Many individuals tend to gloss over Reykjavik utilizing it exclusively as a jumping-off point for the well-known Ring Roadway or Golden Circle. However Iceland’s capital city is worthy of a minimum of a number of days to explore its numerous historic, cultural, and active things to do. From street art to lagoons and the taste of the best hotdogs, there are a lot of things to do in Reykjavik. Plus, the town hall is so small that Reykjavik is incredibly walkable– optimizing just how much time you get to delight in destinations.
Leading things to do in Reykjavik
You can check out a UNESCO World Heritage Website, taste conventional Icelandic food, or value Icelandic culture at Reykjavik museums. We did all of this when we checked out Reykjavik for the very first time. Reykjavik has enough to keep you amused. This guide will cover all the very best things to do in Reykjavik.
1. Perlan Museum
For some factor, the Perlan Museum is not one of the most popular things to do in Reykjavik. Do not let 2023 be the year that you lose out too. This outstanding glass structure is a huge dome and sits hill in a park setting simply outside the town hall. The museum is a nature Exploratorium. You can find out more about Icelandic nature and science through innovation and interactive displays. Iceland has numerous special natural destinations and phenomena, so this is a leading tourist attraction for your list. Visitors can delight in an observation deck, an indoor ice cavern, and a planetarium program.
When you have actually ended up knowing, there’s likewise hospitality to unwind. The Perlan Museum is likewise house to a revolving dining establishment and expensive mixed drink bar. The futuristic dome has whatever- what’s not to like? Get your entryway ticket here!
2. Icelandic Phallological Museum
The Icelandic Phallological Museum is among the most strange things to do in Reykjavik. Yes, you check out the name properly. This is a whole museum devoted to ‘penises and penile parts’. The Phallological Museum is remarkably academic, though; the specimen originates from numerous Icelandic land and sea mammals, consisting of whales. The museum is a biological exhibition and sticks out due to the fact that of its special focus.
Permit a minimum of an hour or 2 to check out the Icelandic Phallological Museum. There are over 200 penises and penile parts on screen, provided in glass columns, wall platforms, and small specimen containers. There’s even a legendary animals area as a little additional enjoyable. Found in main Reykjavik, the Phallological Museum is among one of the most enjoyable things to do in Reykjavik. It is a best tourist attraction if you expensive some light-hearted home entertainment.
3. Flyover Iceland
Flyover Iceland is fairly brand-new to the Reykjavik destinations scene. The 4D experience is an interesting method to practically fly over Iceland and blends visitors away on a thirty-minute trip of Iceland’s the majority of renowned destinations. For those with minimal time in Iceland, Flyover Iceland is a great method to experience destinations that you can just access on prolonged trip. The 4D experience consider all your senses, with wind, mist, aromas, and seat movement– with 3D visuals throughout. The round screen is 20 meters, so you can get ready for supreme views.
Found in Downtown Reykjavik, Flyover Iceland is incredibly simple to gain access to and aspect into your travel plan. And, if you desire an indoor tourist attraction, an immersive, 4D ‘flight’ is a fantastic method to heat up. Get Your ticket now.
Shopping in Reykjavik is among one of the most enjoyable things for Icelandic visitors to do, yet likewise incredibly useful. Even the best-laid strategies can fail, and the exact same chooses loading warm clothing. Getting a helpful woolly layer is a dazzling thing to do in Reykjavik, and you’ll thank yourself later on. Icelandic wool includes 2 kinds of hair, offering it a soft inner layer and a coarser waterproof external layer. Learn more: 5 Winter Season Layering Tips to Gown for Extreme Winter
So, where can you discover the very best stores? Downtown and main Reykjavik is house to a lot of the city’s primary shopping streets, where you’ll find woolen clothing stores galore. The Wool Store, Icewear Magasin Austurstraeti, Thorvaldsen Bazar, and the Nordic Shop are the very best stores to buy woolly layers. Keepsake stores tend to offer smaller sized products like gloves and hats too. Keep your eye out for additional insulating merino layers in addition to conventional wool also.
