are also entitled to sales tax refunding.

ATMs are found throughout the city, and they should accept any foreign cards. Currency exchange is mainly done at banks, there are very few special currency exchange shops. Icelanders make very little use of cash, paying for even the smallest of things with their cards. Foreign cards will generally be accepted in stores and restaurants, although there may be problems with American Express in some places. Minimal Icelandic cash is needed for a visit to Reykjavik. You must have a PIN to use your card.

Iceland is one of only a few countries to participate in whaling and hunting of various marine mammals. Many shops have souvenirs made from seal pelts and sometimes even whale or dolphin bones. These are illegal to import or possess in most countries due to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (aka CITES ) and attempting to bring back such goods might result in a hefty fine.

Tipping isn't done in Iceland, not under any circumstances; not for any service, not for restaurants or for hotels, or any other place.

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

Food in Iceland can be expensive. In order not to break the bank, you'll need to be smart when eating. On the budget side, you're mostly looking at international-type fast food options common to what you'd find in Europe and America. Alcohol in particular is expensive in restaurants: a pint of beer is typically 1000-1300 kr. Beer can be purchased for under 300 kr in most convenience/grocery stores, but wine and spirits are available only in the few government-controlled shops. Unlike most countries, duty free purchases can be made by visitors to Iceland who have just arrived at the airport, so that is another way to pay less for alcohol.

10-11 is a chain of convenience stores (open 24/7) with plenty of ready-to-eat items such as sandwiches, wraps, and surprisingly enough, tacos. 10-11 is always open but also more expensive than supermarkets, that's why you see most Icelanders shop for food at Bónus (open 10:00-18:00), a low-cost supermarket chain. Even better, you can find a fish shop which sell ridiculously fresh and absolutely delicious fish, at a very reasonable price, and cook it yourself with some potatoes and vegetables. The fish shop could be in Kolaportið , a central market which only opens on weekends, or alternatively one of the many fish shops ( fiskbúð ) all around the city.

Try one of the hot dog places that are found everywhere. This German import has become thoroughly Iceland-ized. A hot dog should cost 250-300 kr. Ask for "Eina með öllu", a hot dog with everything on it.

Fast food – Apart from the usual suspects such as KFC and Subway (McDonald's was re-branded Metró by the local franchise holder in 2009, but kept a similar menu) and the hot dog stands mentioned above, Reykjavík has home-grown fast food restaurants. In the city centre many are open 24/7 in weekends, serving the partying crowd. Names include Nonnabiti and Hlöllabátar (subs and sandwiches), Kebabhúsið and Ali Baba (kebabs), Serrano (burritos) and Pizza Pronto (you can guess what they sell). You should be able to fill your stomach at each of these for 1000 kr or less.

The most local street food you can find is kjötsúpa , Icelandic meat soup. It is a spicy vegetable soup with lamb meat. They have a vegetarian version of it too, that is just the same soup minus the meat. You can find vans selling it next to the Hallagrimskirkja and at the northeastern corner of Tjörnin. A small bowl costs about 700 kr and a large one 1100 kr as of August 2014.

Thai restaurants – Thais form, along with Poles, the largest immigrant community in Reykjavík and as a result there are a lot of good and cheap Thai restaurants around the capital, often run by Thai families. You will usually get large portions without paying much more than 1000-1500 kr. Options in central Reykjavík include Krua Thai (Tryggvagata 14) and Núðluhúsið (Laugavegur 59, 2nd floor).

There are tons of cafes everywhere in the city that are relatively inexpensive and a great place to sit, relax and warm up. You can also check your e-mails if you bring your computer, as there is free Wi-Fi in most of them. Kaffitar and Te & Kaffi are comparatively large chains and serve great barrista style coffee, that might however be on the expensive side.

64.14821 -21.9377 1 Bæjarins beztu pylsur , Hafnarstræti 17 ( by the harbor ). 24/7 . The name of this popular hot dog stand literally means "Town's Best Hotdogs" and, based on the queues, it seems to deserve the name. Hot dog 600 kr, soda 250(?) kr . ( updated Oct 2022 )
64.1375 -21.9345 2 [dead link] Mýrin Mathús ( BSI Bus Depot ), Vatnsmýravegi 10 . Large restaurant in the bus depot near the airport. Large selection of prepared foods to grab for your bus ride and a large menu of hot food selections to eat in the restaurant. Reasonable prices and a fun place to hang out with working class Icelanders for those wanting a non-tourist experience. For the more daring, Svið is on the menu daily. Formerly known as Fljott og Gott.
64.1509 -21.945 3 Hamborgarabúllan , Geirsgata 1 ( by the harbour ), ☏ +354 511-1888 . Small hamburger cafe next to the old harbour designed in the traditional American diner style. Very popular with locals and a reliable alternative to the absent international burger chains.
64.13905 -21.88711 4 Múlakaffi , Hallarmúli 8 . A bit away from the city centre, this place is very like an office cafeteria. It prides itself on selling authentic Icelandic home cooking. The sparse menu varies between days. Due to its location surrounded by offices, it caters more to a lunch than dinner and closes at 20:00 weekdays, 14:00 Saturdays and is not open Sundays. It also seems to stop serving main meals some hours before closing.
64.12921 -21.91887 5 Perlan . In addition to its famous restaurant, Perlan also has a café offering food. You can eat with (almost) the same view and a much cheaper price.
64.150813 -21.944002 6 Sægreifinn ( Seabaron ), Verbúð 6 ( At the harbour, near the whale watching kiosk ). Winter: 11:30-22:00, Summer: 11:30-23:00 . An extremely authentic seafood place, serves a wonderful lobster soup and offers grilled cod, whale, shrimps, salmon, etc. 800 - 2500 kr .
64.13208 -21.87439 7 Tian , Grensásvegur 12 , ☏ +354 568-1919 . to 22:00 . This little Chinese restaurant near Laugardalslaug parc and the Arctic Comfort Hotel is a quiet little spot with great food and friendly service. The prices are quite low.
64.15071 -21.94362 8 Café Haiti , Geirsgata 7b ( At the port near the whale watching kiosks ). A cafe serving coffee and light food. Note that this is not their original location, although you can see their sign still painted on the side of nearby building where they began. They roast their own coffee.
64.14357 -21.92661 9 Kaffismiðja Íslands , Kárastígur 1 ( Down Frakkastigur, to the left when you are on the road and facing Hallgrímskirkja. Will be on your left ), ☏ +354 517-5535 . M-F 08:30-17:00; Sa 10:00-17:00 . This cafe supposedly employs some of Iceland's best baristas, and does serve great coffee. Also offers a selection of French and Icelandic pastries. On the small side with just a few tables, but big windows let in lots of light. Friendly staff and student clientèle.
64.1488 -21.938 10 Kaffiport ( inside Kolaportið, the flea market ). Sa Su 11:00-17:00 . The small restaurant inside the flea market is one of the cheapest places to eat in the city. They have kjötsúpa (Icelandic lamb soup), pylsa (hot dogs), some desserts and drinks. ( updated Oct 2017 )
64.1488 -21.938 11 Kolaportið ( flea market ). Sa Su 11:00-17:00 . If you're in Reykjavik on a weekend, don't miss the farmers market. Many vendors have free samples of Icelandic chocolate, Icelandic liquorice, Icelandic desserts, and even hakarl (fermented shark). Even without the free samples, the prices are reasonable. ( updated Oct 2017 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

There are many fantastic fish restaurants in Reykjavik. The more expensive ones are by the harbour or in the centre, if you're not so rich try heading towards the old town. Though generally not listed here, most bars serve some food, often better than what you would expect from the look of the place but generally with relatively uninspired menus: Expect to see a few burgers, a pasta dish or two, some salads and maybe a burrito.

Plan on at least 2,000 kr for any meal not in a budget/fast-food restaurant. Seriously.

64.14563 -21.92568 12 Austur-Indíafjelagið ( East India Company ), Hverfisgata 56 , ☏ +354 552 1630 . One of few Indian restaurants in Reykjavik. It serves very good food though and can be compared to the top tier Indian restaurants in the UK. 4,000-5,000 kr .
64.14663 -21.9343 13 Caruso , Þingholtsstræti 1 ( corner of Laugavegur and Þingholtsstræti ), ☏ +354 562 7335 . M-Th 11:30-22:00, F Sa 11:30-23:30, Su 17:30-22:00 . A cozy Italian restaurant with good food. They sometimes have live guitar music, which together with the dimmed lighting makes for a very romantic setting. 3,000-5,000 kr .
64.14689 -21.93888 14 The Icelandic Bar ( by Austurvöllur ), ☏ +354 578 2020 . Serves delicious traditional Icelandic food at reasonable prices, the lamb shank in particular is a must try as is the simple but extremely tasty skyr dessert. Set menus are available from around 4000 kr for a three-course meal. The restaurant is lovely with outside tables available overlooking the small park across the road and catching the afternoon sun. 2,000-4,000 kr .
64.15043 -21.94396 15 [dead link] Icelandic Fish & Chips , Tryggvagata 8 ( down by the harbour ). An organic bistro with a friendly atmosphere that makes a slightly healthier version of this famous fast food, so don´t expect to find any mayonnaise or Coca-Cola there. Their dishes are all home made from the freshest ingredients, by some said to be the best fish and chips in the world. The restaurant is semi self-service and child friendly, but can become very busy during summer. 2,000 kr .
64.14869 -21.94122 16 Restaurant Reykjavik , Vesturgata 2 , ☏ +354 552 3030 , [email protected] . A good central restaurant, aimed a little more toward the tourist crowd it does however deliver decent food. The lamb is good. Also contains an ice bar. 3,000-5,000 kr .
64.14786 -21.94061 17 Shalimar , Austurstræti . A small family-owned Pakistani restaurant packed into a tiny building in the oldest part of town. Delicious food, and a very friendly staff. 3,000-4,000 kr .
64.14574 -21.93076 18 Vegamót , Vegamótastíg 4 , ☏ +354 511 3040 , [email protected] . A decent fast food restaurant during the day and a happening nightclub after hours. Minimum age of 22 on Friday and Saturday nights. The lobster pasta is the restaurant's signature dish and well worth tasting.
64.14231 -21.93367 19 [dead link] Þrír frakkar hjá Úlfari ( 3 Frenchmen (or overcoats) at Úlfar's ), Baldursgata 14 . A nice seafood restaurant. Serves big meals for a moderate price. Their lunch plokkfiskur special is legendary. They serve whalemeat, both raw (as sashimi) and cooked, to those willing to try. This is a convenient price; whale is less expensive in other port towns. They serve a strange (and delicious) traditional cake, skyrterta, made from the Icelandic skyr, this cake alone is worth the visit. Rumour has it that this restaurant has seal steaks available as well, but they are not on the menu and must be requested a day ahead of time. 3,000-5,000 kr .
64.14749 -21.94237 20 Fjalakötturinn , Aðalstræti 16 . Mostly focuses on fish and seafood, though there are a couple of meat alternatives to choose from. There are also different three and four course menus to choose from and the wine list is more extensive than you would expect on Iceland. The service can be slow, but the food is tasteful and the servings are beautiful - in other words, if you want a large serving of fast and cheap grub you'd better go elsewhere. 4000-6000 kr .
64.144064 -21.961095 21 Kaffihús Vesturbæjar , Hofsvallagötu and Melhaga. , ☏ +354 551 0623 . M-F 08:00-23:00; Sa Su 09:00-23:00 . Very cosy cafe and bistro. Some tourist but most local clientele. Free Wifi 300 kr mains. . ( updated Jul 2015 )
64.146618 -21.93777 22 Messinn , Lækjargata 6b , ☏ +354 5460095 , [email protected] . 11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00 daily . Generous portions of beautifully cooked fresh fish served in a friendly, warm atmosphere. ( updated Aug 2017 )

Splurge [ edit ]

If you're willing to spend the money, you'll have no problem finding world class dining in Reykjavík. In addition to some great fish restaurants, most of the world's popular cuisine is represented in Reykjavík's up-scale dining in one form or another.

64.143973 -21.918644 23 [dead link] Argentína Steakhouse , Barónsstígur 11 , ☏ +354 551 9555 , [email protected] . It's not exactly an Icelandic tradition, but Argentína is a great place to go for quality beef steaks. 6,000-8,000 kr .
64.138326 -21.946938 24 Dill , Nordic house, Sturlugata 5 , ☏ +354 552 1522 . Part of a growing trend called “new Nordic food” (most famously promoted by Noma restaurant in Copenhagen), this small restaurant prides itself in using local ingredients, many of them sourced from a vegetable garden next to the building.
64.148822 -21.941562 25 Fish Company ( Fiskifélagið ), Vesturgata 2a ( across the street from the tourist information centre ), ☏ +354 552 5300 , [email protected] . In the basement of a renovated old timber house standing in the original harbour of Reykjavík. 5,000-6,000 kr .
64.141473 -21.953228 26 [formerly dead link] Grillið , Hagatorg ( in Radisson Blu Saga Hotel ), ☏ +354 525 9960 . A classic French restaurant that has been open for over forty years.
64.143025 -21.934689 27 Hotel Holt , Bergstaðastræti 37 , ☏ +354 552 5700 . A staple of the city's up-scale dining landscape. Thick carpets, art over dark wood panels, French cuisine, an extensive wine cellar, the country's most expansive collection of single malts. 5,000-6,000 kr .
64.146458 -21.936291 28 Humarhúsið , Amtmannsstíg 1 , ☏ +354 561 3303 . Specialising in lobster (the name means Lobster House ) and on the expensive end, but has exquisite food that the prices reflect. 5,000-6,000 kr .
64.129227 -21.919448 29 Perlan , Öskjuhlíð , ☏ +354 562 0200 . On the top of Öskjuhlíð, overlooking the city, sits Perlan with its rotating restaurant. It's an expensive place to dine but of course it's pretty unique and gives you a second-to-none view over Reykjavik so it's understandable how they can push the prices up.
64.148616 -21.941842 30 Matarkjallarin , Aðalstræti 2 ( in a cellar just off Ingólfur Square ), ☏ +354 558 0000 . Serves excellent modern Western cuisine.

Drink [ edit ]

Reykjavík is considered to have some of the best nightlife in all of Europe and it can be almost guaranteed that you haven't really "partied" until you've done it here. This fact is proven by the number of celebrities who come specifically for it.

Drinking is expensive - expect to pay between ISK 1.000 and 1.400 (2021 prices) for a draft pint at a bar. Bottled beers and mixed drinks are more expensive, sometimes outlandishly so. Despite the cost, going out in Reykjavik is a fun experience. Since alcohol is expensive at Reykjavík bars and clubs, Icelanders usually buy their alcohol at the government owned liquor stores (Vínbúðin, called Ríkið by locals) and stay at home drinking until about midnight (or later), then they will wander to the bars. Do not expect bars and clubs to become crowded during weekends until about 1AM (at least). Cover charges are very rare in Reykjavík, unless there is live music or some other sort of event going on. Note that although the legal age for entering clubs is 18, the legal drinking age is 20 and many places set higher entry age limits themselves.

Bars are open to 01:00 on weeknights, but most will stay open until 06:00 or 07:00 on Friday and Saturday. The clubs and bars themselves are mostly found in a very small area of the city centre, it's easy to just walk around and follow the crowds. You're sure to find somewhere to go, but if you're not sure, groups of drunken Icelanders will usually be eager to help a tourist out! During weekends, live music is easy to find in some of Reykjavík's bars. During the day, be sure to pick up the free English-language magazine The Reykjavík Grapevine for information on live music events for that evening. It is easy to find in shops, restaurants and bars around the city.

There is an ice bar in Restaurant Reykjavík where all the furniture and the bar are made from glacial ice. This seems like an interesting place to go, however, you will be charged 1300 kr for entry which includes a single vodka-based cocktail in what is effectively an atmosphere and music-free deep freezer. You cannot bring in or buy more drinks, if you are keen for novelty it is good, otherwise perhaps not worth the money.

Bars [ edit ]

The distinction between bars and clubs is not very clear in Iceland, with most clubs being more like bars until a little before midnight. However, the following venues can be said to be purely bars - places to go and drink with your friends, rather than to dance or listen to music.

64.14638 -21.93367 1 Den Danske Kro ( Danska kráin, the Danish Pub ), Ingólfsstræti 3 . This place tries to imitate a Danish bodega, although it really feels much more Icelandic than Danish.
64.14757 -21.9393 2 The English Pub , Austurstræti 12 , ☏ +354 578 0400 . Very popular English-style pub in the heart of the city, with a wide range of beers and a wheel of fortune. Beware troubadours in the weekends, though (they're very bad)!
64.14556 -21.93096 3 Ölstofa Kormáks og Skjaldar ( Ölstofan ), Vegamótastígur 4 , ☏ +354 552 4587 . A small, cozy and extremely popular bar. The decorations seem to be taken from the living rooms of Icelandic grandmothers and include a number of cross stitched pictures. Uniquely for Reykjavík bars they have their own beer called Bríó, brewed for them by a microbrewery within the larger Egils brewery.

Clubs [ edit ]

Reykjavík has a large number of clubs and when one closes, another is usually very quick to take its place. There would be no point in trying to list them all, the following are only a small taste. Most of them are quite small - don't expect the big dance halls of many European capitals - but that's part of the fun, the intimate spirit of the Reykjavík nightlife.

64.145631 -21.929173 4 Kíkí , Laugavegur 22 . A friendly gay bar/club on the second and third stories of an old wooden house.
64.146891 -21.934415 5 b5 , Bankastræti 5 , ☏ +354 552 9600 , [email protected] . Caters mainly to a slightly up-market crowd.
64.145256 -21.927426 6 Dillon Rock Bar , Laugavegur 30 , ☏ +354 578 2424 . M-Th 16:00-01:00, F Sa 14:00-03:00 . Dillon has become quite the attraction for the Icelandic music industry, rockers, students, family folk and famed Hollywood actors over the past decade. During the summertime you can enjoy a cold one in the sun in Dillon´s Beergarden and catch outdoor festivals over the summer. Catch a live band, have a chat with the friendly staff or join the mixed up group on Saturday nights when the 60-year-old DJ Andrea rocks the joint and join the family of friends at this century old house of fun.
64.147336 -21.9376 7 [dead link] Hressingarskálinn , Austurstræti 20 , ☏ +354 561 2240 .
64.145954 -21.931326 8 Kaffibarinn , Bergstaðarstaeti 1 , ☏ +354 551 1588 . An old favorite, this club in a red two-story timber house has been around since the 1980s and remains hip as ever. It was for a period owned partly by Damon Albarn of Blur. Heavy drinking and heavy dancing.
64.146406 -21.932809 9 Kofinn , Laugavegi 2 , ☏ +354 551 1855 . In a basement on Laugavegur. DJs here play the most popular pop of all eras from the 1960s onwards, songs people can sing along with while they dance.

Sleep [ edit ]

Be warned that there is very little in the way of affordable lodging in Iceland, particularly if you are travelling with a family. The cheapest option in Reykjavík, by far, is to stay at the city's only campsite. If that's not for you, there are several hostels with affordable dorms located in and around the city centre. Fortunately for the traveller on a budget, this seems to be the fastest growing type of accommodation in Reykjavík. Most of these hostels also offer single or double bedrooms, and a few small guesthouses have rooms at similar prices.

