If Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, were a person, it would be an artsy one in a wool sweater. quirky, colorful, and endlessly creative. It feels more like a small town with big ideas. This Reykjavik city guide shares the things to do in the city that are authentically Icelandic.
For travelers who prefer locally-owned spots over cookie-cutter chains, Reykjavik delivers. While spending a long layover in Iceland, I enjoyed four days of activities in Reykjavik and had a taste of museums, restaurants, and nightlife.
Where to Stay
Skip the big-box hotels and check into small properties with personality and local ties. These spots make it easy to feel at home while supporting Icelandic owners.
Consider Reykjavik Treasure, a locally-managed bed and breakfast near all the action in the city. Throw in free breakfast, and it’s a great deal in the world’s northernmost capital.
Another great option is Hotel Reykjavik Saga. It’s owned by Íslandshótel, an Icelandic hotel chain that’s serious about sustainability and inclusion. They just won the Green Key Certification in all 17 of their hotels, as well as a Rainbow Certification from Samtökin ’78, the National Queer Organization of Iceland. The Saga Hotel is within walking distance of Reykjavik Harbor and Harpa.
What to Eat in Reykjavik
In a place as frigid and remote as Iceland, you know that the process of preserving fresh produce and meat has been perfected down to a science. Just take note of the national dish of Iceland, which is fermented shark (hákarl). There’s also smoked puffin and plokkfiskur, a popular type of fish stew.
All these fermented, fishy flavors might be an acquired taste for some travelers, while others revel in the experience. You can find hákarl in most grocery stores, or try a prepared dish of typical Icelandic fare at Old Iceland or Cafe Loki.
For other traditional options, there’s also Reykjavik Chips that serve up some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted. Contemporary favorites include hot dogs—a super popular option at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, an unassuming hot dog stand in the city center.
Things to Do in Reykjavik
Between your samplings of hákarl, stews, and hot dogs, you’ll definitely want to check out some of the must-see places in Iceland. Luckily, our Reykjavik city guide is full of cultural gems and must-see places for any traveler.
The Must-See Places in Reykjavik
For first-time visitors, be sure to check out Harpa, an architecturally stunning concert hall that’s built right next to the coast. If you check the official site, you can catch plays, concerts, and various art exhibits yearround, which are perfect for the occasion (but not uncommon) bad weather day in Iceland.
You’ll also love Skólavörðustígur, a famous shopping street that always pops up in the lists of essential must-dos in Reykjavik. It sometimes comes up as Rainbow Street because the road is painted all the colors of the rainbow. If you follow that street, you’ll also come across Hallgrimskirkja, a massive and modern cathedral.
History-lovers will enjoy the exhibits in the National Museum of Iceland, showcasing the Icelandic settlements throughout the ages.
Walk Along the Tjörnin
Although Reykjavik is not exactly a city of immense hustle and bustle, we all need a little break from urban landscapes once in a while. Tjörnin Lake is exactly that: located right near the city center and available to all those in search of a little serenity.
There’s a lovely stone walkway around the lake with plenty of benches and a few grassy spots. You’ll also come across sculptures that depict prominent Nordic people and modern art in one scenic place.
Check Out a Geothermal Pool
Couldn’t make it to the Secret Lagoon? There are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spa-like qualities of geothermal pools close to the city. Right in Reykjavik is Vesturbæjarlaug, a kid-friendly pool that’s naturally heated from Iceland’s geothermal activity.
There’s also Kvika Footbath, which is located at the farthest western tip of the city. Hilariously enough, the term footbath is no joke; it’s a near-perfect circle in the coastal stones with water that’s heated from the earth. It’s actually perfect to dip your feet in!
Reykjavik City Guide: Discover Street Art
The city of Reykjavik goes a little further than simply adorning building walls with murals. This city is full of unique, interesting, and sometimes downright quirky art. If you look down at your phone, you might just miss it!
For a simple yet fun activity, go on a self-guided art walk through the city. You can hire a professional guide to see some of the more hidden spots, but you can also discover a fair amount of art installations on your own.
Þúfa is another great spot. This rounded grassy hill has a spiraling staircase carved into it, leading you up to a scenic view of the Reykjavik skyline. It’s a little way out of the city center, but you can reach it in about 20 minutes on foot.
FAQs
Where is Reykjavík located?
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, situated on the country’s southwestern coast along Faxaflói Bay. Most international travelers arrive through Keflavík International Airport, located about 45 minutes outside the city.
How many days do you need in Reykjavík?
Two to three days is usually enough to explore Reykjavík itself. If you want to use Reykjavík as a base for day trips to places like the Golden Circle, South Coast, or Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you may want four to five days.
What is the best time of year to visit Reykjavík?
Summer (June–August) in Iceland offers long daylight hours, mild weather, and lively festivals, but more crowds. Winter (November–March) is darker and colder, but gives you a chance to see the Northern Lights and enjoy cozy geothermal pools.
Is Reykjavík expensive to visit?
Yes, Reykjavík is one of the more expensive cities in Europe. Food, accommodation, and activities add up quickly. We did our best to choose cheap options, and even then, we ended up paying a few thousand dollars for what was basically a long weekend.
