12 Best Things To Do in Reykjavik, Iceland

The best things to do in Reykjavik range from whale-watching expeditions departing from the Old Harbor to hidden thermal pools frequented by locals.

Despite housing two-thirds of Iceland’s entire population, this compact city of just 130,000 residents serves as both a cultural hub and a gateway to otherworldly landscapes.

Stand atop Hallgrímskirkja’s concrete spires for panoramic views of rainbow-painted rooftops against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, or slip into milky-blue geothermal waters at the Blue Lagoon.

We’ve curated this list through extensive consultations with local guides, seasonal visits spanning both the midnight sun and northern lights periods, and traveler reviews.

Table of Contents

Highlights at a Glance

Luxury: Black Pearl Apartment Hotel offers spacious, city-view suites with heated marble floors, an iPad, and in-suite breakfast delivery, just steps from Old Reykjavik Harbour and Harpa Concert Hall.
Mid-range: Hotel Klettur offers modern rooms with private bathrooms, a bar, and tour assistance, just a short walk from Laugavegur shopping street and Hallgrímskirkja Church.
Budget: Hostel B47 offers budget-friendly accommodation with free WiFi, a shared lounge, and free parking, just a short walk from Hallgrímskirkja Church and Laugavegur shopping street.

Visit Hallgrímskirkja – Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavik’s most famous landmark.
Explore Perlan – Perlan is one of Reykjavik’s best museums.
Relax in the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa has temperatures between 98°F and 104°F (37°C and 40°C).

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Reykjavik: Land of fire, ice, and… questionable life choices. Which activity are you most excited to try?

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Reasons We Travel Experience New Things Solheimasandur Iceland © Revive Photo Media Adobe Stock 658142877 - Reykjavik Offers One of the World’s Most Unique City Breaks, From Whale Watching to Lava Fields

Northern Lights 1/5

Hallgrímskirkja 2/5

Best Things To Do in Reykjavik, Iceland Go On a Whale-Watching Trip Humpback Whale Madagascar

Whale-watching 3/5

Majestic Waterfalls Around the World to Add to Your Bucket List Gullfoss Falls, Iceland

Golden Circle 4/5

Summer Destinations Reykjavik Iceland © Daco Adobe Stock 152589006 - Reykjavik Offers One of the World’s Most Unique City Breaks, From Whale Watching to Lava Fields

Blue Lagoon 5/5

Results

Northern Lights

15 7

Hallgrímskirkja

12 10

Whale-watching

13 9

Golden Circle

15 7

Blue Lagoon

12 10

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Visit Hallgrímskirkja

Visiting Hallgrímskirkja is one of the most popular things to do in Reykjavik. This otherworldly, spacecraft-looking structure was constructed between 1945 and 1986. It’s a Lutheran parish church that architect Guðjón Samúelsson designed.

Hallgrímskirkja’s design is described as Expressionist architecture because of its tower-like exterior, dynamic design, and lack of traditional styles. Made from concrete and coated in white granite, this building is a sight to behold.

It stands at an impressive 244 feet (74.5 meters) tall and features vibrant stained glass windows. You must photograph this architectural masterpiece. However, you must also go inside because the church has an observation deck that offers panoramic city and sea views.

Tower tickets cost 1400 ISK ($10) for adults and 200 ISK ($1.40) for children.

Tower Hours & Best Timing: The observation deck is open from 10:00 to 17:00 in winter and 09:00 to 21:00 in summer. I found the evening light best for photos, especially in summer when the sun sets late.
Nearby Café Loki: Just across from Hallgrímskirkja, Café Loki serves traditional Icelandic dishes like rye bread with smoked fish. Their rye bread ice cream is a must-try.

Explore Perlan

Exploring Perlan is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik with children. On top of Öskjuhlíð Hill, this exciting natural history museum features exhibits that teach visitors about the natural world. One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the Northern Lights show.

This exhibit is located in a futuristic planetarium and tells the story of the Aurora Borealis and treats visitors to an 8K, 360° display of the lights. The museum even has an ice cave to teach visitors about Iceland’s glaciers. This 328-foot (100-meter) tunnel, made from 350 tons of ice, is the first of its kind in the world.

The fun doesn’t stop there, either. Perlan has a rooftop observation deck with excellent city views, a revolving dome, and a restaurant.

Perlan Admission & Hours: The museum is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00. A standard ticket costs 5,990 ISK ($44) for adults. Book online to skip the line.
Free Shuttle from Downtown: There’s a free shuttle from Harpa Concert Hall to Perlan every 30 minutes. It’s convenient if you don’t want to walk up the hill.

