A Complete Guide to Reykjavik
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.
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.
Still, we would like to inspire you through this blog post to give Reykjavik a chance.
Things to Know Before You Go
Before we dive into the topic, there are a few things you should know before visiting Reykjavik.
How Many Days Do I Need
We believe that a full day is more than enough for Reykjavik. In fact, a half-day should be perfectly fine too if you are in a rush.
It might seem a bit unfair, but as we arrived in Iceland from Prague, our goal was to spend as much time outside the cities as possible.
Still, no matter if you have only a few hours before your return flight, half-day, a day, or two for Reykjavik, we are pretty sure you'll be able to find some fun things to do while there.
We planned our visit to Reykjavik for the last day in Iceland.
We spent the morning in the Blue Lagoon, then returned our car, and in the afternoon, we took a bus to the capital city.
Here, we acted like typical tourists, chasing the top attractions Reykjavik has to offer.
The Capital City of Iceland
With more than 120 000 inhabitants, Reykjavik is the largest city in Iceland. Technically, two-thirds of the entire population of Iceland live in the Reykjavik agglomeration.
These numbers tell us two things.
Reykjavik is not some megapolis. According to our European standards, it is a small to average-sized city, and you can easily explore it on foot.
It is also clear that the rest of the country is very scarcely populated.
If Reykjavik is the first stop on your itinerary, you can, for the last time, enjoy the hustle and bustle of a city and the abundance of services.
And if you planned the visit to Reykjavik for the last day before your flight, it will slowly take you back to reality.
Best Things to Do in Reykjavik
Whether you are a first-timer or a regular visitor, we believe Reykjavik will amaze you with the relaxed atmosphere, traditional architecture, many cultural activities, and wonderful landscapes surrounding the city.
First, we took the bus from Hafnarfjordur to Reykjavik, as that was the drop-off location of our campervan.
Therefore, we started our Reykjavik explorations at the BSI Bus Terminal. It might not sound very exciting, but the bus station is fairly close to the city center.
Moreover, we could leave our luggage in the lockers, which was very convenient as we didn't want to carry them with us.
Later in the evening, we could take a direct bus from here to the airport.
We didn't have that much time for Reykjavik, so we decided to stick to the city center and visit the top attractions nearby without traveling to the suburbs.
Honestly, we believe that there's not much to do anyway.
So what is there to see and do in Reykjavik? Let's find out!
Perlan Museum
From the bus terminal, we headed directly to Hallgrimskirkja. However, when we turned our heads back, we could see the world-renowned Perlan Museum in the distance.
Unfortunately, we couldn't afford to spend a few hours in the museum and didn't go inside.
We must admit that this time there was really no time for us to explore any of Reykjavik's museums (and there are a lot of them).
We still wish to come back to Iceland in winter someday in the future to see Northern Lights.
Hopefully, we will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this side of Reykjavik as well.
Perlan Museum features unique modern architecture, and the viewing platform at the top offers 360-degree views of Reykjavik.
However, the exhibitions you can find inside will be the real highlights of your visit.
In Perlan Museum, visitors can learn about natural forces that have been shaping the island for millions of years and even explore the real 100 meters long Ice Cave.
Whether you want to know more about volcanoes, tectonic plates, earthquakes, or geothermal areas in a fun way, the Perlan Museum won't disappoint you.
In fact, this is one of the best family-friendly activities to do in Reykjavik.
The entrance fee to Perlan Museum is 4490 ISK. Free parking is available in front of the museum.
Here, you can buy your Perlan Museum Ticket in advance.
Hallgrimskirkja
Towering over the city, the Lutheran church Hallgrimskirkja is the iconic tourist attraction of Reykjavik.
With its futuristic architecture, this unique landmark is the largest church in the city, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
Gudjon Samuelsson planned the design of Hallgrimskirkja, and it should evoke in you the unrestrained Icelandic nature represented by glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls.
When the church is open, do not hesitate and go inside.
The highlight of the interior is a large organ, and it also pays off to take an elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy vistas over Reykjavik and its surroundings.
Hallgrimskirkja sits on a lovely square that also features a statue of Leif Eriksson, a famous explorer.
