• Share on Pinterest
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Flipboard
• Email this Page

By Monika

30 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital city and the most northern capital city in Europe. It is the biggest city in Iceland and one you definitely want to make time to visit during your trip to Iceland.

How much time? It all depends on your travel style and the length of your stay in Iceland.

Reykjavik is a small city in comparison to other European capitals, but it makes up for the small size in character, architecture and vibrant atmosphere. There is plenty to see and do there, from walking the colorful streets to visiting museums and trying local food.

I have been to Reykjavik 3 times and sill have things left on my “to see in Reykjavik” list.

This guide will give you a list of the best things to do in Reykjavik to make planning your visit much easier. 

This post contains affiliate links to trusted products and services that I use and love myself. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive compensation at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. I appreciate your support! Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See the Disclaimer Policy and the Privacy Policy for more details.

1. Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Church

Hallgrímskirkja church is the iconic landmark of Reykjavik, easily spotted from afar as you approach the city.

The tall, concrete church has signature columns on both sides of the main entrance that look like organ pipes but actually are designed to resemble volcanic basalt columns – a recognizable feature of many natural attractions in Iceland, like Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach or Stuðlagil Canyon. 

It is said that the inspiration for this design was Svartifoss Waterfall located in Vatnajökull National Park.

The entry to the church is free and inside you can see its mhttps://planpackexplore.com/guide-to-svartifoss-hike/ain feature – a massive organ with 5275 pipes! In the summer months you can catch an organ concert, usually during the weekend.

The main attraction of the church is taking an elevator ride to the top of the bell tower, where you can walk around and take in the incredible views of the entire city.

The first time we visited the bell tower was, on a stormy, cloudy and very windy day, so the views were a bit foggy, but the experience was still worth it. Just hearing the wind blowing inside the tower was an attraction in itself!

The second time we came on a clear sunny day and these were the views:

The church bells play a short tune every 15 minutes. It is loud if you happen to be inside the tower!

The elevator is located just inside the entrance to the church. The cost is 1400 ISK per adult and you buy the tickets in the gift shop.

2. Check out the shops on Laugavegur (Main Street) and Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street)

These two streets are the main shopping streets of Reykjavik, with plenty of local stores, cafes and of course gift shops to explore.

Enjoy the colorful buildings, street art, and don’t miss the rainbow on Rainbow Street!

To find it, just step out of the Hallgrímskirkja Church and follow the street directly straight ahead of you. The rainbow starts about halfway down the length of the street and that painted part of it is for pedestrians only.

Sometimes you get a chance to meet one of the famous “Reykjavik cats” in a gift shop 🙂

3. Explore local cafés:

Cat Café (Kattakaffihusid)

As you’re roaming the streets of the Reykjavik, don’t hesitate to walk around the smaller side streets – you’ll find some hidden gems like the Cat Café (Kattakaffihusid)

It’s a coffee shop where you can enjoy a cup of delicious brew in the company of very well-behaved adoptable cats!

Brauð & Co.

Get some famous sourdough bread or cinnamon rolls from Brauð & Co.

The Laundromat Café

Grab a bite to eat at this unique cafe – you can actually do laundry here while you eat. There are real functioning washing machines on the lower level!

Café Babalú

Have a sandwich and some delicious coffee at Café Babalú. Check out their Star Wars themed bathroom, too!

Other cafés

Try some fish’n’chips at the Fish’n’Chips restaurant and other traditional Icelandic food at Reykjavik Street Food or Café Loki.

4. See the Sólfarið Sculpture “Sun Voyager” 

Make your way to the Old Harbor to see the famous Sun Voyager sculpture. Next to Hallgrímskirkja it’s one of the main attractions of the city. Designed by artist Jón Gunnar, it resembles a Viking ship.

You can take a walk along the shoreline (called the Shore Walk) and on a clear sunny day you’ll be able to see the Mount Esja in the background.

5. Visit the oldest bakery in Iceland

If you’re hungry during your Shore Walk, just cross the street and not too far from a gas station, in a very unassuming spot, you’ll find Iceland’s oldest bakery – Bernhöftsbakarí – full of delicious pastries.

6. Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center

On your way back to the city center you’ll pass by the Harpa Concert Hall. You can’t miss this very recognizable building with the glass panels sparkling in the sun, turning different colors depending on the time of the day and the weather.

You can go inside and enjoy a 45-60 minute guided tour, during which you’ll learn about the design, architecture and the story of this amazing building. 