5. Capture a live gig at the bookshop bar none
Rublan Bokakaffi may appear like a simple bookshop by day. Still, during the night it changes into a raving live music location. The bar changes from coffee-making to pint-pulling and mixed drink blending. Visitors line up in front of bookshelves along the mezzanine flooring to peer over the railings at the carrying out band and the lower flooring ends up being a dance flooring. Rublan Bokakaffi is the ideal location to experience Reykjavik’s wacky night life. Where likewise could you belt out ‘Sugary food Caroline’ and ‘Marvel Wall’ beside copies of encyclopedias and world history books?
If you disallow hop along the well-known Laugavegur street, Dillon’s Scotch Bar, Bravo, and Rublan Bokakaffi are 3 great stops. We advise integrating a check out to Rublan Bokakaffi with these other 2 bars for the very best experience of Icelandic night life.
6. Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon is among the most recent destinations in Iceland, opening at the start of 2022. Sky Lagoon is a ten-minute drive out of the town hall, however it is close enough that we are including it in this guide. The natural thermal baths are warmed by underground warm springs. They include a remarkable infinity swimming pool ignoring the Atlantic Ocean 75 meters listed below. The Sky Lagoon is much closer to Reykjavik and more natural than heaven Lagoon (we’ll get to that later on). The lagoon is cut into seaside cliffs, and the water is clear apart from the steam. You can purchase a beverage from the bar and invest hours unwinding in the heat.
Aside from the lagoon itself, you can reserve yourself in for a seven-step medical spa routine. This includes time in the lagoon, a dip in a cold treatment swimming pool, a sauna ignoring the ocean, a cold fog experience, a cleaning scrub, a warm steam experience, and a last shower. For those desiring a more prolonged experience, the seven-step routine turns the Sky Lagoon into a full-day tourist attraction.
Reaching the Sky Lagoon is a breeze if you drive, and there’s a lot of parking onsite. If not, you can buy a shuttle bus flight directly from Reykjavik town hall.
7. Go on a whale-watching trip
Going whale watching is among the very best wild animal encounters and wildlife-related things to do in Reykjavik. Whale-watching trips can quickly be reserved from the old harbor. They vary from more pricey experiences on smaller sized RIB boats and more affordable choices on bigger traveler boats. Depending upon the season, you can see humpback, blue, great sperm, and minke whales. If you are fortunate, you may find whales also.
June to August are the very best months for finding whales in Iceland, however March to June are fantastic for finding whales, particularly from Reykjavik. If you are going to outside the whale enjoying season, a minimum of check out the Whales of Iceland museum. The museum showcases the area’s whales utilizing life-sized displays, useful display screens, and interactive experiences. Reykjavik is among the world’s finest places for finding cetaceans, so take advantage of your go to despite the season. This is a fantastic trip for Whale Viewing.
8. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is likely a familiar tourist attraction for you. The lagoon is Iceland’s beloved and draws in countless travelers a year. The milky white thermal waters are warmed by run-off from the neighboring geothermal plant. They have actually ended up being celebrated by attractive social networks images. Like the Sky Lagoon, heaven Lagoon isn’t precisely in Reykjavik. Nevertheless, it is so neighboring and well-known that we are including it in this guide. It is quickly contributed to your Reykjavik travel plan at simply 45 minutes from the town hall by cars and truck or shuttle.
Take a look at our complete guide on going to heaven Lagoon that includes suggestions, what to anticipate, and ticket costs.
The lagoon has plenty of bridges, concealed seating locations, and picturesque perspectives. You can invest hours checking out the lagoon, specifically when it gets foggy and additional steamy on cold days. You can experiment with various natural facemasks or get a beverage at the lagoon bar when you aren’t checking out the lagoon design. It is simple to see why heaven Lagoon is so well-known; simply photo yourself taking in thermal waters with a face mask and gewurztraminer.
