Top 14 Things to Do in Reykjavik

Top 14 Things to Do in Reykjavik

Nanna Gunnarsdóttir

What Is There To Do in Reykjavik?

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

  • Visit Reykjavik's Geothermal Swimming Pools

Enjoy a Soak at the Sky Lagoon

Visit hallgrimskirkja church, explore reykjavik by foot, book local reykjavik activities to fill your day.

  • Experience Reykjavik's Nightlife

Try the Local Cuisine in Reykjavik

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

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 just under 139,000 inhabitants, Reykjavik has a wealth of sights and activities that will appeal to culture, nature, and nightlife enthusiasts alike.

When visiting Iceland's capital, be sure to book your Reykjavik accommodation on Iceland's largest marketplace for the best prices. You can also find the largest selection of day trips from Reykjavik  or rent a car and start your own adventure.

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.

  • See also:  The Best Things to Do Near Reykjavik

Top Reykjavik Tours

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Welcome to Reykjavik, Iceland

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, especially as they're themed around the city's history, culture, and other fun topics.

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.

Top Reykjavik Walking Tours

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Exploring the best things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland

The international airport is 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Reykjavik, but you can easily travel between locations by booking an airport transfer , renting an affordable car , or ordering a taxi.

  • Learn all about  Airport Transfers Between Keflavik and Reykjavik: The Complete Guide
  • See also:  Best Hotels Near Keflavik Airport

Top Cheap Rental Cars in Iceland

Reykjavik skyline view

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.

Visit Reykjavik's Geothermal Swimming Pools

Laugardalslaug is the largest pool in Reykjavik and popular

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 some of the  best swimming pools in Reykjavik ?

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 9-10 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 the  Grotta  nature reserve called Kvika. These small pools are great examples of free things to do in Reykjavik.

If your Iceland accommodation is centrally located, 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.

Sundholl Reykjavikur is the popular popular pool in Iceland's capital.

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:

Laugardalsholl Sports Center

Reykjavik Botanical Garden

Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo

Asmundarsafn Sculpture Museum

A World Class Gym

The Laugar Spa

Skautahollin 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

The Reykjavik Botanical Garden is lovely in the summertime

The Reykjavik Botanical Garden is close to the Laugardalslaug swimming pool.

Something to be aware of is that you'll be required to get naked before entering the pools. This is not some peculiar ritual but is strictly hygiene-related. Showers are separated by sex, 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.

  • Learn about  When and Where to (Not) Get Naked in Iceland

Top Hot Spring Tours in Iceland

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Sky lagoon view of the Atlantic ocean

You can either choose to visit the spa with the Sky Lagoon full access admission , which includes their ritual where you can visit the glass sauna, cold mist area, steam bath, and take a cold bath after to rejuvenate. If you want a private changing room, you can book the Premium admission ticket to the Sky Lagoon .

  • Learn more:  Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon: Which One Should You Visit?

Sky lagoon sauna has a glass window towards the ocean

The Sky Lagoon is especially beautiful for watching the sunset or for enjoying the midnight sun. If you're lucky during a winter visit, you may even spot the northern lights as they make sure to keep lighting dim during the darker months.

Afterward, you can pick up some of the skincare items you enjoyed during your visit. It's the perfect souvenir to bring home, and if you're a Guide to Iceland customer, you can enjoy a 15% discount on retail products with the VIP Club offers!

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, this is one of the most famous landmarks in Iceland .

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 when there are mass services and events. Entry to the top is approximately 10 USD for adults but less than 2 USD for children aged 7-16. Traveling to the top is free for younger children.

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

The largest in Iceland, this church is named after minister and poet Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614-1674), the author of the famed Passion Hymns or "Passíusálmarnir," as they're known in Icelandic.

The building was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, one of Iceland's most well-known architects. Work on the projects started in 1945, and the church wasn't fully ready until 1986, when it was opened to the public.

Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík

The beautiful basalt columns at Svartifoss  waterfall on the South Coast of Iceland inspired the church's architecture. It also houses the largest concert organ in Iceland, which is 50 feet (15 meters) tall, has 5,275 pipes, and weighs 25 tons.

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

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

Top Culture Tours

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Hallgrimskirkja church is near many Reykjavik attractions

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 the city and are home to some great Iceland hotels .

We heartily recommend the many outdoor clothing chains selling extreme wear and outdoor gear if shopping is your thing. You can find iconic companies such as 66° North in this area. You'll also find many small boutiques selling goods with fashionable Icelandic designs.

