Things to Do in Reykjavik - Local's Guide to Iceland's Capital

Reykjavik is a city that punches far above its weight. With a population of roughly 140,000 (about 230,000 in the greater capital area), it is tiny by global standards, yet it packs in a world-class food scene, thriving arts and music culture, colorful architecture, and a nightlife that has earned it an outsized reputation. The city sits on the shores of Faxafloi Bay, backed by Mount Esja to the north and surrounded by volcanic landscapes in every direction.

The heart of Reykjavik is remarkably compact and walkable. You can stroll from the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church to the Old Harbour in about 15 minutes, passing through the main shopping street Laugavegur, past colorful tin-roofed houses, murals, cafes, and boutiques. Most visitors spend one to three days exploring the city before heading out to Iceland's dramatic countryside. Reykjavik works beautifully as a base for day trips to the Golden Circle, South Coast, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and the Blue Lagoon, all of which are within a few hours' drive.

Iceland's most iconic building and the tallest church in the country at 74.5 meters. Designed by architect Gudjon Samuelsson, its distinctive facade was inspired by the basalt columns found at places like Svartifoss waterfall and Reynisfjara beach. The church is named after the 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrimur Petursson, best known for his Passion Hymns. The interior is surprisingly minimalist -- clean white walls and a soaring pipe organ with 5,275 pipes. Entering the church is free, but paying the roughly 1,000 ISK elevator fee to ascend the tower is absolutely worth it. The observation deck offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of Reykjavik's colorful rooftops, the surrounding mountains, and the ocean. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Snaefellsjokull glacier on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Harpa is Reykjavik's stunning waterfront concert hall and conference center, opened in 2011. The building's geometric glass facade, designed by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, is made up of irregularly shaped steel and glass panels that change color with the light and weather. Walking around the interior is free and well worth it -- the light plays through the colored glass in mesmerizing ways. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, and hosts concerts, exhibitions, and events year-round. Check the schedule for performances during your visit. Even if you do not attend a show, the building itself is a must-see piece of contemporary architecture.

The Sun Voyager is one of Reykjavik's most photographed landmarks -- a stainless steel sculpture on the waterfront that resembles a Viking longship. Created by artist Jon Gunnar Arnason and unveiled in 1990, the sculpture is actually not a Viking ship at all. Arnason described it as a dream boat, an ode to the sun, and a symbol of hope, progress, and the promise of undiscovered territory. The sculpture faces north across Faxafloi Bay toward Mount Esja, and it is particularly beautiful at sunset when the steel catches the golden light. It is a short walk along the seafront from Harpa Concert Hall, making it easy to combine both into a single waterfront stroll.

Laugavegur is Reykjavik's main street and the beating heart of the city. Stretching from the eastern edge of downtown toward the Hlemmur bus terminal, it is lined with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries, and an impressive amount of street art. The name translates to "Wash Road" -- it was historically the path women took to the hot springs to do their laundry. Today it is the best place to experience Reykjavik's urban culture. During the day, browse Icelandic design shops, vintage stores, and bookshops. In the evening, especially Friday and Saturday nights, the street transforms as Reykjavik's legendary nightlife comes alive. Icelanders typically start going out late -- around 11 PM or midnight -- and the party continues until the early morning hours.

Reykjavik's Old Harbour area has transformed from a working fishing port into one of the city's most vibrant districts. This is where whale watching tours, puffin tours, and sea angling trips depart. The harbour is lined with excellent seafood restaurants -- some of the freshest fish you will ever eat comes straight off the boats here. The Grandi area, just west of the main harbour, has become Reykjavik's creative district. The Marshall House hosts the Living Art Museum, Gallery Kling og Bang, and a studio for artist Olafur Eliasson. The Saga Museum, with its lifelike silicone figures depicting Iceland's Viking-era history, is also in the harbour area. Walk along the pier for views across the bay to Mount Esja, and watch for the occasional seal popping up between the boats.

Perlan (The Pearl) is a museum and observation point built on top of Oskjuhlid hill, housed in a striking glass dome that sits atop the city's former hot water storage tanks. The museum features several immersive exhibits: a northern lights planetarium show that is the next best thing to seeing the real aurora, a man-made ice cave that lets you walk through a 100-meter tunnel of ice year-round, and exhibits on Icelandic nature, volcanoes, and marine life. The outdoor observation deck offers panoramic 360-degree views of Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains. It is particularly beautiful at sunset. The hill itself, Oskjuhlid, is covered in walking trails through wooded areas and is a popular spot for locals to jog and walk.