64.142105 -21.930815 1 Guesthouse Aurora , Freyjugata 24 , ☏ +354 899 1773 , [email protected] . A friendly little guesthouse in a residential part of the city centre. 15,000 kr .
64.1422 -21.9297 2 Guesthouse Sunna , Þórsgata , ☏ +354 511 5570 . Great guesthouse located in one of the most iconic places in Reykjavik, right across the square from Hallgrimskirkja. Very clean, very comfortable, with friendly service, and internet. They also include breakfast in the morning, with fresh bread baked on the premises. A little on the expensive side—11600 kr for a single room. Another great feature is their airport/tour bus service. Summer: 15,600 kr double room; winter: 8,900 kr double room .
64.14547 -21.91951 3 KEX Hostel , Skúlagata 28 , ☏ +354 561 6060 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 10:00 . A hostel that was opened in a former biscuit factory down by the sea. Very cozy and looks distinctly unlike a hostel, which is not surprising given that a set designer created the appearance. Has a bar and restaurant which serve non-residents as well. Staff are very helpful. Dorm: 3,000 kr winter, 5,100 kr summer; double room: 8,000 kr winter, 14,400 kr summer .
64.14654 -21.87474 4 Laugardalur Campsite , Sundlaugavegur 34 , ☏ +354 568 6944 , [email protected] . Open 15 May - 15 September. The cheapest place to stay in Reykjavík, and an approximately 30-min walk from the city centre, or a short bus journey. The campsite is big and offers decent washing and cooking facilities and people often leave their leftover camping stove fuel for others after leaving Iceland. (Fuel is really expensive in Iceland!) On cold and rainy days, Iceland's biggest pool is situated right next door. Clothes can also be washed at the neighbouring youth hostel. 1,100 kr per person, per night .
64.1498 -21.9443 5 Reykjavík Downtown Hostel , Vesturgata 17 , ☏ +354 553 8120 , [email protected] . A hostel in an old apartment building right next to the city centre, by the harbour. 3,500 kr dorm .
64.1408 -21.9137 6 [dead link] Víkingur Guesthouse , Þverholt , ☏ +354 896 4661 , [email protected] . Just outside the city centre. In addition to accommodations, they also offer car rental services. 13,990 kr double room .
Guesthouse Tunguvegur , Tunguvegur 23, Reykjavik , ☏ +354 8647504 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 10:30. Clean, spacious guest house with impeccable bathrooms, plus kitchen, dining room, living room and terrace. Excellent & free WiFi. On a main road into the centre if you want to drive, if not there is bus 11 . €78, twin or double room .
Atlantic Apartments & Rooms , Grensasvegur 14, Reykjavik , ☏ +354 6997313 . Check-in: 16:00 , check-out: 11:00. Large budget hotel with bathrooms in the corridor on each floor. Fridge & microwave in each room, but no crockery. Excellent & free WiFi. Very near the 41 & 49 roads, so easy to reach from Keflavik. Various restaurants in the same street and a few minutes' walk to a large shopping area. Staff are not always at reception, but guests are e-mailed a code to open the front door . €79, twin or double room .
64.146422 -21.874811 7 Reykjavik City HI Hostel , Sundlaugavegur 34 , ☏ +354 553 8110 . While it takes about 30 mins to walk into downtown, the cheaper accommodation cost more than make up for the minor inconvenience. It has both 2-person private room as well as dorms. A bonus for this hostel is that it is located right beside Laugardalslaug (the heated public swimming pool). ( updated Jul 2018 )
64.14182 -21.9149 8 Fosshotel Lind , Raudarastígur 18 , ☏ +354 562 3350 , [email protected] . Located one minute walk of the city centre close to the main shopping street Laugavegur. Rooms on the upper floors have great view of the Hallgrimskirkja. There is a restaurant at the hotel called Confusion. It offers aperitivos for reasonable price. Tours are bookable at the reception. 10,000-30,000 kr .
64.14028 -21.91487 9 Best Western Hotel Reykjavík , Rauðarárstígur 37 , ☏ +354 514 7000 , [email protected] . Just outside the city centre, 10–15 minutes walking, but well located with regards to the bus system. 17,000-30,000 kr .
64.14501 -21.91811 10 Fosshotel Baron , Barónsstígur 2-4 , ☏ +354 562 3204 , [email protected] . Located on the eastern edge of the city centre close to the main shopping street Laugavegur. Rooms on the upper floors on the northern side have great views across the sea. There is a 24/7 supermarket right behind the hotel. There is a restaurant, bar and tour desk. There are many types of rooms and price ranges. 10,000-30,000 kr .
64.14137 -21.90428 11 Hótel Björk , Brautarholt 22-24 . A 15-minute walk away from the city centre in an office neighbourhood. 15,000-30,000 kr .
64.14555 -21.92893 12 Hótel Frón , Laugavegur 22a , ☏ +354 511 4666 , fax : +354 511 4665 , [email protected] . By Laugavegur, the main shopping street. 20,000 kr .
64.14631 -21.92904 13 Hotel Klöpp , Klapparstígur 26 , ☏ +354 595 8520 , [email protected] . In a side street close to Laugavegur. Very close to a number of bars and clubs, but surprisingly quiet apart from one bar across the street which often has live jazz or folk music on weekends. Part of the CenterHotels chain like Hotel Plaza below.
64.14274 -21.92769 14 Hótel Leifur Eiríksson , Skólavörðustígur 45 ( facing Hallgrímskirkja ), ☏ +354 562 0800 , fax : +354 562 0804 , [email protected] . A rather basic hotel, but at a good price given its location just across the street from Hallgrímskirkja. Rooms have satellite TV which includes one English-language channel. The hotel also has a bike rental. 21,000 kr .
64.14401 -21.93156 15 Hotel Óðinsvé , Þórsgata 1 ( by Óðinstorg ), ☏ +354 511 6200 , fax : +354 511 6201 , [email protected] . In a side street a few meters off Skólavörðustígur. Comfortable rooms which include free wi-fi and satellite TV, but breakfast is not included in the price. 17,000-27,000 kr .
64.14829 -21.94174 16 Hotel Plaza , Aðalstræti 4 ( By Ingólfstorg square in the city centre. ), ☏ +354 595 8550 , [email protected] . Literally in the centre of Reykjavík, by the oldest street in the city (Aðalstræti) and the Ingólfstorg square. Close to the heart of the nightlife, and so noise is to be expected (at least in rooms facing the square). Free wi-fi. Part of the CenterHotels chain like Hotel Klöpp above. 15,000-25,000 kr .

Just as there are surprisingly few cheap accommodation options in Reykjavík, there are surprisingly many expensive ones.

64.14227 -21.89122 17 Grand Hotel ( Grand Hotel Reykjavik ), Sigtún 38 , ☏ +354 514 8000 , fax : +354 514 8030 . The largest, certainly the tallest hotel in Iceland. A variety of rooms are offered, from a "budget" room to a presidential suite. Essentially better the room quality, the higher up it is in the hotel, giving you an outstanding view of Reykjavik. Some of the higher quality hotel rooms have free Wi-Fi, the username and password being your room number. The internet speed is good, it may stop working during long stays, however a quick call to the reception will reconnect you. Rooms are furnished in traditional Scandinavian fashion. The hotel staff speak good English (yet again, who doesn't in Iceland?) and are very polite. Free parking is available, over and underground, often very unoccupied. Excellent food is served during breakfast. A Spa is available at an additional fee, and a gym is also available. It is close to the centre of Reykjavik, it stands by the Hilton Hotel and towers above it.
64.14715 -21.93354 18 101 Hotel , Hverfisgata 10 , ☏ +354 580 0101 , fax : +354 580 0100 , [email protected] . Named after the postcode for central Reykjavík. 40,000 kr and upwards .
64.1482 -21.93848 19 Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel , Pósthússtræti 2 , ☏ +354 599 1000 , [email protected] . New hotel in an old building built in 1919 which housed the head offices of the shipping company, Eimskip. Eimskip's pre-World War II logo was a blue swastika, and this used to adorn the front of the building. When it was converted into a hotel a sign was put over the swastika, but as it's a listed building the swastika could not be removed and is still there, behind the sign.
64.14705 -21.93869 20 [dead link] Hótel Borg , Pósthússtræti 11 ( by Austurvöllur square ), ☏ +354 551 1440 , fax : +354 551 1420 , [email protected] . By the same square as the parliament and the cathedral. Built in the 1930s but renovated, Hótel Borg is a Reykjavík landmark in its own right famed among other things for its World War II history. 40,000 kr. and upwards .
64.14284 -21.93483 21 Hótel Holt , Bergstaðastræti 37 , ☏ +354 552 5700 , fax : +354 562 3025 , [email protected] . By a quiet street in the centre of town. When it opened in 1965 the hotel restaurant was one of the first fine dining locations in Reykjavík. 30,000 kr and upwards .
64.13976 -21.8887 22 Hilton Nordica , Suðurlandsbraut 2 , ☏ +354 444 5000 , fax : +354 444 5001 , [email protected] . Premises include a spa (NordicaSpa) and a restaurant called VOX. The hotel is outside the city centre, but the area is well served by buses. 30,000 kr and upwards .

Connect [ edit ]

Reykjavík has excellent mobile phone coverage (including 5G) and various providers, the largest being Síminn , Vodafone and Nova . Most foreign SIM cards should work without problems, but it may be best to check with your mobile phone provider at home before leaving. Payphones are almost nonexistent in Reykjavík.

Wi-fi is free at most cafés in Reykjavík and even at many bars. If there's a password required just ask the staff. Partly because of this, internet cafés have almost ceased to exist, but one such still in operation is GroundZero [dead link] , Frakkastígur 8. The clientele is mostly gamers. 1 hour costs 600 kr.

Though Icelandic is the official language, English is spoken quite fluently by almost everyone you will meet and you should have no problems when it comes to communication. Many people also speak a Scandinavian language.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Iceland is considered one of the safest countries in the world, and Reykjavík is one of the safest cities you will ever visit. Just be sure to avoid the fights that break out among the most intoxicated partiers in bars and most often on the street on weekends. However most people are incredibly friendly and police are also friendly and very helpful.

Petty thefts in Reykjavík have occasionally occurred. In addition, the female traveller would do well to exercise good judgment when walking alone at night. Rape is rare, but can occur. Still, even with these issues, Reykjavík is much safer than most other western cities, and certainly safer than the larger capitals of other countries.

Homeless people generally hang in the area around the Hlemmur bus station or on Austurvöllur park. They usually don't bother people, not even to ask for spare change even though they might seem to act strangely.

Cope [ edit ]

Even though Reykjavík doesn´t have a large population, traffic during rush hour (roughly 07:45-9:00 and 16:30-18:30) can be heavy in certain parts of town. Expect jams and delays in narrow downtown streets and along the main Miklabraut artery.

During the summer, the sun does not fully set, resulting in "dusk" between the hour s of roughly midnight and 03:00. While a novelty at first, the lack of night can quickly disrupt your sleeping habits and result in general fatigue. If visiting in the summer, be sure to bring a sleeping mask, even if the window shades largely keep the light out.

Toilets can be a little bit hard to find. Stores tend to be rather small and almost never have them. Restaurants and cafés are required to provide toilets, and often allow passers-by to use them free of charge. There are a handful of public toilets downtown.

If you can bear to be asked by almost every Icelander you meet "How do you like Iceland?" you're all set for the trip.

Press [ edit ]

Reykjavík has one English language magazine, The Reykjavík Grapevine , published bi-weekly in the summer and monthly in the winter. Although it started out as a publication mainly aimed at tourists (with events listings, etc.), it has become respected in Iceland for at times very good research journalism and coverage of current events. Available for free at various locations around the city.

Some foreign newspapers are available at newsagents, but for same-day papers you can go to the Eymundsson bookstore at Austurstræti 18 and have them printed.

Religion [ edit ]

Lutheran churches are easily found throughout Reykjavík and most of them hold mass at 11:00 every Sunday. There is a Catholic cathedral in central Reykjavík by Túngata, usually called Landakot church but formally known as the Cathedral of Christ the King. A Catholic mass is held there every day in Icelandic, as well as a mass in English 18:00 on Sundays and in Polish 13:15 the second and fourth Sunday of each month. The Russian Orthodox congregation has a house at Sólvallagata 10, holding mass 18:00 on Saturdays and 10:30 Sundays. For Muslims, there are 3 options: The Association of Muslims in Iceland holds Friday prayers at the "Reykjavik Mosque," on the third floor of an office building at Ármúli 3; the Islamic Cultural Centre organizes their services (prayer, meetings, classes, and a school) out of Skútuvogur 1H, while the new Grand Mosque at Skógarhlíð 20 is available for all regular prayer times.

Embassies [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

Þingvellir National Park is located about an hour and a quarter's drive to the east of Reykjavík, here you can see the canyon caused by the Eurasian and North American plates moving apart. It is also home to the original Alþingi (Parliament) and several other cultural treasures. These factors have seen it added to the UNESCO World Heritage List .
Gullfoss A spectacular waterfall (which translates as Golden Falls) and one of the nearest big waterfalls to Reykjavík
Geysir Geothermal hot spot
Hafnarfjörður is a town just outside Reykjavík
Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lónið in Icelandic language) is a famous and amazing geothermal spa with the water temperature around 40 °C all year round, even in freezing conditions, located south-west of Reykjavík, not far from the main airport at Keflavík.
The Iceland Ring Road is a staple for many tourists who wish to explore what Iceland has to offer by seeing volcanoes and icebergs, waterfalls and fjords that are peppered island-wide.

By booking a trans-Atlantic ticket on Icelandair with a free "stop-over" of up to a week in Reykjavík, you can follow a visit to Iceland with a visit to London , Paris , Glasgow , Oslo , Stockholm , Copenhagen , Amsterdam , Frankfurt , or another city in Europe, or to Washington, D.C. , Boston , Orlando , New York , Minneapolis , San Francisco , Seattle , or another U.S. city.

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Driving in Iceland

Traveling to Iceland is an epic journey and a one time life experience that you should enjoy in the best conditions possible. This is the reason why it is important for you to be aware of some regulations when coming and driving here. Driving in Iceland can be a bit tricky when you are not used to the regulations of the country. There are some that are very specific to the country and might surprise you.

Things you should definitely see in the south coast of Iceland

Iceland is a vast country with so many delights you should visit that you can easily get confused on where to start and what to see. However, do not worry as we have listed just for you all the main things you should absolutely see on your way to the South Coast of Iceland!

A Weekend in the North of Iceland

Iceland is an island full of different landscapes to discover. Once you are here, there are many things you can explore and one of the places you should stop by is definitely the North part of Iceland. Just for you we created a short itinerary for a fast weekend in this part of the land!

Festivals in Iceland

ll year round, you can attend festivals in Iceland and especially in Reykjavik. Even though the worldwide Covid situation is not the best time for it right now, we want you to discover the best festivals in Iceland through this article. Indeed, you will find creative festivals dedicated to music, film, and food. Around the country, a lot of town festivals also attract a lot of people.

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Shower before going to the pool and other tips every Reykjavik local wants you to know

May 30, 2022 • 5 min read

Fit in just like a local with our tips on what you need to know before visiting Reykjavik © Arctic-Images / Getty Images

Reykjavik’s most common bird, the joke goes, is the building crane. Construction projects are everywhere, transforming Reykjavik from an oversized fishing village to an international city with all its complications.

To first-time visitors, the capital tends to be warmer than expected (winters are like New York) and spread over a wider area (twice the size of Paris). Here are some key things to know before you go.

Please drink the water

Tap water is always safe to drink. There is absolutely no reason to buy bottled water unless destroying the Earth with plastic waste is your motivation. The government recently launched an online campaign , in English, urging visitors to drink kranavatn – the Icelandic word for ‘tap water.’ Skál !

Cards are king

In Iceland, the three groups of society still using cash are criminals, 5-year-olds and tourists. Credit card payments are the default option in shops and restaurants. In Reykjavík, a small but growing number of businesses are card-only.

Cash can still be useful, such as to pay for a hot dog or a guided walking tour. ATMs are widely found. Cash-to-cash currency exchange is possible at most banks in the city center. (Given international transaction fees, cash can also be cheaper for small purchases.)

A group of people surrounded by steam in a geothermal pool in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Etiquette at the public pools

Here are ways to culturally offend an Icelander: Refer to the petit Icelandic horse as a "pony". Visit a local church dressed in mountain gear. Enter a private home without removing shoes. Haggle with a shopkeeper. Read "Independent people" and publicly dislike it.

All these acts are mild, and some might not even consider them offensive. But the one thing Icelanders universally agree to be grossly inappropriate behavior, practiced by a shocking number of first-time visitors, is poor hygiene at the public pool.

The outdoor geothermal pools, known as sundlaugar, can be found in every Reykjavík neighborhood. Men and women, young and old, tourists and locals, frequent the baths to soak in hot water and catch up with friends.

Before entering – I repeat, before – visitors must shower, head to toe. Thanks to the abundance of hot water, the pools are low on chlorine and most people like to keep it that way. Another rookie mistake is leaving the towel in the locker, and then wet the entire room on the way out. So, use the towel racks by the shower and have a good day.

International flights arrive outside of Reykjavík

Keflavík International Airport is the point of entry for all commercial arrivals to southern Iceland and at touchdown the pilots tend to say: “Welcome to Reykjavík.” In reality, the airport is 50-kilometers (31mi) away. Almost welcome but not quite.

The distance is good to keep in mind when renting a car. Check if the company is based at the airport or the town of Keflavík, to avoid a bus trip into the city. Airport buses are costly, but relatively smooth. The three main companies, running a 24-hour service, are Fly Bus , Airport Direct and Grayline , with prices ranging from 3000 - 3500 Krona (US$23-27).

Meanwhile, Reykjavík City Airport (RKV) is absurdly close to the city center.

The ‘Capital Region’ is not the same as Reykjavík

When hotels and Airbnb listings claim to be in "the Capital Region" it usually suggests a location in one of five municipalities surrounding the City of Reykjavík.

To outsiders, cruising the capital sprawl home to some 65 percent of Iceland’s population, the borders of these neighboring towns are hard to notice and meaningless. But be careful not to tell residents in Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Seltjarnarnes or Mosfellsbær that they live in Reykjavík!

Friends sitting at a bar as the barman pulls another pint in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is balmy, except when it is not

On a Celcius scale, monthly temperatures in Reykjavík are surprisingly steady throughout the year – from 3° in January to 14° in July – thanks to the warm Gulf Stream. But look closer, at the wind strength, for the full picture. A strong breeze can easily make the mid-temperature days feel freezing.

Another tip worth considering when weighing the forecast ahead of arrival, is that Reykjavík weather is a poor representation of Iceland in general: this southern corner tends to be the warmest, but also the wettest (wind almost always follows rain, so umbrellas are rarely usable).

How many days are perfect in Reykjavik?

One day in Reykjavik is enough to trek the entire downtown – from the Old Harbour to the Hlemmur food hall – covering most shops and landmarks along the way. Two days can include indoor visits like the Hallgrímskrikja tower and the National Gallery . Three days gives you time to venture beyond the center, to any of the eighteen sundlaugar public pools and the vista at Perlan . Day number four is all about recovering from a night out.

The average tourist spends three nights in Reykjavík, based on industry data. Yet, the number is inflated by the volume of people using the city as a hub for day-tours around southern Iceland, such as the famous Golden Circle . In comparison, the overall average length of stay during summer is ten nights.

Health and safety in Reykjavik

Reykjavík is among the world’s safest capital cities when it comes to crime and violence. Police patrols are unarmed and no neighborhood is considered unsafe, or less safe for that matter. Pickpocketing is very rare but petty theft is by some measures a growing problem – it would be unwise to leave a bike or a car unlocked.

