Top Things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland

Last Updated on March 14, 2024

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Iceland does not need an introduction or any special promotion. It’s one of the hottest destinations and has been for a few years now. Famous for stunning nature and dramatic landscapes, The Land of Fire and Ice quickly became one of people’s favorites. Even though waterfalls, geysers and natural hot springs must be seen to truly experience Iceland, you should not ignore the country’s capital. Do not skip Golden Circle or the trip to the South of Iceland, but do plan a couple of days in Reykjavik, because it’s a very interesting and visually appealing city. A visit to Blue Lagoon is what people usually choose to do while in the city, but there are many more things to do in Reykjavik, that you can easily spend 2-3 days there.

Why you should visit Reykjavik

Reykjavik is northernmost capital in Europe and the most populated part of the country. Two thirds of the 340,000 people reside in Reykjavik, while the rest of Iceland is sparsely populated. Reykjavik is definitely the most laid back and unique capital I’ve ever visited. There are no tall buildings, no chain restaurants and you can cover the entire city on foot. Reykjavik, just like the entire country, is also very safe and the crime is basically non existing there. For that reason, it’s a perfect destination for women traveling solo, especially those who don’t have much experience with traveling alone yet.

One of my favorite things to do in Reykjavik was walking around and enjoying how colorful the city is. Buildings are painted vibrant colors and there is lots of funky street art. The burst of color is without a doubt much needed during the gloomy, dark winter days in Iceland.

An array of great restaurants and bars make Reykjavik a hot spot for night life and a perfect destination for foodies. Given Iceland’s location, fish and seafood are a huge part of Icelandic cuisine. And if you are feeling especially adventurous, Reykjavik is the place to try some unusual food. On the menu you will find puffins, sheep’s head and the fermented shark, famously described by Anthony Bourdain as the most disgusting thing he’s ever tasted.

FUN FACT: until 1989 drinking beer was illegal in Iceland. The ban had mostly political reasons, but there was also concern that the cheap price of beer might lead to over consumption. The day the ban on drinking beer was over, is now celebrated as a Beer Day.

Things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland

Take a Walking Tour

Reykjavik is a small city, very walkable, and best explored by foot. It’s easy to stroll around on your own and see the sights. But if you’d like to learn about the city and its history, while you are out and about, I recommend taking one of the walking tours.

There are several walking tours of Reykjavik you can choose from. This 2.5-hour City Walking Tour covers all the highlights and is a great introduction to Reykjavik.

This Sightseeing Tour with a Viking also takes you past all the Reykjavik attractions, as well as some hidden spots. The guides get high praises for being very knowledgeable, funny and great storytellers.

Last, but not least, like in many cities around the world, there is a Free Walking Tour you can join. It takes place twice a day and lasts 2 hours. Don’t forget to reserve your spot online and remember to tip your guide!!

Visit Hallgrimskirkja

The Lutheran church, Hallgrimskirkja, towers over the rest of the city, and can be seen from almost anywhere. At 75.4 meters (244 feet) high it’s the tallest building in Reykjavik and the biggest church in all of Iceland. It’s the city’s landmark, not just due to its size, but also the architectural style, inspired by Icelandic nature. The statue in front of the church is that of Leifur Eriksson, Icelandic explorer known to be the first European to set foot in North America, years before Columbus.

Aside from the cool exterior, Hallgrimskirkja also has the best viewing spot in the city. For 1400 ISK you can head up to the tower for amazing panoramic views of Reykjavik. You will be looking down at the picture perfect brightly colored roofs, water and Mount Esja in the distance. If you enjoy great views, this will be one of the best things to do in Reykjavik. Since Hallgrimskirkja is an active church, the tower is closed for a couple of hours during Mass on Sundays.

Stroll down Laugavegur Street

This street is the main shopping area in Reykjavik, and it stretches for over a mile. It’s full of restaurants, bars and variety of stores, some more touristy than others. Part of the street, where the most stores and restaurants are, closes to traffic during summer months.

Visit Sólfar (Sun Voyager)

As you head down to the waterfront you will run into the funky sculpture, that is now a landmark in Reykjavik. Created by Icelandic Sculptor Jon Gunnar Arnason, it was unveiled in 1990 on the city’s birthday. Although most interpret the sculpture as a Viking boat, it’s really meant to be a dream boat and an ode to the sun.

Sun Voyager is one of the most popular spots in Reykjavik to take photos, and it’s especially beautiful at sunset.

Visit Harpa

The coolest and most unique building in Reykjavik title goes to Harpa, a concert and conference hall, not far from the Old Harbor. This award-winning structure is a newer addition to the city, built in 2011. The glass panels change colors throughout the day depending on light, and the whole building is lit up with different colors at night.

Even if you are not attending any events, you should definitely check out the interior. The views of the harbor and mountains are spectacular. If you’d like to learn more about the building, you can also take a guided tour, which lasts about 45-60 minutes and costs 5,200 kr.

