Discover the enchanting capital of Iceland with our comprehensive guide to the top 20 things to do in Reykjavik. From awe-inspiring architecture and cultural gems to fascinating wildlife and exciting activities, this vibrant city offers a plethora of experiences for every traveler.
So, if you’re busy planning a trip to the capital, continue reading. You might add a few extra days to your trip to accommodate all 20 items on our top things to do in Reykjavik list.
Have a Soak or a Swim
One of the best things to do in Reykjavik is to go for a relaxing soak or a swim. But the following are considered to be places and experiences you don’t want to miss out on:
Blue Lagoon
This is probably more of an attraction on the way to Reykjavik than in the capital city itself since most visitors will pass it after they’ve landed at Keflavik Airport and head out to the capital city.
The Blue Lagoon is one of our geothermal pools here in Iceland. Geothermal pools make use of natural hot spring water heated by the volcanic activity on the island to heat up the pools. These waters are not just known for the relaxing effects of the warm waters but have actually been proven to have healing properties.
Whether you have bodily aches and pains or dermatological issues, the mineral-rich water and the silica-rich mud can take care of them. This is also why you'll find all sorts of skincare products made from the water at the spa at the Blue Lagoon. If you've had enough of all the soaking and the pampering, you can also grab a drink or a bite to eat at the local restaurant or even extend your stay by staying over at the hotel.
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon’s geothermal pool offers breathtaking views over the capital city and the coastline. It is probably the most conveniently located geothermal pool, being just a short walk from midtown. Here, you can lounge in the infinity pool, which is of 38-40 degrees Celsius, take part in the Ritual (a type of spa package), or grab a drink and a bite to eat at the bar or restaurant.
Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach
Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach is a man-made creation that combines the best of beach life and our geothermal pools. You can sunbathe on the golden sand beach overlooking the lagoon and the ocean or take a dip in the lukewarm waters reaching up to 19 degrees Celius during the summer months.
Go Shopping
Laugavegur Street is almost guaranteed to make a dent in your credit card with all its enticing options. In this famous shopping street of ours, you will find anything from outdoor gear and home décor to clothes, souvenirs, and Icelandic wool. Trust us, you best budget well in advance for this shopping spree.
Check Out Our Wildlife on One of Our Tours
Some of the most exciting activities in Reykjavik involve our wildlife:
Whale Tour
Iceland boasts many species of whale along its coast, and if you visit between the months of April and September, you might even spot a few of our migratory whale species. Whale tours depart from Reykjavik Harbor, and you can spot anything from Minke Whales, and Orcas to the biggest whale species on the planet, the Blue Whale.
Puffin Tour
Iceland is famous for our Puffins. Roughly 60% of the world’s population calls Iceland home, but only during their breeding season (May to August). The rest of the time, they spend out at sea. To see these cute penguin-like birds with their colorful beaks, you can go on a Puffin boat tour that also departs from Reykjavik Harbor.
Admire Our Architecture
Of all the attractions in Reykjavik, our incredible architecture is enough to draw thousands to the capital city each year. These are just a few places to look forward to:
Hallgrimskirkja
This famous tourist destination is still an active church today. This beautiful church was the result of a church design competition in the capital, and the architect did the island proud by incorporating all sorts of elements celebrating Iceland. If you take a look at the organ-like aesthetics of Hallgrimskirkja and visit Svartifoss Waterfall, you’ll see that it resembles the black hexagonal basalt columns that also symbolize all the volcanic activity here on the island.
Harpa Concert Hall
Harpa Concert Hall almost looks like it should be called Harpa Concert Cube with its modern geometric shape made from glass. But just like Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa is not just another pretty face in the city; it’s an active conference center and concert hall where the Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera operate (couldn’t resist).
Grab Something to Eat
If you have an appreciation for the culinary arts, you’re in for a real treat. Enjoying some of the local cuisine is one of the best activities in Reykjavik. These are a few of the must-do activities to get a real taste of Iceland:
Reykjavik Food Walk
This is a fun activity if you’re hungry for both food and knowledge. The Reykjavik Food Walk is when you explore the city by foot with an experienced guide at the helm who will teach you all there is to know about the capital, all while stopping at interesting restaurants and cafes along the way for some local cuisine and drinks.
Eat a Hot Dog
If you ask any Icelander, they will all tell you that we consider the hot dog our unofficial national meal. Our hot dogs are out of this world, and Reykjavik boasts some of the best you’ll ever have.
Bæjarins Bezlu Pylsur is a hot dog stand in Reykjavik that has been operational since 1937 (and for good reason). Order “one with everything” and see what all the fuss is about as you bite into that delicious hot dog with fried onions, Icelandic Mustard, and Remoladi Sauce.
Eat Ice cream
Who would’ve ever thought that Icelanders living in one of the coldest countries in the world would have a strange affinity for ice cream? Yet, we do, and eating ice cream is one of our favorite activities in Reykjavik. You will find all sorts of weird and wonderful flavors with most of our ice creams being locally made using fresh, local ingredients. Two ice cream hot spots in the capital are Brynjuis and Valdis (although you will find plenty more).
Visit a Local Café
If you want to catch your breath between shopping and exploring the city, we suggest popping into one of our cafes. There, you can get reenergized with a cup of coffee and one of our tasty baking treats. We especially recommend Sandholt and Sweet Aurora Reykjavik.