As elsewhere in Iceland, nature poses the largest risk and the southwestern region covering Reykjavik is hit by an earthquake every few years. The last one was in 2021, when a magnitude-5.6 earthquake reached the city from nearby but left no damage. Avalanches remain Iceland’s most lethal natural disasters and those trekking Esjan, the "mountain of Reykjavík", should follow local advice in heavy snow.

The local emergency number is 112 (which is the Nordic version of 911).

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Reykjavik Travel Guide

Courtesy of Sascha Kilmer | Getty Images

11 Best Things To Do in Reykjavik

Updated December 30, 2022

Reykjavik is filled with things to do that range from the usual suspects (museums like the National Museum of Iceland and The Settlement Exhibition ) to more uncommon attractions like geothermal spas at the nearby Blue Lagoon . There's also

All Things To Do

Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) free

The aurora borealis (or northern lights ) can be an almost eerie sight: Picture emerald green swirls coloring the otherwise darkened sky. But scientists have a boring explanation for this phenomenal natural light show – "collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the Earth's atmosphere," according to the Northern Lights Centre. Still, it's a pretty breathtaking sight, and if you're visiting Reykjavik in winter, you might want to stake out some time for northern lights gazing.

Although you can see the lights from Reykjavik, you'll increase your chances of viewing them outside of the city. Previous travelers recommend taking a tour with local companies like BusTravel Iceland or Reykjavik Excursions – some of the best Iceland tours . (But keep in mind that the aurora borealis requires a perfect cocktail of climate conditions in order to show – so you're not guaranteed to see the elusive display of lights even if you book a tour.) If you'd rather hunt for this natural phenomenon on your own, time your visit between September and mid-April.

Golden Circle Golden Circle free

The Golden Circle is a very popular, 190-mile-long tourist route that runs by Thingvellir National Park; the 105-foot dual cascading waterfall Gullfoss (Golden Falls); and the geothermal Haukadalur valley's Strokkur, a geyser that gushes water 60 to 100 feet into the air every five minutes; among other attractions.

According to recent visitors, the Golden Circle, which sits in South Iceland about 25 miles away from Reykjavik, is a can't-miss part of Iceland, even on a rainy day. But public transportation does not travel to the region, so plan on hiring a car or joining an organized tour. Past travelers recommend companies like GeoIceland and Reykjavik Excursions, which are featured on our list of the best Iceland tours .

Sun Voyager (Sólfar) Sun Voyager (Sólfar) free

You'll find many sculptures scattered throughout Reykjavik, but for panoramic vistas and a look at one of the city's most iconic pieces, walk along the waterfront to the Sun Voyager (known locally as Sólfar). This steel sculpture, which was designed by Jon Gunnar Arnason, mimics a Viking ship and pays homage to the sun. Its location also boasts picturesque views of Mount Esja, a sprawling mountain filled with hiking trails.

Though you'll likely spend more time walking to and from the Sun Voyager (located about a mile from the city center) than snapping photos of it, recent visitors said the sculpture is a must see, especially on a clear day at sunrise or sunset. Harpa is also situated nearby, making this a great attraction to visit before or after wandering around the concert venue.

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South Iceland South Iceland free

If you have a limited itinerary, you'll want to prioritize seeing the Golden Circle . But if you're staying in Iceland for multiple days, a trek throughout South Iceland is a must, according to recent travelers. This region, which is south and east of Reykjavik, boasts towering volcanoes, expansive glaciers, gushing waterfalls, ample farmland and a black-sand beach. You may even pass Icelandic horses or spot puffins while traveling around the area.

Besides touring Golden Circle sights like Gullfoss and Strokkur, previous visitors suggested heading to Vík, where the black-sand Reynisfjara and its gigantic cave reside. Snapping photos of Skógafoss and walking behind Seljalandsfoss, two of South Iceland's most well-known waterfalls, are also worthwhile. If you don't want to drive to the region, consider joining an organized tour (many of the best Iceland tours include stops here). Nine- or 10-hour excursions to Iceland's south coast start at 12,781 Icelandic króna (about $123.50) per person and include roundtrip Reykjavik transfers and the services of a guide.

Blue Lagoon Blue Lagoon

About 30 miles southwest of Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most popular tourist attractions. This geothermal mineral spa gives off an almost otherworldly look with azure-colored water and steam rising from its surface. The lagoon receives more than 700,000 annual visitors. For a little perspective, that's double the country's entire population.

When you arrive at the property, you're given a locker key, in which you can deposit your valuables and superfluous clothing. Next, you can shower and help yourself to the buckets of silica mud, which is said to condition and exfoliate the skin. And then you can hop into the about 100-degree lagoon to soak. Spa treatments cost extra.

Hallgrímur's Church (Hallgrímskirkja) Hallgrímur's Church (Hallgrímskirkja) free

Iceland's tallest and largest church is also its most photographed site. Named after 17th-century hymn writer and church scholar Reverend Hallgrímur Pétursson, this church took nearly 50 years to complete, with construction on it starting in 1945. The shape of the futuristic structure is a cross between a glacier and a rocket ship.

Recent travelers recommended visiting Hallgr í mur's Church to snap photos of the gorgeous structure and listen to the organ playing during free lunchtime concerts on Thursdays and Saturdays. Many also suggest paying 900 Icelandic k róna ($9) to ride an elevator up to the top of the church. There, you'll find 360-degree views of Reykjavik.

Laugavegur Laugavegur free

For open-air shopping, stroll along Laugavegur. This shopping-centric street is filled with boutiques selling souvenirs, clothing and specialty foods like local cheeses and meats. Additionally, you'll find an array of restaurants that serve everything from Icelandic to Italian to sushi.

Recent travelers described the street as lively and were impressed with the variety of shops and eateries, though some cautioned that prices here are generally higher than what you'd find in American stores. If you do decide to shop here, remember that most stores close by 6 p.m. on weekdays (and even earlier on weekends).

Harpa Harpa free

One of Reykjavik's easiest structures to recognize is its concert hall and conference center, Harpa. Situated at the western end of the Sculpture and Shore Walk, Harpa's modern design regularly woos vacationers and architecture buffs alike. In fact, the window-centric building has won numerous design accolades, including the 2013 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award and the Gramophone Magazine World Architecture Award 2010. The performing arts venue also hosts an array of events, from symphony shows and comedic acts to the Reykjavik Jazz Festival.

First-time visitors love exploring this impressive structure. However, some past travelers who initially visited before 2017 were a bit disappointed to see that the building now limits where you can wander. The lobby, its shops and its restaurants are still free to visit, but checking out Harpa's performance areas and using its bathrooms will now cost you a small fee.

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National Museum of Iceland National Museum of Iceland

This interactive museum tells the history of Iceland, beginning with its pagan rituals and ending with contemporary fashion. Along the way, you'll "meet" a medieval chief and a 14th-century nun, among others, and you can hear about their life experiences via a one-way telephone conversation.

Most recent travelers praised this museum's detailed look into Iceland's past. Some also recommend stopping by the museum's in-house restaurant and gift shops.

The Settlement Exhibition The Settlement Exhibition

As its name implies, The Settlement Exhibition gives visitors a chance to learn more about Reykjavik's first settlers. The museum's main exhibit is an excavation site, which features the remains of a hall inhabited between A.D. 930 and 1000. Travelers can also learn more about how early Icelandic homes were constructed and see Viking artifacts found throughout Reykjavik and on the island of Videy.

Budding archaeologists, history lovers and Viking enthusiasts will love wandering around The Settlement Exhibition. To gain a complete understanding of the museum's collections, recent visitors recommend joining a free guided tour, offered on weekdays in June, July and August at 11 a.m. Complimentary audio guides are also available year-round.

Árbaer Open Air Museum Árbaer Open Air Museum

For a glimpse at what life was like in 19th- and 20th-century Iceland, visit the Árbaer Open Air Museum. This open-air attraction features more than 20 buildings that were originally located in central Reykjavik, plus exhibits about toys, the history of painting houses, early building techniques and more.

Past travelers said this museum offers something for visitors of all ages, though some felt its exhibits did not justify paying an entrance fee of 1,600 Icelandic króna ($15.50) per person. However, waived admissions are available for seniors, disabled visitors and children 17 and younger. Museum fees are also covered for anyone with a Reykjavík City Card.

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Reykjavík - The Capital

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Reykjavík is the natural starting point for any visit to Iceland, and not undeservedly so. The capital is world-renowned for its culture, history, and natural beauty on all fronts.

Visit Reykjavik is the official destination marketing office for the Capital of Iceland. Find out more about Reykjavik on their website.

A city of bold contrasts

Downtown Reykjavík is Iceland's nucleus of Iceland's culture and arts scene. By day, the café culture rules supreme, with the lively hum of conversations. As evening arrives, people start filling into the city's excellent restaurants, where local ingredients are served with fresh delicious lamb, seafood or wild game.

Reykjavík is a city of bold contrasts: it is both cosmopolitan and small-town; vibrant and sophisticated; young-at-heart and yet full of history. Many monuments, new and old, are also worth a peek, including the newly built oceanfront music and conference centre, Harpa. Luckily, everything in Reykjavík is close by, museums, galleries, theatres, cafés and swimming pools for example. As such, the city is perhaps best explored by foot or bike.

The perfect place for a mini-break

The pulsing beat of energy and lively events keeps Reykjavík alive and exciting and people are often surprised and impressed at how much culture, art and activities thrive in the city. But besides being world-renowned for it's vibrant culture, Reykjavík is truly the gateway to Iceland. The capital area has enough natural wonders at its doorstep to serve as a convenient base for exploring a great deal of spectacular landscape in several directions.

From the city, many day trips can also be taken to the surrounding mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and hot springs. Day-excursions from Reykjavík include horseback riding, glacier climbing, river rafting, caving, whale watching, and more.

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Home » Travel Guides » Iceland » 25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavík (Iceland)

25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavík (Iceland)

The capital of Iceland is a young, culturally happening city, as well as a launch pad for natural wonders that people dream of seeing their whole lives.

Like any cool spot Reykjavík is also constantly reinventing itself, as you can see at the Grandi Area by the Old Harbour.

Here fish packing factories have been turned into sharply designed visitor attractions, while creative murals coat the walls and cutting-edge Nordic restaurants have opened.

The waterfront was chosen for the cultural venue, Harpa, a monument for 21st-century Reykjavík with a mesmerising facade by Ólafur Elíasson.

You could stay in Reykjavík’s cosy embrace or stride out to visit the volcanic marvels in the Golden Circle and see whales in the Faxa Bay in summer.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Reykjavík :

1. Hallgrímskirkja

Both a parish church and Iceland’s national sanctuary, Hallgrímskirkja is an ever-present feature of Reykjavík’s skyline.

Conceived in the early-1940s by Guðjón Samúelsson, the church was 41 years in the making and was finally consecrated in 1986. Flanking the 74.5-metre tower are cascading columns intended to evoke Iceland’s basalt landscapes, all giving the impression of a rocket taking off.

Just in front is a statue of Leif Eriksson, the Norse explorer credited as the first European to set foot on American soil at the turn of the 11th century.

One of the things to see inside is a colossal 15-metre high and 25-ton organ by the German master Johannes Klais.

For ISK 1000 you can also ascend the tower for satisfying vistas of the capital.

2. National Museum of Iceland

To get up to speed on Iceland’s 1,200 years of human history there’s only one place to go.

The National Museum of Iceland has a collection assembled since 1863 and moved to its current, rather nondescript building in 1950. This gives no hint of the marvels that are in store inside, laid out over two floors.

The most treasured artefact is the Valþjófsstaður door from the early 13th century.

The relief in the pine wood echoes the story of Yvain, the Knight of the Lion, a Medieval Arthurian romance.

This is one of many fascinating artefacts in the permanent Making of a Nation exhibition, which has over 2,000 objects and 1,000 photographs, beginning with a longboat and ending with a modern airport.

A dazzling modern landmark for Reykjavík, Harpa is the concert hall and conference centre on the water at the Old Harbour.

The project was started in 2007 and completed in 2011 after a delay caused by the financial crisis.

Harpa was designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects, and its otherworldly facade, inspired by Iceland’s famous basalt, was the work of Ólafur Elíasson.

Harpa hosts the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera, and has a busy calendar of festivals like the ultra-hip Sónar Reykjavík in March.

On a typical day you can go in for the cafe, restaurant and shop, catch a free exhibition and watch the 15-minute 360° movie about Iceland’s natural wonders in the Iceland Expo Pavilion.

4. Árbæjarsafn

Reykjavík wouldn’t be a Nordic capital if it didn’t have a Skansen-style open-air museum shedding light on the customs, work and home life of previous generations.

Árbæjarsafn was founded on an abandoned farm in 1957 to preserve a piece of old Reykjavík amid the intense construction taking place in the city at the time.

The buildings at the museum are nearly all authentic, dating mostly to the 19th century.

There’s a blacksmith’s house, a stable, a labourer’s cottage with an exhibition about life in the Great Depression, a general store, a drill used for gold mining and much more.

The museum is open June to August, but has a special Christmas programme in December.

5. The Settlement Exhibition

An intriguing archaeological site on Aðalstræti in Reykjavík 101, the Settlement Exhibition has preserved the vestiges of one of Iceland’s oldest houses.

This hall is from the Settlement Age, sometime in the 10th century, and the wall nearby is even older, dating before 871. These ruins can be dated so precisely because of an eruption in 870 at Torfajökull that left a fine layer of tephra as far as Greenland.

There it was buried in layers of ice, which can be read as a sort of natural calendar.

The ruins are accompanied by explanations of Viking building methods via models and interactive displays that also shed light on the lifestyle in the period.

On the sides of the dig are excavated artefacts like axe heads, glass beads from as far away as India, as well as recreations of settlers’ beds and weapons, and the early Scandinavian Tafl board game.

6. Viðey Island

In the Kollfjörður almost within touching distance of the city’s waterfront is the small island of Viðey.

The Elding ferry service has regular crossings to Viðey, unmissable for its historical architecture and modern culture.

You can navigate the island’s trails on foot or by bike, on the hunt for one of the oldest churches in the country, and Viðey House, which was the first structure in Iceland to be built from stone.

Against the island’s stark heathland are modern monuments like Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower light installation.

Between October 9 (Lennon’s birthday) to December 8 (anniversary of his death), you can’t help but notice this luminous column from the mainland.

From its drum-like stone base the beam rises as high as four kilometres on a clear night.

Richard Serra’s environmental artwork, Milestones is on the west side of Viðey, comprising a series of basalt columns alluding to Iceland’s geology and topography.

7. Reykjavík Maritime Museum

Built in 1947, this fish freezing factory at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour was converted into Reykjavík’s Maritime Museum in 2005. The old fish-processing hall has a superb exhibition about the history of sailing in Iceland, with a specially-constructed wooden pier that has seawater flowing beneath.

You’ll access the pier via the reconstructed deck of the MV Gullfoss, a ferry operating between Iceland, Denmark and Scotland in the mid-20th century.

The exhibition “From Poverty to Abundance” explains the transformative effect of technological advances on Iceland’s fishing industry in the 20th century.

Docked outside is the ICGV Óðinn, a coast guard vessel that took part in all three “Cod Wars” between Iceland and the UK in the 1960s and 70s.

On board you can find a trawl warp cutter, employed to destroy the nets of UK trawlers trespassing in Icelandic waters.

8. Saga Museum

Next door to the Maritime Museum in the Grandi area is a waxwork attraction that brings famous figures from Iceland’s history back to life.

With the help of a multilingual audioguide, the museum recalls more than a millennium of Icelandic history.

It details all the hardships like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and disease that would have been suffered during the island’s settlement from the 9th century AD. What lifts the Saga Museum above a typical waxwork exhibition is the amount of skill and effort that has gone into each tableau.

The clothes, weapons, furniture, tools and jewellery were all crafted using centuries-old techniques.

9. Street Art

Cool as ever, Reykjavík has had a dynamic street art scene since at least the 1990s, but over the last few years it has taken on a new dimension.

Show-stopping murals now adorn building facades around the Old Harbour and Grandi, the result of a collaboration between the Iceland Airwaves music festival and the Berlin-based Urban Nation art initiative.

Titled “Wall Poetry”, these murals are either inspired by individual songs by the likes of Mercury Rev, John Grant or Gus Gus, or are genuine collaborations between the street artist and music artist.

They hark back to a now lost time when visual art was integral to albums.

Wall Poetry is also just the tip of the iceberg for commissioned street art, in Reykjavík and there are large-scale photorealistic works by Guido Van Helten and fanciful pieces by Sara Riel injecting wonder into the cityscape.

Capping Öskjuhlíð hill, the Perlan building is one of Reykjavík’s instantly recognisable landmarks.

Here in 1991 a set of six cylindrical hot water tanks were incorporated into an awesome new building, all topped with a reflective dome.

The first museum inside opened in summer, and Perlan is rolling out new exhibitions and attractions into 2018. The showpiece is the ambitious Glaciers and Ice exhibition, where you’ll put on cold weather gear and make your way through a 100-metre ice cave, peering into its crevasses and learning about the millennia of volcanic ash in its walls.

The floor above has an interactive trip through Iceland’s glaciers, with a 360° image of the world-famous Vatnajökull.

On the fourth floor is an outdoor observation deck set up with telescopes and information panels, where you can see a glacier, the Atlantic, mountains and volcanoes.

11. Tjörnin

Reykjavík is at its most charming around this pond in the centre of the city.

On Tjörnin’s green banks are painted houses, rows of trees, bushes and flowerbeds, all a restful scene for a walk in the warmer months or ice skating in winter.

The north shore is home to the City Hall and a wry Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat, by the sculptor Magnús Tómasson: The lower half is a man in a business suit holding a briefcase and the top half is a block of un-sculpted stone.

The pond is also a few steps from the Supreme Court, the Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík church, the National Theatre and a host of museums like the Living Art Museum, National Gallery of Iceland and the national Museum.

A quirk of Tjörnin is its resident flock of ducks, geese and swans, which remain all year round due to the slight geothermal warmth.

12. Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Cold-water swimming sounds like a nightmare, but has been fixed in Iceland’s heritage since the settlement days 1,000 years ago.

In 2001 a safe bathing spot was formed by building sea walls to form a lagoon just south of the airport and university.

With beautiful golden sand, the Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is replenished by the sea and has its own geothermal waters, so its temperature is a few degrees higher than the open water.

This can be a mild 19°C in summer.

In winter, depending on the tide level, the lagoon can vary from just above freezing to 10°. If you’re brave enough to try, there’s a communal hot tub warmed by a vent and a steam room a few brisk strides away.

13. Hafnarhús

The largest of the three locations for the Reykjavík Art Museum, Hafnarhús is a former fishery office and warehouse on the harbour, and was repurposed as a gallery in 2000. Head here for avant-garde and experimental temporary exhibitions by the leading lights of the contemporary art scene.

When this post was written in 2018 there were shows for contemporary art in Denmark, a precis of contemporary art in Iceland and an exhibition for the sculptor and installation artist Páll Haukur.

Whenever you come there will be a permanent exhibition for the Icelandic Pop Artist Erró, who donated a big chunk of his oeuvre to the museum in 1989.

14. The Sun Voyager

This abstract stainless steel sculpture of a ship has become a favourite photo op since it was erected in 1990 to commemorate the city’s 200th anniversary.

The work is on a small man-made headland off the Sæbraut road.

Surprisingly, given the name, the ship points north, across the bay to the Esjan mountain, and it was originally intended to greet the sunset in the west of the city.

The Sun Voyager’s designer was Jón Gunnar Árnason who was nearing the end of his life when he completed this contemplative work, and wouldn’t live to see it unveiled.

