Every trip to Iceland begins in Reykjavik, the capital and the largest city of Iceland, home to over 130,000 people. It is considered to be the northernmost capital city in the world and is renowned for its colorful streets and charming vibe. It is the perfect place for you to dive deeper into the unique culture of the Icelandic people and learn more about the life of the people living in this city.
Within this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan a perfect trip to Reykjavik, from the best things to do and best places to visit all the excellent cafes and restaurants you should try, as well as a day trip you can make from Reykjavik. Without further ado, here are the 11 best things to do in Reykjavik:
- Reykjavik Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Reykjavik?
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11 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik
- Check Out the Iconic Hallgrímskirkja
- Take Photos of Rainbow Street
- Admire the Beauty of Harpa Concert Hall
- Check Out the View from Sun Voyager
- Explore the Museums of Reykjavik
- Shop For Souvenirs Along Laugavegur Street
- Cozy Up at Reykjavik Roasters
- Try Out Local Cuisine
- Try Out Brauð & Co's famous Cinnamon Buns
- Visit the Blue Lagoon
- Go On A Day Trip Around the Golden Circle
- More Reykjavik Activities
- Further Reading for Iceland
Reykjavik Itinerary Map
11 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik
1. Check Out the Iconic Hallgrímskirkja
One of the highlights of visiting Reykjavik is checking out the cathedral of Hallgrímskirkja, one of the largest churches in Iceland and the most recognizable landmarks in the country.
This unique-looking church is a great example of the minimalist and modernist architectural styles the Icelandic people have mastered for years. Right on the get-go, the church's exterior is unlike any other European church you've seen.
Despite being inspired by the dynamic landscape of Iceland, the church's striking design looks modern and futuristic even though the construction started in 1945. It was not until 1986 that the construction was completed and opened to the public.
- Kex Hostel (Budget)
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- Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater (8.5 hours)
- Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik (4 hours)
- Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik (45 minutes - 1.5 hours)
The church's interior is also equally impressive with a clean and minimal design, well-lit bright nave, and beautiful stained glass windows that offer a great refuge for locals and tourists when the weather gets cold outside.
Its unique design has made it an enduring symbol of this city and an important cultural landmark for the entire country, so if you are in Reykjavik, be sure to check out Hallgrímskirkja. The church is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day, and there is no entrance fee to enter the church.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik?
2. Take Photos of Rainbow Street
One of the most photographed streets in Reykjavik is Rainbow Street, a street in the heart of the city, known for its colorful buildings, lively atmosphere, and diverse range of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Believe it or not, the street used to be a quiet and sleepy residential area, but in the year 2000, a group of local artists and entrepreneurs decided to give the area a makeover by adding some colorful murals and street art to the buildings. Before long, Rainbow Street was converted into a hub of activity, with people flocking the street from all over the world.
Despite all the colorful murals and street art, the fact that the street aligned perfectly with Hallgrímskirkja, one of the most important landmarks in the city, makes it a perfect spot to take photos, so be sure to drop by here while you explore Reykjavik.
3. Admire the Beauty of Harpa Concert Hall
Located not too far from Rainbow Street, on the waterfront of Reykjavik, you will find Harpa Concert Hall, an iconic futuristic structure that boasts a modern style architecture that blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty.
The building was constructed in 2011 by a group of international architects and is widely regarded as one of the most impressive concert halls in the world. You can go inside and check out its massive hall, all surrounded by a wall of elongated hexagon glasses that let in a ton of natural light, creating a mesmerizing pattern across the hallway. When the sun is out, it is truly quite a sight to behold.
If not, you can also check out the concert hall at night, where the shifting artificial light will help bring out the grand details of the concert hall, which is pretty beautiful, especially during the blue hour. The concert hall is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, while the rest of the week is open from 10 AM to 8 PM. It is free to enter.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour from Reykjavik? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
4. Check Out the View from Sun Voyager
While you explore the waterfront area of Reykjavik, be sure to check out the Sun Voyager monument, another important symbol of the city that captures and showcases the amazing creativity the Icelandic people have.
The sculpture was created by a local artist and unveiled in 1990. It is made of stainless steel and depicts a stylized ship that appears to be sailing toward the sun. The design is meant to evoke a sense of journey, discovery, and connection to the natural world.
The monument is also set against the backdrop of the incredible landscapes of the surrounding areas, which should give you a glimpse of what you can expect when you travel outside Reykjavik and explore all the natural wonders this country has to offer. Be sure to drop by here while you are in Reykjavik.
