35 Awesome Things to Do in Reykjavik, Iceland

While Iceland is full of incredible natural landscapes, there are plenty of cool things to do in Reykjavík as well! Iceland’s pint-sized capital city is a quirky, colorful place.

I’ve been to Iceland three times, and on all three trips, I spent a lot of time in Reykjavík. (That’s why you’ll see me with three different hairstyles in the photos in this post!) By now, I know the city pretty well.

If you’re planning a short trip to Iceland, like a long weekend or extended layover, Reykjavík makes the perfect place to stay. And if you’re planning a longer road trip around Iceland, you should take at least one full day to explore the city.

Let’s dive into what makes Iceland’s capital so great — the things to do in Reykjavik!



Reykjavík, as seen from the Grandi Hotel

Best Things to Do in Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavík has quite a bit going on for a small city. Despite having a population of about 133,000 (or 233,000 if you include the surrounding suburbs), the cultural outfitting here are more in line with those of a larger city.

In Reykjavík you’ve got everything from thermal baths and architectural marvels to quirky local businesses and strange niche museums.

There are two categories for things to do in Reykjavik: things to do within the city, and day trips outside the city. I’ve separated them into two sections to make things easier to navigate.

Reykjavík FAQ


What are some of the best things to do in Reykjavik Iceland?
Spend an afternoon at the local swimming pools , giggle at the Icelandic Phallological Museum , visit Flyover Iceland and the Sky Lagoon .


What are some good things to do in Reykjavik with kids?
Whales of Iceland is a must for a whale-loving kid, and Perlan is a fantastic introduction to the wonders of Iceland that both kids and adults will love.


What are some cheap and free things to do in Reykjavík?
Get a hot dog for under $5 , then walk along the waterfront to admire Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager before heading up to the Rainbow Street for photos.


What are some good day trips from Reykjavík to do?
My top recommendation is a South Coast day trip , but snorkeling Silfra and the Golden Circle are two other popular options.




Enjoy every color of this wonderful city.

Stroll Through Colorful Downtown Reykjavík

You’ll fall in love with Reykjavík right away — but if you want to get to know the city, I highly recommend taking a tour of some kind so you can learn a bit of history and culture, and learn the stories behind the street art. There are many, including the popular free walking tour.

The free walking tour of Reykjavík departs every day from Austurvöllur, the Parliament building. At the end of the tour, you tip what it’s worth. (ALWAYS tip generously on a free tour. Tour companies charge the guides based on how many people show up, even if they don’t all tip.)

You can also take a city tour with a Viking tour guide , who will treat you like a newfound friend while showing you around the city’s best attractions.

Finally — are you a cat person like me? There is a cat-themed walking tour of Reykjavík , including a visit to a cat café! I need to do that on my next visit!

I loved every minute at the Sky Lagoon!

Luxuriate at the Sky Lagoon

One of the newer attractions in Reykjavík is the Sky Lagoon , a high-end geothermal spa that is one of the best places to treat yourself in Iceland. There’s nothing like luxuriating in the warm water while sipping a glass of champagne, gazing past the infinity pool and enjoying expansive views across the sea.

What makes the Sky Lagoon extra special is the seven-step ritual, which takes you from the lagoon into a cold plunge, sauna, cold mist, salt scrub, steam bath, and shower before returning to the lagoon, your skin softer and silkier than ever before.

To make the most of your visit, I recommend the Pure Pass — this includes the seven-step ritual, but doesn’t include access to the fancy private changing rooms, which I don’t think are worth the extra money.

The Sky Lagoon is a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík and it’s well worth spending a full morning or afternoon there. And don’t be afraid if it’s a gray, drizzly day — this is some of the best weather for hot springs.

You can book a Pure Pass at the Sky Lagoon here , or book a Pure Pass with a transfer from Reykjavík .

Read More: Is the Sky Lagoon Worth It? A look inside.

Lunch, dinner, or late-night snack of champions!

Visit Iceland’s Most Famous Hot Dog Stand

If there’s anything Icelanders truly love, it’s thermal springs, Eurovision, the stories of Snorri Snorrelsen — and hot dogs. Oh, they LOVE their hot dogs! And the most famous hot dog stand in Iceland is Bæjarins beztu pylsur, or “the best hot dog in town,” located in the heart of downtown Reykjavík.