15. Einar Jónsson Museum

If you had to make a list of acclaimed Icelandic artists, the 20th-century sculptor Einar Jónsson would be at or near the top.

As modelling clay is rare in Iceland, Jónsson worked mostly in plaster, and because of its malleability was able to spend up to a decade on a single piece.

of His art is infused with drama and depicts contemporary figures and historic and mythological Icelandic and Nordic heroes.

Early in his career, in 1909, he did something extraordinary by donating all of his works to the Icelandic State providing a museum was built to house them.

Jónsson chose the location, atop Skólavörðuhæð, and the design for the eye-catching Eclecticist building, which was completed in 1923. Jónsson had his studio and apartment here, and the space he used as a garden has since been decorated with bronze casts of his most famous works.

16. Whales of Iceland

Added to the collection of family attractions that have sprouted in the harbour-side Grandi area, Whales of Iceland is all about the 23 cetacean species that inhabit the country’s seas.

This museum is laid out with life-sized models in immersive environments with ambient lighting and sound, and is a collaboration between a whale watching company and the Marine Research Institute of Iceland.

The models of the blue whale, sperm whale, humpback whale, fin whale, minke whale, orca and dolphin species are all impressive enough and paired with information about their behaviour and migration routes.

But there’s a lot of technology in play, like an interactive station where you can track whales’ movements in real time.

17. Nightlife

Reykjavík may be intimidating in its hipness, but the city’s bar scene is open and friendly, even in the depths of winter.

Alcohol prices may be high, but for more than two decades now the city has been touted as one of the best places in the world to go out.

The nightspots are confined to 101, in the city centre, and are nearly all intimate bars with special motifs and themes.

There’s even a bar in homage to the Coen Brothers’ movie, the Big Lebowski.

Many will have a stage for live music, and the only times you’ll have to pay a cover charge is when there’s a band playing.

On Fridays and Saturdays Reykjavík’s bars stay open until 05:00, and the local way to go out is to get a round or two in one and then move on to the next.

18. Nordic House

At Vatsmýrin, under 10 minutes on foot from the centre of Reykjavík, is the Nordic House, a cultural institution established in 1968 to support Iceland’s ties with other Nordic nations.

Something that makes the Nordic House stand out is its design by the distinguished Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto.

He saw his buildings as a Gesamtkunstwerk (all-encompassing art-form), and with his wife Elissa, took charge of the finest details like fittings, furniture and decoration.

This is the case at the Nordic House, and at this stylish setting you can view exhibitions on Nordic design, browse Aalto’s wonderful library, check out the design shop and dine at the AALTO Bistro.

The head chef here is Sveinn Kjartansson, a household name in Iceland.

19. Kjarvalsstaðir

In a Nordic Modernist hall, Kjarvalsstaðir is another branch of the Reykjavík Art Museum and opened in 1973. It was inaugurated the year after the death of one of the nation’s favourite painters, Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, taking his name and housing a permanent exhibition of his work.

Acclaimed for his landscapes Kjarval couldn’t be defined by one movement, but many of his paintings are grounded in Symbolism and he veered towards abstraction later in his career.

Also on permanent show at Kjarvalsstaðir are pieces by Erró and the sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson.

Kjarvalsstaðir also stages up to 20 temporary exhibitions a year for established names in international modern and contemporary art.

20. Northern Lights

Aurora Reykjavík is an information centre on hand to help you experience the Northern Lights in all their beauty.

The Aurora Borealis, caused by electronically charged particles from the sun colliding with the upper atmosphere, is visible around Reykjavík in the winter months.

But chance plays a big role because above all else you’ll need a clear night.

You could plan your holiday around the aurora forecasts that you can find online.

Beyond this you’ll have to be clear of the city, to avoid light pollution, either on a boat, on the coast or out in the countryside.

If everything goes your way and you’re in the right place you’ll be treated to one of the great natural spectacles, when swirling bands from pale green to pink, yellow and blue float across the sky.

21. Golden Circle

Three of Iceland’s most inspiring natural sights are on this 300-kilometre loop that takes you from Reykjavík into Iceland’s southern uplands.

The first stop, just over an hour east of the city is the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, where there’s a canyon caused by the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and the site of the Alþingi, the oldest parliament in the world, set up in 930. Gullfoss is a sensational double waterfall, 32 metres high, while the Haukadalur valley has host springs, mud pots and geysers like Strokkur, which erupts every 5-10 minutes.

Guided tours tend to depart from Reykjavík at 08:00-10:00 and 12:00-14:00 and return by the evening.

For more freedom you can rent your own car.

Crowd-averse people can even leave at night in summer, and witness these sights lit by the midnight sun before camping in the Þingvellir National Park.

For those with just a small window to experience Iceland’s scenery, this 914-metre basalt and tuff peak is only 10 kilometres from the city.

Framing the city from the sea, Esjan can be done using public transport.

Just catch the 15 from the Hlemmur bus terminal, and then at Háholt in Mosfellsbær change for the 57, which will deposit you at the hiking centre at the foot of the mountain.

There are a few routes to the top or around the slopes and these are labelled for difficulty by a boot icon, ranging from one to three.

In summer you’ll start off in green meadows dappled with purple wildflowers, but if you’re heading for the peak the last 200 metres are gruelling and for experts only.

If you’re one of the few who does make it to the top, make sure to sign the guestbook.

23. Whale Watching and Puffin Tours

Reykjavík is one of the best places in Iceland to see whales, as the city is couched in the Faxa Bay, a gathering point for a wealth of species in summer.

From April to September more than 20 species of cetaceans can be counted in the bay, but by far the most plentiful are the minke and humpback whales.

Tours depart daily from the Old Harbour mostly on small vessels with a personal touch.

Chances are high you’ll get to see a humpback or minke whale breaching, but there’s more to look out for: Most trips will take you past Akurey, which has a sizeable puffin population.

The views back to Reykjavík and its mountainous backdrop from the bay are memorable, and seals, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises may show up from time to time.

Just remember to bring your camera!

24. Horseback Riding Tours

The Icelandic horse is the only breed in the country, and is strictly regulated; it is forbidden to import any horses, and once an Icelandic horse has been exported it isn’t allowed to return.

Recognised by its long, full mane and pony-like stature, this versatile breed is long-lived, suffers from few diseases and is used for racing, sheepherding and plain old fun.

Horseback riding is of course more of a rural pursuit, but there are at least ten stables on the outskirts of Reykjavík offering one-off lessons, heathland hacks or multi-day adventures.

In the region, you could ride the Golden Circle, explore the stratovolcano Hekla or trek along the wild Snæfellsnes peninsula on the west coast.

Viking Horses, Laxnes Horse Farm, Icelandic Riding and Ishestar Horse Riding Tours are just four of the companies nearby.

25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavík (Iceland):

Hallgrímskirkja
National Museum of Iceland
Árbæjarsafn
The Settlement Exhibition
Viðey Island
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Saga Museum
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
The Sun Voyager
Einar Jónsson Museum
Whales of Iceland
Nordic House
Kjarvalsstaðir
Northern Lights
Golden Circle
Whale Watching and Puffin Tours
Horseback Riding Tours

