25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavík, Iceland: Insider Tips from a Local Expert
Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík, Iceland's vibrant capital, captivates with its colorful houses, striking architecture, and lively nightlife. Discover the top attractions for an unforgettable visit!
Reykjavík stands as one of Europe's most remote capitals, yet it consistently surprises visitors with diverse experiences for all tastes.
Iceland's capital shines for its distinctive architecture, energetic nightlife, eccentric museums, traditional cuisine, and hidden gems.
Uncover quirky, unique, and secret spots throughout Reykjavík!
As a seasoned photographer who's visited Reykjavík multiple times on Iceland trips—often using it as a base for adventures like the Ring Road or Golden Circle—I share these top fun and unique things to do in Reykjavík, suitable year-round.
This expert Reykjavík guide is free! Support my work by using my affiliate links for hotels, rentals, or tours—at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
Table Of Contents- Reykjavík Highlights Map
- Best Things To Do In Reykjavík Guide
- 1. Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church
- 2. The Sun Voyager Sculpture
- 3. Harpa Concert Hall
- 4. Eat Icelandic Hot Dogs
- 5. Attend Elf School
- 6. Icelandic Phallological Museum
- 7. Icelandic Nightlife
- 8. Visit The Saga Museum
- 9. Feed Birds At Tjörnin Pond
- 10. Street Art Hunting
- 11. Try Fermented Shark
- 12. National Museum Of Iceland
- 13. Enjoy Geothermal Pools
- 14. Dress Up Like A Viking
- 15. Perlan Museum & Viewpoint
- 16. Ferry To Viðey Island
- 17. The Blue Lagoon
- 18. Kolaportið Flea Market
- 19. Whale Watching
- 20. Rauðhólar
- 21. Free Reykjavík Walking Tour
- 22. Hike Mount Esja
- 23. Northern Lights
- 24. Old Harbour
- 25. Þúfa Hill
- Getting Around Iceland
- Where To Stay In Reykjavík
- Reykjavík Travel Tips
Reykjavík Highlights Map
How to use this map: Explore Reykjavík highlights. Click the top-left menu for layers, points of interest, and routes. Star it on Google Maps or open in a new tab for full view.
Top Things to Do in Reykjavík: Expert Guide
1. Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church
Hallgrímskirkja Church dominates Reykjavík's skyline with its iconic rocket-like design. Ascend the 74.5-meter tower for panoramic 360° city views. Dedicated to poet Hallgrímur Pétursson, it's open daily except during services. Tower access: 1,500 ISK adults (~$11 USD), 500 ISK children.
2. Sun Voyager Sculpture
A free highlight: Stroll the waterfront to the stunning Sun Voyager (Sólfár), a stainless-steel sculpture evoking a Viking ship. Created by Jón Gunnar Arnason as an ode to the sun, hope, and exploration, it's magical at sunset. Walk east from Harpa.
Reykjavík Walking Tour
Discover the northernmost capital's highlights on a guided walking tour.
Book Online Now3. Harpa Concert Hall
Harpa's glass facade reflects Iceland's dramatic landscapes. Home to the Iceland Symphony and Opera, it glows with colorful lights at night. Attend a concert or explore free (8 AM-midnight). Don't miss the harbor-side views.
4. Icelandic Hot Dogs at Bæjarins Beztu
Icelanders adore hot dogs, often called the national food. Visit Europe's best stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, near the harbor. Order 'eina með öllu' (with ketchup, sweet mustard, fried/raw onions, remoulade). A must-try!
Iceland Food Tour
Taste 8 iconic Icelandic dishes on a guided food tour in Reykjavík.
Book Online Now5. Elf School
Iceland's mystical landscapes inspire beliefs in huldufólk (hidden folk). Magnus Skarphedinsson's Elf School reveals 13 elf types, gnomes, trolls, and fairies. Fridays, 3 hours, ~6,500 ISK including tea and pancakes.
6. Icelandic Phallological Museum
This quirky museum displays 282 penises from 93 species, blending science and humor. Highlights: whale specimens and interactive exhibits. Perfect for rainy days.
7. Vibrant Nightlife
Reykjavík punches above its size with clubs open until 5 AM weekends. Bar-hop downtown safely (Iceland ranks among world's safest). Favorites: Kaffibarinn, Kaldi Bar, B5. Catch Iceland Airwaves festival in November.