This hot dog stand is an unassuming metal shack next to some high tops and picnic tables — but people come here for the simplicity of it all, and the hot dogs are as popular with visitors (including Bill Clinton) as locals. It also helps that it’s open until 2:00 AM on weeknights and 4:30 AM on the weekends.

Go for one with everything — fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard, and remoulade. A hot dog will run you 600 ISK, or just under $5 USD. Standing next to your table, licking the extra remoulade off your finger, you’ll be glad you stopped here.

Good luck finding another meal in Iceland for that cheap!

Hallgrímskirkja overlooking colorful Reykjavík, via Shutterstock

Take in the View from Hallgrímskirkja

You know Hallgrímskirkja before you see it — it’s the pointy church on top of a hill in Reykjavík, a monument that dominates everything. This Evangelical-Lutheran church’s unusual design is based on Svartifoss, a waterfall that pours over black basalt columns in Skaftafell, and a statue of Leif Eriksson looms before it.

Inside, you’ll see an enormous organ measuring 15 meters high and weighing 25 tons! The church is free to visit, but you can get some of the best photos in town by climbing to the bell tower. It costs 1000 ISK for adults ($7.50 USD) for adults and 100 ISK ($0.75) for children.

The church hosts several concerts throughout the year. Come here to enjoy the fabulous acoustics and the best musicians Reykjavík has to offer.

Don’t miss photographing Hallgrímskirkja from the base of the rainbow street leading up to it!



Stroll Around Tjörnin Lake

You can’t miss Tjörnin — it’s the lake in central Reykjavík, though locals refer to it as a pond. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the city and is edged with lovely colorful buildings. Walking paths run alongside the lake.

On the northern end you have Reykjavík City Hall and the tongue-in-cheek Monument to the Bureaucrat, with the Reykjavík Cathedral nearby; to the south you have Hljómskálagarður Park, another lovely place for a walk.

Several dozen species of birds call Tjörnin home, from Arctic turn and mallard ducks to the famous whooper swans. Many locals like to feed the birds, but opt for seeds rather than bread.

And if you’re visiting during the winter, Tjörnin freezes over and becomes an ice rink!

Anyone care for a dip?

Visit a Reykjavík Swimming Pool

If you’re looking to join locals in a true Icelandic activity, skip the fancy spas and head to the public baths. Bathing is an important part of Icelandic culture, and while Icelanders go somewhere like the Sky Lagoon for a special occasion, most of the time they hit up the public baths and swimming pools.

Virtually every town in Iceland has a heated outdoor swimming pool and accompanying hot tubs. Locals go here to catch up with their friends, unwind, and enjoy a warm soak. And don’t let the weather sway you — you’ll find Icelanders in the pool 365 days a year, even when it’s freezing, dark, and raining.

I headed to the most central swimming pool, the Reykjavík Sundhöllin , which you can walk to from downtown. For an entry of 1,100 ($8 USD) for adults (kids are cheap and seniors are free!), you can stay as long as you like. Bring a towel or you’ll have to pay to rent one.

There are rules, of course: everyone is required to shower naked beforehand in communal shower areas, and soap up well before rinsing. You’re not allowed to have your phone by the pool, so don’t expect to get content. Keep everything in a locker. Bathing caps are not necessary.

Swim laps, lie down in a shallow warm pool, or head to one of the hidden hot pots on the second floor behind the outdoor pool. There’s also an indoor pool.

Laugardalslaug, a bit further east in Reykjavík, has waterslides and a small zoo, while the West town swimming pool (Vesturbaejarlaug) is a local favorite close to the University of Iceland. Whichever one you choose, this is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik to get to know the local culture.

Harpa is just as stunning from the inside as it is on the outside.

Visit Harpa

Easily one of the most stunning buildings in Reykjavík, Harpa Concert Hall is a behemoth of glass and steel, all set on the edge of the harbor. Harpa (not THE Harpa, just Harpa), designed by Ólafur Elíasson and Henning Larsen Architects and completed in 2011, is Reykjavík’s concert hall.

Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera — as well as a variety of theater and comedy shows, conferences, and art installations. You don’t need tickets to a show to enjoy it, as there’s a restaurant, some shops, a children’s area called the Hljóðhimna.

Even if you just stroll in to take a few photos of that honeycomb-like pattern from the indoors, you’ll be captivated by the design of this soul-stirring building.

Technically not a museum photo, but this cat was awesome.