Reykjavik Travel Guide

SD › Reykjavik Travel Guide Updated: June 3, 2022 By Santorini Dave

The 83 best hotels, restaurants, shops, craft breweries, bars, cafes, museums, markets, tours, neighborhoods, and things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland. See Also: Best Reykjavik Hotels Best Reykjavik Hotels for Families Best Boutique Hotels in Reykjavik Best Reykjavik Budget Hotels Best Time to Visit Iceland Reykjavik Hotels 1. Apotek • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik • $$$$ Located in the heart of Reykjavik, this hotel is nestled inside one of the city’s oldest historic buildings, the Reykjavikurapótek (the city’s main pharmacy). The decor blends original features (elegant marble staircase, curved walls) with contemporary neutral tones and clean lines. In keeping with the building’s history, resident “pharmacists” mix medicinal-themed cocktails at the hotel bar. • +354 512 9000 2. 101 Hotel • Downtown/101/Miðborg • $$$$ Unassuming from the outside, this hotel doubles as a contemporary art gallery, while the cozy lounge and library with an open fireplace bring to mind a ski chalet. The open-plan, immaculately appointed guest rooms are all slate-greys, whites, and volcanic blacks, while the basement spa features a geothermally heated jacuzzi. Terrific Icelandic/European dining onsite, complete with killer cocktails. • +354 580 0101 3. Óðinsvé • Downtown/101/Miðborg • $$$$ Steps away from Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s nightlife and shopping street, this stylish, midrange option puts many of the city’s main attractions right on your doorstep. Minimalist rooms blend early 19th-century architecture and slate-grey and charcoal decor, decorated with striking black-and-white landscape photos of Iceland. The hotel’s award-winning bistro, Snaps, serves French-inspired dishes and excellent cocktails. • +354 511 6200 4. Borg • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik • $$$ Near the Icelandic Parliament, Iceland’s oldest luxury hotel blends its 1930s Art Deco ambiance with contemporary, monochromatic rooms – all with custom-made furnishings, Bang & Olufsen TVs, and atmospheric photos of Reykjavik a century ago. There’s a good spa and relaxation annex, and the much-lauded restaurant serves excellent hot and cold buffet breakfasts, as well as refined Icelandic dishes. • +354 551 1440 5. Canopy by Hilton • Downtown/101/Miðborg • $$$$ Spread across six buildings of a former furniture factory a few minutes’ walk from lively Laugavegur street, the rooms here are a nod to Icelandic landscapes; blues and volcanic greys livened up with contemporary pieces by local artists. There’s an onsite library specializing in Icelandic literature, and the Geiri Smart restaurant pairs Icelandic fish and locally-farmed dry-aged meat with an impressive list of cold climate wine. The Canopy Central Bistro & Bar holds nightly tastings of local beers, spirits, and snacks. • +354 528 7000 6. Kvosin Downtown • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik • $$$ Comprising suites that range from Junior to Valkyrie, Kvosin is a 19th-century building given a 21st-century facelift by local designers. The apartments – the city’s largest – exude Scandinavian minimalism, livened up by documentary-style photos of Reykjavik life. The 24-hour service is excellent and the adjacent Klaustur bar is among Reykjavik’s best. The city’s best restaurants, plus many attractions, are right nearby. • +354 571 4460 7. Eyja Guldsmeden • Hlídar • $$$ A warm haven to retreat to after chasing the northern lights, rooms here are both stylish and snug, with four-poster beds and natural sheepskin and cowhide strewn throughout. There’s an emphasis on sustainability, from local and organic produce at the onsite restaurant to eco-friendly toiletries, plus killer views of Esja Mountain from half the rooms. Main attractions are within a 20-minute walk (or short bicycle ride) from the hotel. • +354 519 7300 8. Hlemmur Square Hotel and Hostel • Hlídar • $$$$/$ This hip urban hotel opposite the bus station is two-in-one: a boutique hotel of slick, minimalist rooms with welcome crimson and orange accents and contemporary art, and a hostel with dorms and simple private rooms. There’s a terrific cocktail and craft beer bar onsite, with more bars and dining options found along Laugavegur street, a few minutes’ walk away. • +354 415 1600 9. Konsulat • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik • $$$ Right in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, this converted high-end department store is all browns and muted oranges inside, with well-appointed, spacious rooms popular with business travelers. An excellent spa, pool and award-winning chef are among the perks here. Konsulat is a short walk from the harbor, Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik Art Museum, and a plethora of restaurants and bars. • +354 514 6800 Reykjavik Restaurants 10. Fiskmarkaðurinn • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik • $$$$ ‘Fish Market’ does everything right. The menu is succinct and well-executed, from lumpfish roe with fermented potatoes and bitter-lemon-glazed Arctic char to elaborate sushi rolls and tempura. The creative desserts hit the spot, the setting is stylish yet understated, the service is friendly and efficient, and the cocktails are terrific. • +354 758 8877 11. Fiskfélagið • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik • $$$$ Fish is the star at ‘Fish Company’, with each dish given the global treatment: Mexican-style tuna seared with chipotle, Icelandic gravlax with a dash of Brennivin firewater, Fijian-style coconut lobster soup. Dine on the sunny outdoor terrace or inside the cozy stone-and-timber dining room. • +354 552 5300 12. Matur og Drykkur • Old Harbour • $$ Attached to the Saga Museum, this smart bistro serves inventive takes on traditional Icelandic recipes. Expect the likes of lamb with smoked almonds, salt cod with rutabaga mash, and skyr (Icelandic yogurt) with caramel and Arctic thyme biscuit. Book ahead for dinner. • +354 571 8877 13. Apotek • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik • $$$ Beautiful Icelandic dishes inside the hotel of the same name. Choose between a spread of small plates, from lamb tartar and puffin to slow-cooked sea trout, or go for a more substantial rack of lamb or plaice with samphire. The artisan cocktail list is divided into ‘stimulant’, ‘painkiller’ and ‘tranquiliser’ categories. • +354 551 0011 14. Grillmarkaðurinn • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik • $$$ All volcanic rock, dark wood and glass, the Grill Market particularly excels at meat and seafood dishes, cooked over the coals of their custom-made grill. Most ingredients are sourced from local farmers and there are stellar cocktails to boot. • +354 571 7777 15. Dill • Downtown/101/Miðborg • $$$$ Iceland’s sole Michelin-starred restaurant, Dill embraces ‘New Nordic’ cuisine and takes Icelandic ingredients to new heights. Choose between a 5 and 7-course tasting menu, each consisting of delicate, beautifully put-together dishes. Sit at the bar overlooking the open kitchen or opt for a candlelit table. Reservations essential. • +354 552 1522 16. Sumac Grill + Drinks • Downtown/101/Miðborg • $$ Icelandic seasonal ingredients meet Lebanese and Moroccan spices and cooking techniques at Sumac. Perch at the counter of the open kitchen and watch the chefs at work or get assorted meze – harissa chicken wings, grilled eggplant with pomegranate, deep-fried cod cheeks with sumac aioli – for the whole table. • +354 537 9900 17. Kol Restaurant • Downtown/101/Miðborg • $$$ Icelandic comfort food with an international twist, Kol does wonderful things with largely local ingredients. Standout dishes include lamb sirloin with honey-pickled rutabaga, Icelandic scallops with dill mayo and beef tenderloin with black garlic. Splurge on the tasting menu and don’t miss the terrific cocktails • +354 517 7474 18. Messinn • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik • $$ Pan-fried catch of the day, accompanied by buttery potatoes and salad, is the specialty at this casual, homey restaurant. Particularly popular at lunchtime. • +354 546 0095 19. ROK • Downtown/101/Miðborg • $$$ Hip yet unpretentious, ROK encourages communal dining with its emphasis on small plates for sharing. These range from traditional Icelandic fish pie and cured reindeer with blue cheese to spicy mushroom burgers with jalapeno mayo. The tasting menus are worth the splurge and it’s champagne happy hour from 4 to 7pm daily. • +354 544 4443 20. Snaps Bistro • Downtown/101/Miðborg • $$$ Wildly popular with locals, this affordable bistro is Iceland meets France. Expect steak bearnaise with French fries and seafood bouillabaisse. Lunch specials are a bargain and the glassed-in porch is a top spot for brunch. Reserve ahead. • +354 511 6677 Reykjavik Shopping 21. Geysir • Downtown/101/Miðborg Icelandic woolen goodies and more. Come here for traditional Icelandic sweaters and blankets, as well as more contemporary designs. Also sells men’s and women’s shoes and accessories. • +354 519 6030 22. Orrifinn • Downtown/101/Miðborg Unique, Iceland-themed jewelry. Inspired by Iceland’s landscape and history, this jeweler specializes in delicate pendants and rings involving axes, keys, serpents, anchors, and more. • +354 789 7616 23. 12 Tónar • Downtown/101/Miðborg Independent record store. Come to this two-story shop and independent record label for a complimentary espresso, a chat with local musicians, and a browse through stacks of Icelandic and international vinyl. • +354 511 5656 24. 66° North • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik Quality outdoor gear. With three stores scattered around downtown Reykjavik, 66º North has been designing sporty outerwear since 1926. Parkas, windbreakers, hiking pants, fleeces, and more. 25. Aftur • Downtown/101/Miðborg Eco-aware local designer. Sleek, urban designer apparel for men and women, with an emphasis on recycling and upcycling. Current owner also handpicks clothing and accessories by labels that share her aesthetic. • +354 775 1000 26. Mál og Menning • Downtown/101/Miðborg Terrific independent bookshop. Three-story Icelandic institution, with an excellent selection of English-language books on Iceland’s history, nature, and culture. Also international titles covering all major genres. • +354 580 5000 27. Smekkleysa • Downtown/101/Miðborg Legendary record store and infamous record label. “Bad Taste” is all about punk rock and other alternative music – singer Bjork is one of the label’s founders. Music aside, Smekkleysa also sells poetry, novels, and offbeat greetings cards. • +354 551 3730 28. Rammagerdin • Downtown/101/Miðborg One of the city’s best souvenir shops. Plenty of woolen goods, T-shirts with unique designs, made from recycled materials, Iceland-inspired lava jewelry, lava salt, and more. Several branches around the city. 29. Hrim • Downtown/101/Miðborg Creative Scandinavian design store. This is mostly funky, beautifully made kitchenware, from cheese boards to wine glasses. Also some nifty gifts, such as raven-shaped lamps. • +354 553 3003 30. Ófeigur Björnsson • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik Bespoke gold- and silverwork. Master craftsman Björnsson designs unique silver and gold jewellery inset with lava and other natural material. His wife is a dressmaker and you can find her creations and accessories here as well. • +354 551 1161 Reykjavik Craft Beer 31. Skúli Craft Bar • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik Arguably Iceland’s classiest and best craft beer bar, with up to 14 local brews on tap, mostly from the award-winning Borg brewery. Come during happy hour (2-7pm) to take advantage of the cheaper prices. Brews to try include the experimental Leifur, Úlfur IPA, and Garún (imperial stout). • +354 519 6455 32. MicroBar • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik One of the oldest craft beer bars in Iceland, MicroBar has ten local draughts on tap from the Gæðingur brewery in north Iceland, as well as a plethora of bottled beers from all over the world. Darker, stronger brews are best here. Can’t make up your mind? Try the beer flight. • +354 865 8389 33. Mikkeler & Friends • Downtown/101/Miðborg Inside one of the oldest buildings in downtown Reykjavik, the colorful interior of this Danish craft beer pub was designed by a famous film set designer and features a theatrical/circus theme. There are 20 rotating beers on tap, from Mikkeler’s own to Icelandic craft brews. Great pizzeria below. • +354 437 0203 34. Kaldi Bar • Downtown/101/Miðborg Popular with students and arty types, Kaldi usually has four beers on tap from Kaldi Brewery – Iceland’s original microbrewery. The beers are brewed using the centuries-old Czech method; the unfiltered Kaldi brew is a local favorite. Light pub food served. • +354 581 2200 35. Icelandic Craft Bar • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik This super-central bar focuses exclusively on Icelandic brews, with six on tap and 14 bottled beers from Börg, Einstök, Víking, and the rarer Austri from east Iceland. If you’re hungry, you can bring food here from Icelandic Street Food, a sister business several doors down. Occasional live music in the basement. • +354 691 3350 36. Bryggjan Brugghús • Old Harbour This independent brewery by the harbor takes its beers seriously. There’s a daily “beer academy” where you can learn all about their craft, and 30-minute beer tours, complete with flights of their top brews. Don’t miss the Paint It Black stout, the fruity yet bitter IPA or the spiced Mashing Pumpkins red ale. There’s a bistro here as well. • +354 456 4040 Reykjavik Bars 37. Slippbarinn • Old Harbour Iceland’s first cocktail bar inside the Icelandair Reykjavik Marina has a frequently changing cocktail menu that includes both traditional favorites and original creations, such as the mezcal- and vermouth-infused Smokin’ Aces and 21st Century, with house-made birch and cacao liqueur. Occasional live jazz. • +354 560 8080 38. Kolabrautin • Old Harbour Apart from the stellar location overlooking the harbor at the top of the Harpa Concert Hall, multi-level Kolabrautin is particularly good for exotic cocktails. The attached restaurant is terrific as well, with a short but sweet menu of Icelandic-Italian fusion dishes. • +354 519 9700 39. Aldamót • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik Inside Kvosin Downtown , this classy establishment takes the study of hops, wine and spirits seriously. Particularly renowned for its craft martinis that use fresh fruit and herbs, though there are also rotating Icelandic craft brews on tap, as well as carefully selected wines. • +354 571 4421 40. Kaffibarinn • Downtown/101/Miðborg Pass through the door decorated with a London Underground sign to enter one of the city’s hippest bars, part-owned by Damon from the band Blur. The candlelit interior, some of the longest happy hours in Reykjavik (3-8pm), on-point DJs, and a great selection of beers, shots, and more make this a good place for a drink anytime. • +354 551 1588 41. DRINX Bar • Downtown/101/Miðborg Attached to KEX Hostel , this popular bar inside a former cookie factory is a favorite nightspot for locals and visitor alike. Excellent drink selection; from local lagers, craft beers, and ales to carefully selected wines. The attached gastropub serves Icelandic cuisine with emphasis on local and foraged ingredients. Great sea views. • +354 561 6060 Reykjavik Coffee Shops and Bakeries 42. Reykjavik Roasters • Downtown/101/Miðborg This minimalist coffee shop imports its Fair Trade beans directly from Nicaragua and Colombia and roasts them onsite. Great pastries, too. Three downtown locations. 43. Kaffitár • Downtown/101/Miðborg This Icelandic coffee roaster has five branches around the city and is known for its ecological practices and specialty coffees from around the world. Freshly made cakes and pastries also. Great place to sit with a laptop. 44. Kaffi Vinyl • Downtown/101/Miðborg Lively café with occasional live music, open daily. Pair your coffee with delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. • +354 537 1332 45. Mokka Kaffi • Downtown/101/Miðborg Reykjavik’s original coffee shop. The Art Deco decor hasn’t changed much since the 1950s, and the coffee is good and strong. • +354 552 1174 46. Brauð & Co • Downtown/101/Miðborg This colorful, mural-covered bakery is hard to miss. Come here for some of the city’s best, freshly-baked bread and scrumptious pastries. • +354 456 7777 47. Café Haiti • Old Harbour The Haitian owner imports her beans from the island and roasts and grinds them onsite. Don’t miss out on the cakes, either. • +354 588 8484 48. Te og Kaffi Micro Roast • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik This coffee roastery specializes in numerous ways of coffee brewing and favors small batch coffees. Numerous gourmet teas also. • +354 527 2883 49. Bakari Sandholt • Downtown/101/Miðborg Arguably the most popular bakery in the city. Fresh croissants, pastries, baguettes, and sandwiches are all on offer here, as well as beautiful, elaborate cakes. • +354 551 3524 Reykjavik Tours and Things to Do 50. Soak in the Blue Lagoon Iceland’s most famous thermal springs. Incredibly popular, the steaming teal waters of Blue Lagoon fill up with visitors who paint themselves with the mineral-rich white mud. The hot springs are an easy day trip from Reykjavik, and you can even go for a soak just before catching your flight home, since it’s right near the airport. Book your slot online well ahead; evenings and early mornings are least crowded. 51. Drive the Golden Circle Geysers, waterfalls, and ancient sites. This driving trip from Reykjavik can easily be done in a day, stopping at three key attractions, all of them within 100km o the city. Geysir is a powerful spouting hot spring that shoots scalding jets of water into the air at regular intervals. Gullfoss is an impressive waterfall with boardwalks that take you up to the spray, while Þingvellir was the site of Alþingi, the world’s first democratic parliament, established by the Vikings. 52. Go Whale-Watching and Puffin-Spotting Wildlife-spotting boat tours. Departing from the Old Harbour, numerous boat companies run whale and puffin-watching tours year-round. There are more departures during the summer months, when whale sightings are more common. Recommended companies include Reykjavik Sailors and Whale Safari . Alternatively, sail in the reconstructed Viking longboat, Gaukstad, with Viking Adventure . 53. Go Inside the Volcano Extinct volcano and magma chamber. Adventure tour outfitter Inside The Volcano runs day trips inside the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano, a three-hour ride from the city (complimentary pick-up, or drive yourself). Groups hike for an hour to the crater and then take the elevator 120m down into a 4000-year-old magma chamber that once bubbled with lava. Over-12s only. 54. Go Glacier-walking and Ice Climbing Year-round adventures on the Sólheimajökull glacier. Icelandic Mountain Guides and Arctic Adventures run popular day trips to the most accessible part of the immense Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You can choose between walking on the glacier, exploring the ice cave under the Katla Volcano, or combining the two. Ice-climbing jaunts run from September to April; participants must be relatively fit. 55. Chase the Northern Lights Fire in the sky. During the winter months, most outdoor adventure companies offer evening jaunts into the countryside to try and spot the eerie ribbons of the aurora borealis unfurling across the sky. Trips last around 4 hours and depart at 9 or 10pm. If you’re in Reykjavik during the warmer months, you can catch a northern lights simulation at Aurora Reykjavik, near the harbor. 56. Go Snowmobiling Year-round snowmobile tours. Mountaineers of Iceland run entertaining half-day tours on the Langjökull glacier near the Gullfoss waterfall. You need your own wheels to get out there, but no prior experience is needed for the actual ride through the Icelandic highlands. 57. Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Reykjavik’s iconic church. Built between 1945 and 1986, this striking white-conctrete church dominates the hilltop in central Reykjavik. Inside, this Lutheran church is rather austere, but worth a peek for its impressive 5275-pipe organ. Take the elevator up the 74.5m-high tower for fantastic panoramic views of the city. • +354 510 1000 58. Tour the Harpa Concert Hall Award-winning music venue. Its many facets glistening on the waterfront, Harpa combines striking modern architecture with terrific acoustics. It’s home to Icelandic Opera and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and hosts numerous music festivals, such as Dark Music Days, Reykjavik Jazz Festival, and Reykjavik Midsummer Music. Even if you don’t attend a concert, it’s well worth taking one of the daily guided tours of the building. • +354 515 7733 59. Explore the Perlan Planetarium and exhibitions on Icelandic nature. This dome is both a planetarium and a well-designed exhibition centre. Wonders of Iceland introduces you to the land of ice and fire. Get up close and personal with aquatic creatures in Underwater Journey, wander through a man-made Ice Cave, and wonder at the fiery photos of active volcanoes. Don’t miss 360-degree views of the city from the wrap-around viewing deck. • +354 566 9000 60. Take the kids to the Reykjavik Zoo & Family Park Iceland’s wild animals next to a play park. A favorite with families, Reykjavik Zoo is a great place to see foxes, seals, and the famous Icelandic ponies. There’s also a petting zoo, and next door is a play park with a mini racetrack, huge trampoline, and fairground rides for younger kids. • +354 411 5900 61. Admire the Sun Voyager Reykjavik’s iconic sculpture. Head for the waterfront to check out the Sun Voyager, an almost ethereal Viking longboat by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. The artist’s intention was to convey the promise of undiscovered territory, freedom, and hope. It’s also a favorite spot for sunset-watching, with the snow-capped mountains in the distance. 62. Take the Omnom Chocolate Tour Reykjavik’s gourmet chocolate factory. Come and find out how Iceland’s bean to bar chocolate is made and taste numerous unusual flavours, from sea salt and licorice and black and burnt barley to drunk raisins and coffee. Tours take place at 2pm on weekdays and last around an hour; book online at least one day in advance. • +354 519 5959 63. Visit Viðey Island Tiny uninhabited island. Frequent daily boats run to Viðey, 1km north of the cruise ship harbor, where you can wander the footpaths past an abandoned fishing village and the remains of a 13th century monastery. The island is great for birdwatching, as well as modern art: on the northwest coast, Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower shoots a ray of light into tme sky every night between John Lennon’s birthday and the anniversary of his death. 64. Go Horseback Riding Ride sturdy little Icelandic horses through lava fields. Several stables near Reykjavik offer horseback riding jaunts for all levels of experience, ranging from 90-minute outings to multi-day trips through the countryside. Recommended operators include Laxnes , Islenski Hesturinn , and Reykjavik Riding Centre . 65. Explore Reykjavik on Foot Themed walking tours. Citywalk runs free history and culture walking tours that takes in the city’s main sights, as well as pub crawls. Super-popular Haunted Walk delves into Icelandic folklore and takes visitors ghost-spotting, while the Reykjavik City Library runs the 90-minute Dark Deeds tour that focuses on crime fiction. Reykjavik Museums and Art Galleries 66. Reykjavik Art Museum • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik Contemporary Icelandic art. Spread over three locations, this terrific museum presents the best of contemporary Icelandic talent, from installations and abstract sculpture to paintings, photography, and video. The Hafnarhús – a soaring steel and concrete exhibition space – is the most central of the three. • +354 411 6400 67. Whales of Iceland • Old Harbour The largest whale museum in Europe. Stroll under the lifesize models of the 23 species of whales you’re likely to encounter in Icelandic waters, from bowhead and blue whales to sperm whales and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Well worth downloading the museum’s app before you visit. • +354 571 0077 68. Reykjavik Maritime Museum • Old Harbour Iceland’s seafaring heritage. This former fish-freezing factory celebrates Iceland’s centuries-old relationship with the sea, from Viking voyages to the country’s lifeblood – it’s fishing industry. Learn about piracy and daring coastguard rescues, and check out the dried cod. Occasional guided tours aboard the coastguard ship Óðinn. • +354 411 6340 69. Saga Museum • Old Harbour Icelandic history come to life. Walk your way through centuries of Iceland’s turbulent history since its first settlement by Norsemen in the 9th century AD. Key moments, including the devastation wreaked by the Black Death, are brought to life by the realisitic-looking tableaux of mannequins – visitors can play dress-up too. • +354 511 1517 70. Icelandic Phallological Museum • Hlídar Huge collection of penises. This unique, educational museum is home to pickled and petrified manhoods representing all Icelandic land mammals as well as ones further afield – porpoises, polar bears, walruses, blue whales… Look out for silver castings of all members of the Icelandic handball team. • +354 561 6663 71. National Gallery of Iceland • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik The most comprehensive collection of Icelandic art. The light, bright marble galleries display some of the museum’s 10,000 pieces on rotation and there are frequent special exhibitions by the likes of Sigurjón Ólafsson, Jóhannes Kjarval, and other prominent Icelandic artists. • +354 515 9600 72. National Museum • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik The history of Iceland from the earliest Nordic settlement to the present day. This excellent museum is the perfect starting point for getting a handle on the country’s history and culture, from the Making of a Nation exhibition to a wealth of historical artifacts, such as elaborately carved drinking horns, weaponry, and household objects through the ages. • +354 530 2200 73. Einar Jónsson Museum • Downtown/101/Miðborg Works by Iceland’s first sculptor. Drawing inspiration from Icelandic folklore, Jónsson was particularly renowned for his intense symbolist works, some of which are scattered around central Reykjavik. Look out for Outlaws, The Birth of Psyche, and Fate – and don’t miss the sculpture garden out back. • +354 551 3797 74. Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum • Laugardalur Abstract sculpture in a seafront location. Reachable via the windswept waterfront path from central Reykjavik, the former studio of sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson showcases driftwood totem poles, figures cut from rusted tin, carvings and abstract sculpture. • +354 553 2906 75. Árbær Open Air Museum • Outskirts Historic houses and kid-friendly exhibitions. Some 4km southeast of Reykjavik, this fun museum consists of 20 or so historic buildings from the 1840s onwards, including a turf-roofed church, smithy, boathouses and stables. There’s an exhibition of toys through the ages, family-friendly activities, and a summer café. • +354 411 6304 Food and Flea Markets 76. Kolaportid Flea Market • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik Enormous flea and food market. Held on weekends in a massive industrial building by the waterfront, this market has numerous stalls selling vintage clothing, old toys, and assorted bric-a-brac. The food stalls are a good place to sample such traditional delicacies as rúgbrauð (geothermically baked rye bread) and hákarl (fermented shark). • +354 562 5030 77. Grandi Mathöll • Old Harbour Pioneering street food hall by the harbor. This refurbished fish factory has been transformed into Reykjavik’s first food hall. Chose between traditional Icelandic cuisine (such as smoked lamb) and Vietnamese and Korean street food, pair smoked seafood with bubbles, and wash it all down with quality coffee, craft beer on tap, and wine. • +354 787 6200 78. Hlemmur Mathöll • Hlídar Street food hall attached to the bus station. An excellent variety of eateries and food stalls spanning the globe, from L.A.-style fish tacos and Vietnamese banh mi to dishes put together from foraged Icelanic ingredients and pizza. Also branches of the city’s most popular bakeries and coffee shops. • +354 577 6200 Reykjavik Neighborhoods 79. Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik The compact city center, comprising a number of historic buildings and remains of the original settlement. Narrow streets here are lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and craft shops, and the Icelandic Parliament, town hall, and several attractions are located within a few minutes’ walk of each other. The city center is flanked by Tjörnin lake to the south, beyond which is Iceland’s National Museum. Adjacent to the harbor, and Downtown/101. Best stuff : Apotek • Borg • Kvosin Downtown • Konsulat • Reykjavik Art Museum – Hafnarhús (cutting-edge, contemporary Icelandic art) • Settlement Exhibition (remains of the original settlement brought to life) • Reykjavik Museum of Photography • National Museum (Iceland’s best museum spans the country’s history) • Volcano House (films about Iceland’s most famous volcanoes and hands-on lava exhibit) • Kolaportið Flea Market (bric-a-brac and traditional Icelandic food) • Fiskmarkaðurinn (celebrated seafood restaurant, great sushi and cocktails also) • Fiskfélagið (Icelandic seafood recipes given the global treatment) • Apotek (former pharmacy; small sharing plates, original cocktails) • Lobster Hut (food truck serving lobster sandwiches, salads and soups) • Hornið (Art Deco pizzeria) • Messinn (inexpensive, tasty fish dishes, large portions) • Grillmarkaðurinn (striking decor, innovative dishes from locally sourced ingredients) • Aldamót (bar renowned for martinis; also Icelandic craft beer) • Icelandic Craft Bar (extensive range of Icelandic craft beer) • MicroBar (one of Iceland’s oldest craft beer bars, bottled brews sources worldwide) • Skúli Craft Bar (Reykjavik’s best craft beer bar) • Icelandic Street Food (hearty stews, pancakes and cake) • Te & Kaffi (great coffee, gourmet teas). 80. Old Harbour Bordering the historic city center to the north is the Old Harbour. Formerly the hub for fisheries and trade, thanks to which Reykjavik grew into a proper city, it’s now the jumping-off point for whale- and puffin-spotting cruises, as well as northern lights cruises. At the east end of the harbor is the visually stunning Harpa concert hall. Bookending the neighborhood to the west is an industrial area that juts into the harbor; several of the warehouses there have been converted into excellent museums, a food hall, and a chocolate factory. Along the waterfront, you’ll also find several good restaurants and cafes. Best stuff : Harpa Concert Hall (architectural wonder with terrific acoustics) • Whales of Iceland (kid-friendly museum with life-size models of whales) • reykjavik Maritime Museum (Iceland’s maritime history) • Saga Museum • Aurora Reykjavik (northern lights simulation) • Omnom Chocolate (take a tour and sample gourmet chocolates) • Coocoo’s Nest (popular brunches, good cocktails) • Matur og Drykkur (inventive takes on traditional Icelandic fare) • Grandi Mathöll (gourmet food hall spanning the globe) • Kopar (9-course tasting menu of Icelandic flavours) • Ristorante Caruso (authentic Italian pizza, great harbor views) • Valdís (Reykjavik’s best ice cream) • Bryggjan Brugghús (harborside microbrewery also serving great fish and meat dishes) • Kolabrautin (innovative spins on Icelandic fare) • Café Haiti (coffee from Haiti, delectable cakes) • Slippbarinn (buzzy cocktail bar). 81. Downtown/101/Miðborg This bustling, easily walkable neighborhood is Reykjavik’s beating heart, and where you’ll find several notable attractions, as well as one of the city’s most famous landmarks – its contemporary hilltop church. Adjacent to Old Reykjavik, Downtown is bisected by Laugavegur street, where many of Reykjavik’s bars, shops, and restaurants are found. Another lively street is colorful Skólavörðstígur, leading from Laugavegur to the Hallgrímkirkja. Numerous accommodations to suit all budgets. National Museum, Old Harbour and other points of interest a short walk away. Best stuff : 101 Hotel • Óðinsvé • Canopy by Hilton • Hallgrímskirkja (striking church, great views from tower) • Culture House (terrific exhibition on Iceland’s artistic and cultural heritage) • National Gallery of Iceland (the best of Iceland’s art) • Einar Jónsson Museum (works by Iceland’s first sculptor) • Sun Voyager (striking waterfront sculpture) • Sumac (upmarket Middle Eastern fare) • Dill (Reykjavik’s Michelin-starred restaurant, tasting menu) • Kol (tasting menus with seasonal ingredients, original cocktails) • Snaps Bistro (super-popular, French-Icelandic dishes) • ROK (creative small plates for sharing, good beer and wine) • Krua Thai (authentic Thai curries and noodle dishes) • Bastard Brew & Food • Gló (airy, largely vegetarian restaurant) • Reykjavik Roasters (terrific coffee, roasted onsite) • Kaffitár (laptop-friendly café) • Brauð & Co (colorful bakery) • Mikkeller and Friends (Danish and Icelandic craft beer, friendly ambience) • Kaldi Bar (terrific own microbrews) • Kaffibarinn (hip candlelit bar, DJs) • DRINX Bar (excellent drink selection, gastropub attached) • Húrra (live music and DJs most nights). 82. Hlídar This largely residential neighborhood is adjacent to the Downtown action and within walking distance of most attractions, yet very quiet, guaranteeing a good night’s rest after a day of sightseeing. It’s also home to a branch of the Reykjavik Art Museum and the offbeat Phallological Museum, as well the city’s public bus hub. South of Hlídar and reachable by bus are Reykjavik’s domestic airport, the Perlan planetarium and exhibition center, as well as a geothermal beach. The hotels dotted around Hlídar fall mostly into the midrange category. There is also a street food hall and several worthwhile restaurants. Best stuff : Eyja Guldsmeden • Hlemmur Square Hotel and Hostel • Phallological Museum (manhoods of the animal kingdom) • Reykjavik Art Museum – Kjarvalsstaðir (Icelandic 20th century art) • Perlan (stunning exhibitions on Iceland’s ice and fire) • Nauthólsvik Geothermal Beach • Hlemmur Mathöll (gourmet street food from Vietnam, California and more) • Reykjavik Kitchen (Icelandic comfort food) • Ísbúðin Herdís (some of the city’s best ice cream) • Fine Restaurant (inexpensive, Sichuan-style noodles, dumplings, and other Chinese dishes) • Perlan Restaurant (bistro-style dining with a view) • Roadhouse Restaurant (American-style diner specializing in burgers, ribs and pulled pork) • Reykjavik Roasters (great coffee, popular for brunch). 83. Laugardalur This largely residential neighborhood with one of the city’s largest green spaces – Laugardalur park – is a good place to stay if you’re traveling with young children. Laugardalur is home to the Reykjavik Zoo & Family Park, plus the botanic gardens, two art museums, and a large, child-friendly, geothermal pool. Downtown attractions are reachable via a long walk or a short bus ride. Just north of Laugardalur is the cruise ship port, as well as the boat dock for Viðey Island and the pedestrian seafront promenade that stretches all the way to the Harpa concert hall. There are several midrange hotels in the neighborhood, as well as a hostel and campsite. Best stuff : Reykjavik Zoo & Family Park • Reykjavik Art Museum – Asmundarsafn (works by Icelandic sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson) • Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum (carvings and totem poles by the sea) • Viðey Island (uninhabited island with walking paths, seabird nesting sites and Yoko Ono work) • Flóran Café (wholesome soups, salads and homemade cake in the botanic gardens) • VOX Restaurant (refined New Nordic cuisine inside the Hilton).