The National Museum of Iceland tells the story of the country from the first Viking settlers in the 9th century to the modern day. The permanent exhibition, "Making of a Nation," is spread across two floors and includes over 2,000 artifacts. Highlights include a medieval church door carved with a scene of a knight fighting a dragon, Viking-age jewelry and weapons, and exhibits on the development of Icelandic language and culture. The museum does an excellent job of making Iceland's history accessible and engaging, even for visitors with no prior knowledge. Allow at least two hours for a thorough visit. It is a particularly good activity for a rainy day, which in Reykjavik means you will probably find a use for it.

Tjornin is the small lake in the heart of Reykjavik, bordered by some of the city's most colorful houses, the City Hall, the National Gallery, and the Free Church. It is home to over 40 species of birds, including arctic terns, eider ducks, and greylag geese. In summer, the lake and its surrounding paths make for a pleasant stroll, and feeding the ducks (with appropriate birdseed, not bread) is a favorite local pastime. In winter, part of the lake freezes and Icelanders ice skate on it. Walking around the full perimeter takes about 20 minutes, and the photogenic houses along the southern shore are some of the most photographed in the city. The Reykjavik City Hall on the north shore has a large topographic model of Iceland inside that is worth a quick look.

Reykjavik is an expensive city, but some of its best experiences cost nothing at all. You can fill an entire day without spending a krona on activities.

• Walk Laugavegur and explore the street art: Reykjavik's murals, graffiti, and installations are constantly changing. The side streets between Laugavegur and Hverfisgata are especially rich with art.
• Visit Hallgrimskirkja: The church itself is free to enter. Only the tower elevator costs money. The interior's pipe organ and architectural lines are impressive on their own.
• Stroll the Old Harbour and Grandi district: Watch the boats, browse the Marshall House galleries (free entry), and soak in the waterfront atmosphere.
• Walk around Tjornin lake: A peaceful loop past colorful houses, birds, City Hall, and the Free Church. Beautiful in any season.
• Hike Oskjuhlid: The wooded hill that Perlan sits on has walking and cycling trails through one of the few forested areas in Reykjavik. The views from the top are excellent even without entering the museum.
• Visit the Arbaer Open Air Museum: Free on certain days (check their schedule). A collection of historic Icelandic buildings relocated to a village-like setting, showing how Icelanders lived in past centuries.
• Explore Videy Island: The island itself is free to explore, with walking paths, art installations (including Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower), and ruins of a medieval monastery. The ferry from Reykjavik costs a small fee, but the island is free.

Iceland's most famous hot dog stand has been operating since 1937, and it remains one of the best cheap eats in the city. The Icelandic hot dog is made from a blend of lamb, pork, and beef, giving it a distinctly different (and better) flavor than American hot dogs. Order one "eina med ollu" (one with everything) and you will get it topped with raw and crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade sauce. It is a genuine Reykjavik institution -- Bill Clinton famously ate here in 2004. A hot dog costs around 500-600 ISK, making it one of the most affordable meals in the city.

Hlemmur Matholl is a food hall housed in the old Hlemmur bus station at the eastern end of Laugavegur. It features a rotating cast of vendors serving everything from Vietnamese pho and Mexican tacos to traditional Icelandic lamb soup and fresh sushi. The quality is consistently high, the atmosphere is lively, and the variety means everyone in your group can eat something different. It is an excellent option for lunch or a casual dinner. Prices are moderate by Reykjavik standards -- expect to spend 2,000-4,000 ISK per dish.

The second food hall, located in the Grandi harbour district, has a more local feel than Hlemmur. The vendors here lean more heavily toward Icelandic cuisine -- fish and chips made from just-caught cod, lamb burgers, and lobster soup are all excellent choices. It is less touristy and more laid-back, and the harbour location gives it a nice atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner, with slightly lower prices than many sit-down restaurants in the area.