Relax in the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most relaxing attractions. This man-made geothermal mineral spa is famed for its healing azure-colored waters, which reach highs of 104°F (40°C). It’s also loved for the surreal landscapes that surround it.

Its warm water and steam will help you relax, unwind, and rejuvenate. As if things couldn’t get any better, guests can enjoy a refreshing beverage and a silica mud mask as they admire the views and soak in the warm waters.

The Blue Lagoon even has a fine-dining restaurant and a retreat spa. You might even spot the Northern Lights if you stay overnight. You can easily reach the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik on the Destination Blue Lagoon bus.

Pre-Booking Required: Entry slots sell out fast, especially in peak seasons. I booked my ticket online weeks in advance to secure my preferred time. Standard entry starts at 9,990 ISK ($73.40).
Best Time for Fewer Crowds: Early morning (right at opening) or late evening offers the least crowded experience. I visited in the evening, and the sunset over the lagoon was incredible.

Go on a Whale-Watching Trip

Going on a whale-watching trip is one of the most exciting things to do in Reykjavik. You have an excellent chance of spotting minke whales, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and more.

This whale-watching and marine life cruise is one of the best tours in Reykjavik. Leaving Reykjavik harbor, you’ll head out on a three-hour cruise of Faxaflói Bay. Not only might you spot some of the world’s most precious marine species, but you’ll also enjoy spectacular views of Iceland’s coastline.

You’ll benefit from specially-trained guides who are experts in spotting animals. The whale-watching season runs from April to October, so plan your visit accordingly.

Layer Up for the Breeze: Even on clear days, the boat ride can get unexpectedly chilly. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket to stay comfortable.
Essential Gear: Don’t forget binoculars and a waterproof camera cover.

Head Out on a Golden Circle Tour

Another popular trip you can take from Reykjavik is a tour of the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route in southern Iceland that starts and ends in Reykjavik.

This scenic route is approximately 186 miles (300 kilometers) long and passes by famous attractions such as Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.

The best way to quickly explore a large part of the route from Reykjavik is on this Golden Circle full-day tour. This 8.5-hour tour takes you on a scenic adventure around the Golden Circle, visiting iconic sights like Geysir, Þingvellir National Park, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Unlike some tours, it also takes you to Kerid Crater, a stunning volcanic crater lake.

Pack Snacks & Water: On this nearly 9-hour journey, I bring along light snacks and a refillable water bottle to keep my energy up between stops, as meal options along the route can be sparse.
Dress in Layers: Given Iceland’s unpredictable weather, I dress in layers and carry a waterproof jacket, which has saved me on unexpectedly chilly or rainy days.

Watch the Sunrise at the Sun Voyager Sculpture

Iceland’s epic landscapes are impressive enough, but they get even better during the infamous Golden Hour. Speaking of which, the Sun Voyager sculpture is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Reykjavik. It is a unique art piece found alongside Sæbraut Road at the water’s edge.

It was designed by Jón Gunnar Árnason in 1986 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Reykjavik. This stainless steel and granite sculpture is described as a ‘dreamboat.’ It resembles a Viking longship.

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Visiting the Sun Voyager at sunrise has two benefits. First, you can enjoy the sky’s dazzling red, orange, and pink display. Second, the Sun Voyager will be much quieter, so you can enjoy it peacefully.

Photography Gear: I always bring my portable tripod and a wide-angle lens to capture the full spectrum of sunrise hues.

Hunt Down the Northern Lights

No trip to the Icelandic capital is complete without spending time hunting down the Northern Lights. Admittedly, Reykjavik’s light pollution makes it harder to see the lights than in other locations on the island. However, it’s still possible to spot them in the capital.

The Northern Lights can appear in Reykjavik anytime there is a dark night sky. However, the best time to see them is generally between September and April.

To spot the lights in Reykjavik, you’ll want to find somewhere with undisturbed views and dark skies. Perlan and Grotta Lighthouse are excellent spots where all you need is clear skies and good auroral activity.

Alternatively, you can leave Reykjavik on this Northern Lights tour. The bonus of this tour is that your guide will take photographs.

Use the Aurora Forecast App: I always check the Icelandic Met Office’s aurora forecast before heading out—it shows cloud cover and aurora activity levels, saving me from unnecessary trips.
Best Viewing Time: I’ve had the most luck between 22:00 and 01:00 when the skies are darkest and activity is often strongest.

