Reykjavik Travel guide
Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is well worth a visit.
Here is our travel guide on the best things to do in Reykjavik, including tips on where to stay, how to get around, how to get there, and when to go.
Recommend stay: 2-3 days
Reason to stay: Great travel base for all things west coast!
Brief Overview
Even though there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik, the city is very different from its European counterparts.
You can admire the rich art scene, explore one of many museums, stroll around the harbor, admire the architecture, enjoy the nightlife, or search for the best restaurant serving fish and chips.
Still, Reykjavik is not the main reason tourism has been booming lately in the Land of Ice and Fire.
Iceland is famous for pristine nature, amazing waterfalls, black sand beaches, majestic fjords, active volcanoes, wildlife, rugged coastlines, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and unforgettable scenic drives.
And the capital city of Iceland is often overshadowed by the natural beauty which you can find wherever you go.
When planning an ultimate Iceland itinerary, sightseeing and city life in Reykjavik do not usually make it high on the list.
Getting around Reykjavik
It is easy to explore Reykjavik on your own, and most of the top attractions are within walking distance.
That’s why we recommend you to get around on foot. Don’t forget to wear crampons in there is ice underfoot!
Visiting Reykjavik without a guide was the best option for us as we stayed for a couple of nights and used it as a base while we travelled around the Golden Circle etc.
If you want to learn more about the city and do not mind walking in a group, there are a number of free walking tours dotted around.
We can’t fail to mention this even more popular Reykjavik Foodie Tour.
Another alternative is to book a Reykjavik Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour that works here as in any other city and comfortably gets you around the city.
Things to see and do
Enjoy the Nightlife
The nightlife experience in Reykjavik is quite unlike any other.
Unlike the extravagant nightclubs you may expect, the late-night venues in Reykjavik are a mix of bars, dance floors and cafes. These venues are a bit more laid back but equally as fun.
People rarely stay put when they go out for the night. Bar-crawling is very popular in Reykjavik. Going from venue to venue allows you to meet new people and experience new scenes.
Whether you’re sipping soda or Brennivín, you’ll surely have a great time during your night out on the town. Check out some of these cool bars and cafes that will keep the night on fire, all night long.
Kaffibarinn
Kaffibarinn is one of the oldest bars in Reykjavik. Even though this bar has become more and more popular among the tourists, it is a favorite spot of local hipsters.
Húrra
Húrra is a bar that is known for its musical excellence. From concerts to karaoke nights, this venues is always buzzing with energetic beats.
Club Kiki
Club Kiki is the only gay bar in Reykjavik and prides itself as the “queerest club in Reykjavik.” This bar has great music and cheap drinks. All are welcome here!
Ölstofa Kormáks og Skjaldar
This high end bar is frequented by socialites and celebrities from Reykjavik. Not much music is played in this bar as dancing isn’t common. Many people use this venue to drink, smoke and chat.
B5
Throw on a tie or some heels for a trip to B5. B5 is a ritzy venue that is perfect for an extravagant night out on the town. Prepare for nothing less than a VIP experience in this glamourous club.
Visit Thought-Provoking Museums
Museums are a great way to learn more about a city or country’s history and culture. They also serve as an interesting way to spend the day indoors when the weather does not cooperate for your outdoor plans.
Since Iceland can get pretty chilly in the winter, museums offer great entertainment that allows you to stay warm. Explore some of the most interesting spots in all of Reykjavik.
– Perlan
Perlan is one of the most amazing museums in all of Iceland. This museum offers a Northern Lights planetarium, a Reykjavik observation deck, an underwater exhibit and interactive exhibits relating to the geologic components of Iceland.
Bring the family to Perlan to learn about volcanoes, geothermal energy, tectonic plates, earthquakes and more. Perlan even has a man made ice cave that was made from 350 tons of snow. This museum offers the ultimate Icelandic adventure.
Price: Prices vary by visitor age and package. All pricing information can be found here.