The area around the church is quite lively, with many B&Bs and restaurants around.
If there's one place you should not miss in Reykjavik, it's the Hallgrimskirkja Church.
Laugavegur Street
One of the liveliest and coolest places in Reykjavik is Laugavegur Street.
This most beloved street is lined with many popular stores, cafes, bars, hotels, and restaurants.
It also happens to be one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, so you should visit it, even if you travel around Iceland on a budget and do not want to spend any money here.
We found this area between Hallgrimskirkja and the waterfront very interesting.
There was an unusual house, a quirky cafe, or colorful graffiti that brightened up the streets from time to time.
Laugavegur Street is one of those places where you can spend anything between fifteen minutes to several hours, depending on your mood and budget.
Sun Voyager
Finally, we made it to Reykjavik's waterfront and could savor some of the last moments in the country near the sea.
The walk would not be complete without a quick stop at the sculpture of Sun Voyager, made by artist Jon Gunnar Arnason.
Sun Voyager is one of the most famous and best photo stops in Reykjavik, so we believe it's worth visiting.
It might happen you will need to wait a while to capture just the statue and the sea without other people in the picture.
There's also a small podium inviting visitors to sit and enjoy the views, so the waiting time will not be that hard.
As you would expect, the best time to see Sun Voyager and walk along the promenade is during sunrise or sunset.
In case you are staying in Reykjavik overnight, plan your visit accordingly.
Harpa Concert Hall
The shore trail from the Sun Voyager brought us closer to the harbor area and allowed us to see Harpa Concert Hall along the way.
Harpa in Reykjavik is a modern building made of glass and a conference center and concert hall.
Harpa is a renowned architectural gem of Iceland, and even if you do not plan on buying a ticket for a concert or you do not attend any conference, it is well worth your time.
You can walk around and admire this stunning building from every angle.
Moreover, the entrance hall is open to visitors, so you can admire the stunning architecture even from inside for free. It's worth going inside, even if it's just for the ceiling itself.
By the way, the construction started in 2007, but it was delayed by the financial crisis and finished in 2011.
Museums
One of the things we didn't expect to find in Reykjavik was so many museums and galleries.
When walking Reykjavik's streets, we felt there was a museum or a gallery behind every corner.
If you love culture and museums, or the weather is not cooperating, you can easily spend a day in the city and only enjoy the local cultural scene.
So what are the best museums in Reykjavik?
Visit the Culture House, quirky Icelandic Phallological Museum, Reykjavik Maritime Museum, Whales of Iceland Exhibition, the Living Art Museum, Saga Museum, or the National Museum of Iceland.
And believe us, there are more museums in Reykjavik, so the only question remains, how much time you want to spend there.
Old Harbor
Then we walked around the Old Harbor, one of our favorite places in Reykjavik.
Although this is a tourist area, the first impression might be a bit strange.
It's very different from the rest of the modern neighborhoods scattered around the town, and while it might seem a bit shabby and industrial at first sight, it's definitely worth visiting.
Old Harbor is the place where you can see the process of the old world clashing with the modern one.
Under the tourist shell, there is still the old fishing heart beating that might even, for a while, bring you back in time.
We liked the area around The Cinema the most as it's very picturesque and had a very laid-back atmosphere.
Some other small colorful houses were turned into bars and restaurants. So if you're hungry or thirsty, this might be a good place to start.
By the way, the cinema is a cute light blue building that is actually still in use, and you can watch a thematic movie here.
The old harbor is also one of the places where you can have a traditional hot dog or fish and chips from a truck standing on the waterfront.
As this is another beautiful location in Reykjavik, it's only up to you how much time you spend here.
Cathedrals
On the way back to the bus station, we had the opportunity to see two more cathedrals.
The first one was the Cathedral of Christ the King, a catholic church that was designed by the same architect who was responsible for the appearance of Hallgrimskirkja.
At first sight, this building looked quite different from the churches we could see around the country.
The second cathedral was Reykjavik Cathedral from the late 1700s.
The building features a simple interior and exterior, but it is a popular place for concerts, especially in the summer.
Althingi Parliament House
From the outside, you would have probably never guessed that this stone, almost humbly-looking building is the national parliament of Iceland.
