Things to Do in Reykjavik

Iceland's most iconic building and the tallest church in the country at 74.5 meters. Designed by architect Gudjon Samuelsson, its distinctive facade was inspired by the basalt columns found at places like Svartifoss waterfall and Reynisfjara beach. The interior is surprisingly minimalist — clean white walls and a soaring pipe organ with 5,275 pipes. Entering the church is free, but paying the roughly 1,000 ISK elevator fee to ascend the tower is absolutely worth it. The observation deck offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of Reykjavik's colorful rooftops, the surrounding mountains, and the ocean.

Harpa is Reykjavik's stunning waterfront concert hall and conference center, opened in 2011. The building's geometric glass facade, designed by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, is made up of irregularly shaped steel and glass panels that change color with the light and weather. Walking around the interior is free and well worth it. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, and hosts concerts, exhibitions, and events year-round.

The Sun Voyager is one of Reykjavik's most photographed landmarks — a stainless steel sculpture on the waterfront that resembles a Viking longship. Created by artist Jon Gunnar Arnason and unveiled in 1990, Arnason described it as a dream boat, an ode to the sun, and a symbol of hope, progress, and the promise of undiscovered territory. The sculpture faces north across Faxafloi Bay toward Mount Esja, and it is particularly beautiful at sunset when the steel catches the golden light.

Laugavegur is Reykjavik's main street and the beating heart of the city. Stretching from the eastern edge of downtown toward the Hlemmur bus terminal, it is lined with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries, and an impressive amount of street art. The name translates to 'Wash Road' — it was historically the path women took to the hot springs to do their laundry. During the day, browse Icelandic design shops, vintage stores, and bookshops. In the evening, especially Friday and Saturday nights, the street transforms as Reykjavik's legendary nightlife comes alive.

Reykjavik's Old Harbour area has transformed from a working fishing port into one of the city's most vibrant districts. This is where whale watching tours, puffin tours, and sea angling trips depart. The harbour is lined with excellent seafood restaurants. The Grandi area, just west of the main harbour, has become Reykjavik's creative district. The Marshall House hosts the Living Art Museum, Gallery Kling og Bang, and a studio for artist Olafur Eliasson. Walk along the pier for views across the bay to Mount Esja.

Perlan (The Pearl) is a museum and observation point built on top of Oskjuhlid hill, housed in a striking glass dome that sits atop the city's former hot water storage tanks. The museum features several immersive exhibits: a northern lights planetarium show, a man-made ice cave (100-meter tunnel of ice year-round), and exhibits on Icelandic nature, volcanoes, and marine life. The outdoor observation deck offers panoramic 360-degree views of Reykjavik.

The National Museum of Iceland tells the story of the country from the first Viking settlers in the 9th century to the modern day. The permanent exhibition, 'Making of a Nation,' is spread across two floors and includes over 2,000 artifacts. Highlights include a medieval church door carved with a scene of a knight fighting a dragon, Viking-age jewelry and weapons, and exhibits on the development of Icelandic language and culture. Allow at least two hours for a thorough visit.

Tjornin is the small lake in the heart of Reykjavik, bordered by some of the city's most colorful houses, the City Hall, the National Gallery, and the Free Church. It is home to over 40 species of birds, including arctic terns, eider ducks, and greylag geese. In winter, part of the lake freezes and Icelanders ice skate on it. Walking around the full perimeter takes about 20 minutes.

The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular day trip. The roughly 300-kilometer loop takes in three iconic attractions. Thingvellir National Park is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly drift apart, and where Iceland's Viking-age parliament met starting in 930 AD — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Geysir geothermal area features Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every 5–10 minutes, shooting water 15–20 meters into the air. Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall) is a massive two-tiered waterfall that plunges 32 meters into a narrow canyon.

A South Coast day trip from Reykjavik covers some of Iceland's most dramatic scenery. The route takes you past Seljalandsfoss (walk behind the 60-meter waterfall — bring waterproofs) and Skogafoss. Reynisfjara black sand beach is one of Iceland's most striking landscapes, with towering basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore. Be extremely cautious of the sneaker waves at Reynisfjara — they are genuinely dangerous. Start early and allow at least 10–12 hours.

The Blue Lagoon, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Keflavik Airport, is Iceland's most famous geothermal spa. Book well in advance as it frequently sells out. The newer Sky Lagoon, much closer to Reykjavik, offers a stunning infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean and a traditional Icelandic ritual of alternating hot and cold baths. Sky Lagoon is more accessible and often easier to book.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called 'Iceland in miniature' because it concentrates so many of Iceland's signature landscapes into one area: a glacier-capped volcano (Snaefellsjokull, made famous by Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth), dramatic coastal cliffs, black sand beaches, lava fields, fishing villages, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. Spending a night on the peninsula is far more enjoyable than a day trip.

The Reykjanes Peninsula, between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport, is one of Iceland's most volcanically active areas. The landscape is raw and otherworldly — vast lava fields, steaming geothermal areas, rugged coastline, and the Bridge Between Continents where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The Reykjanes lighthouse (Reykjanesviti) is Iceland's oldest. Easy to combine with a visit to the Blue Lagoon.

Whale watching tours depart from Reykjavik's Old Harbour year-round, though the best success rates are from June through August. Minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are the most commonly spotted species. Tours typically last about three hours and include warm overalls and guidance from marine biologists. Prices around 11,000–13,000 ISK. Dress warmly.

Getting Around

Reykjavik's city center is compact and very walkable. Most of the main sights, restaurants, and shops are within a 20-minute walk of each other. You absolutely do not need a car for exploring the city itself. In fact, having a car downtown can be a hassle due to limited parking. Save your rental car for day trips to the countryside.

Alcohol Tips

Alcohol is expensive in Iceland due to high taxes. A beer at a bar costs 1,200–1,800 ISK. The smartest move is to buy alcohol at the Duty Free store when you arrive at Keflavik Airport. The state-run liquor stores called Vinbudin are the only places to buy alcohol outside of bars and restaurants. Grocery stores in Iceland do not sell alcohol stronger than 2.25 percent.

Money and Tipping

Tipping is not expected in Iceland — service charges are included in all prices. Iceland is nearly cashless. You can pay by credit or debit card for virtually everything. Currency is Icelandic krona (ISK). At time of writing, roughly 140 ISK = 1 USD / 150 ISK = 1 EUR.

Weather and Clothing

Reykjavik weather changes rapidly and unpredictably in every season. A bright sunny morning can turn to sideways rain and back to sunshine within an hour. The key is layering: a base layer, warm mid-layer, and a windproof/waterproof outer shell. An umbrella is largely useless in Reykjavik's wind — a good hood is much more practical.