20 Best Things To Do And See In Reykjavik

Are you visiting Iceland soon? Are you wondering whether you should include Reykjavík in your trip? Or don’t know how much time you should spend in this city? This blog will help you plan your visit to Iceland’s capital. Take out your notepad and start writing down the best things to do and see in Reykjavik!

REYKJAVIK: INTERESTING FACTS

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It is also the most northerly capital city in the world. It is so close to the Arctic Circle that during the winter it only gets 4h of daylight.
The population of Reykjavik is around 233.000 people, approximately two-thirds of Iceland’s population.
Reykjavik got its name from the steam that rises from the hot springs around the area. The name Reykjavik translates as “Smoky Bay”.
Did you know that dogs were banned from Reykjavik between 1920 and 1984? The reasoning behind this decision was that dogs were better off in nature. As a consequence, Reykjavik is full of cats!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT REYKJAVIK?

Good news! You can visit Reykjavik all year round! However, there are a few things that you will only be able to do depending on the season you visit.

Summer: If you choose to visit Reykjavik during the summer you will be able to experience the midnight sun (if the weather conditions allow it). Also, you will have higher chances of seeing puffings since Iceland’s capital is home to a major Puffin breeding colony.
Winter: On the other hand, visiting Reykjavik during the winter will translate to a higher probability of seeing the Northern lights.

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD YOU SPEND IN REYKJAVIK?

Based on my experience, you should plan to stay in Reykjavik for 1 to 2 days.

If you’re only planning on visiting the main tourist sites, 1 day in Reykjavik is more than enough.
If you want to include in your itinerary other activities like whale watching or relaxing in one of the geothermal spas, then I recommend staying for 2 days.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN REYKJAVIK

1. SUN VOYAGER SCULPTURE

The Sun Voyager or Sólfar in Icelandic is a sculpture in the shape of a boat by the artist Jón Gunnar Arnason. It symbolizes the promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, progress and freedom.

This statuer is located in the old port of Reykjavik very close to the city center. It is the perfect spot to relax while you admire the statue with the sea and mountains in the distance.

2. THE HARPA CONCERT HALL

If you like modern architecture, the Harpa Concert Hall is a must visit in Reykjavik. The building has received several awards for its unique design. It has a glass façade as a reference to various natural phenomena and the unique light conditions in Iceland.

If you want, you can also see a performance there. Here you can find the show calendar!

3. THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

The National Museum of Iceland (Pjódminjasafn Íslands in Icelandic) is the perfect places to learn about Icelandic history and culture. The museum details Iceland’s history and culture from the earliest settlements to the modern day.

You can find all information about opening hours and prices on its website.

4. TJÖRNIN LAKE AND HLJÓMSKÁLARDUR PARK

Sitting at the border of Tjörnin Lake, you can find many important buildings from Reykjavik such as the Reykjavik Art Museum, the Supreme Court of Iceland, the Parliament Building and Reykjavik City Hall, the Fríkirkjan, etc. In the winter, the lake gets completely frozen and it is possible to skate on it.

The nearby Hljómskálagardur Park is the perfect place to relax and have a picnic. There is a series of sculpture all created by female Icelandic artits.

5. REYKJAVIK CITY HALL

Another top place to visit is the Reykjavik City Hall. You will be impressed by the 70 meter wide 3D model of Iceland.

6. NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

Near Tjörnin Lake, you can also visit the National Gallery of Iceland (Listasafn Islands). This museum has an emphasis on 20th and 21st-century Icelandic art although there is some international art featured as well.

Check their website for opening hours and ticket prices.

7. IMAGINE PEACE TOWER

The Imagine Peace Tower is a memorial to John Lennon conceived by Yoko Ono located on the nearby island of Videy. It is a Tower of Light that emanates wisdom, healing, and joy. It is lit only between October and December and on a few additional dates during the winter. During these daytes, you can see it live on this link.

8. HALLGRIMSKIRKJA CHURCH

Hallgrimskirkja is the most iconic place in Reykjavik! This Lutheran church is the largest in Iceland at 74,5 m. It was desinged by a renowned architect in Iceland, Gudjón Samúelsson. He based his design on elements of Icelandic nature like glaciers, mountains, and lava formation, particularly the hexagonal basalt columns that are found around the country.

It is possible to go up its tower and watch the view of Reykjavik from above. To do this, you have to take an elevator. Admission to the church is free but not for the tower. You can find ticket prices on their website.

