Top Things to Do From Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland. Many people use it as a springboard to drive the coastal ring road. However, there's something to say about making Reykjavik your base of operations and combining Iceland's nature with city life. It's the perfect base for day trips or spending a few days there in addition to a longer trip. Exploring Reykjavik gives you a variety of experiences, not to mention delicious food and even shopping. Here are our tips on things to do while staying in Reykjavik.

1. Explore Reykjavik Itself

Reykjavik is a relatively compact and very walkable city. It also has a good bus service, with buses going to every part of the city, local attractions, and even trailheads. Renting an e-scooter is another option when exploring Reykjavik, or if you are a cyclist, you can rent a bike.

The city discourages using coaches and buses and limits their access to certain parts of the city center to enhance safety and create a more pleasant environment for pedestrians.

Iconic Landmarks

Reykjavik has some iconic landmarks. The most significant is Hallgrimskirkja, sometimes called the Lutheran Cathedral. While it is often called "Hallgrimskirkja Church" in English, the word "kirkja" already means "church," making the term somewhat redundant. The 73-meter tower provides panoramic views, and the church has a beautiful modern organ. Admission to the church is free, but there is a small charge to go up the tower. Hallgrimskirkja is also how you can start exploring Reykjavik. Perched atop a small hill, it is so prominent that directions are often given based on its location. The statue in front is Leifur Eiriksson, the first European to land in North America.

Discovering Reykjavik's most iconic landmarks

The other famous landmark in Reykjavik is the Harpa Concert Hall. You can visit their website to find out which events will be taking place during your visit. They also routinely have events suitable for taking young children if you are traveling with your family. Events include concerts, chamber music, short film screenings, and more. The building itself is beautiful and worth checking out.

Cultural Stops

Exploring Reykjavik also includes a stop at the National Museum of Iceland. It has one permanent exhibition that covers the history of Iceland from the first settlement. The rest of the museum is devoted to temporary exhibitions (check their website to see what is happening). The museum also features a café and a shop, and admission includes access to lectures. If you're staying a few days, admission is valid for an entire year from the date of purchase, so if you find out about a cool lecture, you can always go back.

Reykjavik Art Museum has three locations in the city—Ásmundarsafn Museum, Hafnarhús Museum, and Kjarvalsstaðir. All three are worth a visit. They have talks, temporary exhibitions focusing on modern and progressive art, and an app that helps you find all 200 outdoor art pieces in Reykjavik. If you want to learn more about contemporary Icelandic art or play an "art scavenger hunt" across the city, you can get admission to all three sites.

Local Experiences

Exploring Reykjavik offers a unique feel and character and, as mentioned, is highly walkable. Laugavegur Street is Reykjavik's main drag and the liveliest shopping street. It has a variety of stores, restaurants, cafes, and pubs. You can shop for souvenirs or good Icelandic wool, or stay up late to enjoy the nightlife. The name translates to "wash road" because it once led to hot springs used as a communal laundry.

Exploring the colorful streets of Reykjavík

It's safe for you (if not for your wallet), as the street is pedestrianized and runs through the most interesting parts of the city. Staying near Laugavegur Street is expensive, but worth it if it's within your budget.

Reykjavik also has a wide variety of cafes and restaurants. Kaffi Loki, in front of the Hallsgrimskirkja, offers traditional Icelandic food including fermented shark, black bread ice cream, and "Icelandic tea"—a concoction of moss, thyme, and birch bark that's still commonly consumed by modern Icelandic people as a health drink.

Baka Baka has a full restaurant, including pizza, but you can also get Icelandic sourdough bread to take away. This is the place to come if you want pizza during your stay. Another local gem is Svarta Kaffið at Laugavegur 54, famous for its soup in a bread bowl—perfect if Iceland is living up to the first part of its name. They have two rotating soups, one of which is always vegetarian.

But there's so much more and you can't go wrong with most of the places in Reykjavik, especially if you want to enjoy fresh fish and seafood.

Reykjavik's Shoreline

Finally, Reykjavik's shoreline is a great place to "wander." The Sun Voyager sculpture is famous, but it's not the only piece of art on the waterfront. You can download the Art Museum's guide to help you find more. You can also observe sea life, such as birds and possibly even seals, right from the city.

2. Day Trips to Nearby Natural Wonders

If you are tired of the city, exploring Reykjavik is a great base for some of the best day trips.

We recommend that everyone does the Golden Circle and that you do it early in your trip as it's a great introduction to Iceland. The Golden Circle includes Þingvellir National Park—the original site of democracy in Iceland and considered the world's oldest parliament—Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Take a light raincoat to get closer to the waterfall without getting drenched. The geysers might get you, too!

The Blue Lagoon is famous and has been in the news lately. Yes, it's still there and remains one of the most recognized spas on the planet. If you don't want to devote a day, schedule a late flight and visit on your way to the airport for a great Icelandic farewell. It's a luxurious spa experience not to be forgotten. Look up other spas and baths in the area, too. The Sky Lagoon, located right by the ocean, is also a great option.