Check Out Our Art
Many of the most impressive attractions in Reykjavik can be enjoyed absolutely free of charge and come in the form of art found all over the city. These are a few stops that are not to be missed:
Rainbow Street
Rainbow Street is exactly what it sounds like; a street painted in rainbow colors. The street runs from Hallgrimskirkja to Laugevegur Street and stands for equality and diversity (both things we Icelanders value a lot).
Sun Voyager
Seeing how the lights and shadows play on this steel sculpture sitting on Reykjavik’s waterfront is incredible. While the Sun Voyager may look like a Viking Ship, the artist calls it a dreamboat that symbolizes undiscovered territory, hope, freedom, and progress. The combination of the interesting sculpture and the incredible views over the ocean makes it a favorite among amateur and professional photographers.
Street Art
All across the city, you will find a few artistic hidden gems in the form of spectacular murals and graffiti pieces. Be sure to check out the Horses of the Night behind Hverfisgalleri, as well as the Coca-Cola bottle on the side of Messinn.
Taste Our Craft Beers
The craft beer scene in Iceland is huge, so it’s only logical that tasting our craft beer is one of the most-loved activities in Reykjavik. In fact, we have specific craft beer bars dedicated to the…well…craft. Be sure to stop by:
Brewdog (a family-friendly option)
Take a Sightseeing Stroll
Being strapped for cash definitely doesn’t mean you can’t go sightseeing in Reykjavik. A leisurely stroll, absolutely free of charge, will take you to some beautiful and interesting places in the city:
The Old Harbour
The Old Harbour looks like an expensive item in a vintage shop. It’s a part of town with old-timey buildings in an area seeped in history. Here, you can walk along the promenade and stop by a shop or a café if your budget can swing it.
Pufa
This weird and wonderful grassy dome is 8 meters high with a pathway that winds around it all the way to the top. There, you will be introduced to one of the oldest traditions here on the island and a traditional treat; dried fish in a wooden frame.
Tjörnin
Tjörnin translates to ‘The Pond’, which is precisely what it is (although probably a bit bigger than you’d expect from a pond). This is a beautiful spot to just have a relaxing stroll and soak up the scenery.
For the avid birdwatchers among us – this is a must-visit spot as you will get to see all sorts of interesting bird species, including Gadwells and Arctic Terns. If you visit the capital during the winter season, you’ll also be able to participate in another one of the best activities to do in Reykjavik: go ice skating on a frozen Tjörnin.
Reykjavik Walking Tour
Although it’s customary to tip your guide, the Reykjavik Walking Tour is free. It consists of a stroll around the city with an experienced and knowledgeable guide who will tell you all about its history and give helpful advice for your stay in the capital.
Visit Our Famous Museums
Iceland boasts some of the most interesting museums you’ll ever visit, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most-loved activities in Reykjavik. These are our top picks:
Light the Night on Fire
Reykjavik has incredible nightlife, and things only really get started around midnight and then go full force till about 2 in the morning. So, if you’re in the mood for a party, check out a few local favorites like Auto, Kiki Queer Bar, and Paloma.
Explore the Greater Reykjavik Area on Horseback
Exploring the outskirts of the city on horseback is a unique experience for more than one reason. Not only will you get to immerse yourself in our magnificent Icelandic landscape, but you will also do so on the back of a 100% Icelandic “local”, our local island breed, the Icelandic Horse. These horses look more pony-like in stature and are known for their friendly nature and the fact that they can do a fifth gait.
Go On a Day Outing to Videy Island
Videy Island is situated just a short distance off-shore from Reykjavik, and there are daily ferries that will take you there. This little town is extremely beautiful, it’s historically rich, and is also a favorite Puffin spotting site during their breeding season here in Iceland.
Do a Scavenger Hunt
This is one of the newer activities to do in Reykjavik. You can join the free scavenger hunt along the coastline and try to find the steel box with “In a crevice among some large rocks by the Atlantic Ocean in Reykjavik” on it.
The idea is to leave something of yourself behind in the steel box as a sort of ever-growing time capsule for the next person to find. If this doesn’t take your fancy (or you simply can’t find the box), we recommend going on one of the paid Scavenger Hunt experiences here in the city.
Turn Yourself into a Viking
Mink Studios is run by a world-renowned photographer who actually worked on the Game of Thrones series. Here, you can get dressed as a Viking (including all sorts of accessories and faux weapons), and have your Viking portrait taken. You can choose whether you’d like just a photo or whether you want it printed on a variety of other mementos, such as mugs, keychains, etc.
Explore the Island without Ever Leaving Reykjavik with Fly Over Iceland
Fly Over Iceland is the best way to explore the island if your time is extremely limited or you will be confined to the borders of the city for the duration of your stay. Fly Over Iceland is essentially a carnival ride on steroids, where the ride “flies” you across the Icelandic landscape, where you will get to see many of our local attractions and natural wonders.
Start Ticking Off the Top 20 Things to Do in Reykjavik
Now that you know what to do in Reykjavik, we suggest you plan to spend at least a couple of days in the capital city before heading out to explore the rest of the island. If you have any further questions regarding things to do in Reykjavik or would like to book some of the tours we mentioned in this article, chat to us here at Travel to Iceland. We’ll be happy to help you out.