8. Saga Museum
Relive Viking history via lifelike wax figures and audio tour at Perlan's Saga Museum in Grandi. Dress as a Viking for photos. Learn how Norse sailors discovered Iceland en route to Faroes.
9. Tjörnin Pond
Relax at central Tjörnin, feeding ducks, swans, and Arctic terns amid colorful homes. Winter: ice-skating rink. A serene urban oasis.
Reykjavík Walking Tour
Discover the northernmost capital's highlights on a guided walking tour.
Book Online Now10. Street Art Hunt
Downtown murals from Wall Poetry project blend art and music. Wander Laugavegur and beyond; map highlights included.
11. Fermented Shark (Hákarl)
Test your palate with toxic Greenland shark fermented for safety. Ammonia-strong; pair with Brennivín schnapps at Islenski Barinn or Café Loki.
Iceland Food Tour
Taste 8 iconic Icelandic dishes on a guided food tour in Reykjavík.
Book Online Now12. National Museum of Iceland
Explore 2,000+ artifacts across two floors, from Viking settlements to modern Iceland. Self-guided audio tour available; rarely crowded.
13. Geothermal Swimming Pools
Icelanders swim year-round in geothermally heated pools. Top picks: Laugardalslaug (largest, with slides, saunas) or Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach (ocean jacuzzis at 20°C).
14. Viking Photoshoot at MINK Studio
Channel Game of Thrones at MINK: Don authentic Viking gear for pro photos by Guðmann Þór Bjargmundsson (GOT crew). 45-120 min sessions.
15. Perlan Museum & Viewpoint
On Öskjuhlíð Hill, enjoy city views, ice cave, volcano/earthquake simulations, and Áróra Northern Lights planetarium.
16. Viðey Island Ferry
Short ferry to bird haven (puffins!), trails, historic house, and Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower. Free with City Card; summer from Skarfabakki.
17. Blue Lagoon
Iconic geothermal spa ~45 min from Reykjavík, ideal pre/post-flight. Book ahead.
Blue Lagoon Transfer
Hourly bus from Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon.
Book Online Now18. Kolaportið Flea Market
Harbor warehouse with souvenirs, sweaters, books, snacks like dried fish and hákarl. Weekends; summer daily.
19. Whale Watching
Faxaflói Bay tours from Old Harbour spot minke, humpback, dolphins (3 hrs). Best Apr-Oct.
Whale Watching Tour
Spot whales, dolphins, porpoises from Old Harbour.
Book Online Now20. Rauðhólar (Red Hills)
15-min drive: Lava fields, red pseudo-craters in Heiðmörk. Mars-like hikes or horseback tours.
Lava Horseback Ride
1-hour Icelandic horse trek in Red Hills; beginner-friendly.
Book Online Now21. Free Walking Tour
City Walk Reykjavík's 2-hr tour from Laugavegur covers history and culture. Tip-based.
22. Hike Mount Esja
6-mi round-trip, 3 hrs, 10km north. Stunning views; bus-accessible. Check weather.
23. Northern Lights
Best outside city; join guided hunts Sep-Apr. See my full photography guide.
Northern Lights Tour
Expert-guided aurora chase for dazzling displays.
Book Online Now24. Old Harbour
Trendy spot post-Harpa: Shops in colorful sheds, Víkin Museum, marina views, coffee. Great for digital nomads.
25. Þúfa Hill
Local photographer Ernir Eyjólfsson recommends this Grandi art hill by Ólöf Nordal. Climb for Harpa/harbor views and fish-drying shack.
Getting Around Iceland
Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík
45-60 min drive; book shuttle or Flybus.
Rental Car
Best via Discover Cars for flexibility on Route 1 Ring Road.
Public Bus (Strætó)
350 ISK/ticket; 72-hr pass 1,700 ISK.
Taxi
Book Hreyfill (+354-588-5522) or BSR (+354-561-0000); no Uber yet.
Where to Stay in Reykjavík
Reykjavík is pricey; center locations premium. Recommendations:
Top Picks
Luxury: Kvosin Hotel
Midrange: Rey Apartments
Budget: Loft Hostel
Reykjavík Travel Tips
- Reykjavík City Card (~4,000 ISK/24hrs): Free/discounted attractions.
- Save on food: Self-cater if possible.
- Venture beyond city for true Iceland magic like Northern Lights.
- Always check official sources for current entry requirements.