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15 Best Things To Do in Reykjavik, Iceland

A re you visiting Iceland and spending some time in Reykjavik, wondering what you should see and do there? No worries. This list covers all the bases and could be completed in as little as a couple of day in winter or summer.

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a picturesque city that offers the ideal blend of natural wonders and urban attractions. From geothermal hot springs to colorful buildings, and fascinating museums, Reykjavik has something to offer for everyone.

Whether you’re a nature lover, an art enthusiast, or a foodie, the city has all the activities and experiences you could want. In this article, we’ll explore some the best things to do in Reykjavik, to make the most of your visit to this interesting destination.

This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you book or buy something from a link I provide. This keeps Southerner Says online and on the road. Thank you for your support .

Things to do in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do but most people only spend only a short amount of time there, often utilizing it as a base for exploring other locations in Iceland.

That’s what I did for my 4 days in Iceland . I really didn’t know too much about the city and now, I wish I had spent more time there.

Most of these things on my list are things I have done or things I hope to do when I return. The majority of these sites and attractions can be done on foot. If you have a car and the weather is nice, find a public parking lot and walk.

Now, for the things to do in Reykjavik.

One of the most recognizable buildings in Reykjavik is the Harpa Concert Hall – a stunning, award winning, modern building located on the waterfront in downtown.

The exterior of the building is adorned with geometric patterns and shapes that change according to the time of day and the angle of the sun. Depending where you stand, the exterior reflects the surroundings.

Honestly, I could have spent all day just snapping photos outside the fascinating exterior but the inside is a work of art as well.

Harpa is a active concert hall with frequently scheduled events with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Icelandic Opera and Reykjavík Big Band. If you are lucky enough to be in town when there is a concert, it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Reykjavik.

If you don’t have that kind of time, Harpa also offers a couple of restaurants inside and a store with local and handmade products from Icelandic craftsmen. I bought the cutest pair of socks there.

2. Sky Lagoon

After the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon has become one of the more popular geothermal spa located near Reykjavik. It opened in 2021 and it didn’t take long for it to become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

And it’s no wonder. The spa offers visitors a chance to relax in hot geothermal waters while enjoying stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. The spa’s centerpiece is a large infinity pool that appears to merge with the ocean, giving visitors the feeling of swimming in the sea.

In addition to the hot pools, Sky Lagoon also features a cold plunge pool, a sauna, and a steam room. There is also a restaurant on-site that serves Icelandic cuisine and a bar that offers a selection of cocktails and other beverages.

Sky Lagoon is open year-round, and the experience can be especially magical during the winter months when the Northern Lights can sometimes be seen overhead. Tickets can be purchased online and they offer at least four different packages and a popular 7 step wellness ritual . Sounds divine.

3. Grab a Coffee

One walk down a Reykjavik street and you can’t help but notice the abundance of coffee shops around. Since Iceland experiences cold and dark winters, coffee has become a popular beverage for locals and visitors alike. Coffee shops offer a warm and cozy haven where you can escape the cold and enjoy a hot drink.

You might be wondering if Iceland coffee is any good? Especially since most food products are imported. But surprisingly, Icelandic coffee is very good. In fact, Reykjavik has a reputation for serving some of the best coffee in the world.

Many coffee shops offer locally roasted beans that come from the south of the island. Who knew? This has led to a culture of coffee appreciation.

4. Visit a Record Store

Iceland in general has a strong music culture (ever heard of Bjork?) and Reykjavik in particular has a thriving music scene. But due to its remote location, the island has limited access to some digital music platforms. This has led to a high demand for vinyl records and other physical music formats.

Because of this, there’s a decent amount of record stores in Reykjavik. They’ve become a popular destination for music lovers and tourists alike and one of the more unique things to do in Reykjavik. You’ll find records stores all around downtown. Some of the more popular stores are Lucky Records, Reykjavik Record Shop and Smekkleysa .

And while records aren’t the ideal thing to bring back in your luggage, perusing a record store with a coffee in hand is a great way to spend a snowy afternoon in Reykjavik.

5. Hallgrímskirkja

One of the best things to do in Reykjavik is visiting the famous church Hallgrímskirkja. This Lutheran church is the largest church in Iceland and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. At 244 feet tall, it’s a popular destination for the awesome views of downtown and the waterfront.

Hallgrímskirkja was designed by the Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson and is inspired by the basalt columns found in Iceland’s natural landscapes. Also interesting is the church’s organ, which was designed and built by a famous German organ builder and is one of the largest in Iceland and is known for its beautiful sound.

You can visit the tower when there are no church services happening. Check their website for the hours that change seasonally.

6. Museums – One of the Best Things to do in Reykjavik

Reykjavik has an old heritage and is home to many museums showcasing the island’s history, art, and culture. Museums in Reykjavik are another one of the best things to do in Reykjavik especially in winter when the weather might be less than perfect. Here are some of the most popular museums in Reykjavik.

The National Museum of Iceland is located in downtown Reykjavik and features exhibitions on the country’s history, including Viking artifacts, medieval manuscripts, and exhibits on the settlement and development of Iceland. Entrance fee is less than $20 and children are free.

The Reykjavik Art Museum is a modern art museum that showcases Icelandic and international contemporary art. The museum has three locations in Reykjavik, each with its own exhibitions and events.

If you are looking for something a bit different to do, one of the more quirky museums in Iceland is the Icelandic Phallological Museum that features a collection of phallic specimens from various animals and humans.

Additionally, the National Gallery of Iceland has a ticket includes three museums for the price of one.

7. Search for Murals

But you won’t have to search too hard. Because of the huge arts and culture scene, Reykjavik is known for its vibrant street art. There are so many murals and other outdoor art installations throughout the city.

Everywhere you look, you will see something impressive that catches your eye – on buildings, in alleyways and even on the streets themselves. Here’s a few of my favorites.

8. Shop Thrift Stores

Thrifting might not be the first thing you think about doing while on vacation but due to the high cost of living, thrift stores are quite popular in Reykjavik. These type of stores offer a more affordable option for Icelanders who are looking to save money.

Icelanders are also known for their commitment to sustainability and reducing waste. Thrift stores provide a way for people to recycle and reuse clothing and other items, which is in line with Iceland’s environmental values.

Fatamarkaðurinn – a popular second-hand clothing store that offers a wide selection of vintage and contemporary clothing for men and women and Spúútnik – a vintage clothing store offering a curated selection of unique clothing and accessories from the 1950s to the 1990s are two of the most visited.

9. The Old Harbor

“Gamla Höfnin”, or the Old Harbor, is a historic harbor area located in Reykjavik. In the 18th century, it was the city’s main harbor before being replaced by the larger and more modern Reykjavik Harbor.

Today, the Old Harbor is a popular spot to walk around in with a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions.

One of the main attractions in the Old Harbor is the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, which showcases Iceland’s fishing history. You can learn about the country’s seafaring traditions and see some exhibits such as fishing boats, navigational equipment, and fishing gear.

The Old Harbor was almost empty the day I was there and I loved wandering around looking at all the boats and just a different way of life. I imagine it’s a very lively place during the holidays and special events.

10. FlyOver Iceland

FlyOver Iceland is a unique experience in Reykjavik that utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight. You’ll hang suspended, in front of a 20-metre spherical screen, while the file takes you on an exhilarating journey across Iceland.

There are even special effects like wind, mist and scents that combine with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience. Similar to a few rides at famous amusement parks in the U.S.

If something fabricated just isn’t your style, and you’d rather experience a real flyover, then Heleicopter.is is the real deal. With various packages and tours, they offer everything from romance and happy hour packages to volcano tours and waterfall tours.

11. Fish-n-Chips

There are couple of dishes you just have to sample when you are in Iceland and Reykjavik is the perfect spot. Hot dogs – which I unfortunately didn’t get to try – and fish-n-chips, which I could have eaten every day.

Throughout downtown Reykjavik, you’ll see restaurants and stalls featuring fish-n-chips. I opted to try Islandic Fish-n-Chips from their food cart in the Old Harbor. Crispy, golden, delicious and so Iceland.

12. Sun Voyager

Besides the murals and Harpa, one of the things I really wanted to do in Reykjavik was see the Sun Voyager. This sculpture is remarkable – more so in person than the photos I’d seen.

Made of stainless steel and shaped like a Viking ship, this sculpture was designed by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. It was unveiled in 1990 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the city of Reykjavik.

More so than just the art and placement along the waterfront, it’s the sentiment I appreciate the most as a traveler since the piece symbolizes the human desire for adventure and exploration. Most fitting for Iceland and a can’t miss in Rekjavik.

13. Enjoy a Heated Swimming Pool

Since Iceland in general is known for its geothermal activity, in addition to hot springs, Reykjavik also has more than a handful of heated swimming pools in the city. Water is an important part of Icelandic culture and let’s face it a dip in a pool is a great way to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing or outdoor activities.

The most famous family-friendly swimming pool in Reykjavik is Laugardalslaug – the largest outdoor pool in the city. It’s open year round and has hot tubs, a steam bath, and a waterslide.

Sundhöllin is a historic indoor swimming pool located in the heart of Reykjavik, with a 82 foot pool, hot tubs, cold plunge and a sauna. It was built in 1937 and is known for its unique art deco design and style.

Something to do in Reykjavik that both kids and grownups will enjoy is Perlan . This futuristic-looking building with a large glass dome houses a variety of fun and unique attractions and is a iconic landmark located in Reykjavik.

What once was a hot water storage tank is now a modern and innovative attraction for visitors of all ages to Reykjavik. The main attraction is the 360-degree observation deck located on the top floor of the glass dome. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains and ocean.

One of the most amazing things at Perlan is the world’s first indoor Ice Cave made with over 350 tons of snow. So even if you can’t make it to a glacier or ice cave elsewhere on the island, you have the option right in Reykjavik.

Perlan also has a restaurant – with fish n chips on the menu – a cafe and an ice cream parlor on site.

15. See the Northern Lights (Fingers Crossed)

Visitors to Iceland often have one main goal in mind: to see the Northern Lights, aka the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that occurs in the polar regions when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. This creates a display of colorful lights dancing in the sky.

Iceland’s location near the Arctic Circle makes it one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Many visitors plan their trips to Iceland specifically for this purpose. For the best chance too see the lights, visit in fall or winter when it’s darkest and the nights are longer.

In Reykjavik, one of the best places to see the lights is the Grotta Island Lighthouse . This public area is close to downtown but far enough away from the city lights to see the Aurora. I was able to see the lights in September from this location by using the Aurora app My Aurora .

However, I don’t have any photos because I forgot my tripod. A tripod is a must for snapping Nothern Light photos. You can pick one up on Amazon. I have this one and it’s lightweight and travels well. I also have this bendy one that’s good phone cameras.

The lighthouse is open 24/7 and there’s is free (outside of summer) public parking at the lighthouse.

Things to do in Reykjavik FAQ

How do you get to reykjavik from the interenational airport.

Reykjavik is approximately a 45 minute drive from the international airport in Keflavík. You can get to the city center by renting a car, taxi (expensive) or a transfer bus. Flybus is the most economical way to get from Keflavik (KEF) to Reykjavik.

How long do you need in Reykjavik?

The amount of time you want to spend in Reykjavik will ultimately based on individual preferences and your travel plans but you could see most things on the this list in about 3 days.

Is it easy to get around Reykjavik without a car?

Yes, it is relatively easy to get around Reykjavik without a car. The city is compact and walkable, and many of the main tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops are located within a few blocks of each other in the city center. Reykjavik also has an extensive public transportation system , with buses that run regularly throughout the city and surrounding areas. There are also taxis.

Is there Uber in Reykjavik?

No, there is no Uber in Reykjavik.

Are taxis easy to get in Reykjavik?

Yes, taxis are relatively easy to get in Reykjavik. There are several taxi companies operating in the city, and taxis can typically be found at designated taxi stands throughout the city center, at major hotels, and at the Keflavik International Airport. They are on the pricier side so walking is best if you are on a budget.

Final Thoughts About Things to do in Reykjavik

The capital of Iceland is probably not the first reason you decided to visit the island but I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the city and all the things to do in Reykjavik. It’s safe, clean, easy to get around in. Plus , it’s an interesting peek into the lives of Icelanders.

You don’t have to worry about cash – your credit card will get everywhere. Even if you have to pay for parking.

For even more things to do in Reykjavik, consider buying a Reykjavik City Card . This card can be purchased for stays from 24 to 72 hours and includes entrance to oodles of attractions, including thermal pools, museums and the zoo.

One of the perks of the card is discounts to even more places and transportation around town. And it offers really good discounts for seniors, too.

Check out my other Iceland guides:

An Incredible Four Days in Iceland Itinerary

How Much Money Does it Cost to Go to Iceland?

As always – see you on the road!

Author: Lori Blalock

Lori is the creator of Southerner Says.

A longtime traveler and road tripper, Lori has driven over 100k miles solo. A lover of public lands, sunsets and good BBQ, Lori spends her time in Georgia when she isn’t on the road or in Mexico.

Come along as I wander around the capital of Iceland - a city full of charm and unique experiences. From exploring the iconic landmarks and museums, to relaxing in geothermal pools and indulging in the local cuisine, there is no shortage of things to do in Reykjavik.

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Buses and minibuses in a parking lot. The sky is dark blue, and a few stars are visible.

Aurora Tourism in Iceland: You Can Seek, but You May Not Find

The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights — especially this year, which is a peak time for solar activity. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found.

In Reykjavík, Iceland, aurora borealis tourism is a booming business. Hopeful tourists board buses to head out into the night in search of the northern lights. Credit... Sigga Ella for The New York Times

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By Amelia Nierenberg

Amelia Nierenberg spent four nights searching for the northern lights in Iceland.

March 25, 2024

From the outside, it may seem like the northern lights dance across Iceland’s skies each night. On Icelandair ads, planes fly across shimmering curtains in the sky. On social media, travelers gaze at the green bands above them . The lights are even on some recycling bins in Reykjavík, the capital: “Keep Iceland Clean.”

In the past decade or so, an aurora borealis industrial complex has boomed in Iceland. Many rent a car and go out on their own, but there are northern lights big bus tours and northern lights minibus tours and northern lights Super Jeep tours . There are private guides and boat cruises . There’s an observatory base camp . There’s even a museum .

Tourists line up outside a red minibus in the twilight. Behind them, there is a light green statue that is illuminated.

But the lights can be elusive.

“Tourists sometimes expect, like, ‘At what time do you turn them on?’” said Björn Saevar Einarsson, a forecaster at Iceland’s meteorological office , chuckling. “Like we have a switch in the back room.”

This year, the letdowns are especially intense.

The northern lights, which are also called the aurora borealis, are most visible when there are solar flares, which are big eruptions on the sun that send charged particles toward Earth. This year, the sun is approaching the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity , which some assume means that the displays could peak, too.

But the enhanced solar activity doesn’t necessarily mean the northern lights will be brighter or more frequent, scientists wearily explain. Instead, they mostly mean that the lights can be seen farther south than usual: In recent months, they have been visible in Arizona , Missouri and southern England .

That doesn’t mean much for Iceland.

In fact, Icelanders and scientists said, this winter is nothing special. Sometimes, the lights are there. Sometimes, they aren’t. Just like always.

Hunting the lights

But nothing special, with the northern lights, is still very special. And so tourists keep coming .

Last month, I joined the fray. For four nights, I looked for telltale sky shimmers in and around Reykjavík.

I booked my tickets riding high — this was the best year yet, right? But as I learned more, and as my flight neared, my hopes ebbed. Scientists and tour leaders gently told me that the skies were cloudy and the solar activity seemed quiet.

“Just to let you know the forecast doesn’t look too good” Inga Dís Richter, the chief commercial officer at Icelandia , a tourism agency, wrote in an email two days before I planned to take a minibus trip with Reykjavik Excursions , one of its tour operators.

“But,” she added, “this can change.”

To find the lights, guides and travelers often rely on aurora forecasts, which overlay cloud cover and solar activity. They check them constantly, like a bride with an outdoor wedding in mid-April.

Some of the forecasts are free, like the aurora forecast run by Iceland’s meteorological office or Iceland at Night , which includes space weather. (Some are not — Aurora Forecast , which costs $12.99 a year, sends alerts.) Many people also turn to Facebook pages , where enthusiasts hungrily swap sightings.

Luck, though, is everything.

“There’s only one thing less predictable with the northern lights, and that’s the Arctic weather,” said John Mason, a global expert on the northern lights. “An aurora forecast is barely worth the paper that it’s written on.”

The guides work hard to explain the science, and set expectations. Most companies offer a free rebooking option if the lights do not show.

On my first night of aurora stalking, despite Ms. Richter’s warnings, I joined an expectant group on the Reykjavík Excursions minibus. For $88, I got a seat on the 19-person bus, which left the city’s central bus station at 9:30 p.m.

Over the next three to four hours, we would drive through the Icelandic night together. I’d either see something astonishing with these strangers — the sky, banded with light — or shiver with them shoulder-to-shoulder, awkward in the cold.

As we pulled onto the road, Gudjon Gunnarsson, the guide, set the mood early. “We are going hunting for the lights,” he said, emphasizing the word “hunting,” “similar to going out fishing in a lake.”

He drove for about 45 minutes, letting Reykjavík’s glow fade behind us. The city has about 140,000 people, and no real skyscrapers, so there’s limited light pollution. Although the northern lights can appear over the city, it’s best to see them in total darkness.

Then he paused and consulted with another guide.

“It is too cloudy here,” he told his flock. “So we will keep driving.”

But as we kept driving, clouds turned to a dense fog, so thick that the moon all but disappeared.

Mr. Gunnarsson turned off the main highway about an hour after we left Reykjavík. He parked in a parking lot. Or maybe it was a side street? The darkness was so deep that I could only make out the moonlight on the ocean, and only then after my eyes adjusted.

We disembarked and stood dutifully beside him, staring up at the sky. Then, one woman pointed toward Reykjavík. Were those the lights? (No. That was light pollution.)

Christof Reinhard, 65, who owns a medical laser company and was visiting with his family from Paris, mused that our search was a little bit like a safari. Sure, the desert is amazing, but it’s much better with lions. Or, maybe, was this more like a whale watch?

“Instead of a boat,” he said, “you have a bus.”

Mr. Gunnarsson watched the group stomp their feet and bend into the wind. Fifteen minutes. Then, half an hour. The clouds hung thick above. “There’s nothing happening here, as you can see,” he finally said to relieved chuckles. “It’s one of those nights where you just have to give up.”

Tourists can get mad, Mr. Gunnarsson and other guides said. It’s rare, but it does happen.

