THE BEST Things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland + TIPS

Reykjavik is of course one of the cities you must visit during your trip through Iceland. When we first arrived in Reykjavik, we immediately felt that this is not an ordinary capital. It’s small and charming, yet full of surprises.

From colorful houses and trendy coffee bars to cool shops, museums, geothermal baths, and a vibrant art and food scene. There is so much more to experience here than you might expect at first glance.

And then there’s the scent of the sea and the rugged volcanic landscapes surrounding the city, hinting at the adventures waiting for you just outside Reykjavik. The city is the perfect starting point for a trip along Iceland’s south coast, a road trip around the entire Ring Road (if you have more time), or a shorter trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

In this article, we’ll take you through our favorite places and sights in Reykjavik, as well as some fantastic day trips. These are spots you simply can’t miss during your visit to the world’s northernmost capital. Read on until the end for our favorite restaurants and places to stay in Reykjavik.

Practical tips for planning your visit to Reykjavik

Don’t have much time? Here are a few quick tips to help you plan your visit to Reykjavik right away, including the best sights. Later in this article, we’ll dive deeper into what to do in Reykjavik.

Best time to visit Reykjavik: In summer (June to August), you’ll enjoy long days and festivals. May, June, September, and October are less busy but still offer good weather. In winter (November to March), you can see the Northern Lights.
How to reach Reykjavik: Iceland’s capital is about a 30‑minute drive from Keflavík International Airport. You can rent a car (we always book with Discover Cars) or a camper (like we did with CampEasy) at the airport. Don’t have a rental car, or picking one up only after your Reykjavik visit? Then you can get from the airport to Reykjavik by bus or private transfer (TIP: book in advance to avoid an expensive taxi on arrival).
Getting around Reykjavik: The city is small, so you can easily walk everywhere. However, Reykjavik also has a good bus network.
Top sights in Reykjavik: Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, National Museum, Perlan Museum, Laugavegur shopping street, Skólavörðustígur rainbow street, Sun Voyager sculpture, Sky Lagoon, street art, cinnamon roll at Braud & Co.
Fun activities and day trips in Reykjavik: Guided city walk, foodie walking tour, visit to a whisky and gin distillery, whale‑watching tour, Golden Circle day trip, guided volcano hike, visit to the Blue Lagoon.
Our favorite restaurants: Reykjavik has endless great restaurants, cafés, coffee bars, and bakeries, but some of our favorites are Messinn, Matarkjallarinn, Himalayan Spice (Nepalese), Íslenski Barinn – The Icelandic Bar, Mama Reykjavik (vegan), Chickpea (vegetarian), Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery, and the Brauð & Co bakeries.
Our favorite places to stay: Reykjavík Treasure B&B, Apartments Reykjavik (central and budget‑friendly), Reykjavik Residence (great for families).
Stay online: With an eSim for Iceland (with 5% discount), you can stay easily connected and enjoy unlimited data while traveling.
Budget tip: Reduce transaction fees for withdrawing money or paying in restaurants by using a Wise account with a linked bank card. You can request a free Wise bank card here.

Best things to do in ReyKjavik

Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Church

The impressive Hallgrímskirkja is a must‑see in Reykjavik and one of the most famous landmarks in Iceland. This unique church towers above everything (it’s the largest church in Iceland) and serves as the city’s main point of reference. From afar, you can already see its sleek, almost futuristic design inspired by the basalt columns found in Icelandic nature.

Take the elevator to the top and you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view over Reykjavik’s colorful rooftops, the harbor, and—on clear days—even the distant mountains.

TIP: If you love architecture or historic buildings, also walk past Ráðhús Reykjavíkur (Reykjavik City Hall), Alþingishúsið (the Icelandic Parliament), Höfði Húsið (the historic house where important meetings were held), and Safnahúsið (the Culture House).