Visit Reykjavík’s Best Museums

Reykjavík has several excellent museums worth exploring on your visit to the Icelandic capital.

If you’re planning on visiting museums, you should consider getting the Reykjavík City Card . It gives you admission to several of Reykjavík’s museums for free, including the National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavík Maritime Museum (excluding special exhibitions), National Gallery of Iceland, Árbaer Open Air Museum, and Reykjavík Museum of Photography.

The Reykjavík City Card also gives you access to the public buses and local pools, and discounts at other attractions, shops, and restaurants. As always, add up the cost of what you’re planning to do and see if it’s worth it.

Personally, I think the Reykjavík City Card is worth it if you’re planning to visit several of the included museums, but otherwise it’s cheaper to buy bus tickets and pool admission on your own. You can learn more about the card here.

The National Museum of Iceland tells the history of Iceland from settlement through the present day, and it’s a good primer in learning how Iceland became what it is. Most famous is the Valþjófsstaður door, with a dragon-slaying knight carved into it.

The Reykjavík Maritime Museum is stunning inside and out and focuses on all things seafaring, from traditional boat building to the history of fishing.

The Settlement Exhibition is housed in an archaeological site dating back to the 10th century, preserved by a volcanic eruption, and focuses on how the first Vikings lived in Iceland.

Saga Museum also focuses on Vikings — and this one uses wax statues to tell stories of the island’s first inhabitants.

The National Gallery of Iceland is Reykjavík’s primary collection of modern art — think primarily Icelandic and Nordic, from the 20th century onwards. One of the smaller museums in town.

The Reykjavík Museum of Photography features a mixture of contemporary and historic photography, along with an extensive digital gallery of vintage photos.

The Árbaer Open Air Museum is a collection of turf houses outside Reykjavík where you can learn how Icelanders lived and worked centuries ago.

The Icelandic Punk Museum is an offbeat delight — a tiny underground space devoted to punk music. A great space for photos, and you can even play the drums!

Oh, and the Iceland Phallological Museum is the zaniest museum of all and has its own entry on this list a bit further down.

íThe corner of Laugavegur and Rainbow Street in Reykjavík

Shop for Souvenirs on Laugavegur

If you’re looking to bring home the perfect Icelandic souvenir, Reykjavík is the place to find it. And the main shopping street in Reykjavík is Laugavegur, filled with interesting shops and boutiques.

So what should you get? Skip the kitschy stuff made in China and find yourself a high quality piece made by locals.

The iconic Icelandic souvenir is a sweater — specifically, a lopapeysa , the traditional Icelandic sweater with a diamond pattern around the collar. These sweaters are amazing for photo ops around Iceland!

If you’re not a sweater fan or don’t want to spend that much money, you can buy a locally made wool hat, mitten, or socks.

There are lots of nice jewelry shops on Laugavegur, too. I have a pair of silver and bright blue stud earrings I got in 2015 that still look fresh and unique today.

If you like outerwear, stop by 66 North. This is one of Iceland’s most famous brands, selling excellent (and very expensive) outerwear. Nothing in that store was on my budget, but I drooled over the designs nonetheless.

And don’t miss Skólavörðustígur, also known as Rainbow Street. This colorful painted street intersects with Laugavegur and has even more cute shops and boutiques. It’s a great spot for a photo.

What you experience at Flyover Iceland, via Pursuit

Feel Like a Bird at Flyover Iceland

Imagine flying over Icelandic mountains, lava-spewing volcanoes, and iceberg-filled lagoons. Imagine soaring through canyons and past waterfalls. FlyOver Iceland is an immersive experience where you fly on a ride while watching Iceland on a spherical screen.

This is the kind of experience that will make you fall in love with Iceland, even just after arriving. Yes, you’ll hopefully be seeing the landscapes yourself, but you will not be able to see anything in the way this movie was filmed. It will make you believe in the magic of this country!

FlyOver Iceland makes a terrific rainy day activity in Reykjavík, and I think it works better at the beginning of your trip, so you get excited for everything that’s coming next. And don’t forget to explore the surrounding Grandi Harbor District, another of the best things to do in Reykjavík!

You can book Flyover Iceland here.

Read More: Is Flyover Iceland Worth It? An Immersive Experience

If you’re lucky, Icelandic whale watching can look like this! Via Shutterstock.