The tours are posted here and cost 5200 ISK per adult. There are discounts for children and seniors. You can also grab tickets to a concert. 

7. Try an Icelandic Hot Dog

Make sure you taste the authentic Icelandic Hot dog – only at the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand, located near Harpa, at Tryggvagata 1.

Try all the toppings by ordering a “hot dog with everything”. You’ll get the traditional lamb/beff/pork sausage with ketchup, mustard, relish and fried onions. Delicious!

8. Visit the Icelandic Phallological Museum

This is definitely a one-of-a-kind museum! As advertised in their flyer it’s “the only penis museum in the world”, home to the largest penis collection in the world! It’s also advertised as family friendly.

I admit, I didn’t get past the lobby and the café the first time I was near it, simply due to the lack of time, but I did go inside during my next visit.

It is definitely a unique experience – I won’t spoil it for you with pictures, you should just see for yourself 🙂

The café serves penis shaped waffles and really good coffee from the local companies.

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm and charges a 3500 ISK admission fee per adult. You can reserve tickets online or just walk in and buy them at the museum.

I would allow about 30- 45 minutes to walk though it.

9. Visit FlyOver Iceland

It’s Iceland newest attraction, opened in 2019. The ride is short but exhilarating – you sit in a full motion seat and “fly” over many natural wonders of Iceland presented on a spherical screen. Special effects like wind, mist and scents make the experience even more realistic.

Book this attraction online for the best deal.

Book here to get the convenient 24 hr cancellation possibility in case your plans change.

10. See the Lava Show

If you’d like to see a volcanic eruption from the safety of your showroom seat, this attraction is for you. It’s an eruption simulation using a real lava from the 1918 Katla volcano eruption – as real as it gets!

We saw the show on our recent visit, and it was fun, educational, and very real – definitely worth the expense.

The show lasts about an hour, and the cost is 6590 ISK per adult and 3590 ISK for children under 12 years old. It sells out fast, so book your tickets well in advance!

Book here to get the convenient 24 hr. cancellation possibility in case your plans change.

Note: the same show is also available in Vik.

11. Whales of Iceland Exhibition

It’s the largest whale museum in Europe filled with life sized models of whale species that you can see in Iceland, as well as life size skeletons. Audio guides are available in 17 languages.

Admission cost is 4000 ISK per adult, with discounts available for children, as well as families.

Book here to get the convenient 24 hr. cancellation possibility in case your plans change.

12. Shop at Kolaportið

If you are in Reykjavik during the weekend, you can’t miss the flea market, called Kolaportið. It’s full of local arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, but also antiques and collectors’ items.

I got the most adorable bracelet charm there, shaped like a map of Iceland!

13. Eat at Pósthús Food Hall & Bar

If you’re up for a more varied, international fare, this is the place to eat at.

This food hall, converted from the old post office, offers meals from all over the world. And is literally across the street from the flea market!

As the sign says – it’s the “stairway to food heaven“!

14. Visit the Omnom Chocolate Factory Store

Grab some famous Omnom Icelandic chocolate at the factory store in Reykjavik, called “Omnomsphere”. Chocolate bars in unique, seasonal flavors, elegant gift sets and homemade ice cream – they have it all!

The ice cream is absolutely delicious!

Their opening hours vary, so check the current schedule online before making your way there.

15. Visit Tjörnin 

This lake in the middle of Old Reykjavik, not far from the Parliament Building, and right next to the City Hall is home to many species of native and visiting birds.

It’s also called the Reykjavik Pond or just the Pond by the locals.

The area is best known for the Monument for the Unknown Bureaucrat – a somewhat satirical statue dedicated to Iceland’s public service workers.

16. Visit other Museums in Reykjavik: 

To learn about the history of Iceland from the early settlers to modern times, as well as local culture, art and traditions, visit these museums:

• National Museum of Iceland – learn more here and book free cancellation tickets here
• Saga Museum – learn more here and book free cancellation tickets here
• The Settlement Exhibition – learn more here
• National Gallery of Iceland – learn more here

17. Visit a swimming pool 

There is a huge swimming pool culture in Reykjavik and generally in Iceland. While in other countries people meet at bars, restaurants and coffee shops to catch up and gossip, Icelanders do it at their pools! Filled with clean, hot geothermal water they are a great cost-effective alternative to the more expensive spas, and you get a chance to immerse yourself in one of Icelanders’ favorite pastimes.