What is even more important, it is the oldest still-running parliament in the world.
The Althing, alias the parliament, was founded in 930 in Thingvellir National Park.
It was a place where the members used to meet under the open sky and held its sessions there until 1800.
It was moved to Reykjavik in the middle of the 19th century.
This is a quick photo stop as there is not much else to see and do except sit in the park and observe daily life.
Reykjavik City Hall
When talking about the seats of power in Reykjavik, there is one more place that you might want to see.
It's near the Tjornin Lake, and that's where we headed next.
On its shore stands a gray, modern building, the City Hall of Reykjavik.
We were not at all surprised that the City Hall looks like this as Iceland is a progressive country with many modern structures in places we would have never expected them.
The first thing that pops into our heads is the new church in Stykkisholmur or the cathedral in Akureyri.
City Hall of Reykjavik is also home to a huge topographic map of Iceland, so don't be afraid to step inside.
We had a snack on a bench near the City Hall, enjoyed the views of the Tjornin, and observed the interesting habits of the local ducks and geese.
Now it was time to finish the loop around Reykjavik and return to the bus terminal.
Tjornin
Tjornin is a small lake in the middle of Reykjavik that features lovely views and a nice walking trail.
It is a place where both locals and foreigners meet and enjoy the time when the sun is going down.
On top of that, Tjornin is also a place with abundant birdlife, so be prepared to see here swans, ducks, geese, and seagulls.
You can extend the walk and also visit Hljomskala Park or the nearby The National Gallery of Iceland (Listasafn Islands).
National Museum of Iceland
If you still have some time left, don't forget to visit the nearby National Museum of Iceland.
We already mentioned that Perlan Museum is a place to go if you want to learn more about Iceland's natural forces.
The National Museum will allow you to discover Icelandic history, so you'll be able to get the whole picture.
As the museum covers the history from early settlement to modern days, it might be a good idea to start your entire trip here.
Allow yourself about an hour or two for the museum.
The museum is open daily, except Mondays, from 10 AM to 5 PM.
The entrance fee is 2500 ISK.
How to Get to Reykjavik
Reykjavik is located in the southwestern part of the country, and the city is well-accessible by land, sea, and air.
Most travelers arrive in Reykjavik either by car (in case the pick-up or drop-off location is at Keflavik airport) or by bus from Keflavik International Airport.
Keflavik has an international airport that serves many destinations around the world.
Keep in mind that the international airport lies about 50 kilometers west of the capital city.
You can read our more detailed guide on how to get from the airport to Reykjavik.
Shuttle Bus
The easiest way to get from Keflavik to Reykjavik is by bus.
If you prefer to stay organized, consider purchasing a Flybus Bus Ticket in advance.
The bus will take you to the central bus station close to the city center.
You can even find lockers to store your backpack here if you are not staying in Reykavik overnight.
Public Transport
If you want to keep your Iceland budget as low as possible, you can take Bus 55 from Keflavik Airport to Fjordur.
From there, take Bus 1 to Hlemmur, the end of its scheduled route in Reykjavik.
Moreover, you can get off the bus at Lækjartorg A, a stop even closer to the city center.
Car
Even though you can rent a car directly at the airport, many rental companies actually have offices either in Reykjavik, Keflavik, or Hafnarfjordur.
We picked up our campervan in Hafnarfjordur, and thanks to it, we did not have to travel to the city first.
We knew we would have enough time to see Reykjavik at the end of our trip.
Speaking of which, the famous Ring Road starts at the outskirts of Reykjavik.
Here, you can also read more on how to choose a campervan in Iceland.
How to Get Around
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.
Visiting Reykjavik without a guide was the best option for us as we arrived here in the afternoon and wouldn't have enough time to walk around the city on our own.
If you want to learn more about the city and do not mind walking in a group, this Reykjavik Walking Tour includes a knowledgeable local guide and will allow you to see the most iconic attractions.
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.
Top Day Trips From Reykjavik
Even though many travelers usually quickly leave Reykjavik to explore the incredible nature of Iceland, it is necessary to realize that great views and amazing trips are never far away.
And you can easily base yourself in Reykjavik for a few days and explore the countryside on day trips.