Go Whale Watching

So many travelers come to Iceland with one goal in mind: seeing whales. Whale watches are one of the most popular things to do in Reykjavík, with tours taking in sightings of minke whales, humpback whales, and if you’re REALLY lucky, a blue whale. This can be a fun, thrilling, and deeply moving activity.

Unfortunately, seeing whales is not a guarantee (though most tour companies will give you a voucher for another tour if you don’t see any). And I’ve known several people who were disappointed by a whale-less boat ride in Reykjavík.

Another option is Whales of Iceland , the largest whale exhibition in Europe! Located in the Grandi Harbor District, this museum features life-size models of different whales, including a sperm whale, a beluga, and a 25-meter blue whale, the world’s largest mammal. And you can touch all of them.

This is one of the best things to do in Reykjavík with kids — and kids under seven get in for free. You can also combine Whales of Iceland with a whale watching tour.

Finally, if you’re driving the Ring Road or visiting North Iceland, don’t go whale watching in Reykjavík — you should go whale watching in the northern town of Husavík instead. The whale watching in Husavík is the best in the country with a near-guaranteed chance of seeing whales. Akureyri also has high quality whale watching.

This three-hour whale watch in Reykjavík takes place on a superyacht with three different levels of viewing areas to get great photos.

Me posing with a sperm whale peen at the Phallological Museum back in 2012.

Laugh Your Head Off at the Phallological Museum

If there’s such thing as a cult attraction in Reykjavík, it’s the Iceland Phallological Museum . This museum is filled with a collection of…phalluses. Penises. Peens galore. The museum contains more than 280 penises and penile parts!

There are even penises from characters from Icelandic folklore, like elves and sea-howlers. Most memorable is the enormous whale penis, which demands a selfie. There are even sculptures of the penises of the 2008 Icelandic Olympic Handball Team, cast in silver to honor their silver medal.

Oh, and if you were wondering, there is a HUGE collection of penis swag that you can buy and take home with you, from keychains to t-shirts. What else can I say about this place? If you’re into it, you’re into it!

Outside Omnom Chocolate in the Grandi Harbor District.

Explore the Grandi Harbor District

The Grandi Harbor District is located on the northwest edge of central Reykjavík, a short walk from the city center. This neighborhood has been “up and coming” for the last several years — by now I think it’s officially here! This is an industrial area that has been made over to include shops, restaurants, museums, and galleries.

Don’t miss Omnom Chocolate , whose delicious chocolate bars you can find all over Iceland. But at their flagship shop in Grandi, you can enjoy an inventive collection of chocolate-covered ice cream treats.

Farmers Market  carries high-end Icelandic fashion, accessories, and home decor, while Soley Organics has a wonderful collection of skincare products. Bókabúð Forlagsins is a must for any bookstore lover.

And don’t miss lunch at Grandi Mathöll , where food stalls dish up cuisine from Iceland and around the world. It’s the perfect lunch stop when exploring the area.

Yes, you can have a lovely day at the beach in Reykjavík!

Soak Up the Sun at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

How warm does it have to get for Icelanders to head to the beach? Not as warm as you think! Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, located in the south of Reykjavík, has a lagoon where hot geothermal water is pumped in to mix with cold seawater, making it a surprisingly nice place to take a dip. Icelanders constructed it by building sea walls and importing tons of golden sand.

On my last visit to Reykjavík in late May, it was 52 F (11 C) and sunny, and the beach was full of people in their bathing suits! With volleyball nets and dandelion-topped hills, this felt like the ultimate summer weekend destination. It was a popular spot for groups of teenagers (I actually followed them from the bus).

If you’re not up for getting into the ocean, there is a hot pool on shore, along with changing and showering facilities. The whole area is free to visit between May 15 and August 15; admission is 740 ISK ($6) the rest of the year.

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is located south of the city, so I recommend taking the bus if you don’t have a car. If it’s a nice day and you don’t mind a long walk, there is a beautiful running and biking path along the coast that curves along chi-chi waterfront mansions before leading back to the city.

Perlan, with Reykjavík in the background, via Shutterstock

Visit Perlan, Wonders of Iceland

Perlan is far more than just a museum. Located on a hill just outside central Reykjavík, with a free shuttle bus from Harpa included in your ticket, Perlan displays the natural wonders of Iceland in one place.

Want to experience the Aurora Borealis? They have a 22-minute show that simulates it. Want to get into an ice tunnel? They have one of those. Want to learn about volcanoes? Glaciers? They have outstanding displays on both.