Relax in the silica rich waters of the Blue Lagoon

Reykjanes Peninsula has been in the news lately because it keeps blowing up. If you want to see what vulcanism does to the landscape, the stark lava fields and geothermal springs of the peninsula are a great way to do it. There's no volcanic activity right now, but check when you go. Depending on the status of an eruption, you can get a guided tour to get close to the action, safely.

3. Adventures in Icelandic Nature

While Husavik is famous for whale watching, you can get a good whale- and/or puffin-watching tour from Reykjavik. You might see puffins, seals, harbor porpoises, and whales. Minke whales are the most common and often the easiest to see. If you're lucky, you might even encounter a humpback. Wear warm clothing when exploring Reykjavik, as it gets very cold on the North Atlantic even in summer. Don't forget your camera and, if you have one, a set of binoculars for birdwatching.

Getting in touch with Icelandic whales

If you're traveling in winter, hunting for the northern lights may be the main reason you're there. It's an experience never to forget. Þingvellir National Park is a great place for watching, as is Kleifarvatn, a lake on the Reykjanes peninsular. Check the linked blog for our full guide to northern lights viewing in Iceland.

Icelandic people hike almost as much as the Swiss. Mount Esja is an extremely popular trail near Reykjavik. It offers great views from the summit and multiple trails of varying difficulty levels. Be aware that there's one point where the easy trail goes to the right and if you follow the locals, you might regret it. It's so close to Reykjavik you can take the city bus there. Another local option is Reykjadalur Valley, where you can hike and bathe in natural hot springs. It's a straightforward, moderate hike. Alternatively, you can also get a horseback riding tour of the valley.

4. Cultural and Historical Experiences

Iceland has a rich history. You can explore many aspects of it in and around Reykjavik. Seltjarnarnes is only a few minutes away and offers an interesting lighthouse with great views. You can also visit the Nesstofa Medical History Museum (in an old stone house) and the neighboring Pharmacy Museum. Lastly, you can go birdwatching at a pond near the lighthouse.

Other than the major museums, Reykjavik offers a variety of smaller museums. The city even has a museum devoted to a certain part of the male anatomy. If that's too prurient for you, check out the Reykjavik City Library, which commonly hosts workshops, readings, poetry slams, etc. Reykjavik City Museum has various locations, including the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, Reykjavik Museum of Photography, and the Árbær Open Air Museum. If you're interested in Iceland's Viking past, visit the Saga Museum (also ask for directions to the Viking Museum, and they'll know what you mean). This museum highlights the most important Icelandic sagas and Icelandic history in general.

Like most cities, exploring Reykjavik also includes visiting various festivals and events throughout the year. In winter, check out Dark Music Days or the Winter Lights Festival. In spring, you can enjoy the Stockfish Film Festival and Icelandic Music Experiments for independent culture. There's also the annual Icelandic Beer Festival, which is held in spring, not October. In summer, enjoy Fishermen's Day, a celebration of the sea, the Hafnarfjörður Viking Festival, and, the Reykjavik Fringe. Whatever time of year you go, check the calendar, because there will be something there for you.

5. Longer Excursions Starting From Reykjavik

You can always combine a few days of exploring Reykjavik with a longer excursion. One of the best options is to do a self-driving tour of the south coast of Iceland. You can visit the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Kirkjufell Mountain in a week. You can also take in glaciers, volcanoes, coastal views, and delightful fishing villages. However, be careful at Reynisfjara—never get too close to the water, as people have been swept away.

Kirkjufell Mountain, a great stop on a day tour around Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Our itinerary will take you to these sites, including natural arches, lava fields, Diamond Beach (a great place for northern lights viewing in winter), and then finish with the Golden Circle and Reykjanes.

Reykjavik is also a great starting point for driving the Ring Road or heading to the seldom-visited western Iceland for a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure.

6. Tips for Planning Your Itinerary

One big decision when exploring Reykjavik is the time of year. The Northern Lights are only viewable in winter when it gets dark early, while summer will give you almost the midnight sun (for the true midnight sun, you have to go a little bit further north, as Reykjavik is not quite above the Arctic Circle). While winter weather in Iceland can get cold, Reykjavik is relatively moderate in its climate in general.

If you are staying entirely in Reykjavik, you may not need a car. You can take bus tours to most local attractions, including the Golden Circle, horseback riding tours, etc. Mount Esja is even accessible by public transit. Reykjavik itself is entirely walkable and parking can be a challenge. We generally don't recommend driving in central Reykjavik, as it's unnecessary and annoying. However, you'll want a car if you're planning a longer excursion. Alternatively, you can opt for a bus tour if you'd rather not drive.

Exploring Reykjavik can also be expensive. Lodging and food can be pricey, as city prices are added to Iceland's already high cost of living, so budget accordingly. Museums and attractions tend to be cheap or even free but expect to pay a significant amount for food. It's relatively easy to be a vegetarian, but if you want meat, other than Icelandic hot dogs, you will pay a premium. Budget with the assumption that you will be paying the same for food you might pay in New York.

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