9. Parliament Home
Reykjavik may be best understood for its natural destinations, however it is likewise house to a lot of political history. You can check out the house of the Icelandic parliament throughout your stay, taking a 45-60 minute directed trip of the structure complimentary of charge. Visitors find out about the history of Iceland, the parliament, and the work and function of the federal government.
The Icelandic Parliament as soon as sat near Silfra, the crack that marks the divide in between the European and North American tectonic plates. Nevertheless now, the parliament beings in the center of Reykjavik in a ‘modest’, most likely much warmer, 19th-century home. You can quickly reach it on foot from Reykjavik town hall in minutes. Plus, it is among the most affordable things to do in Reykjavik.
10. The National Gallery of Iceland
The National Gallery of Iceland is a lofty title, and if you like art museums, the Reykjavik National Gallery deserves an area on your order of business. The gallery displays art from Icelandic and global artists throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Along with important long-term collections, the gallery has short-term exhibits that show topical art work and styles. It is a generous size and absolutely keeps you amused for an hour or more.
The National Gallery remains in downtown Reykjavik, not far from Reykjavik Municipal government and the Parliament Home. It is well fit to art lovers and more basic visitors simply curious about the gallery. And with such a main area, it is a dazzling indoor tourist attraction for your travel plan.
11. Take a Downtown Reykjavik strolling trip
Reykjavik is an extremely walkable city, and you do not need to stroll it alone. In truth, directed strolling trips are amongst the very best things to do in Reykjavik. The majority of walking trips last around 2 hours and take you around all the significant main and downtown Reykjavik websites. The trip stops briefly to offer info about each tourist attraction, Icelandic culture, and Reykjavik’s history. Rates are low, and some directed trips are absolutely complimentary. Strolling trips are likewise a fantastic method to acquaint yourself with a brand-new city.
You will probably come by Hallgrimskirkja, Rainbow Street, Reykjavik street art, and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Each trip differs, so discover one that finest matches you and your interests. This is the strolling trip we advise.
12. Find the Northern Lights
Who does not wish to find the northern lights? The lights are among the most well known natural marvels worldwide and among the most popular things to do in Reykjavik. You may find the lights simply walking downtown Reykjavik after dark. Additionally, you can download an app that informs you about aurora borealis forecasts for that night. You can then go out of the town hall to wait and attempt to find the lights with less light contamination. Grotta Island Lighthouse is among the very best areas outside the town hall if you wish to await the lights.
If you choose to put your experience in specialist hands, book among the incredibly popular northern lights chasing after trips that embark from Reykjavik town hall. These trips blend you away on a cross-country chase, serving you hot chocolate as you wait. Much of these trips use a totally free 2nd trip if you stop working to see the lights on your very first trip.
13. Check Out Harpa Auditorium
Harpa Auditorium is another outstanding glass structure situated along the harbor front. It is the heart of symphonic music culture in Reykjavik and is house to the Iceland Chamber Orchestra, Icelandic Opera, and Reykjavik Big Band. You’ll discover an unlimited schedule of shows, efficiencies, and even the periodic music celebration, so it deserves examining to see if anything interests you while going to. And even if there isn’t, Harpa Auditorium is spectacular to check out simply to appreciate the outside architecture.
Harpa Auditorium is less than a fifteen-minute walk from the town hall and lies close by the Phallological Museum and Ingolfsgardur Lighthouse. It is among the very best things to do in Reykjavik if you wish to reserve an occasion or appreciate the intriguing architecture.
14. Reykjavik Maritime Museum
Mentioning harborside destinations, Reykjavik Maritime Museum is a great Reykjavik tourist attraction to read more about Iceland’s relationship with the sea. The museum itself is embeded in a previous fish factory. It displays the regional fishing market and the history and advancement of fishing in Iceland. As such a separated country with such hostile conditions, fishing was a hazardous venture with high stakes– basically feeding a country through a couple of brave people.
The Reykjavik Maritime Museum is among the most remarkable maritime museums worldwide, partially due to the fact that of the ancient need of fishing for Icelandic survival. Its displays are similarly outstanding and consist of a 900-ton coast guard ship called Odinn.