5. Explore the Museums of Reykjavik
Now, Iceland is not known for having the best weather, and if you find yourself on a rainy day in Reykjavik and you are looking to explore some of the indoor attractions in this city, I highly recommend you check out some of the many awesome museums this city has to offer.
If you are interested in the history of the country, you can check out Saga Museum and learn more about the Viking era of the country or Reykjavík Maritime Museum, which display the history and the way of life of the fisherman here as well as the historic ships and so much more.
If you are looking for something unique and weird to check out in Reykjavik, you can't beat the Icelandic Phallological Museum, an adult-only museum dedicated to, you guessed it, anything phallic-shaped. There are more than 200 pieces inside the museum, stretching across the animal kingdom, from whales to horses and more. It's not for everyone, but if you are looking for something unique to see in Reykjavik, it doesn't get more unique than this!
6. Shop For Souvenirs Along Laugavegur Street
If you are looking for a place to shop for unique souvenirs to take back home, one of the best places to be is Laugavegur Street, a pedestrian street lined with all kinds of shops from souvenirs to clothing, and more.
Iceland is known for its incredibly warm wool as well as awesome clothing brands like Icewear which produce some of the best jackets and other winter equipment you can gear yourself before you explore you go out in the wild and explore Iceland proper, and you can only buy it in Iceland, and there has a shop right on this street.
I love Icewear and its outdoor apparel lineup with striking colors just the way I like it. I bought a wool beanie from them, and they were great. Unfortunately, I lost it on the bus in Romania later on the trip, which is a shame as you can only get it from Iceland 🥲. Anyhow, if you want to shop for souvenirs, be sure to check out Laugavegur Street.
7. Cozy Up at Reykjavik Roasters
If you are looking for a nice cozy place to sit back and enjoy a cup of latte, one of my favorite cafes I often frequent when I was in Reykjavik is Reykjavik Roasters, a small cafe with a homely vibe where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view of the colorful street of Reykjavik in solitude.
The cafe is decorated exactly like what you expect in a nice, cozy home in Iceland, with wooden furniture, a spacious seating area, and vintage-style decor. It is a perfect haven for me as it rained every single day I was in Reykjavik.
The cafe is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, and you can expect a cup of coffee to cost about 700 ISK or 4.5 EUR per cup. If you are looking for a nice, cozy place to sit and relax in Reykjavik, be sure to drop by Reykjavik Roasters.
8. Try Out Local Cuisine
Due to its proximity to the ocean, you can always expect local cuisine to incorporate fresh, delicious seafood. If you are looking to try some of that, as well as other types of local food like smoked lamb, there are several restaurants in Reykjavik you should check out.
For budget travelers out there who are looking for a budget place to try some local cuisine, I highly recommend you check out 101 Reykjavik Street Food. They serve local street food like Lobster soup and fish and chips for around 2050 ISK (13 EUR), which is considered quite cheap compared to other restaurants.
If you don't mind paying a little bit more for a nice seafood dish like fish and chips or artic char with large portions, you can also check out Reykjavík Fish Restaurant. They are not cheap, though, as dishes can range from 18 - 22 EUR, but that is a typical price for restaurants in Reykjavik.
If you are looking for a proper local restaurant to try out all the unique Icelandic dishes, you can't go wrong with Cafe Loki, a popular local restaurant that serves dishes like lamb shank and steamed cod as well as other local dishes named after the nordic gods like Loki and Baldur which is pretty cool. There are many restaurants to choose from in Reykjavik, and if you want to try some of their local cuisines, be sure to check them out.
9. Try Out Brauð & Co's famous Cinnamon Buns
One of the most popular bakeries in Iceland is Brauð & Co, a local bakery shop that is known for its delicious cinnamon buns and croissants that are freshly baked every day.
The aromatic scent from Brauð & Co will attract you when you walk past its colorful bakery. With the baked goods on display all around the shop, you can easily point and choose which one you want, and the lovely staff there will pack it for you.
Unfortunately, they do not have a proper seating area, only 2 stools right on the window, and that is it, so I highly recommend you order it as a takeaway. The bakery is open from 6:30 AM to 5 PM every day, so be sure to check it out while you are in Reykjavik.