This is primarily a good idea if you have only a few days in Iceland.
Don't forget that it is still much easier to travel around Iceland if you have a car.
On the other hand, Reykjavik is the best place in Iceland to book a tour to almost every corner of the country.
So what are the best day trips from Reykjavik?
Only a short drive from Reykjavik lies the popular Golden Circle, famous for Thingvellir National Park, Bruarfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, or Gullfoss Waterfall.
We also recommend visiting Reykjanes Peninsula, one of the most overlooked destinations close to the capital city.
Another place that is possible to visit from Reykjavik is the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell.
Another two amazing day trips from Reykjavik are connected to an activity deeply rooted in Iceland's culture, soaking in hot pools.
By no means do not miss the famous Blue Lagoon and Reykjadalur Hot Springs.
If you have only time for one activity, then you should know that Blue Lagoon is luxurious but expensive, while Reykjadalur is basic but free of charge.
Another option to make your time in Iceland even more memorable is taking a whale-watching trip from Reykjavik.
We took a whale watching tour from Husavik, but if you do not have much time to explore Iceland's Diamond Circle, Reykjavik is also an excellent place to see these sea giants.
Top-Rated Tours From Reykjavik
Except for the whale watching tour, all of these places are easily accessible by car.
Still, some of you might still prefer taking a tour that includes a knowledgeable guide and transport.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour | Within two hours drive from Reykjavik is Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which is home to cliffs, churches, waterfalls, and volcanoes. This popular day tour covers some of its top attractions.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs Tour | If you want to enjoy a guided tour in a small group to Reykjadalur River, this might be the best option for you.
Blue Lagoon Tour | It is necessary to book a ticket for Blue Lagoon in advance for a specific time. This tour does not include only the entry fee but also transfers to and from Reykjavik.
Reykjanes Peninsula Tour | If the time allows, try to visit this often overlooked part of Iceland. Reykjanes Peninsula is so close to Reykjavik that it would be a shame to miss it.
Golden Circle Tour | Do you want to hit the road as soon as possible? Golden Circle is only a short drive from Reykjavik, and you will hardly find a more popular attraction in the country than this one.
Whale Watching Tour | Iceland is the world's top destination for whale watching, and no trip to this country would be complete without taking a whale watching tour.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
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.
For example, when we first arrived in Iceland, we opted to stay in Hafnarfjordur, a harbor town adjoined to Reykjavik, as it was close to the rental company's office we had chosen.
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 | Sand Hotel by Keahotels - This boutique hotel offers an excellent value for your money, clean, spacious rooms, and a top location on Laugavegur street, the main shopping street in Reykjavik. Most of the major tourist sites are within walking distance as well.
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.
Camping
There is an affordable campground in Reykjavik with a community kitchen, showers, and restrooms.
However, it's often overcrowded due to its convenient location, and we recommend you stay in one of the quieter campgrounds in the countryside.
Camping in Iceland is fun, so make sure that the first impression is positive.
Staying Safe
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world.
So it's not very surprising that Reykjavik is very safe, even at night.
However, never underestimate the power of nature once you leave the capital city.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
When is the Best Time to Visit Reykjavik
Many people imagine Iceland as an extremely cold country. Well, even the name of the country suggests that.
That's why it is pretty surprising that the capital city is not that cold. Temperatures during the winter are higher here than in the rest of the country.
That's why Reykjavik is a year-round destination.
Yes, winter is cold but not as hard as we experienced, for example, in Calgary.
The temperature is similar to other colder European cities, usually hanging around zero Celsius.
In the winter, Reykjavik's surroundings are a great location to watch the Northern Lights.
Here you can book a Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik.
On the other hand, summer is quite cold, according to our standards. The average temperature is around 12 degrees Celsius.
What to Pack
The feels-like temperature is often lower because of the wind, so be well-prepared and pack a good windbreaker and down jacket.
Reykjavik is not the rainiest city in the world, but with 210 rainy days, you can for sure expect some precipitation.
That's why a rain jacket or rain poncho is a must-have.
On the other hand, we do not recommend an umbrella because of the strong wind gusts.
For more information, read our guide on what to pack for Iceland.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
