10 things to do in Reykjavik
The world’s northernmost capital blends Viking culture, natural wonders and surprising food
ISwim in Blue Lagoon
You know those iconic photos of smug tourists swigging cold beers while swimming in a beautiful blue geothermal pool the instant they arrive in Iceland? That’s the Blue Lagoon and it’s very accessible, being only 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport, just off the road on the way to Reykjavik.
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Tour Golden Circle
Reykjavik is a really cool little city – and we’ll get to that – but the main reason people visit Iceland is to check out the otherworldly landscapes. The Golden Circle is the most popular day trip from town, covering highlights such as the famous Thingvellir National Park, mind-blowing Gullfoss waterfall, fascinating Geysir hot springs, and more. Book it with Arctic Adventures.
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Visit the South Coast
Visiting Iceland feels like stepping on to another planet. The greens are greener, the mountains are steeper, the wind is stronger, and you can feel the power of nature beneath your feet. Just a short bus ride away from Reykjavik, you can tick off waterfalls, volcanoes, and glaciers in one day.
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Find Hallgrimskirkja
The most iconic sight in Reykjavik is Hallgrimskirkja, the towering cathedral right in the middle of town. Its contemporary design is inspired by Iceland’s rugged scenery, so it’s quite unlike any church you’ll see elsewhere, with a facade that looks like basalt columns and a sharp 74m steeple. In a progressive nod, it’s located at the end of Skolavordustigur, also known as Rainbow Road.
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Take a free walking tour
A two-hour tour with Citywalk Reykjavik is a great way to find your bearings and get a taste of what this buzzing city is all about. Knowledgeable local guides will point out all the key sights in the CBD, give you a crash course in Icelandic history and culture, and lots of funny facts.
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Shop on Laugavegur
The perks of exploring a small city are that locals and tourists hang out at all the same places. In Reykjavik, which is home to about 122,000 people, that place is Laugavegur. This lively street is where you’ll find restaurants, bars, shops and a lot of incredible boutiques featuring local arts and crafts. It’s not just kitsch souvenirs – the wares are gorgeous, expertly made, and very cool.
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Rent an e-scooter
Reykjavik is an incredibly walkable city, but there’s a lot to see, so a great way to go about it is to pick up one of the many e-scooters docked around town. They reach speeds of up to 25km/h and will help you tick off all the main sites, including Harpa Concert Hall (with its geothermal water feature), the Sun Voyager sculpture, and Thufa art installation near the harbour.
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Visit weird museums
Icelanders are a funny bunch – with rich culture, a love of punk rock, and a wicked sense of humour. Don’t miss the fascinating National Museum of Iceland, the life-size Viking figures at the Saga Museum, the glaciers exhibit at Perlan, the Iceland Punk Museum, and, of course, the Phallological Museum.
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Eat famous hotdogs
Think of Icelandic cuisine and the first thing that springs to mind is probably fish. However, the tiny Baejarins Beztu Pylsur food stand on Tryggvagata has been serving hotdogs laden with mustard and crunchy fried onion since 1937. It’s become an institution.
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See Northern Lights
The peak viewing season extends from September until March. There are lots of incredible tours that will whisk you away from the city lights, but if you want to check them out from the city, the best spot is Grotta Island Lighthouse. It’s about 5km from the CBD with uninterrupted northern views.