For a special occasion, Reykjavik has an impressive fine dining scene for a city its size. Dill is Iceland's only Michelin-starred restaurant, serving a tasting menu built entirely around seasonal Icelandic ingredients. The experience is exceptional but requires booking well in advance. Grillid, at the top of the Saga Hotel, combines stunning panoramic views with a Nordic-focused tasting menu. Other excellent options include Grillmarkadurinn for modern Icelandic cuisine and Fiskfelagid (Fish Company) for creative seafood dishes. Expect to spend 15,000-30,000 ISK per person for a tasting menu with drinks.

The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular day trip, and for good reason. The roughly 300-kilometer loop from Reykjavik takes in three of Iceland's most iconic natural attractions. Thingvellir National Park is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly drift apart, and where Iceland's Viking-age parliament met starting in 930 AD -- it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Geysir geothermal area features Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting water 15-20 meters into the air. Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall) is a massive two-tiered waterfall that plunges 32 meters into a narrow canyon. You can drive the Golden Circle independently or join a guided tour. Allow a full day to enjoy all three sites without rushing.

A South Coast day trip from Reykjavik covers some of Iceland's most dramatic scenery. The route takes you past Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the 60-meter waterfall (bring waterproofs), and Skogafoss, an equally impressive 60-meter cascade with a staircase to the top. Reynisfjara black sand beach is one of Iceland's most striking landscapes, with towering basalt columns, pounding Atlantic waves, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore. Be extremely cautious of the sneaker waves at Reynisfjara -- they are genuinely dangerous. The drive is about 350 kilometers round trip and makes for a long but rewarding day. Start early and allow at least 10-12 hours.

The Blue Lagoon, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Keflavik Airport, is Iceland's most famous geothermal spa. The milky-blue water, rich in silica and minerals, is heated by a nearby geothermal power plant and maintained at a comfortable 37-39 degrees Celsius. It is a premium experience with prices to match -- book well in advance as it frequently sells out. The newer Sky Lagoon, much closer to Reykjavik, offers a stunning infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean and a traditional Icelandic ritual of alternating hot and cold baths. Sky Lagoon is more accessible and often easier to book. Both are excellent, but they are different experiences -- the Blue Lagoon is larger and more iconic, while Sky Lagoon is more intimate and dramatic.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called "Iceland in miniature" because it concentrates so many of Iceland's signature landscapes into one area: a glacier-capped volcano (Snaefellsjokull, made famous by Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth), dramatic coastal cliffs, black sand beaches, lava fields, fishing villages, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain near the town of Grundarfjordur. It is possible as a very long day trip from Reykjavik (about 350 km round trip), but spending a night on the peninsula is far more enjoyable. If you only have a day, focus on the south coast of the peninsula and Kirkjufell. The drive itself is beautiful, following the coast through farmland and small towns.

The Reykjanes Peninsula, between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport, is one of Iceland's most volcanically active areas and was the site of repeated eruptions near Grindavik from 2021 to 2024. The landscape is raw and otherworldly -- vast lava fields, steaming geothermal areas, rugged coastline, and the Bridge Between Continents where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The Reykjanes lighthouse (Reykjanesviti) is Iceland's oldest, and the nearby cliffs host seabird colonies. Gunnuhver hot spring is one of Iceland's most powerful geothermal vents. This is an easy half-day trip, and you can combine it with a visit to the Blue Lagoon since they are in the same area.

Whale watching tours depart from Reykjavik's Old Harbour year-round, though the best success rates are from June through August. Minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are the most commonly spotted species. Tours typically last about three hours and include warm overalls and guidance from marine biologists. Even if whale sightings are not guaranteed, the boat trip around Faxafloi Bay with views of Reykjavik, Mount Esja, and the surrounding mountains is enjoyable in itself. Several operators run tours, with prices around 11,000-13,000 ISK. Dress warmly -- it is significantly colder on the water than on land, even in summer.

Reykjavik's city center is compact and very walkable. Most of the main sights, restaurants, and shops are within a 20-minute walk of each other. You absolutely do not need a car for exploring the city itself. In fact, having a car downtown can be a hassle due to limited parking. Save your rental car for day trips to the countryside. The city does have a public bus system (Strato), but routes are limited and frequencies are low compared to larger European cities. For getting to and from the airport, the Flybus or Airport Direct services are efficient and affordable. Taxis exist but are expensive -- a ride from the airport to downtown costs around 15,000-20,000 ISK.