Hallgrimskirkja Kerk Reykjavik bezienswaardigheid

Panoramic view of reykjavik from the Hallgrimskirkja in Iceland

Admire the Harpa Concert Hall

At Reykjavik’s harbor shines a building you simply can’t miss: the Harpa Concert Hall. With its glass façade reflecting the light of the sea and sky, the building seems to change color throughout the day. On sunny days it sparkles like ice, on grey days it takes on a mysterious glow, and in the evening the façade comes alive with thousands of LED lights that slowly shift in color.

Inside, you can attend concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events. But the geometric shapes, the play of light and shadow, and the views over the water also make it a place where you can easily wander around without getting bored. We stepped inside just to escape the wind and ended up with a cappuccino at Hnoss Bistro, watching the boats move in and out of the harbor.

TIP: Want to attend a show at the Harpa Concert Hall? Then it’s definitely worth seeing ‘How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes’, a humorous performance that has been running since 2012.

Picture of the Harpa City Hall in Reykjavik in Iceland

Immerse yourself in Reykjavik’s food scene

To be honest, we had no idea Reykjavik had such a vibrant culinary scene. But what a discovery! The city is full of cozy coffee bars, creative restaurants, and food halls where you can try local specialties—often made with local, sustainable ingredients—served with a modern twist. And yes, Icelanders truly know what good food is.

Some local dishes and specialties you absolutely shouldn’t miss are Skyr (Icelandic yogurt), Harðfiskur (dried fish snack), Kjötsúpa (lamb soup), the famous Pylsa (hot dog), Rúgbrauð (dark rye bread), and Plokkfiskur (fish stew). And for the daring: try Hákarl, fermented shark—a true Icelandic delicacy that might take some getting used to (we stuck to one bite 😉).

At the end of this article, you’ll find some of our favorite cafés and restaurants, but feel free to explore on your own—there’s so much to choose from! And let us know in the comments what your favorites are.

TIP: Want the full experience? Book a food tour through Reykjavik with a local who will take you to well‑known restaurants and hidden gems while telling you all about Icelandic cuisine. Prefer a good drink? Then visit a local distillery for whisky and gin tasting.

tradiotional kjotsupa in a a restaurant in reykjavik in iceland

Go find the best street art and colorful houses

One of the best things about Reykjavik is simply wandering through the city without a plan. Everywhere you look, there’s something special: brightly colored houses, cheerful murals, and creative details that give the city its unique charm. The houses are painted in shades of yellow, red, blue, and green, creating a beautiful contrast with the often grey skies and long, dark winters.

And then there’s the street art: from giant murals covering entire buildings to small, funny drawings you’ll only notice if you look closely. It’s also perfect for photography lovers (like us 😉). Head out early, when the city is still quiet and the light falls softly over the façades. That’s when Reykjavik is at its most beautiful.

TIP: Don’t have much time or want to make sure you discover the very best spots? Then book this city walk with a local guide who will show you everything and tell you all about beautiful Reykjavik.

colorful houses with street art in reykjavik in iceland

Bezoek één van de vele museums in Reykjavik

Wondering what to do in Reykjavik when it rains or the weather turns bad? Or maybe you just want to learn more about Iceland. In any case, Reykjavik has an amazing collection of museums! Here are some of our favorites:

National Museum of Iceland: Shows the history and culture of the country, from the Viking settlement to modern times. There’s also a nice gift shop for souvenirs. Book your ticket in advance.
Perlan Museum, Wonders of Iceland: A unique and immersive experience showcasing Iceland’s natural wonders (glaciers, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights). There are interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and educational programs for all ages. Highly recommended! Book your ticket here to avoid lines.
Whales of Iceland Museum: An educational museum with life‑size models of various whale species found in Icelandic waters. A fun experience, especially for families (though the museum isn’t very large). Book your ticket in advance, or combine it with a whale‑watching tour (2–3 hours).
Reykjavik Art Museum: The place to learn more about Icelandic art and culture. There are three different locations in the city, each with its own exhibitions. Visitors can see a wide range of art, from classic Icelandic paintings to contemporary installations. Check their website for all info.
Saga Museum: Learn more about Iceland’s past and its Vikings through an extensive collection of wax figures depicting many historical figures from Icelandic history. A bit dated but very fun, especially for families. Book your ticket in advance.
Icelandic Phallological Museum: A rather unusual museum featuring a collection of phalluses from animals including whales, seals, and even humans. You can also learn more about the cultural significance of the phallus in Icelandic folklore and mythology. Book your ticket.

