Known for being the world’s northernmost capital and with a reputation for the cool and quirky, as well as offering chances to see the northern lights, Reykjavik has witnessed an boom in tourism over recent years. The compact downtown area is easy to explore and offers a vibrant contrast to the natural wonders of the surrounding countryside. Packing in tons of history and culture that belies its size, Reykjavik is a must-visit city. Here’s our pick of 18 things to do in and around Reykjavik…
Attractions and Landmarks
1) Stroll through Iceland’s Old Town
Step into Reykjavik’s Old Town, the heart of Iceland’s art scene, to experience the city’s unique character and charm. Wander its sculpture-lined cobbled streets with brightly coloured houses decorated in corrugated iron to protect them from the elements. Admire the mosaics and plaques depicting the city’s maritime life and visit the old bakery and woollen shops for a taste of the city’s history. In the centre lies Austurvöllur Square, which buzzes during the warmer months when the surrounding cafés fill up with locals and tourists enjoying the weather.
2) Explore Reykjavik Harbour
Despite its largely trading heritage, Reykjavik’s old harbour has become one of the city’s main tourist attractions. The museums tell stories of the city’s fishing past, an alluring array of restaurants serve up modern Icelandic cuisine, and the harbour itself is the jumping off point for boat trips. The atmosphere is vibrant to say the least – relax in one of the many cafés or restaurants and watch the local fishermen manage the port and grapple with the day’s catch. Indoor attractions around the harbour include FlyOver Iceland – a motion cinema that simulates a riveting flight over mountains and glaciers, while the Lava Show is another hot ticket!
3) Feed the birds around Tjörnin
The spectacularly tranquil lake of Tjörnin, known locally as the ‘Pond’, lies at the centre of Old Town Reykjavik. It is framed by Reykjavik’s City Hall, colourful houses and sculpture parks like Hljómskálagarður to its south. The lake is home to a handful of birdlife that keeps families entertained while they casually stroll its border. When the lake freezes over in winter, brave locals and tourists transform it into an outdoor rink.
4) Dine at Perlan
Crowning huge geothermal-water tanks on Öskjuhlíð hill, about 2km from the city centre, the mirrored dome of Perlan offers panoramic views across Reykjavík and Faxaflói bay from the observation deck and the revolving restaurant. Both a landmark and a museum, don’t miss the ice cave experience, nature exhibition and planetarium.
5) Drop into Harpa Concert Hall
Reykjavik is now internationally recognised for its music and arts scene. Music is said to be the backbone of Icelandic culture; bars and clubs in downtown Reykjavík put on regular shows and record stores are keen to showcase the works of the country’s musicians. Opened in 2011, Harpa Concert Hall is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, and hosts many of the city’s music festivals. One of the city’s distinguished landmarks, the striking glass façade of Harpa Concert Hall reflects the light of the sky and lively city around it. From here, take a stroll along the shoreline to the Sun Voyager – the striking Viking ship sculpture on the water’s edge.
6) Gaze at Hallgrimskirkja
Inspired by the geometric shapes often created when lava cools, Reykjavik’s striking church wasn’t completed until 1986 and was then the tallest building in the country. It is now the second tallest. You can admire an impressive 5,275-pipe organ and take an elevator to the top of the 74.5m-tall tower. An imposing statue of Viking Leifur Eiríksson – the first European to discover America – stands proud outside.
Unique Museums
7) National Museum
The National Museum of Reykjavik celebrates and commemorates the history and culture of Iceland through its collection of artefacts dating back to Viking days. One of the museum’s main features is the Valthjófsstadur door, with medieval engravings depicting scenes from the legendary 12th century knight’s tale.
8) Árbær Open Air Museum
A sanctuary for historical buildings relocated from central Reykjavik, Árbær is a time capsule where visitors can appreciate the architecture and lifestyles of the ‘old city’. Based around a town square, village and farm (complete with a turf-roofed homestead), the museum is brought to life by costumed actors and pastoral animals.
9) The Icelandic Phallological Museum
Probably the most unusual museum in Reykjavik, the penis museum hosts the largest collection of phalluses in the world. It’s family friendly and even houses its own bistro along the theme!
Icelandic Experiences
10) Shopping and gallery visits
Laugavegur is the main shopping street, which is lined with Reykjavík’s coolest shops and bars. These include Kiosk for cutting-edge fashion and Spútník for vintage treasures. Galleries play host to an incredibly talented artistic community. Head uptown to Gallerí List and discover one of the city’s finest art galleries featuring works by local artists.
11) Sample Icelandic cuisine
Fresh seafood and local lamb are among the pick of dishes in Reykjavik’s restaurants. Innovation and creativity fuse with the fresh ingredients among the growing number of award-winning restaurants while social hot spots offer the chance to experience fabled Reykjavik nightlife.
Simpler but no less Icelandic, take the time to sample a hot dog (pylsur) at the shabby harbourside kiosk, Bæjarins Beztu. Fast food, Icelandic style, this basic offering is as moreish as they come. Take our advice and order two or be prepared to rejoin the queue!