Contact: +354 566 9000
Website: https://perlan.is/
-National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland tells the history of the great nation, going back its origins in the Medieval days with the viking settlements.
This museum will never grow old because it only has one exhibit that is permanent. It contains a couple thousand artifacts that encompass centuries upon centuries of history. The rest of the exhibits come and go, so there is always something fresh and new.
Price: Adults US$8.24; Children under 18 are free
Contact:+354 530 2200
Website: https://www.thjodminjasafn.is/
-The Settlement Exhibition
This amazing museum was built around the ruins of a viking longhouse. The Settlement Exhibition displays a variety of artifacts and exhibits that tells the story of the development of Reykjavik from the time of the vikings through present day.
The year “871±2” is an important number for this museum. 871 listed as the year that Reykjavik was founded because it is believed that it coincides with the eruption of a volcano. The volcano is thought to have erupted in 871 with a two year window of error in either direction.
Price: Adults US$14.00; Children under 18 are free
Contact: +354 411 6370
Website: http://borgarsogusafn.is/en/the-settlement-exhibition
-Arbaer Open Air Museum
The Arbaer Open Air Museum is an old church and farmhouse that now serve as a museum. This beautiful venue is often rented out for baptisms, weddings and other private ceremonies.
Price: Adults US$14.00; Children under 18 are free
Contact: +354 411 6300
Website: http://borgarsogusafn.is/en/arbaer-open-air-museum
-Reykjavik Maritime Museum
This museum, located close to the harbour, showcases how Reykjavik’s history has largely depended on the fish industry. It was renovated in 2018 to reflect how the fisheries have developed with Reykjavik over the past 150 years.
Price: Adults US$14.00; Children under 18 are free
Contact:+354 411 6300
Website: http://borgarsogusafn.is/en/reykjavik-maritime-museum
Visit the Hallgrimskirkja Church
If you want to really see Reykjavik, climbing the tower of the Hallgrimskirkja Church is a must. The top of this Evangelical-Lutheran church’s tower provides and 360 view of Iceland’s capital. This view is absolutely not to be missed.
You can climb to the top of the tower to get some incredible views across Ghent itself. That being said, if you don’t fancy the stairs, there’s also a lift that’ll take you to the top! This makes it easy to visit and is well worth going up.
It really is one of the best things to do in Ghent if you’re looking for some views over the city.
This church is dedicated to a national renowned poet, Hallgrímur Pétursson. It is famous for its regular art exhibitions and beautiful organs. Music brings this beautiful, old church to life.
Price: Entry is free; Climbing the tower is $8.24 / £7 for adults, $1.82 / £1.50p for kids aged 7-16 and free for ages 6 and under
Contact: +354 510 1000
Website: http://en.hallgrimskirkja.is/
Grotta Lighthouse
The Grotta Lighthouse is one of the oldest recorded landmarks around Reykjavik
This lighthouse, from the mid-sixteenth century, is located on a little peninsula that juts out of the side of the nation, just south of Reykjavik.
Getting to this location takes a bit of walking, but those who have made the trek say that the hike was worth it. The Grotta Lighthouse is said to provide one of the most beautiful views of the Northern Lights.
You can walk to the Grotta Lighthouse from downtown Reykjavik in less than an hour. For less walking, take Bus 11 from Downtown to Lindargotu Road (which costs about US$4). From the bus stop, you only have to walk about five minutes to the lighthouse.
The best time to visit the Grotta Lighthouse is during low tide so that you can walk across the sandy bank and up to the lighthouse for a closer look.
Price: Free
Contact: +354 595 9100
Website: http://www.seltjarnarnes.is/umhverfi/grotta/
Harpa Concert and Conference Hall
The Harpa Concert and Conference Hall was designed by a Danish-Icelandic artist, Olafur Eliasson. It is the home venue of the Icelandic Symphonic Orchestra. Visitors praise this lovely building for its beauty both on the inside and out.