“It’s the trip that has our worst reviews,” said Eric Larimer, the digital marketing manager for Gray Line Iceland , a day tour and airport transport company.

A wake-up call for the aurora

For some, the joy is in the search, even if there is no find. A few focus on astronomy, often opting to stay at Hotel Rangá , which is just off the main ring road (Route 1) near Iceland’s south coast.

The hotel looks unassuming — low-slung and wooden — but it’s one of the most famous in Iceland. (The Kardashians stayed there . So did the Real Housewives of Orange County .) A standard room costs more than $300, depending on the season.

But Rangá doesn’t just cater to celebrities. It also draws astronomy buffs, enticed by its “aurora wake-up call” service and its observatory, which has state-of-the-art telescopes.

“One thing is to sell them,” said Fridrik Pálsson, the hotel’s owner, speaking of the northern lights. “Another thing is to deliver them.”

About 20 years ago, before the northern lights industry took off, he delegated the night security guard to monitor the sky. The guard pokes his head out every few minutes to look for the telltale flicker. If he sees the lights, he alerts the guests.

The service aims to address one of the main issues with hunting for the northern lights: They are usually only visible on winter nights, when it is very cold, very windy and very late.

“To be a good northern lights observer, you need the constitution of an insomniac polar bear,” Dr. Mason said.

My room phone, alas, stayed silent. But I did dream about the lights — great Wonka colors swirling, strangely, behind the Chrysler Building.

Mr. Pálsson built the observatory, too. Even if the lights didn’t show up, he figured, the stars are still magnificent — and, for city dwellers, also rare. The hotel contracts astronomers to work the telescopes and explain the stars to guests.On my second night in Iceland, as twilight slipped below happy-hour skies, I crunched across the snow to the observatory with Saevar Helgi Bragason, an Icelandic science communicator who leads the astronomy program.

He bent into a toddler-size telescope, focusing it on the moon’s craters. They looked clearer than the hotel, just a short walk away. It was too early for the lights, he said. And that evening seemed too cloudy (on Earth) and too quiet (on the sun).

Mr. Bragason joked that the lights can get in his way — they create a mist over the stars he really wants to see. But tourists often come specifically to see them. And sometimes, he said, as they wait impatiently, they can miss the real wonder.

“You’re left with these beautiful skies above you,” he said. “Basically, literally, another universe opens up.”

Creating a lights season

Hotel Rangá was a pioneer in Iceland’s northern lights tourism industry: About two decades ago, people came to Iceland for the long summer days, and left as daylight slipped farther south.

“I found it rather stupid in the beginning,” admitted Mr. Pálsson, the owner of Rangá, speaking of northern lights tourism.

But spreading tourism throughout the year made sense. Partly, that was an environmental concern. The tourists would crowd the country’s extraordinary natural sites over just a few months. It was also economic. When the visitors left Iceland, tourism jobs would ebb with the sunlight.

So the northern lights, which are reliably visible from September to March, became the backbone of the country’s winter branding, said Sveinn Birkir Björnsson, the marketing and communications director at Business Iceland , which promotes the country.

“To be able to sell this product of cold and darkness, you have to have something to offer,” he said.

Now, even though June, July and August are the busiest months, tourism has evened out over the seasons. In 2023, there were about 1.1 million international visitors to Iceland during the aurora months, based on departures from Keflavík Airport, according to data from Iceland’s tourist board . From April to August, there were about 1.1 million, too.

About a decade earlier , when tourism overall to Iceland was lower, there were about 336,000 departures from the main airport in colder months, and about 446,000 in the spring and summer.

The winter travelers are drawn by the lights — and the hot springs, glaciers and icy waterfalls. It’s also cheaper than the summer season.

Some try to visit volcanoes , but the country recently warned tourists to avoid the lava flows — Iceland is living in an unusually active period of seismic activity . In January, lava flowed into a small town and last week a volcano erupted with just 40 minutes’ notice near the Blue Lagoon thermal springs, one of the country’s biggest attractions.

The final attempts

Near midnight on my last night, a Sunday, I drove to the Grótta Lighthouse , a popular spot on the outskirts of Reykjavík.

A few die-hard experts had warned me off — many tourists go there because it’s darker than most of Reykjavík, but then don’t think to turn off their headlights. It was also raining, greatly diminishing my chances of seeing the lights.

But I only had three hours before I had to leave to make my predawn flight. I felt a little desperate, a little dazed. I parked, and approached two people who were sitting in the rain on a wet wall, looking at the water in the darkness. I climbed over seaweed, and introduced myself. What would it mean to them, I asked, if the lights suddenly appeared?

“It’d be a little bit like the cherry on top,” said Catherine Norburn, 29, who was visiting from England.

She and her husband were set to fly out the next morning. They had not yet seen the lights.

“We don’t have high hopes,” said her husband, Reece Norburn, 29, “but it’s now or never.”

We didn’t see the lights. And I didn’t see them later, even after pulling off the highway halfway between Reykjavík and the airport at 3:30 a.m., half convinced by a shimmery cloud.

But I did spend more time looking up at the sky. And it’s a marvel.

In New York City, where I live, the night sky blooms orange-mauve. In Iceland, the nighttime darkness is just that — darkness. Clouds roll, breaking the deep blue. Stars actually shine. Northern lights or no northern lights, it was still cosmically beautiful.

Amelia Nierenberg writes the Asia Pacific Morning Briefing , a global newsletter. More about Amelia Nierenberg

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Top 10 Things to Do in Reykjavik

What Is There To Do in Reykjavik?

How to get to reykjavik, top 10 best things to do in reykjavik.

10. Visit Reykjavik's Swimming Pools

9. Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church

8. things to see in reykjavik: explore by foot, 7. book local reykjavik activities to fill your day.

6. Experience Reykjavik's Nightlife

5. Try the Local Cuisine in Reykjavik

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The Sky Lagoon

FlyOver Iceland

Learn About More Reykjavik Attractions

Read about the best things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city. Reykjavik has endless opportunities for adventure, from a vibrant art and music scene to a treasure trove of world-renowned cultural and historical attractions. Read on to learn about Reykjavik's top places to visit, fun things to do, and must-see attractions.

Reykjavik (which directly translates to "Smokey Bay") is the northernmost national capital city in the world. It also has one of the smallest populations of any capital city. Home to under 135,000 inhabitants, Reykjavik has a wealth of sights and activities that will appeal to culture, nature, and nightlife enthusiasts alike.

When visiting Reykjavik be sure to book your hotel here to find the best hotel prices in Reykjavik . You can also find the largest selection of day trips from Reykjavik .

And although Reykjavik is a great place to do some incredible day trips, like going inside a volcano or visiting the Golden Circle , this article will focus on the top things you can do within Reykjavik city itself. Continue reading to learn more.

For a small city, there are many reasons to visit Reykjavik. One of the best reasons to visit is that the city is easy to explore on foot, and its small size means you don't have to worry about getting around. You should look into booking a Reykjavik walking tour to learn about the city from a local guide.

There are plenty of Reykjavik attractions to occupy your time, from Icelandic wildlife experiences to admiring unique architecture to dining on world-class cuisine to hunting for street art across the city. For English speakers, Reykjavik is easy to navigate as almost everything is accessible in English, and most people also speak English.

As Iceland is an island, there are limited ways to reach it - the primary method being flights to Reykjavik . There is a small domestic airport in Reykjavik, and international flights from North America and Europe arrive at Keflavik International Airport . The airport is 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Reykjavik, but travelers can reach Reykjavik from Keflavik airport easily by bus or taxi.

There are lots of fun things to do in Reykjavik. It wasn't easy to narrow it down, but we've put together this list of the best things to do, places to visit, and must-see tourist attractions in Reykjavik for you to enjoy during your stay.

10. Visit Reykjavik's Swimming Pools

Laugardalslaug is the popular popular pool in Iceland's capital.

From the mighty glaciers to the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean to the steaming geothermal pots, Iceland is a land that, in many ways, is defined by water. So it makes sense that one of the top things to do in Reykjavik involves water.

What better way to connect to Icelandic culture than emulating the locals and visiting one of Reykjavik's swimming pools ?

Thanks to Iceland's renewable energy policies, the use of water in large capacities (i.e., for swimming pools and saunas) is very affordable, making it a favorite pastime among Icelanders. It's also one of the best things to do in Reykjavik in winter, as many have heated water, making them accessible year-round.

There are 18 swimming pools located in the greater Reykjavik area alone. Check out the map below to find your nearest swimming pool.

Some of these locations have indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, and at least one hot tub (some even have as many as seven or eight). Think of Icelandic swimming pools as more like a luxury spa than your everyday communal pool at home.

For the entry price of only around 8 USD, this might be the cheapest spa you've ever come across.

If you're looking for something even more natural, there's the geothermally-heated water by Reykjavik's beach, Nautholsvik , and a small foot bath by Grotta Lighthouse called Kvika. These small pools are great examples of free things to do in Reykjavik.

If you're staying in central Reykjavik, the obvious choice would be to attend Sundholl Reykjavikur, Iceland's oldest public bath, situated only a few hundred meters behind the mighty Hallgrimskirkja church .

This swimming pool is housed in a building that dates to 1937 and was renovated in 2017. Previously it only had an indoor pool and two outdoor hot tubs, but now it has an indoor and outdoor pool, two saunas, three hot tubs, one children's pool, and a cold tub.

Another popular pool in central Reykjavik is Vesturbaejarlaug , a swimming pool in the city's western area. Vesturbaejarlaug is an outdoor pool with a few hot tubs and a couple of saunas and is a popular hangout spot for locals and travelers alike.

The largest pool in Reykjavik is the Laugardalslaug pool .

This pool sits within Reykjavik's recreational center, Laugardalur, where you can also find all of the following:

Sports hall
Botanical garden
Family park and zoo
Sculpture Museum
Large gym (World Class)
Spa (Laugar Spa)
Ice skating rink

Given the range of attractions offered here, Laugardalslaug is the perfect place to bring the whole family.

Read more about: What to Do With Young Kids in the Reykjavik Area

Something to be aware of is that you'll be required to get naked with the locals before entering the pools. This is not some peculiar ritual but is strictly hygiene-related. Showers are separated by gender, but as the chlorine levels in the swimming pools are very low, everyone must wash thoroughly before taking a dip. If you try to avoid it, you'll likely be reprimanded by a local or one of the bathing guards.

Perhaps the best thing about Reykjavik's swimming pools is that you can enjoy them year-round and in every type of weather.

You can easily relax with a soak in an outdoor hot tub, even if it's 23 F (-5 C) outside and snowing. This is one of the fun things to do in Reykjavik for visitors of all ages.

Towering over the center of Reykjavik is Hallgrimskirkja Church, which is visible from almost every angle of the city, making it very easy to find. Of the many places to visit in Reykjavik, this is one of the most well-known.

At the top of this 244-foot (75-meter) tall expressionist-style building is a viewing platform boasting 360-degree views of the entire city. Along with the view from Perlan on Oskjuhlid hill , this is probably the best view you'll get of the city.

The tower is open daily, except on Sundays, when there are mass services. Entry to the top is 7 USD for adults but less than 1 USD for children aged 7-14. Traveling to the top is free for younger children.

Hallgrimskirkja is an operating church, so the tower may sometimes be closed due to services or concerts taking place inside.

The largest in Iceland, this church is named after minister and poet Hallgrimur Petursson, the author of the famed Passion Hymns.

The beautiful basalt columns at Svartifoss waterfall on the South Coast of Iceland inspired the church's architecture.

Top Culture Tours

The building was designed by Gudjon Samuelsson and opened in 1986. Samuelsson is one of Iceland's most well-known architects, and the church houses the largest concert organ in Iceland at 50 feet (15 meters) tall with 5,275 pipes and a weight of 25 tons.

Visiting Hallgrimskirkja church is one of the top things to do in Reykjavik

Also, take note of the beautiful entrance door and glass art designed by artist Leifur Breidfjord.

In front of the church is a statue of Icelandic voyager Leif Eriksson, the first European to set foot in North America, more than 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

Many of the best places to see in Reykjavik can be found simply by walking, which is one of the advantages of having a small capital city.

From Hallgrimskirkja church, you'll want to explore the nearby streets of Reykjavik's city center. These are best explored on foot or by bike.

To truly soak up the culture, you'll want to make sure to visit the main shopping streets, Laugavegur , Bankastraeti, Austurstraeti , Laekjargata , and Skolavordustigur . These are all easily accessible in the central area of Reykjavik.

Reykjavik is easy to walk around due to its size.

We heartily recommend the many outdoor clothing chains selling extreme wear and outdoor gear if shopping is your thing. You can find such companies as 66° North, Zo-On, and Ice Wear in this area.

You'll also find many small boutiques selling goods with fashionable Icelandic designs.

Aside from the shopping, there are numerous other neighborhoods in Reykjavik that are worth exploring.

Learn more: The Best Bakeries in Reykjavik

The neighborhood Thingholtin is a good example. These are the residential streets between Hallgrimskirkja Church and Tjornin , a well-known lake in Reykjavik.

There you can find the "Neighborhood of the Gods" where the names of the streets in this derive from the Old Norse religion. You can find Odin's Street (Odinsgata), Thor's Street (Thorsgata), Loki's Path (Lokastigur), Freya's Street (Freyjugata), and several others.

You'll also find colorful houses, beautiful gardens, and plenty of street art and will most likely bump into one of the resident cats (cats are common pets in central Reykjavik).

Reykjavik's city lake (Reykjavikurtjorn, or Tjornin for short) is popular with travelers, especially bird enthusiasts. The area is home to a bevy of swans and a raft of ducks.

In winter, the lake sometimes freezes, allowing people to cross on foot, ice skate, or even make a slippery football field. Above the nice houses by the lake, lies the oldest cemetery in Reykjavik.

Next to the lake is Reykjavik City Hall and a large and informative 3D map of Iceland. South of Tjornin, one will find the Nordic House and the University of Iceland .

The Nordic House is Reykjavik's only building designed by an internationally famous architect, Finnish-born Alvar Aalto. You'll often find exhibitions and live music at The Nordic House, as well as a cozy café with views of the nearby lake.

Further south, you'll come to the sea, where you can walk along Aegissida street and enjoy the stunning views ocean with Bessastadir, the presidential residence, seen from across the bay. Sunsets are particularly spectacular from here.

Traveling east and you'll pass the domestic airport. Continuing this way, you'll head towards Nautholsvik beach and the forested Oskjuhlid hill. From here, there's an excellent vantage point of the city from the top of the Perlan museum viewing platform.

Alternatively, you could head further west towards Grotta. This area boasts a lighthouse, beach, and scenic foot bath called Kvika.

Austurvollur Square is just north of Lake Tjornin and is an excellent spot to gather with friends and family.

It's a popular spot if you're looking for things to do in Reykjavik in the summer. People come here to drink beer and sunbathe when the midnight sun is out in force. The city holds concerts and public gatherings in this square during national celebrations.

When people are upset about political events, they also come to Austurvollur Square to protest the Icelandic parliament, located just by the square.

Cafes and shops line one side of the square, and just behind the parliament building is Reykjavik's oldest church, Domkirkjan .

While strolling the city streets, why not head towards the picturesque Old Harbor? Here, you can learn about Iceland's marine life and even book a whale-watching trip .

If you're staying in Reykjavik over a weekend, you could also visit the city's flea market, Kolaportid . This is an eclectic marketplace where you can buy a lopapeysa , a hand-knitted wool sweater that makes for a great souvenir.

The flea market is located by Reykjavik harbor and has many interesting items for sale, including several local delicacies. The atmosphere is lively, and you can find good bargains between 11 AM and 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

A little further along in the Old Harbor, you can find Grandi , Reykjavik's fish-packing district. Old fishing factories and boat repair shacks have been turned into trendy shops, cafes, start-up companies, museums, restaurants, and breweries.

Grandi is an example of the city's ever-changing face. While here, stop at Valdis for one of the best ice creams in town or have a locally brewed beer at Bryggjan Brewery.

You could also check out the Marshall House , the Whales of Iceland Museum , or the Aurora Reykjavik Museum . Look out for the stunning street art on Vesturgata and visit the grassy hill, Thufa, an outdoor art piece by Olof Nordal.

If you'd rather have a little help exploring Reykjavik, go on a 3-hour guided walking tour to explore this colorful and quirky city.

A whale breaches before a whale-watcher's camera.

Reykjavik is a city of pleasant surprises. You can discover many of its hidden treasures on your own, or you can take advantage of it as the starting point for several guided tours.

In addition to everything in the city, there are many things to do near Reykjavik on a half-day or full-day tour.

If exploring by foot isn't for you, take a scenic helicopter ride over the city where you make a sightseeing stop on top of one of its surrounding mountains, Mt. Esjan , for unparalleled views.

Other popular tours in and around the city include whale watching and puffin tours or horseback riding tours .

The most commonly sighted whales in the Faxafloi Bay next to Reykjavik are minke whales, humpbacks, porpoises, and dolphins.

Another option is to visit Videy, the most famous island off the Reykjavik shore. Videy is home to the Yoko Ono Imagine Peace Tower , a memorial to John Lennon.

Various seabirds also frequent the shore and the islands, such as gannets, gulls, cormorants, the arctic tern, and of course, the puffins (though only in summertime). There's no shortage of things to do around Reykjavik!

6. Experience Reykjavik's Nightlife

The nightlife in Reykjavík is inviting and lively.

When looking for what to do in Reykjavik, don't forget to add activities after nightfall. Depending on who you ask, Reykjavik's nightlife is either famous or infamous.

People party into the early hours, and after the bars and clubs close, the streets will still be full of party people, either trying to find their way home, have a quick bite, or look for an after-party.

When looking for things to do in Reykjavik at night, keep in mind several bars and cafes offer live music at night. The city bustles with all sorts of other live entertainment, be it stand-up comedy, theatre, opera, jazz, drag shows, cabaret performances, or musicals.

From Sunday to Thursday, many venues are open until 1 AM, but on Friday and Saturday nights, many stay open until 5 AM. The drinks can be expensive but read see article to find cheap beer during happy hour at various bars. The Craft beer scene in Iceland is also pretty big, and you can find the best bars producing craft beer here .

Tjarnarbio, located next to City Hall, is an excellent venue for theatre, music, and dance performances.

Bio Paradis is the city's art cinema, often screening classic Icelandic films with English subtitles and weekly party screenings of international classics.

There is one film festival held in Reykjavik every year, the Reykjavik International Film Festival (September/October). Go here to find out more about festivals in Iceland .

Besides these regular events, there are endless amounts of one-off nights out.

Laugestine is called lobster in Iceland.

Reykjavik has some genuinely outstanding local and international cuisine. Why not make one of your activities in Reykjavik exploring the food scene?

You can find restaurants that specialize in local seafood or grilled meats. Besides Icelandic restaurants, there are also excellent Thai, Italian, Indian, Mexican and Japanese restaurants to be found within the city.

To taste the best of Icelandic cuisine, go on a Reykjavik food walk and savor some of the country's most delicious delicacies.

Local cuisine focuses heavily on seafood and lamb. You can never go wrong by ordering the fish of the day in one of Reykjavik's restaurants.

If you're into trying unusual foods, why not check out some traditional Icelandic cuisines such as sour ram's testicles or sheep's head?

See also: The Best Restaurants in Reykjavik

The most notorious food in Iceland is probably the fermented shark. You'll want to wash the shark down with a shot of Brennivin, Iceland's "black death" schnapps. This combination is often seen as a rite of passage or proof of strength and is a popular dare for Icelanders with foreign visitors.