15. National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland is among the very best historic things to do in Iceland. It displays artifacts from the Settlement Age to the 20th century utilizing a variety of long-term and short-term exhibits. You can see all sorts of ancient things, from fashion jewelry to old architecture and art work. Visitors are directed through Icelandic history from the earliest outdated duration of civilization to the modern.
The museum expenses around $17 to get in, however the quantity of info and quality of displays validates the cost. It is a great indoor tourist attraction too– so keep it in mind in case the weather condition turns especially terrible. The National Museum of Iceland lies in downtown Reykjavik and is a simple walk from the town hall.
16. Arbaer Outdoors Museum
Arbaer Open Air Museum is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik to discover Icelandic history. The museum is most famed for its settlement exhibition, which includes old houses and farms. Some buildings feature traditional grass roofs and are beautiful examples of early Icelandic architecture. Guests are guided around the museum by guides in traditional costumes and can spot grazing animals along the way. Once, Reykjavik looked much like the settlement exhibition, so it feels like a step back in time.
The museum is on the city’s outskirts, a twelve-minute drive or twenty-minute bus ride from Reykjavik city center. It is near the urban waterfall Kermoafoss and a WWII Artillery Bunker which are well worth combining with a visit.
17. Sun Voyager
The Sun Voyager is a vast steel sculpture set along Saebraut overlooking the sea. The 1990-built artwork represents a boat and is a beautiful artistic ode to Reykjavik’s relationship with the sea and fishing. You’ll find it on plenty of postcards and will likely stop by the Sun Voyager sculpture on a guided walking tour.
The Sun Voyager is free to visit and is best combined with a walk along the Sculpture & Shore Walk. The coastal path overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and dramatic mountains on the other side of the bay. In the morning, it is busy with joggers and dog walkers and is a great place to embrace the urban Icelandic lifestyle. At just a twenty-minute walk from the city center, visiting the Sun Voyager is a quick and easy thing to do in Reykjavik.
18. Try an Icelandic hot dog
Icelandic food can be weird and wonderful, but hot dogs are definitely a familiar dish. Why are hot dogs so popular in Iceland, you might wonder. Well, primarily because of the massive sheep population in Iceland. Lamb hot dogs are excellent street food and have a much sweeter and richer taste. If you want the best hot dog in Reykjavik, Baejarins Beztu Pylsur – a hot dog stand that has been running since 1937.
Are you feeling inspired to try more Icelandic food? Then book a food tour or just let your taste buds guide you around Reykjavik’s most traditional cafes and restaurants. Reykjavik has plenty of options for those with luxury taste and is home to multiple Michelin-starred eateries.
19. Saga Museum
The Saga Museum is immersive history at its finest. Guests get to join in the action and dress in Viking clothes before embarking through realistic replica scenes depicting early Icelandic history. For families looking for an engaging way to learn about Icelandic history, the Saga Museum is an excellent choice. It is informative enough to suit fun-loving adults, which is a win-win.
The museum is located approximately a ten-minute walk from the city center. It is near the Bakkastigur street art, Aurora Reykjavik museum, Reykjavik Maritime Museum, Lava Show, Whales of Iceland, and Flyover Iceland.
20. Visit the Magic Ice Bar
The Magic Ice Bar is part bar, art gallery, and icy wonderland. It is a magical spot to enjoy a freezing cold cocktail and embrace the adventurous soul of Reykjavik. Guests head downstairs from a general souvenir shop to the bar’s reception. Here, you pay an entrance fee, receive a welcome drink voucher, and get dressed up in massive thermal ponchos – it is a sub-zero bar, after all.
The bar is one of the most fun and unusual things to do in Reykjavik. You’ll find ice art across its walls, dramatic ice sculptures that include a big Viking boat, and ice tables and benches. Even the glasses are made of ice. Collecting your bright blue welcome drink from the bar, you can admire the art around the bar with a cocktail in hand.