Don’t miss the views of Reykjavík from the viewing platform on the observation deck. This one of my favorite views of the city! And Perlan is a great place to bring your kids.

You can book your ticket to Perlan including the Northern Lights Áróra Show here.

The Sun Voyager is especially stunning at sunset.

Visit the Sun Voyager

Located along Reykjavík’s waterfront near Harpa, the Sun Voyager is the most famous piece of art in the city. This steel sculpture created by Jón Gunnar Árnason resembles a Viking longboat looking toward the sun, conveying a promise of exploration, hope, progress and freedom.

Then again, like all art, it’s open for interpretation. It reminds me of a herd of reindeer.

This is a popular place to photograph at sunset — or sunrise, if you’re visiting during the winter months and able to get up “early” enough for it.

A wide array of gins on display at Kaldi Bar in Reykjavík.

Enjoy Reykjavík Nightlife

If the beer prices don’t scare you away, you will LOVE a night on the town in Reykjavík! Icelanders really know how to party. Here’s it’s not unusual to pregame (it’s almost like going back to college), and pub crawls are standard — people go out to a bar, have a drink, and move on.

I enjoyed the excellent gin selection at Kaldi Bar, a more-than-meets-the-eye bar set behind a red barn-like wall.

If you’re up for well-crafted drinks, head to Jungle Cocktail Bar, where you’re surrounded by lush greenery and some of the best libations in town.

And of course, there’s Lebowski Bar, based on The Big Lebowski . If ever there were an excuse to get a White Russian in Iceland, here’s your chance.

If you want to dance, head out to Austur or Paloma Club for a night you won’t be forgetting anytime soon! And on the weekends, Reykjavík’s bars and clubs stay open as late as 5:00 AM. Though it’s easy to lose track when you’re under the midnight sun.

It’s not in Reykjavík, but you can’t miss the Blue Lagoon.

Soak in the Blue Lagoon

Finally, there’s the Blue Lagoon — which it technically not within Reykjavík, but a 45-minute drive away in Grindavík, near the airport. But I’m including it on the list of things to do in Reykjavík because many people visit the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavík, either on its own or as part of a combination tour.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland — a spa of milky blue water, heated by geothermal activity bubbling beneath Iceland’s surface. It’s one of the iconic places to visit in Iceland, and one of the best Instagram spots, too.

If you REALLY want to splurge out, head to the Retreat Spa. For something special but a little less expensive, get an in-water massage, surrounded by that lovely blue water.

I recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon either right after you land or right before you depart, as it’s close to the airport. But if not, you can book the Blue Lagoon with a shuttle from Reykjavík .

Read More: Things to Know Before You Go to the Blue Lagoon

Enjoying a visit to Gulfoss Waterfall, Iceland.

Best Day Trips from Reykjavík

There are SO many different day trips you can take from Reykjavík! This might be one of the best cities in the world to use as a base!

If you’ve rented a car, you can do any of these excursions independently on your own. If you don’t have a car, you can book any of these tours with pickup from Reykjavík.

South Coast

This Reykjavík day trip is for people who love dramatic scenery. If you’re looking for ultra-dramatic Icelandic scenery, this is the best day trip from Reykjavík. The South Coast is home to some of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, as well as the black sand beaches of Vík, glaciers, and more.

The South Coast is my top recommendation if you only have time for one day trip from Reykjavík.

This 10-hour South Coast tour from Reykjavík includes Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black sand beaches of Vík, and the glacier snout of Sólheimajökull.

If you’re okay with a VERY long trip, this 14-hour South Coast tour from Reykjavík takes you all the way to Jökulsárlón and back, plus the black sand beaches of Vík and some waterfalls if you have time.

Golden Circle

This Reykjavík day trip is for people who want to hit the major highlights in an easy way. The Golden Circle is the classic day trip from Reykjavík.

The three main destinations the Golden Circle tour takes in are Þingvellir National Park, Gulfoss waterfall, and Geysir. Some tours include Kerid Crater as well; others throw in a visit to one of the thermal baths.

This is a basic Golden Circle tour that takes in the three attractions.

This tour includes the three attractions of the Golden Circle plus Kerid Crater and the Blue Lagoon.

This tour includes the three attractions of the Golden Circle plus Kerid Crater and the Secret Lagoon.

Snorkeling in Silfra, enjoying the magical blue waters!

Snorkeli