Walk around the Old Harbor

This was one of my favorite spots in the city. It’s one of the fastest growing areas in Reykjavik, transforming from a strictly working harbor into one of the city’s hot spots. There’s a good number of restaurants and bars, and the boats for whale and puffin watching excursions leave from the harbor.

Go on a Puffin Watching Tour

Iceland has the largest population of puffins, and one of the spots to view the adorable birds is not far from Reykjavik. Lundey and Akurey are two uninhabited islands, a short boat ride from the Old Harbor in Reykjavik, where you can spot puffins in their natural environment. The view of Reykjavik from the water is not bad either.

Your best chance to spot puffins in Iceland is from May to late August, as this is the time when they come to shore to lay eggs. The remainder of the year they spend at sea. So, if you happen to travel to Iceland in the summer, this is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik. There are a few boat operators running multiple trips a day for puffin viewing, departing from the Old Harbor.

You can book your Puffin Watching Book Tour here.

TIP: Dress warm!! Even if you visit in the summer and you think it’s warm, once you’re on the water it will be quite windy and cold.

Try the Icelandic Hot dog

Hot dogs are extremely popular in Iceland and some joke they could easily pass as a national dish. Hot dog stands can be found everywhere, but the most famous one, claiming to have the best hot dogs is Baejarins beztu pylsur, which literally translates to “the best hot dog in town”. Baejarins beztu saw its share of famous people lining up to try the almost equally famous hot dog. You can find the stand at Tryggvagata, which is near Harpa and the Old Harbor.

So, what makes the Icelandic hot dog so special and different from other hot dogs? For starters they’re made mostly from lamb meat. It’s not surprising, considering sheep farming is one of the main industries in the country. When you think about the environment in which these sheep live, you know you are getting the purest and highest quality of meat. To top that off you add special condiments and sauces, which I’m told are the secret to the best hot dog in town.

Have coffee at Reykjavik Roasters

If you love good coffee, you HAVE to visit Reykjavik Roasters. This coffee shop is regularly named one of the, if not the best coffee shop in Reykjavik and definitely lives up to its reputation. They make the coffee from the freshest beans from Colombia and Nicaragua, and as the name indicates, they roast them on location. The place is not big but has a really cool vibe.

Karastigur 1 ( close to Hallgrimskirkja)

Visit Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is one of the top attractions in Iceland and one of the must things to do in Reykjavik. It’s not technically located in Reykjavik, but in Grindavik, 45 minutes away, but a lot of people visit it from Reykjavik.

It’s a man-made geothermal pool with water rich in minerals, that are said to be great for the skin. Blue Lagoon is famous for the milky-blue color, which comes from the silica in the water and how it reflects the light. It really is a great place to spend a few hours, even though it’s a pretty pricey attraction.

You have 3 ticket options to choose from, but the cheapest Comfort ticket is sufficient in my opinion. It includes the entrance, a silica mud mask and one drink of your choice. This ticket will give you a solid Blue Lagoon experience, there’s really no reason to spend any more money. This is a very popular place, so be sure to make a reservation, especially if you are visiting Iceland in the summer.

Blue Lagoon is located between Keflavik airport and Reykjavik, so it makes sense to plan your visit either on the way from or to the airport. A lot of flights to Reykjavik come in very early in the morning, so making a stop at Blue Lagoon might be a fun way to kill a few hours before you can check into your hotel.

This is a very popular place, so be sure to make a reservation, especially if you are visiting Iceland in the summer. You can choose from 3 ticket options, but the cheapest Comfort ticket is sufficient in my opinion. It includes the entrance, a silica mud mask and one drink of your choice.

If you don’t have a car, you can book Blue Lagoon tickets with transportation.

For more information and tips, check out Tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

How to get to Reykjavik

The distance from the International Airport in Keflavik to Reykjavik is 50 km (31 miles). Unless you are renting a car, the easiest way is to book a transfer from the airport to the city. The buses are timed to the schedule of the arriving flights, and usually leave about 40 minutes after each flight’s arrival. The trip takes about 45 minutes and the bus stops at the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik. You can book your Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik transfer here.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

It’s no secret that Iceland is not a cheap country, and that applies especially to accommodations. If you plan on visiting in the summer, which is the high season, plan ahead and book the more affordable hotels EARLY!

• City Center Hotel – one of the more affordable hotels by Iceland standards, in the perfect location.
• 101 Hotel – a boutique hotel, said to be the first in the city, has 38 rooms, and is in the central location. Its proximity to bars and restaurants is an asset to those wanting to be near the night life but might not be a great choice for those looking for quiet. It does get noisy on the weekends.
• Alda Hotel – trendy hotel, right on the main shopping street Laugavegur.
• Fosshotel Reykjavik – Reykjavik’s largest hotel in an excellent location, walking distance to everything.

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READ MORE:

• Tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
• Golden Circle in Iceland – the main stops along the way
• Exploring the South Coast of Iceland

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