The most popular pool located in the city center is Sundhöllin (the oldest one in the city), with Laugardalslaug, the largest pool in Iceland, a close second. The entry fee for both pools is 1330 ISK per adult and children under 15 years old swim free.

18. Take a Free Walking Tour of Reykjavik

Free walking tours are a great way to learn about not only Reykjavik but also the history, culture and traditions of Iceland in general. We booked our tour on the last day of our trip, after we travelled the Ring Road for 10 days and it was a perfect ending to our adventure.

These tours are engaging, informative and the 2 hours passed by really fast, leaving us richer in knowledge and fun facts about Iceland we won’t quickly forget. 

Book your free tour here.

19. Take a “fun” tour of Reykjavik

In addition to the sightseeing tours, you can take a Folklore Tour where you learn about trolls, ghosts and other hidden creatures of Iceland, or a Folklore and CatWalk tour, where you also get to meet the cats of Reykjavik. You can also get a fun introduction to the city by choosing a Sightseeing Tour with a Viking

20. Take a Food Tour

Food tours are a great way to experience Icelandic traditional, local cuisine. You travel from venue to venue, eat delicious meals and learn about the city of Reykjavik. Book a Reykjavik Food Walk or for desert lovers a Private Sweet Tooth Tour you taste Icelandic pastries and learn about their history.

21. Visit the Magic Ice Bar

It is actually an art gallery and a family friendly bar, where EVERYTHING is made of Ice! A true blue ice wonderland and a unique spot to add to your itinerary.

You can book your entrance ticket here – it includes a welcome drink, as well as the Magic Ice warm poncho and gloves to wear during your visit.

Outside of the city center:

There are many attractions and places to explore outside of the immediate Reykjavik city center. Most of them require a car, or a taxi ride but some are accessible by public transportation.

22. See the Grótta Lighthouse  

Grótta is a still operational lighthouse located at the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it’s accessible on foot during low tide.

You have plenty of walking trails and bike paths around, but the biggest claim to fame of this location is Northern Lights viewing.

Due to its location away from the city lights, Grótta Lighthouse area is one of the best places to catch Aurora Borealis in Reykjavik.

23. Kvika Footbath

Along the path to the Grotta Lighthouse, across the street from Ráðagerði Restaurant you can spot a small, stone lined “pool”. It’s only about 1 meter wide in diameter and filled with hot geothermal water. It’s the Kvika Footbath! A true hidden gem of this area.

Just big enough to sit on the stones, you can dip your feet in the hot water and enjoy the stunning views.

24. Enjoy Nauthólsvík Beach

Nauthólsvík is an artificial geothermal golden beach located just outside downtown Reykjavik. You can dip in the ocean, enjoy the sun on the golden sand (an unusual activity for Icelandic beaches!) and relax in the small rectangular hot pool. 

It has all necessary facilities – restrooms, changing rooms, a snack bar and lockers. It’s a great spot to visit on a nice sunny day.

Learn more here.

25. Visit Perlan Museum

Perlan’s motto is “The Wonders of Iceland” and this museum lives up to this description. It’s full of interactive, engaging, and very informative exhibits and shows. You get to go into the real ice cave, see the puffin cliffs, watch the Northern Lights and a Lava Show. And get your fill of the stunning views of the city’s skyline from the 360-degree observation deck. 

READ MORE: Is Perlan Museum in Reykjavik Worth Visiting?

You can book your tickets online for the best price, or if you’re not sure when you will get there (like me), you can just buy them onsite, just be prepared to pay a little more.

Book here to get the convenient 24 hr. cancellation possibility in case your plans change.

26. Soak in geothermal hot springs

What’s better after a long day of touring Reykjavik than soaking in a geothermal spa!

The closest one to the city is the Sky Lagoon – an amazing hot spa with their signature, rejuvenating 7-step ritual. I just visited recently for the first time and absolutely loved it.

The best part is that it’s only a 12-minute ride from the city center and only 7 minutes away by car from Perlan which is on the way.

Your second choice is the famous Blue Lagoon, a little farther away (40-minute drive). You can soak in their milky blue waters and let the silica do its magic!

27. Go on a whale watching tour

Iceland is known for whale watching, and while Husavik is supposed to be “Iceland’s whale watching capital”, you can also see the whales on various boat tours from Reykjavik.  You can spot many whale species, like minke whales, humpback whales and even some orcas.