Alcohol is expensive in Iceland due to high taxes. A beer at a bar costs 1,200-1,800 ISK (about $8-12 USD), and a glass of wine is similar. The smartest move is to buy alcohol at the Duty Free store when you arrive at Keflavik Airport -- the savings are substantial. If you miss Duty Free, the state-run liquor stores called Vinbudin are the only places to buy alcohol outside of bars and restaurants. They have limited hours and are not in every neighborhood. Grocery stores in Iceland do not sell alcohol stronger than 2.25 percent -- the beer-like beverages on supermarket shelves are essentially non-alcoholic.

• Tipping is not expected: Service charges are included in all prices in Iceland. Tipping is not customary and never expected, though it will not be refused.
• Cards accepted everywhere: Iceland is nearly cashless. You can pay by credit or debit card for virtually everything, even a single cup of coffee or a bus ticket. Carrying cash is unnecessary.
• Currency: Icelandic krona (ISK). At time of writing, roughly 140 ISK = 1 USD / 150 ISK = 1 EUR. Prices fluctuate with exchange rates.

Reykjavik weather changes rapidly and unpredictably in every season. A bright sunny morning can turn to sideways rain and back to sunshine within an hour. The key is layering: a base layer, warm mid-layer, and a windproof/waterproof outer shell. Always carry a waterproof jacket, even in summer. Wind is often more of a factor than cold -- Reykjavik is windy year-round, and wind chill can make mild temperatures feel much colder. Sturdy, waterproof walking shoes are essential for the uneven sidewalks and frequent rain. An umbrella is largely useless in Reykjavik's wind -- a good hood is much more practical.

One to two full days covers the main sights: Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa, the Old Harbour, Laugavegur, and Tjornin. Three days lets you explore more deeply, visit museums like Perlan and the National Museum, swim at a municipal pool, and take a day trip to the Golden Circle or South Coast. Most visitors use Reykjavik as a base for day trips and combine city exploration with excursions. If you are spending a week in Iceland, two to three days in the capital area is a good balance, with the remaining time exploring the countryside.

Yes, Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world, and Reykjavik reflects that. Budget roughly 15,000-25,000 ISK ($100-175 USD) per day for food and activities. Accommodation adds another 15,000-40,000 ISK per night depending on the type. You can save money by cooking at your accommodation using groceries from Bonus or Kronan, visiting free sights (which are plentiful), drinking tap water instead of buying bottles, and purchasing alcohol at Duty Free on arrival. Lunch specials at restaurants are significantly cheaper than dinner, so make lunch your main eating-out meal.

Downtown Reykjavik, known as 101 Reykjavik (the postal code), puts you within walking distance of everything. The area around Laugavegur street is the most central, with easy access to restaurants, nightlife, and all the main sights. If you want a quieter experience, the neighborhoods of Vesturbaejar (west side) and Thingholt (near Hallgrimskirkja) are residential but still walkable to the center. Staying near the Old Harbour gives you proximity to the waterfront and whale watching departures. Unless you are making day trips, there is little reason to stay outside the 101 area.

Yes, very. The city center is compact and most attractions are within a 20-minute walk of each other. You can walk from Hallgrimskirkja to the Old Harbour in about 15 minutes, from the Sun Voyager to Laugavegur in about 10 minutes, and around the entirety of the downtown core in under an hour. The streets are pedestrian-friendly with good sidewalks. You do not need a car for city sightseeing, and in fact driving and parking downtown is more hassle than walking. The only attraction that benefits from transport is Perlan, which sits on a hill about a 25-minute walk from the center.

Four experiences capture the essence of Reykjavik better than anything else. First, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrimskirkja for the panoramic view -- it costs about 1,000 ISK and is worth every krona. Second, eat a hot dog from Baejarins Beztu Pylsur "with everything" -- it is Iceland's most iconic street food for a reason. Third, swim in a municipal pool like Vesturbaejarlaug or Sundholl Reykjavikur. Soaking in hot water and chatting with locals is the most authentically Icelandic experience available. Fourth, walk the Old Harbour at sunset, watching the light play on the water and the mountains. These four things together will give you a deeper understanding of Reykjavik than any museum or guided tour.