You can find some fermented shark meat in the flea market Kolaportid, which is open every weekend.

Traditional Icelandic food can be quite off-putting to foreigners, but you still have to try it!

Most people you'll meet on your travels in Reykjavik will recommend having an Icelandic hot dog.

The hot dog stand Baejarins Beztu ("The Town's Best"), near Reykjavik harbor, has a reputation for selling the most delicious hot dogs in Iceland.

There's usually a long line there, particularly in the afternoon and on weekends, but most foreign visitors claim these sausages to be the best in the world. Just ask President Bill Clinton or Kim Kardashian, two of the stand's best-known guests.

The classic option is to get "eina med ollu" or "one with everything." This order includes a remoulade (a mayonnaise-based sauce), sweet mustard, ketchup, and a mix of crunchy and raw onions.

Whatever your preferences, this is the place to go if you like a good hot dog, and it won't break the bank.

See also: Top 10 Best Value Places to Eat in Reykjavik

As for good cafes and coffee shops in Iceland , there are far too many to list them all.

A few to check out include Cafe Loki for traditional Icelandic food, Grai Kotturinn for a cozy atmosphere, Kaffibrennslan for people-watching, and Babalu for a drink on the balcony.

Or you could try the Cuckoo's Nest for weekend brunch, Svarta Kaffid for the tasty soup served in a bread bowl, Peterson Suite or Loft Hostel for the views, or Reykjavik Roasters for some of the best coffee in town.

Your trip wouldn't be complete without trying fresh cinnamon buns from Braud&Co bakery.

Harpa Concert Hall in the city center is one of the must-visit places in Reykjavik

Harpa Concert and Conference Hall is an impressive glass building near the old harbor of Reykjavik.

It's worth visiting this iconic building for its architecture alone, as you'll be able to admire it both from the outside and inside and get some great pictures.

By the harbor is the Harpa Concert Hall, another of the great things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland

Several multicultural celebrations occur in the building, and at night, it's lit up with moving LED artwork by Olafur Eliasson.

The lights on the facade of the building are sometimes used interactively. At different times, people have been able to control the lights by playing a light organ, splashing the color of their choice on the hall through their phone, or playing the computer game Pong using the building as a monitor.

Sólfarið, or the Sun Voyager, is a sculpture by Reykjavík's coastline

It's not just in Harpa and the local live performances that you can find Reykjavik's art scene. Take your pick of museums, galleries, outdoor sculptures, and street art, which are all widely available.

The sculpture, Sun Voyager (pictured above), is a popular attraction nestled along the seaside. It's close to Harpa Concert Hall and has a fantastic view of Mt Esja.

If you keep your eyes peeled, you'll likely be able to spot several other sculptures around town.

The two largest sculpture museums are the Einar Jonsson Museum (next to Hallgrimskirkja Church) and Asmundur Museum in Laugardalur recreational area .

A sculpture of Tómas Gudmundsson poet by Reykjavík's City Pond

You can find a few smaller sculpture museums around town as well.

You could also take a stroll down Grandi and visit the outdoor sculpture, Thufa. This is a green circular hill that you can walk to the top of and get great views facing Harpa Concert Hall.

There are dozens of art museums and smaller art galleries. The largest ones are the Reykjavik Art Gallery, Kjarval Museum , and the National Gallery of Iceland.

See also: Art Galleries in Reykjavik

The newest member of this institutional family is the Marshall House. Smaller venues include Mengi, Berg Contemporary, i8, Art Gallery 101, ART67 Gallery, Gallery Fold, and Gallery List, just to name a few.

Fantastic street art has been blossoming in recent years, with mesmerizing artwork adorning buildings all over town.

Whether it's the history and culture you're looking for or simply knowledge about Iceland's rich nature and wildlife, you can choose between several historical museums. The Saga Museum , the National Museum of Iceland , and the Arbaer Open Air Museum are popular.

See also: Top 11 Museums in Reykjavik

Visit the Maritime Museum , the Whales of Iceland Museum , or learn about the Northern lights at Aurora Reykjavik .

Public gardens in the city include Hallargardur and Hljomskalagardur, by Lake Tjornin, and Klambratun/Miklatun, which surround the Kjarvalsstadir Art Museum.

These are popular areas for outdoor games throughout the summertime.

In front of Hallgrímskirkja church in summer

You can even find an artificial, thermal foot bath ( Kvika ) among the rocks by the seashore, making this the perfect spot to keep your feet warm while sipping on a drink (BYO) and watching the northern lights.

If you want to submerge yourself in water inside the city limits (but still maintain a view towards the ocean), head towards Nautholsvik beach.

There's a warm wading pool by the sand and a warm tub by the sea. If you're brave enough, you can go for a swim in the ocean. The heat at Nautholsvik beach comes from Iceland's hot springs. Iceland's most famous hot spring can be found at the Geyser geothermal area on the Golden Circle .

Changing facilities and a cafe serving light snacks and drinks are on-site.

Next to Nautholsvik is Oskjuhlid hill, where you can walk among the remains of old bunkers, found between two forest trails.

Then there's Ellidaardalur , in the middle of the city, where you can fish or have a picnic by a small waterfall. Ellidaardalur is popular with locals who go jogging or cycling through this inner-city paradise.

Heidmork is a nature reserve filled with greenery, caves, and secluded BBQ picnic areas.

To reach Heidmork or Raudholar, you need to take a bus from downtown, rent a car, or go on a long bike ride.

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights , and they're certainly one of the things to see in Iceland that everyone wants to experience. Take a northern lights tour to hunt this natural phenomenon with the help of an experienced guide.

You may be able to spot them from downtown Reykjavik, but the best place to see them within the city limits is by the seaside at Seltjarnarnes , a township just outside Reykjavik.

There, you'll be away from the street lights and be able to take in the full majesty of the experience.

Witnessing the Northern Lights over Grotta Lighthouse is one of those priceless Reykjavik moments

For the best chance to see the northern lights in Iceland , get as far away as possible from the city's light pollution and look to the north.

Top Northern Lights Tours & Holidays

You can only see the northern lights between late August and early May, so if you are here in the summertime, enjoy the midnight sun in Iceland instead.

Following are the most frequently asked questions we get about what to do in Reykjavik. Read to the end for the best bonus activities you can do in Reykjavik.

The five most popular tourist attractions in Reykjavik are Hallgrimskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager, the National Museum of Iceland, and Perlan.

Reykjavik offers several outdoor activities, such as whale watching and puffin tours , glacier hiking , horseback riding , and hiking day trips .

Yes, it is possible to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik , but it's best to get away from the city lights and find a dark spot with clear skies.

Some family-friendly activities in Reykjavik include visiting the Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park, going to the Laugardalslaug swimming pool, and taking a whale-watching tour.

Yes, it is possible to visit Reykjavik on a budget . There are several free or low-cost activities, such as walking tours, visiting museums on specific days, and enjoying the city's public parks and outdoor spaces.

The best time to visit Reykjavik largely depends on what you want to do while you are there. Summer is a popular time to visit, with mild temperatures and long days. Winter is great for experiencing the Northern Lights and winter sports. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and lower prices.

Reykjavik is known for its vibrant nightlife , with several bars, clubs, and music venues. The city also offers several cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Some popular cultural attractions in Reykjavik include the Reykjavik Art Museum, the National Gallery of Iceland, the Saga Museum, and the Settlement Exhibition.

Some unique experiences to have in Reykjavik include soaking in the geothermal swimming pools , visiting the Icelandic Phallogical museum, and doing a helicopter tour to see Reykjavik's stunning natural beauty from above.

Yes, there are several day trips from Reykjavik worth taking, such as visiting the Golden Circle to see Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall, exploring the South Coast to see Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and taking a tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

Some must-try foods in Reykjavik include Icelandic lamb, seafood, skyr (a type of yogurt), and the famous Icelandic hot dog. If you're an adventurer you can also try whale and puffin, as well as sheep's head.

Some activity day trips to do from Reykjavik in the winter include taking a snowmobiling tour , enjoying the festive decorations around the city, and experiencing the Northern Lights .

Popular shopping destinations in downtown Reykjavik include the Laugavegur shopping street , the Skolavordustigur shopping street, and Kolaportid Flea Market , which is open on weekends. Kringlan , Iceland's largest shopping mall, is a 9-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik.

Yes, there are several walking tours of Reykjavik available, which offer visitors a chance to see the city's historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and hidden gems on foot.

Some popular music festivals in Reykjavik include Iceland Airwaves in November and Reykjavik Blues Festival in April.

Because we can only mention 10 things to do we had to include a few more bonus activities. Check out the two following experiences for more amazing things to do in Reykjavik.

The Sky Lagoon

Although technically not in Reykjavik but in Kópavogur, a satellite town adjacent to Reykjavik, the Sky lagoon has become one of the most popular things to do when visiting Reykjavik. Only 10 minutes drive from downtown Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon is a man-made geothermal spa with views over the Atlantic ocean.

One of the newer attractions in Reykjavik that should be on your list of Reykjavik things to do, especially during bad weather, is FlyOver Iceland. In this immersive experience, visitors get a chance to take a flight over Iceland without needing to hop on a plane.

Located in the Grandi area of Reykjavik City Centre, FlyOver Iceland combines storytelling, technology, and cinema to give visitors an exhilarating experience. When you arrive, you'll see two pre-shows before taking the flight.

The first is called the Longhouse, where you'll see a house reminiscent of the early settler's dwellings here in Iceland. This settlement exhibition is a truly unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Iceland.

You'll then move into a multi-projection experience that transports you from the formation of this island right through to today.

Then it's time to take flight. You sit in front of a 65-foot (20-meter) spherical screen in a comfortable seat. The high-definition film visuals, mixed with the movements of your seat, will give you the sensation of soaring above the land of fire and ice.

Learn About More Reykjavik Attractions

There are so many things to do in Reykjavik that you'll want to come back again and again. We have lots of content about Reykjavik and these links might also be of interest to you. Here you can find the largest selection of Reykjavik tours . See this article to find cheap things to do in Reykjavik . Here are some secret spots in Reykjavik . Or see this to find the most iconic sightseeing spots in the Icelandic capital . The only challenge you'll have is how long you can stay!

We hope you enjoyed this list of the best things to do in Reykjavik. It's diverse in its scope and includes indoor and outdoor activities so that you can enjoy the city regardless of the weather. Let us know in the comments what you're hoping to do in Reykjavik, and if you've already been, what do you recommend travelers check out?

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Live footage: Magma running down from the overflowing crater

Screenshot from a webcam where the lava is seen running down from an overflowing crater quite forcefully. mbl.is/Screenshot

“It started happening like 20 minutes over three, and then the surface of the magma in the crater began to rise,” Elísabet Pálmadóttir, a natural hazard specialist at the Icelandic Met Office, tells us, as she looks out into the lava that now flows down the crater’s rim in the volcanic eruption at the Sundhnúkagígar crater row.

Article on Iceland Monitor

More magma coming into the magma chamber, than is coming out.

“Then it just started flooding, but it didn’t break the crater itself,” she says, adding that it’s obvious that lava flow has increased.

A slight increase in seismic activity

When asked, she doesn’t say exactly what caused the increased lava flow but two things are most likely to be considered.

It is possible that magma was sneaking under the lava and that the channels were clogged. More magma is coming up to the surface.

“We are seeing a little bit of an increase in unrest, but it’s a little too early to say.”

“But this is a very false story,” says Elísabet, adding that the increased lava flow is not a concern at this time. It is quite clear, however, that the eruption is not coming to an end.

Below you can see the eruption in direct stream:

Later today

Screenshot from a webcam where the lava is seen running down from an overflowing crater quite forcefully.

"It was time to change"

Hiker found deceased on Fimmvörðuháls

The Blue Lagoon and Úlfar Lúðvíksson, chief of police in Suðurnes.

The Blue Lagoon opens tomorrow at noon

Katrín Jakobsdóttir just met with the President of Iceland to ask to be released from her duties as Prime Minster.

Asked to serve as PM for the time being

The eruption started on March 16, 2024, almost three weeks ago.

Activity now limited to the bigger crater

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Our Reykjavik Office
Our Reykjavik Office. Our main office is located in the heart of Reykjavík. Please feel free to drop by, and we will help you make your travel unforgettable; we always have fresh coffee. Address: Hverfisgata 105 101 Reykjavík . Reykjavík Tourist Info Hverfisgata 105 101 Reykjavík
Top Reykjavik Tourist Information Centers
Next on this list is Reykjavik Tourist Information, another great tourist information center and a well-known travel agency. You'll find them at Hverfisgata 105, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, and they're open from Monday to Friday. Reykjavik Tourist Information was created in 2019 by entrepreneurs and tourism operators.
Homepage
Official travel websites. Visit Iceland Visit South Iceland Visit East Iceland Visit North Iceland Visit Westfjords Visit West Iceland Visit Reykjanes. Welcome to Reykjavík! - a city to recharge, restore and refuel. It's a city surrounded by incredible nature - but at the same time, a city full of life, beaming with creativity.
Tourist Information & Booking Centers
Traveo. Traveo is a Reykjavík-based booking portal where you can effortlessly book exciting tours and excursions in Iceland, created by local experts with years of experience in the travel industry. See more.
Ferðamálastofa Icelandic Tourist Board
Grants and travel support from NATA - Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands 26.01.2024 Blue Lagoon Iceland received the 2024 Responsible Tourism Incentive Award
About us
Visit Reykjavík is the official tourism organization for the Reykjavik greater city area. It was established in 2023 by six municipalities and the tourism industry. Visit Reykjavík promotes and develops the whole destination in a sustainable way, with a focus on increasing economic activity. Through collaboration with partners in the tourism ...
Visit Iceland
Visitor numbers. Iceland is a popular travel destination. Sometimes, certain places can be busier than others. Skip the hectic tourist traffic at the most popular destinations and plan your trip to make the most of your time in Iceland. Use our tourist counter to see peak visitor times and plan accordingly. Find the best time to visit!
Reykjavik Official Tourist Information Centre Reykjavík Iceland
When it comes to exploring the captivating city of Reykjavik, Iceland, the Official Tourist Information Centre stands as an essential resource for travelers. Located in the heart of the city, this center offers a plethora of valuable information, expert assistance, and insider tips to help you make the most out of your visit. ...
Reykjavik Travel Guide
Download Iceland's biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place. Book your complete trip with the best companies only. Check out the best things to do in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. See these travel guides about the must-see attractions & how to make the best of your time.
Reykjavik
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital of any sovereign state in the world. Browse Iceland's biggest selection of tours in Reykjavik tours or read this article for the top things to do in Reykjavik.. Despite a small population (approximately 120,000, with just over 200,000 in the Greater Reykjavík area), it is a vibrant city that draws an ever-increasing number of ...
Reykjavík
Reykjavík. Reykjavík is the capital of and largest city in Iceland and with an urban area population of around 233,000 (2019), it is the home to two-thirds of Iceland's population. It is the centre of culture and life of the Icelandic people, and is one of the focal points of tourism in Iceland. The city is spread out, and has sprawling suburbs.
The Ultimate Guide to Sightseeing in Reykjavik
The office is located on the same street as the oldest educational institute in Iceland, Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík. This school was established in 1056, in the Episcopal See of Skálholt , moved to Reykjavík in 1786, and settled on its current site in 1846.
Reykjavik Tourist Information
Reykjavik Tourist Information is your one-stop-shop for all your travel needs. You can dream it; together with us, you can make it happen. Our team consists of a wide range of experiences, and with our providers, there is not a request too small or too big. get in touch. Book the most popular tours in Iceland: day tours, northern lights tours ...
Visit Reykjavik
Iceland Nature Three Days Itinerary. see the best of Reykjavik. Day 1. 11:40 Silfra. Dive in a world famous site, a deep, narrow rift between continents. . 13:40 Thingvellir National Park. Volcanic landscape and site of the Viking assembly. Dive, hike, fish, ride or camp here.
What you need to know before visiting Reykjavik
Cards are king. In Iceland, the three groups of society still using cash are criminals, 5-year-olds and tourists. Credit card payments are the default option in shops and restaurants. In Reykjavík, a small but growing number of businesses are card-only. Cash can still be useful, such as to pay for a hot dog or a guided walking tour.
11 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik
These tropical vacation spots boast affordable accommodations, incredible scenery and more. Ranking of the top 11 things to do in Reykjavik. Travelers favorites include #1 Aurora Borealis ...
Government of Iceland
The Icelandic Tourist Board is an independent authority under the Ministry of Industries and Innovation. Its activities are regulated through the Tourism Administration Act, with the overall authority in the hands of the Minister of Tourism, Industries and Innovation. The main tasks of the Icelandic Tourist Board are the following: co-operating ...
The Regions
Reykjavík - The Capital. Reykjavík is the natural starting point for any visit to Iceland, and not undeservedly so. The capital is world-renowned for its culture, history, and natural beauty on all fronts. Visit Reykjavik is the official destination marketing office for the Capital of Iceland. Find out more about Reykjavik on their website.
Practical Information
Þekkingarmiðstöð Sjálfsbjargar is a knowledge center in Iceland for people with disabilities. They have translated English their information on traveling in Iceland. You can visit access for the disabled in Iceland for more information on access to attractions, restaurants, and other services in Reykjavík.
What's On in Reykjavík, Iceland
Easter Opening Hours in Reykjavík in 2024. Easter is around the corner and below you can find the opening hours in Reykjavík for tourist information centres, grocery stores, swimming pools and museums. Reykjavík Tourist Information Centres Maundy Thursday (28.03) Laugavegur 54: 9:00 - 18:00 Laugavegur 5: Regular.
25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavík (Iceland)
1. Hallgrímskirkja. Source: Shutterstock. Hallgrimskirkja Church. Both a parish church and Iceland's national sanctuary, Hallgrímskirkja is an ever-present feature of Reykjavík's skyline. Conceived in the early-1940s by Guðjón Samúelsson, the church was 41 years in the making and was finally consecrated in 1986.
How to spend a weekend in Reykjavik
Afternoon. Take a 15-minute stroll down to the harbour area and grab a late lunch at laid-back Saegreifinn, whose shack-like interior offers nautical décor, simple wooden tables and a menu of ...
22 things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital of cool
Reykjavik is known for it's landscapes, design and Blue Lagoon. Check out my top Reykjavik highlights. Must see: Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa, Sun Voyager, City Centre, Icelandic design. Top attractions: Whale watching and puffin tour, Northern Lights. Must try: Food Tour, Pylsur - Icelandic Hot Dog.
Reykjavik Travel Guide
Iceland's wild animals next to a play park. A favorite with families, Reykjavik Zoo is a great place to see foxes, seals, and the famous Icelandic ponies. There's also a petting zoo, and next door is a play park with a mini racetrack, huge trampoline, and fairground rides for younger kids. • +354 411 5900. 61.
15 Best Things To Do in Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a picturesque city that offers the ideal blend of natural wonders and urban attractions. From geothermal hot springs to colorful buildings, and fascinating ...
Hunting the Northern Lights in Iceland
In 2023, there were about 1.1 million international visitors to Iceland during the aurora months, based on departures from Keflavík Airport, according to data from Iceland's tourist board. From ...
Top 10 Things to do in Reykjavik
1. A Reykjavik Must-See: The Northern Lights. Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, and they're certainly one of the things to see in Iceland that everyone wants to experience. Take a northern lights tour to hunt this natural phenomenon with the help of an experienced guide.
Live footage: Magma running down from the overflowing crater
Screenshot from a webcam where the lava is seen running down from an overflowing crater quite forcefully. mbl.is/Screenshot. "It started happening like 20 minutes over three, and then the ...