  • Learn about the  Best Shops in Reykjavik | A Local Guide to the City's Originals
  • See also:  The History of 66°North: Keeping Icelanders Warm for a Century

Laugavegur is the main shopping street in Reykjavik

There, you can find the "Neighborhood of the Gods," where the names of the streets 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 you will most likely bump into one of the resident cats, as they're very common pets in central Reykjavik. You can even do a special  cat walking tour in Reykjavik to spot some of the city's most famous feline residents!

Cats are very common in Reykjavik

The lovely cat Ófelía is a common sight in Reykjavik stores.

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. The lake is framed by beautiful old houses, behind which lies Holavallakirkjugardur, the oldest cemetery in Reykjavik.

Make sure to visit Tjornin in Reykjavik

The Nordic House was 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 restaurant with views of the nearby lake.

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

Traveling east, you'll pass the Reykjavik Domestic Airport, the starting point of most helicopter tours . Continuing this way, you'll head towards Nautholsvik  beach and the forested Oskjuhlid hill. Alternatively, you could head further west towards the Grotta nature reserve. This area boasts a lighthouse, beach, and scenic foot bath called Kvika.

The Perlan Museum houses an interesting nature exhibition, an ice cave, and aurora show!

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 .

The Althingi building stands at Austurvollur square

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 an authentic Icelandic 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.

Explore the lovely streets of Reykjavik

Photo from  Guided 3 Hour Reykjavik Walking Tour of Iconic Capital City Landmarks

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. 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.

Top Whale Watching & Puffin Tours

The reykjavik whale watching tour.

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 the capital on fun Reykjavik day trips , which can take half-day or full-day.

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!

  • Learn more with the  Best Guide to Whale Watching in Iceland

Experience Reykjavik's Nightlife

The nightlife in Reykjavík is inviting and lively.

Photo from  Guided 2.5 Hour Reykjavik Beer & Schnapps Walking Tour

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 craft beer scene in Iceland is also pretty big, so make sure to visit some of the best craft beer bars in Reykjavik .

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Enjoy great drinks in Reykjavik

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 new Icelandic and European 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). It's one of the top festivals in Iceland ! Besides these regular events, there are endless amounts of one-off nights out.

Top Food & Drink Tours

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Try fresh seafood in Iceland

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

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

You can find some fantastic  seafood restaurants  or steakhouses that celebrate using local ingredients. Besides Icelandic cuisine, there are also plenty of excellent Italian restaurants , along with Thai, Indian, Mexican, and Japanese places 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.

Icelandic food is unusual but creative.

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?

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.

  • Check out the  Ultimate Guide to the Famous Icelandic Hot Dog
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Enjoy a visit to the Braud & Co bakery in Iceland

The famous buns from Braud & Co are a must-try.

As for the  best cafes in Iceland , it's truly difficult to list them all. A few to check out include Cafe Loki for traditional Icelandic food, Grái Kötturinn for a cozy atmosphere, Kaffibrennslan for people-watching, and Babalú for a drink on the balcony.

For some of the best brunch in Reykjavik , enjoy a feast at the Bastard Brew & Food  or relax in the diner-like atmosphere of the Laundromat Café . 

Your trip wouldn't be complete without trying fresh cinnamon buns from Braud & Co. bakery, which is one of the best bakeries in Reykjavik .

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.

Be sure to check out what's happening in the Harpa Concert Hall during your stay in Reykjavik. You might be able to see the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra during a rehearsal or attend a concert with some of Iceland's most famous bands.

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

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.

The Sun Voyager is an iconic art work in Reykjavik

The most famous artwork in Reykjavik is the  Sun Voyager  sculpture, pictured above. Known as "Sólfarið" in Icelandic, it's a popular attraction nestled along the seaside. It's close to Harpa Concert Hall and has a fantastic view of Mt Esja.

Top 14 Things to Do in Reykjavik

Checking out all the artworks in Reykjavik is a great way to get to know the city and enjoy the mood. You can even book this special art walking tour in Reykjavik with a guide  who will provide interesting context to the artworks, the meaning behind them, and their history.

The park around Tjornin in Reykjavik is lovely in summer

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Szilas .

There are some green areas and  parks in Reykjavik  that are worth a visit. While most people know of the natural sites outside the city, these parks are an excellent example of lesser-known Reykjavik tourist attractions.

Public gardens in the city include Hallargardur and Hljomskalagardur, by lake Tjornin, and Klambratun , which surrounds the Kjarvalsstadir Art Museum. These are popular areas for outdoor games throughout the summertime, and in winter, they can even be good locations for northern lights spotting in Reykjavik .

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 watching the northern lights.

If you want to submerge yourself in water inside the city limits but still maintain a view of 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, the most famous of which is at the Geyser geothermal area on the  Golden Circle  route. 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 World War Two 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.

Ellidaardalur is a lovely place for outdoor activities

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by TommyBee .