10. Visit the Blue Lagoon
Of course, if you come to Iceland, you have to bathe yourself in the famous hot spring here, and there is no other place more famous than Blue Lagoon, a world-renowned geothermal spa, known for its striking blue waters, soothing warm temperatures, and therapeutic properties.
Since the place gets pretty crowded, I highly recommend you buy the ticket and book the time slot online from here. Be sure to get it before your arrival to score a time slot you prefer. You can also visit the Blue Lagoon with a transfer service if you decided not to rent a car.
If you just want to see the beautiful thermal area around the Blue Lagoon and walk around the pastel-blue-colored water without paying a dime, there is a section located right by the parking lot of the Blue Lagoon where you can stroll around for free which is something not many people know about.
You can also do as I did and visit the Blue Lagoon to walk around the free area and go for a bath elsewhere in other more remote and quiet hot springs plentifully available around the Golden Circle, which is another recommended thing to do in Iceland.
11. Go On A Day Trip Around the Golden Circle
If you have an extra day in Reykjavik and you want to see some of the natural wonders Iceland is famous for, one of the best regions to explore is the Golen Circle, a 300+ km long circuit that will take you through some of the most epic sceneries this country has to offer from the epic Gullfoss or the Golden Falls to all the natural hot spring spreading out across this wonderful geothermal wonderland.
To visit the Golden Circle from Reykjavik, you can either rent a car and drive yourself for a day around the circuit before looping back to Reykjavik or you can go on an organized tour which will allow you to see all the highlights of the Golden Circle without having to drive yourself. Both are excellent options and will let you to see all the highlights of the Golden Circle in one go.
One of the first places you should check out along the Golden Circle is Þórufoss, a broad 18 meters high waterfall located in the middle of nowhere which means that they will likely be fewer tourists here than most places along the Golden Circle.
The waterfall is not big when it comes to Iceland's standard but it is still very beautiful with a great opportunity for photos without people which is not so easy to come by given the rising amount of travelers visiting Iceland.
Once you are done, continue along the Golden Circle and visit Öxarárfoss, a beautiful waterfall located right along the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which creates a rift valley and stunning landscape you can walk around in.
After Öxarárfoss, you can also visit Geysir next which is one of the most popular landmarks along the Golden Circle. This is where it will get pretty crowded, especially around the large active geyser, as people wait for the explosive eruption.
As you drive along the Golden Circle, you will also stumble upon Gullfoss Falls, also known as the Golden Falls, one of the most epic massive waterfalls that Iceland is known for.
During sunny days, visitors often see a rainbow over the waterfall, creating a picturesque view. In fact, you can even see double rainbows here, especially around the time we are here, given the sky is open.
Once you are done at Gullfoss, it is time to bathe in the hot springs of Iceland if you have not done so at the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik. Along the Golden Circle, you will have 2 options you can choose from.
One is Secret Lagoon, another premium experience just like the Blue Lagoon but with fewer people and a nice view over the landscape around the area. It is also cheaper here than at the Blue Lagoon. If you want to visit the Secret Lagoon, be sure to buy the entry ticket from here.
Another option is to visit Hrunalaug Hot Spring, a more remote and natural experience where you will be bathing in the natural hot spring while being surrounded by real nature, away from the crowds. This is the one I chose to do, and it was pretty awesome as they limit the capacity to around 10 people at a time, allowing us to enjoy the solitude as we bathe in the natural hot spring right in nature.
If there is time, you can even drive further along the 5 Days In Iceland: A Perfect Itinerary and visit Seljalandsfoss, a unique waterfall that you can walk behind it, and Gljufrabui, a hidden waterfall tucked away inside a cavern where you have to hop on stones to get to. They are some of my favorite waterfalls, and it would be a shame to be in Iceland and not see these incredible waterfalls.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Iceland
I hope you found this Iceland travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Iceland, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- Looking for a complete Iceland's Ring Road itinerary? Check out: 7 Days Iceland's Ring Road Itinerary.
- Have only 5 days in Iceland? Here's a perfect itinerary for you: 5 Days In Iceland: A Perfect Itinerary.
- Looking for a great day trip to make from Reykjavik? You can explore the best of Iceland and drive around the Golden Circle with our One Day Iceland's Golden Circle Itinerary.
- First time visiting Iceland, but not sure where to begin? Check out: 13 Best Places to Visit in Iceland.
- Planning to drive a car around Iceland? Here are the 13 Important Things to Know Before Driving in Iceland.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Iceland, visit the Iceland Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Northern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, Southern Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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