Walk Along Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street)

Best Things To Do in Reykjavik, Iceland Walk Along Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street) — © Steven Lek / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0

Skólavörðustígur, better known as Rainbow Street, is one of Reykjavik’s most famous tourist areas. This busy shopping street between Laugavegur and Bergstaðastræti is famous for its rainbow-painted ground. It was painted with the rainbow colors as a sign of support for the LGBTQ community.

It’s now one of the city’s main highlights. However, that’s not all Skólavörðustígur is known for. Down this colorful street, you’ll find quaint cafes, vintage shops, souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars.

Make sure you visit Mama Reykjavik, a beautiful vegan restaurant serving hearty stews. The Dhal a la Mama looks incredible. If you stand at the end of the street and turn around, you can also take fantastic photographs of Hallgrímskirkja in the distance.

Local Cash Essentials: Many small boutiques and street vendors here prefer cash over cards. I always carry some Icelandic Krona to ensure smooth, spontaneous purchases.

Spend the Night Having Fun on Laugavegur

Top Things to Do in Edinburgh Scotland Sample Whisky on the Scottish Whisky Experience — © Александр Кузьмин / Adobe Stock

The most famous street in Reykjavik is Laugavegur. The city’s main shopping street, Laugavegur, is well known for its boutique shops, street art, traditional restaurants, and bars. In the evening, Laugavegur comes to life with locals and tourists searching for entertainment.

Start the night with a delicious Icelandic meal in Old Iceland and try the pan-fried Arctic char. After, sink a few beers in the Lebowski Bar or Einstök Bar. Then, end the night with live music in Dillon Whiskey Bar.

Happy Hour Deals: Drinks in Reykjavik can be pricey, so check the “Appy Hour” app for the best happy hour deals on Laugavegur. Many bars offer discounts from 16:00 to 19:00.
Weekend Crowd Alert: On Fridays and Saturdays, Laugavegur gets packed. For nightlife, embrace the late-night energy, as bars stay lively until 04:30.

Learn More About Icelandic History At the National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland is the best place in Reykjavik to learn more about Icelandic history. The museum’s Making a Nation – Heritage and History in Iceland exhibition tells the complete story of Iceland from the Viking era to the modern day. The exhibit has over 2,000 objects dating from the Settlement Age to the 20th century.

Among the collection is a ship that brought the first settlers to the island. This exhibition also contains roughly 1,000 photographs from the 20th century. The National Museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.

The museum currently has a temporary exhibition detailing the founding of the Republic of Iceland on June 17th, 1944. Children can enter for free, and adult tickets cost 3,000 ISK ($21.50).

Audio Guide Advantage: Rent the audio guide to learn more about each artifact.
Museum Café Retreat: Enjoy a warm pastry and coffee at the museum café.

Explore Iceland’s Weirdest Museum (The Icelandic Phallological Museum)

Exploring the Icelandic Phallological Museum is one of the most unique activities in Reykjavik. This, quite frankly, weird museum is the only genuine penis museum in the world. Yes, you read that right!

The Icelandic Phallological Museum is dedicated to collecting, studying, and preserving actual phalluses and all things phallic-related. The museum’s collection isn’t small either, pardon the pun. Up to now, the museum has over 300 phalluses in its collection.

This includes specimens from whales, polar bears, zebras, and even humans. In addition to its fascinating collection, the museum has a souvenir shop featuring phallus-themed items and a cafe serving penis-shaped food and drinks.

It is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00. Entry costs 3,300 ISK ($23.70).

Small but Popular: The museum is compact and can get crowded. Visit early in the day to explore without the rush.
Humor in the Gift Shop: The souvenir shop has some of the quirkiest items in Reykjavik. I always stop by for a laugh and a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Take a Photograph of the Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa Concert Hall is one of the most beautiful structures in Reykjavik. Opened in 2011, this modern piece of architecture features a stunning steel and glass design inspired by Iceland’s basalt formations. Its steel framework clad with geometric-shaped glass panels is breathtaking.

Take photographs of the concert hall before you leave Reykjavik. If you visit the hall in the evening or at night, you will see it illuminated by multicolored lights. The building often lights up the colors of the Icelandic flag.

It’s also worth noting that you can go inside Harpa for free, although you must pay for the shows. The harbor views from the top floor are brilliant.

Acoustic Experience: Even if I don’t attend a full show, I check for free or low-cost performances, as sometimes, rehearsals are open to the public.
Best Photography Spot: For the best exterior shot, I walk a few steps toward the waterfront, where the glass panels reflect the harbor and sky beautifully.