Venture a little further out of town into Reykjavik's outskirts, and you'll find Raudholar  or "the Red Hills" which are a part of the Heidmork nature reserve. The red and black hills of Raudholar have beautiful color contrasts, and you can go on a  volcanic landscape horse riding tour  through this beautiful area all year round.

Heidmork is a nature reserve filled with greenery, caves, and secluded picnic areas, complete with public grilling facilities.

Reaching Heidmork or Raudholar is most convenient if you have a Reykjavik rental car , but you can also explore the area with this excellent 2.5-hour Raudholar horse-riding tour . It's a fantastic way to discover the nature reserve, as you'll get to ride Icelandic horses, and it includes a transfer from Reykjavik!

  • Learn more: The Icelandic Horse | A Comprehensive Guide

Top Horse Riding Tours

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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, or embark on your own adventure with an affordable rental car .

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.

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

  • Discover the  Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

Top Northern Lights Tours & Holidays

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DeCore (aurae) artwork by Dodda Maggy at the House of Collections

While there are so many things to do outside in Reykjavik, especially with the beautiful nature just outside the city border, you may want to change the pace with some indoor activities. Find interesting experiences to try, and if the famously unpredictable Icelandic weather is unkind, these great activities can really transform a gloomy day into a memorable highlight during your trip!

Oche is a fantastic place for some fun in Reykjavik

If you're in search of a fantastic place for a great night out in Reykjavik, then head over to Oche .  It's located within the Kringlan  shopping mall and easy to reach from the city center, either by public bus or rental car.

This is a recently opened darts, shuffleboard, and karaoke venue that has quickly gained traction among locals. It's a go-to place for a great date night or family-friendly fun, pairing perfectly with a diverse food menu and great drink selection.

Oche has plenty of great snacks, food, and drinks

If you're not up for darts, you can go for the shuffleboards instead, an engaging game where players slide weighted pucks down a long, narrow board aiming for specific scoring areas. It's a simple game but far from easy. Nothing quite wakes the competitive spirit as someone else hitting your pucks off the board!

For the songbirds out there, or those in need of an emotional outlet, the karaoke room awaits! It's a fully enclosed room with good soundproofing, so you don't need to worry about random strangers hearing your (probably) fantastic singing abilities.

You can simply enjoy time with your group, especially as there's a huge selection of songs available. If you're feeling brave, you can even have a go at some Icelandic classics!

  • Discover the Ultimate Icelandic Playlist

The National Museums of Iceland is a must-visit

A classic way to spend a day indoors is by visiting the many fantastic museums in Reykjavik. It's the best way to gain insight into the history and culture of Icelanders, bringing deeper meaning to many of the places you may visit during your trip.

It's easy to spend a whole day exploring the National Museum of Iceland , where most of the country's most priceless artifacts are showcased. There are also fantastic exhibitions at the Adalstraeti and Settlement Museum , the Arbaer Open Air Museum , and the Reykjavik Maritime Museum , where you can dive deep into different parts of Iceland's history.

  • See more:  Top 10 Museums in Reykjavik

Discover Icelandic art at the House of Collections in Reykjavik

Also, check out the different exhibitions at the Reykjavik Art Museum and head over to Kjarvalstadir to see the works of Jóhannes Kjarval, one of Iceland's most influential painters!

  • Learn about the  Top 12 Art Museums and Galleries in Reykjavik

You can visit an ice cave inside Perlan in Reykjavik

There are plenty of more fun museums to visit, such as the Whales of Iceland exhibition and the Saga Museum , so you're sure to find something that suits your interests.

  • Check out all the  Best Museums in Iceland

Top Museums & Exhibitions in Iceland

Unbeatable 72-hour reykjavik city card with free entry to museums, galleries, and geothermal pools.

FlyOver Iceland is a fascinating experience that combines cinema, storytelling and technology.

One of the newer attractions in Reykjavik that should be on your list of Reykjavik things to do, especially during bad weather, is booking a ticket to 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 in central Reykjavik, 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 viking longhouse at FlyOver Iceland

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. It's a beautiful way to see Icelandic nature and perfect for those who don't have much time to explore the countryside.

Top Nature Tours in Iceland

Best ice cave tour in vatnajokull glacier starting from jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

The Reykjavik harbor can be a charming place for a walk

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

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.

Enjoy a walk around the Tjornin lake in Reykjavik

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 the  Geysir  geothermal area,  Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park , exploring the South Coast to see Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and taking a tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

Explore the South Coast and Golden Circle with a tour from Reykjavik

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, Reykjavik's largest shopping mall, is a 9-minute drive from the downtown area.

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.

Take the time to explore downtown Reykjavik

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