9. DOWNTOWN REYKJAVIK

Downtown Reykjavik is so cute with its colorful houses and streets. The architecture in Reykjavik is full of ironclad houses painted in all sorts of colours. These houses will catch your eye, not only for their colours but as well for their material which is not very often seen for houses.

In addition, many of the main commercial streets have colourful rainbows and children’s games painted on the pavement. A clear example of this is the famous Laugavegur Street or Rainbow street.

10. aUSTURVÖLLUR SQUARE

Austurvöllur square is a public park very popular between Icelanders. Locals gather and sunbathe here during the warmer summer days. In the middle of the square, you can find a statue of Jón Sigurdsson, a national hero in Iceland.

TOP ACTIVITIES IN REYKJAVIK

11. ADMIRE REYKJAVIK'S HARBOUR FROM THUFA

Thufa is a work of art that consists of a large, grassy dome with a walking path encircling it to reach the top. The artists wante to create a place of serenity and meditation.

It is located at the beginning of Old Reykjavik’s Harbour, just acros the water from The Harpa, making it the perfect viewpoint to admire the harbour.

12. PERLAN OBSERVATION DECK

Another panoramic viewpoint of Reykjavik is the one you get from the Perlan Observation Deck, on top of the Perlan Museum. This deck rotates, offering a 360º view of Reykjavik.

13. SHOPPING AT LAUGAVEGUR STREET

Laugavegur street is one of Reykjavik’s main commercial streets and it is full of shops, restaurants, and bars. It is must-visit when in Reykjavik.

14. SHOPPING AT KOLAPORTID FLEA MARKET

If you’re budget doesn’t allow you to shop at Laugavegur, then you might want to have a look at the Kolaportid Flea Market. It is located next to the Harbour and it is only open during the weekends.

15. GO WHALE WATCHING

Join one of the many tours departing from the old harbour to go whale watching! The tour will take between 2 to 3 hours and will take you to Faxaflói bay on the search for whales and dolphins.

16. FLYOVER ICELAND SIMULATOR

If you’re into simulators and virtual reality, then you can try the FlyOver Iceland simulator. You will be suspended inside a 20-meter spherical screen and with special effects, you will get the senstaion of flying over Iceland.

You can find all the information about the experience here!

17. RELAX AT THE BLUE LAGOON

The most famous geothermal spa near Reykjavik is the Blue Lagoon. Located only 30 minutes drive from the city center, this spa is famous for its baby blue water rich in silica and sulfur that has many benefits for your skin.

If you’re planning to visit the Blue Lagoon, make sure to book your tickets in advance as it is very popular and gets sold out. You can book your tickets at this link.

If you can’t find a booking for the Blue Lagoon, since 2021 there is a new spa near Reykjavik that is also becoming very popular, the Sky Lagoon.

TOP PLACES TO EAT IN REYKJAVIK

Despite not being a big city, Reykjavik has some very good restaurants and cafés where you will eat amazing food.

18. BRAUD BAKERY

Braud Bakery is famous for its delicious pastries, in particular their cinnamon rolls. I tried a few of their baked goods and I can’t decide which one was better.

On top of their delicious pastries, their building is very original and colorful. The only downside to this bakery is that is only take away. If it is a sunny day, I recommend that you get your sweet treats and eat them near the sea.

19. SANDHOLD BAKERY AND EATERY

Sandhold Bakery and Eatery has one of the best brunch-style breakfasts in Reykjavik. It was definitely one of the best brunchs I have ever had!

20. other restaurants

If you’re looking to enjoy some delicious local cuisine, then you can try one of these restaurants, All of them were recommended by someone I know living in Reykjavik.

WHERE TO STAY IN REYKJAVIK?

Accommodation in Reykjavik, the same as in all of Iceland, is expensive. If you are traveling on a budget, the best options are:

Rent a camper van and overnight in Reykjavik Eco Campsite.
Sleep in a hostel with a shared bedroom and/or bathroom. For exampel: Kex Hostel.

If you have a higher budget, then you can book a hotel room with a private bathroom. Despite this, I recommend booking as much in advance as possible to ensure getting the best deal possible. The hotel will stayed at during our trip is no longer available, but here are some good options I would choose.

Alda Hotel Reykjavik (€€€)

Alda Hotel is located on Laugavegur shopping street in Central Reykjavik and just a 5-minute walk from Hallgrimskirkja Church. All rooms have a private bathroom and some of them also feature a balcony. The hotel even has a sauna and an outdoor hot tub.

Photos from Booking.com

Thingholt by Center Hotels (€€€)

Thingholt is a stylish and original hotel located not far from Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street. All rooms offer a unique style with all the necessary ammenities.