Spending time soaking up café culture is also a must in Reykjavik. Trendy cafes are plentiful, unsurprisingly given the national drink is coffee.
12) Relax in hot springs
Nearer to Keflavik Airport than Reykjavik, the world famous Blue Lagoon is set on a field of black basalt lava on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is one of Iceland’s chief attractions. Aside from its obvious aesthetic appeal, the mineral-rich, waters and spa facilities attract visitors each day. The geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon with algae, silica and minerals are said to have therapeutic qualities as well as health benefits for particular conditions.
Opened in 2020, the Sky Lagoon is an alternative geothermal bathing experience on the outskirts of the city. The naturally infinity-styled lagoon looks out over the Atlantic Ocean.
If you prefer something less cultivated, with more a local vibe, head to one of the city’s outdoor pools, naturally heated of course. Swimming is national pastime in Iceland, making pools a hub of local life.
Day Trips and Excursions
13) Head out whale watching
A year round activity, whale watching tours run daily. The classic whale watching experience from Reykjavik is around 3 hours aboard boats specially adapted for sightings. Cruise around Faxaflói bay looking for whales and dolphins. Minke whales and white-beaked dolphins are most commonly seen, but harbour porpoises, humpback whales and orcas can also be spotted.
Perhaps choose the express version, 2 hours of thrills aboard a RIB boat. Puffin watching tours are also available in summer.
14) Explore the Golden Circle
Iceland’s trio of natural wonders have long been a must-see for visitors exploring the south west. Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area are the stars on day tours that combine rugged natural beauty with Icelandic history.
History and geology come alive at Thingvellir National Park, which is both the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament, the Althing, dating back to 930 AD and where the earth’s Eurasian and North American tectonic plates visibly meet.
Two-tiered Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls as glacial water tumbles down the Hvita river in torrents.
The geyser, Strokkur, is the talking point of Geysir Hot Springs Area, which making a play your attention every 10 minutes or so as it erupts up to 40m into the air.
Nature and Celestial Wonders
15) Hike around Mt Esja
A looming presence when you drive north to Hvalfjörður or east to Þingvellir, this 914m-high volcanic massif is just 20km from central Reykjavík. Several hiking trails scale Esja, providing far-reaching views of the city and beyond. The final 200m to the summit requires a challenging climb.
16) Gaze at the northern lights
One of the great things about Reykjavik is its proximity to an abundance of scenic wonders. Even if you settled on a city break, you can still easily venture into the surrounding area to experience the peninsula’s natural beauty. The hills surrounding Reykjavik offer spectacular views of the Reykjanes and Esja mountains and beyond. Go in search of the stars and constellations as you wait patiently for the aurora borealis to make an appearance. For the serious northern lights hunter, we strongly recommend a short break based in the Icelandic countryside – where you can minimise light pollution and maximise your viewing potential.
17) Photography under the midnight sun
Visit in the summer and while you can expect a mix of sun and cloud, possibly wind and rain you can be sure of long, light days. A great opportunity to maximise your time exploring, summer is a wonderful time for photography both in the city and beyond. Imagine the golden glow reflecting off the Sun Voyager sculpture or as the backdrop behind Hallgrímskirkja church.
Of course, the greater photographic opportunities lie in the island’s natural wonders. Join guided tours or hire a car for your own road trip along the south coast where Iceland’s glaciers and volcanic features are showcased under the midnight sun.
Events and festivals
18) Get festive
Full of live and local colour at any time of year, Icelanders love a reason to celebrate and the city plays hosts to numerous international and local festivals. From National Day celebrations on 17th June to Reykjavik Pride and Iceland Airwaves, this is a lively city. The Imagine Peace Tower, a work of art conceived by peace campaigner, Yoko Ono, is lit annually on 9th October.
Reykjavik is also a fantastic place to celebrate Christmas and New Year as cultural traditions blend with a modern entertainment. To say that New Year’s Eve celebrations in the capital have become legendary is something of an understatement. The city transforms into a glowing spectacle of lights, fireworks, music and festive culinary delight.
Final word…
When you’ve got an itinerary quivering with the prospect of waterfalls, volcanoes, icecaps and wild coasts, you’d be forgiven for wanting to sidestep Reykjavik. Rather than an an unnecessary urban diversion, Iceland’s capital should be seen as complementary to the rugged nature that awaits beyond. With unusual museums, art galleries, dazzling landmarks, restaurants specialising in Icelandic cuisine and legendary nightlife, Iceland’s capital can keep you busy for days. And most attractions are within easy walking distance.
Our advice is to prioritise ‘natural Iceland’, then add the city to the start or end of your trip. Or choose a weekend getaway and combine day tours into Iceland’s nature with cultural attractions. Whether for a day or three, our Travel Specialists can help you plan the best way of experiencing the many attractions of the Icelandic capital.
Feeling inspired?
From 3-night city breaks and spa getaways to longer escapes, browse our full range of Reykjavik holidays