TIP: Planning to visit several museums and other attractions in Reykjavik? Then the Reykjavík City Card is perfect for you. It gives you access to various museums, galleries, the zoo, all swimming pools in Reykjavik, and free travel on the city buses.

family visiting a museum in reykjavik in iceland

Discover the Sun Voyager or Sólfarið

The Sun Voyager, or Sólfarið in Icelandic, is one of Iceland’s most photographed and iconic artworks. This elegant steel sculpture is inspired by a Viking ship, but according to the artist Jón Gunnar Árnason, it is actually an “ode to the sun” and a symbol of hope, freedom, and discovery. It was unveiled in 1990 to mark the 200th anniversary of Iceland’s independence.

image of the statue of the sun voyager of solfario

Go shopping in Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street

If you love shopping and atmosphere, a walk along Laugavegur, one of Reykjavik’s oldest and most famous shopping streets, is a must. Here you’ll find a mix of international brands, trendy boutiques, and cozy cafés where you can warm up with a coffee. Despite its popularity, the street still keeps a relaxed and creative vibe.

Not far from Laugavegur is Skólavörðustígur, another charming street filled with small galleries, design shops, and souvenir stores. This street is better known as the Rainbow Street because of the colorful rainbow painted across it. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in Reykjavik, especially with Hallgrímskirkja towering in the background.

two kids walking and smiling in rainbow street in reykjavik in iceland

Take a dive in the Sky Lagoon

A visit to Iceland isn’t complete without relaxing in a hot spring. And Sky Lagoon, a geothermal spa just outside downtown Reykjavik, is an excellent choice. You can reach it by bus, car, bike, or even on foot (6 km).

It may not have the milky‑blue color of the Blue Lagoon, but its warm, mineral‑rich infinity pool offers breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Sky Lagoon is modern and luxurious, yet completely in harmony with Icelandic nature. The highlight is the seven‑step ritual, where you alternate between heat, cold, and steam—a true indulgence for body and mind.

Day TRIPS FROM REYKJAVIK

Visit the Golden Circle

The famous Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most popular routes, is perfect as a day trip from Reykjavik. Depending on the route you take, it covers between 230 and 300 kilometers.

Along the way, you’ll see highlights such as the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling geothermal area of Geysir, and the dramatic landscape of Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart. If you take the longer route, you’ll also pass by the Kerið volcano and the Reykjadalur hot spring river.

You can book a Golden Circle tour, but it’s also easy to drive the route yourself (even in winter).

Gullfoss waterfall in winter on the golden circle road

two kids watching geysir during a golden circle tour in iceland

Relax in the Blue Lagoon

One of the most iconic day trips from Reykjavik is without a doubt a visit to the Blue Lagoon. This world‑famous geothermal spa is just a 45‑minute drive from the city and feels like an oasis in the middle of a lava field.

As you float in the milky‑blue water, surrounded by steam and black lava rocks, you’ll forget everything around you. The water is rich in minerals and silica, which is not only great for your skin but also incredibly relaxing. Make sure to book your Blue Lagoon tickets in advance, as it can fill up quickly, especially in high season.

Watching whales in Reykjavik

From Reykjavik’s harbor, you can head out on the water for an unforgettable experience: whale watching! You can spot whales year‑round, but summer offers the best chances. During a boat trip through Faxaflói Bay, you may encounter humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and sometimes even orcas. Seeing these giants up close is truly spectacular, especially with Iceland’s rugged coastline in the background.

a whale jumping out of the water in iceland in reykjavik

Admire an active volcano

One of the most impressive activities you can do in Iceland from Reykjavik is visiting an active volcano. Just about an hour’s drive from the capital lies the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the Fagradalsfjall volcano has erupted several times in recent years.