Check different whale watching tours from Reykjavik here.

28. Horseback Riding Tours 

Riding Icelandic horses is an unforgettable experience. Even if you’ve never sat on a horse before (like me!) and have zero riding experience (like me!), you should consider a horseback riding tour if it fits in your budget and itinerary.

You get all the gear and instructions you need, and then the horses literally take care of the rest! The are the best behaved, best trained and friendly creatures! 

The other tour company in the Reykjavik area is the Ishestar Horse Riding Center in Hafnafjordur.

29. Explore the hiking trails on Mount Esja

Mt. Esja (also known as just Esjan) is only about a half hour drive from Reykjavik and offers a variety of hiking trails from beginner strolls to 4-5 hour long more advance treks. The trails are well marked, color coded and offer beautiful views of Reykjavik at every level of difficulty.

You can drive to the parking lot and hike on your own or join a hiking tour.

30. Take a guided tour of Iceland from Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a perfect place to stay if you plan on taking guided tours to see other areas in Iceland. Most tour companies offer a pickup option from various hotels in the city. The most popular tours include the Golden Circle, Iceland’s South Coast (some also offering a glacier hike), Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

If you plan to make Reykjavik a home base for your stay in Iceland, check out this 6-day itinerary to plan your day trips!

Best time to visit Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a wonderful city to visit in any season, so it’s hard to recommend a specific time of year. If you prefer warmer weather for your sightseeing, choose the summer months. To see the famous Yule Cat (the Christmas Cat) come between late November and Christmas. Reykjavik is also a hub for various festivals all year, so really there is no bad time to visit Iceland’s capital!

How to get to Reykjavik from the airport

The best way to get from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik is by car, but if you’re not planning on renting one then taking FlyBus from the airport is the best option. It’s convenient, very flexible with regards to the flight schedule and comfortable. It will bring you to the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik and from there you can transfer to a local Strætó bus to get to your hotel, or just grab a taxi.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

There are SO MANY CHOICES for accommodations in the city.

Look for hotels within walking distance of major attractions, shops and restaurants if you’re not planning to rent a car or for ones with parking spaces for guests or near parking lots/garages if you do bring a car.

Check your hotel choices on the handy map below:

How to get around Reykjavik

If your hotel is in central Reykjavik, you can just explore on foot. Reykjavik is a very walkable city. There is also a very well-developed network of public transportation buses if you have to travel a longer distance. You can buy bus tickets through a Klappid app or get a Reykjavik Card, in which bus rides are included.

Reykjavik Card is a 24-72 hour city card, giving you access to Reykjavik’s buses, geothermal pools and some museums. A lot of other attractions in Reykjavik will have their entry fees discounted by 10-30% when you use the Reykjavik Card.

Click here for Reykjavik Card details and prices.

You can also buy a 24- or 48-hour ticket for the Hop-On Hop-Off bus. It offers stops at 16 popular locations in Reykjavik, free Wi-Fi on board and headphones to listen to the pre-recorded commentary about the sites on the route.

Parking in Reykjavik

If you have a car in Reykjavik, pay attention to the posted parking zones and times during which you need to pay for parking. There are 4 parking zones: P1 and P2 are in the center, and you pay both during the week and the weekends as well, while P3 and P4 are further away, and Sundays are usually free. You can pay at the onsite kiosks on with the Parka.is app.

How much time do you need for Reykjavik?

It all depends on your travel style and your Iceland itinerary.

You can see the main landmarks in one day, but if you have more time, you’ll have a chance to explore museums, take a food tour or a walking tour, visit cafés and browse the gift shops.

👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!

🛜 Stay connected during your trip with an eSIM like Airalo, Saily or Sim Local!

• Share on Facebook
• Save to Pinterest
• Share on Flipboard

---

---

You may also like:

• 6-day Iceland Itinerary (How to See the Best of Iceland in a Short Time)
• Golden Circle in One Day – Full Guide to the Main Stops and Best Detours.
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula – A Complete Guide and Top Things to See.
• Best Places to Visit on the South Coast of Iceland.
• Best Glacier Hikes in Iceland – Top Tours + Tips for a Great Experience.
• Reykjadalur Valley – a beautiful hike to a hot river (+ tips for the best experience)
• An Ultimate Guide to Visiting Glacier Lagoons in Iceland.
• Fjaðrárgljúfur – How to Visit Iceland’s Fairytale Canyon.