One of the most famous events that is held at the Harpa Concert and Conference Hall is Sónar Reykjavík, an electronic music festival.
Prices for this venue depend on the event that you plan to attend.
Contact: +354 528 5000
Website: https://en.harpa.is/
Relax in a geothermal-heated pool
Iceland is known for its natural hot pools, but you don’t need to leave Reykjavik to enjoy them. Laugardalslaug is the largest of the city’s swimming spots heated with geothermal energy. If the water in the main pool isn’t warm enough, try one of the hot tubs. Open until as late as 10.30pm on the long days of summer, the city-run pool is immensely popular with locals.
Visit the SKY Lagoon (Better than Blue lagoon)
Immerse yourself in warmth at our oceanside geothermal lagoon, as the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you. Feel yourself relax and unwind as you take in the dazzling sunsets and moody skies and, if you’re lucky, the dancing Northern Lights will put on a stunning show. Then, take your relaxation deeper with the Ritual, a unique seven-step experience.
A must visit when in Reykjavik.
Website: Sky Lagoon
The Sun Voyager
The gleaming steel sculpture on Reykjavik’s splendid waterfront that resembles a Viking long-ship is the ‘Solfar’ or ‘Sun Voyager.’ The artist Jon Gunnar Arnason created the striking landmark.
Many locals enjoy strolling by the seaside and marveling at the view of the bay with Mount Esja in the background. The Sun Voyager is also a great attraction for tourists. It offers a superb photo opportunity, especially when the sun is setting.
Where to stay
Booking a cheap hostel, a classic bed & breakfast, a modern apartment, a fancy hotel, or any accommodation in Reykjavik is a piece of cake.
Hotels are abundant in this lively city, but you will immediately realize that most of the good and cheap hotels are booked out several months in advance. At least in the peak season.
When you are making the reservation, make sure that the hotel’s location is convenient for you.
Our last tip for booking a hotel in Reykjavik is that you should not be surprised that the accommodation is quite expensive here, even the budget basic hostels.
Here are the best hotels in Reykjavik.
Budget | Eric the Red Guesthouse – This lovely guesthouse is one of the cheaper places you will find in Reykjavik’s city center. The biggest advantage is the central location. For instance, Hallgrimskirkja, the most famous church in Reykjavik, is just a short walk away from the guesthouse. There are many restaurants and cafes nearby. Also, a bus stop is conveniently located close to the guesthouse.
Mid-range | Hotel Island Spa & Wellness – This was the hotel we stayed in, and it was outstanding!
Luxury | Black Pearl Apartment Hotel – This luxury accommodation located in the city center boasts spacious and bright suites, heated floors, and contemporary furnishings.
Hafnarfjordur | Hotel Viking – Located on the way from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, a Viking themed-hotel features cozy rooms with furnishings inspired by Iceland culture and history. On-site Valhalla restaurant offers regional cuisine, plus you can enjoy a traditional feast in the Viking restaurant. On top of that, you can also use a free sauna and hot tub.
What to Know Before Visiting Reykjavik
Now that you know all of the most fun things to do in Reykjavik, there are a few things to consider when planning your trip.
- Plan your activities according the season that your visiting in.
- Be mindful of the weather and weather advisories.
- If you’re renting a car, get insurance. (You’ll likely be doing some off-roading and adventuring).
- Exchange money before your trip. Also remember that CARD is king in Iceland, we didn’t use cash once when we were there.
- Do not leave tips/gratuity at restaurants, cafes, bars, etc. It is rude.
You are all ready for your trip to Iceland!
Book tours and Purchase tickets
Final thoughts
This Essential Reykjavik Travel Guide has taken you through all you need to start planning a trip to Reykjavik! You’ve got all the practical info sorted, and have started building a list of things to see and do.
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Other Iceland Related Guides
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We loved Reykjavik! Make sure it’s on your list.
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