We went there twice. The hike was absolutely worth it and one of the most epic things we’ve ever seen. The landscape felt otherworldly, with black lava fields and glowing lava erupting from the crater. From Reykjavik, you can book a guided volcano tour.

family watching a erupting volcano in iceland

Eruption of the vulcano in Grindavik in Iceland

Our favorite restaurants in Reykjavik

One of the nicest surprises in Reykjavik was the food (even though it’s quite pricey). The city is small but full of cozy eateries, restaurants, bakeries, and characterful coffee bars. Here are some of our favorites:

Icelandic Street Food: Cozy, casual restaurant where you should try the delicious soup served in a bread bowl—perfect for warming up after a day of sightseeing.
Messinn: Fantastic fish restaurant; the pan‑fried Arctic char is an absolute must‑try—simple, fresh, and typically Icelandic.
Matarkjallarinn: A more upscale restaurant with truly excellent food. Try the “Discover Iceland” menu, which features several traditional Icelandic dishes.
Íslenski Barinn – The Icelandic Bar: Another great spot to taste local Icelandic cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Himalayan Spice (Nepalese): If you need a break from Icelandic food, come here to enjoy delicious Nepalese dishes.
Chickpea (vegetarian): Wonderful vegetarian food in a cozy café. Seating is limited, so many people grab takeaway. Try the falafel pita with a glass of kombucha.
Mama Reykjavik (vegan): Home to some of the best vegan dishes in Reykjavik, such as the pesto sandwich and curries.
Brauð & Co: The most famous bakeries in Reykjavik. Start your morning here with a freshly baked cinnamon roll or pick up a sourdough loaf. There are several locations, but this one is the most popular because of its colorful façade.
Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery: A nice and cozy bakery serving some of the best coffee in town. Also try their pastries and breakfast!
Reykjavik Roasters: A relaxed spot with great flat whites and a creative vibe where locals and travelers feel at home (three locations in the city).
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: A famous chain selling Iceland’s world‑renowned hot dogs—perfect for a cheap bite. Go to this hot dog stand for the best experience.
Kaffibarinn: Reykjavik has a lively nightlife scene, and this bar is a fun place to visit with great cocktails and live music. There are plenty of other great bars nearby as well.

fish and chips in a restaurant in reykjavik

WHERE TO STAY IN REYKJAVIK

Reykjavik has a great place to stay for every type of traveler, from cozy guesthouses to stylish hotels and comfortable apartments. Keep in mind that accommodation prices can be quite high.

If you want to keep costs down, choose an apartment with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals. Planning to camp in Iceland and rent a camper? Then you can stay at Reykjavík Eco Campsite, just a few minutes from the city.

TIP: Since staying in Reykjavik can get very expensive—especially for a family like ours—we recommend HomeExchange. People can stay in our home while we stay in theirs (using points or a direct swap). We use it often, and there are many homes available in Reykjavik too. Create your own HomeExchange profile now and you’ll immediately receive 250 points to stay somewhere.

We chose to stay in the city center, so we could walk everywhere and really soak up the lively atmosphere. Here are some of our favorite places to stay:

Reykjavík Treasure B&B: A very cozy stay in a historic building in the city center, where the host prepares a delicious Icelandic breakfast and shares stories about the country.
Apartments Reykjavik: Beautiful, centrally located, and budget‑friendly apartments with several inviting shared spaces.
Reykjavik Residence: This lovely hotel offers beautiful apartments, each with its own kitchenette—perfect for families.

our unfiltered opinion of Reykjavik

This article with the best things to do in Reykjavik has probably already made it clear: we found Reykjavik to be a very cozy and lively city, with fantastic food and plenty of fun things to do. We definitely recommend setting aside two days of your trip to visit this city.

The biggest downside of Reykjavik for us was the prices. Both accommodation and food are very expensive. And, just like in the rest of Iceland, you have to keep in mind that it can be cold and rainy. Luckily, there are plenty of great activities in Reykjavik for bad‑weather days.

We would love to come back again to soak up even more of the city’s atmosphere. Enjoy your visit to Reykjavik!