The Magic Ice Bar is straightforward to reach. It is located just off the famous Rainbow Street in central Reykjavik. It is wise to book in advance, but there is usually space for walk-ins.
Best day trips from Reykjavik
Now that we’ve covered all the best things to do in Reykjavik let’s look at the best day trips from Reykjavik. Being based in the city center is not only fantastic for attractions on your doorstep; Reykjavik is a brilliant place for day trips.
You can rent a car and drive to some of these destinations or book guided tours from Reykjavik city center – the choice is yours.
Complete the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is considered the ultimate road trip in Iceland and is a feasible day trip from Reykjavik. The route is approximately 190 miles and takes around three hours to drive. You can rent a car and drive it or book an organized tour. The route includes Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal park, Kerid Crater, and Langgacier glacier. This tour leaves right from Reykjavik and is one of the most popular.
Go horseback riding on an Icelandic horse
Icelandic horses are exceptional. They are one of the only breeds in the world with five gaits and the ability to tölt, which to non-equestrians looks a lot like a speed walk. You can book a horseback riding trek in many scenic places in Iceland, including on black sand beaches and volcanic landscapes.
Snorkel between the tectonic plates at Silfra
Feeling brave? Book a day trip to snorkel between the tectonic plates at Silfra. It has some of the most transparent waters in the world and dramatic views of the crack between the plates. You don a thermal underlayer and a (slightly ridiculous) dry suit to survive the cold.
Relax at hot springs and lagoons
The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon aren’t the only lagoons and hot springs to enjoy around Reykjavik. You can also take a day trip to places like Hvammsvik Hot Springs, Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal Baths, and Laugarvatn Fontana.
Drive the South Coast
The Golden Circle is a great day trip from Reykjavik, and the South Coast is a close runner-up. Again, you can drive the route with a hire car or take a full-day guided tour. You’ll pass Selfoss waterfall, the Caves of Hella, LAVA Centre, Skogar Museum, Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, Halsanefshellir Cave, and a black sand beach at Vik. Vik is a great place to end your trip, and Reykjavik to Vik is five hour return drive.
Visit the Imagine Peace Monument
The Imagine Peace Monument was created by Yoko Ono as a memorial to John Lennon. The monument is located on an island just off Reykjavik’s coast, and you’ll need to catch the Videy ferry to get there. It is an adventurous day trip from Iceland if you are interested in John Lennon and architecture and want to get off the beaten track. This is a great tour to take.
Best foods to try in Reykjavik
This section is dedicated to the best foods you can try in Reykjavik. What more enjoyable way to appreciate a culture than through its cuisine? From stews to hot dogs, these are all the dishes for your must-taste list. We recommend jumping on a Food Tour to get the most out of the Icelandic cuisine experience.
Plokkfiskur – Fish stew
Fish stew is one of those all-year-round dishes that become favorites in winter. This hearty dish is made with freshly caught fish, mashed potatoes, and onions. It is a staple dish in Icelandic households.
Pylsur – Icelandic hot dogs
Hot dogs are popular Icelandic street food and, as we mentioned earlier, are mostly made up of lamb. Occasionally, meat is mixed with pork and beef. It is served in a bap with your sauce of choice.
Svið – Sheep’s head
As you may have guessed, this dish is not for the faint-hearted. You’ll have to be an adventurous eater to manage this one. The sheep’s head is typically boiled or smoked and is served whole – usually at banquets and special occasions.
Skyr – Yoghurt
Skyr yogurt is an excellent option if you want a more entry-level option. Skyr is technically a soft cheese, but it has the exact taste and consistency of yogurt and is consumed as such. It is similar to Greek yogurt and often comes in flavored pots or is served with berries.
Reykjavik FAQs
Got some burning practical questions? These are the top FAQs for visiting Reykjavik, providing you with the essential information.
How to get to Reykjavik Iceland
International visitors fly to Reykjavik and land at the primary international airport Keflavik Airport. You can then rent a car, book a slot on a shuttle bus (Flybus is the most popular), and reach Reykjavik city center in around one hour.
If you are already in Iceland, you can take a road trip to Reykjavik or catch a domestic flight to Reykjavik Airport. Fancy something more adventurous? Take the ferry to Iceland from Denmark, which stops over at the Faroe Islands on the way. This is ideal if you have more time and want to combine Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Denmark into one holiday.
Getting around Reykjavik
Getting around Reykjavik is a dream. Just pack a good pair of walking shoes – Reykjavik is a very walkable city. Even if you are heading to the opposite side of the city, you can rent bikes or jump on one of the straeto buses. The bus system is well-connected, and services are very regular.
Best time to visit Reykjavik Iceland
Generally, the best time to visit Reykjavik Iceland is September or March – both are off-season, have slightly warmer temperatures, and are great for spotting the northern lights. However, when you should visit Reykjavik massively depends on what you want to do.
Much like the rest of Iceland, Reykjavik operates in seasons – so do you want the humpback whale season, the northern lights season, or the hiking season? Hopefully, now that you’ve figured out the best things to do in Reykjavik, you should have your list of must-do attractions. Keep those in mind for this section.
June to August is when Reykjavik experiences the midnight sun. Temperatures are at their warmest, hiking trails are open, and road-tripping the country is at its easiest with excellent ice-free roads. You’ll spot the whales of Iceland during this time and can take riding tours on Icelandic horses. September and October are when Reykjavik starts to get a little colder and darker, and these shoulder months are good for spotting the northern lights.
November to February are Reykjavik’s coldest and darkest months, and you’ll experience 24 hours of total darkness during this period. These months are prime northern lights-watching periods. March to May is another shoulder season, and apart from the Easter holidays, it tends to be a bit quieter, and daylight hours return to being fairly typical.
Accommodations in Reykjavik Iceland
So, now that you are inspired and informed about your trip to Reykjavik, where should you stay? These are our top recommendations.
Budget: Eric the Red Guesthouse
Eric the Red Guesthouse is a brilliant budget-friendly accommodation choice located right in Reykjavik’s center. The property is family-run and friendly. You can choose between rooms with shared bathrooms or ensuites; each room has its own kettle and tea-making facilities. The property’s complimentary breakfast buffet is a great way to save money – especially considering Iceland’s expensive food prices. There’s also a communal terrace, perfect for watching the night sky for any signs of the northern lights.
Mid-range: Kvosin Downtown
Kvosin Downtown is a contemporary four-star hotel next to Tjornin Lake and Reykjavik City Hall. The hotel offers a range of apartments, each featuring kitchenettes, espresso machines, a tv, and a wine bar. The decor is comfortable but tasteful and has an upscale but homely appeal.
Sold? You should be. Kvosin Downtown is a luxurious place to stay on a mid-range budget. Plus, the kitchen facilities mean you save on eating out, which quickly adds up in Iceland.
Luxury: The Reykjavik EDITION
The Reykjavik EDITION is a beautiful, luxurious place to stay in Reykjavik. The property is on the harbor front in central Reykjavik. Select rooms and suites feature views over the Atlantic Ocean. The range of rooms and suites caters to most tastes, whether you want floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean or a terrace to privately watch out for the northern lights.
The Reykjavik EDITION’s interior is dotted with flashy artwork and faux fur rugs. The hotel facilities include a 24-hour gym, spa with hot tubs, onsite bakery and cafe, restaurant, and two bars. It is an ideal luxury base to explore Iceland’s capital city.
To Conclude
Reykjavik is a brilliant place to visit and has thousands of things to do in and around the city center. You are guaranteed a packed itinerary, from the northern lights to fascinating Icelandic history, whale-watching tours, and endless foods to try. And, if by some miracle you find an extra day, there are plenty of brilliant day trip destinations accessible by rental car or shuttle. The capital city is an exciting city break, and we hope you have a wonderful time.
For more inspiration, you can check out this photo essay on experiencing fire and ice in Iceland and our guides on the best places to visit and things to do in Iceland.