Friendly and cool with a relaxed vibe, Reykjavik, Iceland, begs to be explored. An essential stop on any trip to Iceland, this accessible city is full of great museums and exceptional restaurants. Plus, there’s street art, geothermal pools, entertaining shows, and much more. With so many fun things to do in Reykjavik, you’ll never get bored.
Five visits to Iceland have allowed us to spend quite a lot of time in the capital looking for the best views, trying cocktails and coffee, and generally enjoying all that the city has to offer. Here are our picks for the best Reykjavik attractions and activities.
See related article: The Best Time to Visit Iceland
- Visit the Hallgrimskirkja Church
- Explore the street art scene
- Explore Perlan
- Hit up a coffee shop
- Relax at Sky Lagoon
- See the Lava Show
- Try Omnom chocolate and ice cream
- Understand the country’s past at the Reykjavik Maritime Museum
- Walk around the Tjörnin
- Dive into the culinary scene
- Stand in awe at the Sun Voyager
- Shop for a sweater at the Handknitting Association of Iceland
- Catch some culture at Harpa
- See the Reykjavik Settlement Exhibition 871 +/- 2
- Explore the nightlife
- Visit the Blue Lagoon
- Eat a hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
- Drive the Golden Circle
- Search for the northern lights
- Take a day trip to Greenland
Visit the Hallgrimskirkja Church
The Hallgrímskirkja (Hallgríms Church) is the iconic Icelandic landmark in Reykjavik that can been seen atop the hill from everywhere in the city. This building is part church, part monument, and part art. And it’s worth a visit.
Unlike many churches in Europe, it is free to go into the Hallgrímskirkja and look around. And unlike many churches in Europe, the interior of the church is fairly very plain.
The church is designed to invoke elements of Icelandic nature resembling an ice cave. Its long vertical lines mimic the famous basalt columns located at several places in the country, particularly the Svartifoss waterfall. In fact, the organ is the only thing inside the church that isn’t a shade of light gray.
And while the church is beautiful for its simplicity, we were more enthralled by the statue of Leif Ericson out in front of the church. The statue was gift from the people of the United States in 1930 recognizing that Leif Ericson was the true discoverer of America and the New World – not Christopher Columbus. There’s something refreshing about the honesty of the statue.
At the small gift shop inside Hallgrimskirkja, you can purchase tickets to ride the elevator up the tower. When you exit, there are three small flights of stairs leading to a viewing platform. From here, all of downtown Reykjavik lies at your feet.
From the top of the Hallgrimskirkja, you can see all of the colorful buildings in downtown, the harbor, and the mountains beyond. There’s no finer view in the capital, which is why the church is one of the top attractions in the country.
Explore the street art scene
The locals call Reykjavik “Greykjavik.” This is partly due to the drab winter weather, but also some of the construction materials used in the city aren’t very inspiring. This is a far cry from the more traditional Scandinavian colors (red, yellow, and blue) which can be seen in pockets through the city.
However, what the buildings lack, young artists have added. The real color can be found on the sides of buildings throughout town. The culture of street art in Reykjavik is going strong!
The murals showcase aspects of Icelandic life, culture, nature, or the whims and dreams of Icelandic artists. While initially controversial, these works have come to be beloved by locals and create an ever-changing canvas around the city.
Explore Perlan
On Reykjavik’s highest hill, you’ll find Perlan, Wonders of Iceland. Once the city’s old water towers, it’s now an educational center full of permanent and temporary exhibits about the things that make Iceland amazing. From puffins to the Northern Lights and whales to volcanoes and forces of nature, it explains lots about this complex place.
One of the coolest features (literally and figuratively) at Perlan is the world’s first indoor ice cave. Built with real snow, it stretches 100 meters in a specially refrigerated area. The glowing lights make it fascinating to explore, and there is even an ice throne if you need a special photo opportunity.
In addition to the fun interactive exhibits, Perlan has a restaurant, cafe, bar, and ice cream parlor that all encourage you to hang out for awhile. The glass-domed ceiling and lush decorations make it feel like you’re spending the afternoon in a luxurious greenhouse.
If your time is short, Perlan is also idea for taking in views of the city. From the building’s elevated vantage point, you can see the Hallgrímskirkja church with the rest of the city and the mountains in the distance. Best of all, it can be done as a quick stop while heading to or from the airport with the reduced cost observation deck-only ticket.
Hit up a coffee shop
The locals love their coffee. The city has a vibrant coffee culture. Locals and tourists alike gather every morning to socialize, gossip, read the news…and drink a cup of coffee.
The best coffee shop in town is the famous Mokka Kaffi. Get here early to grab a seat with the locals. If you are looking for take away options, Kaffitar is also very popular.
Relax at Sky Lagoon
Only 10 minutes from downtown, Sky Lagoon is a luxurious hot spring option for people wanting to stick close to the city. You can lounge in the springs or go all-in on the 7-step circuit they call The Ritual, which includes hot and cold pools, a sauna, a scrub, and more.
The water in the lagoon is a comfortable 100–104° F (38–40°C), and it stays that way year-round, so you can stay warm even if there’s snow. The pools are manmade, but they’re designed to blend into the landscape and provide sweeping ocean views.
Sky Lagoon has a popular swim up bar and a restaurant. We enjoyed our visit and will likely return, but it’s worth noting that the lagoon can be a little louder and more crowded than other hot springs in Iceland because it’s so easy to reach from the city.
See the Lava Show
Iceland is known for volcanic activity and there has been A LOT near Reykjavik in recent years. If you’re interested in seeing lava up close without the difficulty and unpredictability of hiking to a recent eruption, the Lava Show is the place to go.
In the safety of the studio, you’ll see actual lava from an Icelandic volcano superheated to 2000F. It bubbles and cracks in dramatic fashion as you learn about the volcanic history of the country.
The Lava Show is a great activity for kids and adults since it’s something most people will never have the opportunity to see–certainly not just a few feet in front of you. The presenter answers everyone’s questions both during and after the show, so it’s ideal if you’re particularly curious about this unique aspect of Iceland’s geography. (There is also a Lava Show in Vik, if you’re traveling around the island and don’t have the chance to see it in Reykjavik.)
Try Omnom chocolate and ice cream
Known for its colorful packaging and commitment to high-quality ingredients, Omnom Chocolate makes “bean-to-bar” chocolate bars at their factory near the port. Their flavors include combinations ranging from lakkris (licorice) and sea salt to cookies and cream as well as single origin bars. In 2018, Omnom’s Milk of Nicaragua bar was named the best milk chocolate bar in the world.
In addition to the fabulous chocolate, visitors can try their creative ice cream. The toppings, creams, and sauces are made from scratch and often assist in turning a basic ice cream cup into a cute creature. You can choose from things like marshmallow, toasted pretzel crumble, yuzu cream, chocolate curd, and more.
Understand the country’s past at the Reykjavik Maritime Museum
The Reykjavik Maritime Museum is located in the old harbor of the city and focuses on the country’s important nautical history. It’s excellent museum and covers everything from the Vikings to the Icelandic cod wars with Europe.
The museum is housed on land that was reclaimed from the sea and in a building that was once a fish factory. Visiting is a great way to immerse yourself in the most important part of the Icelandic economic.
Walk around the Tjörnin
The Tjornin is the city’s front yard. The lake is a beloved feature of the city and locals call it the Reykjavíkurtjörn (Reykjavík’s Pond or the Reykjavik City Pond). Once an ocean lagoon, a barrier was erected closing the pond off from the sea and making it a body of fresh water.
In the evenings you’ll see locals strolling around the lake, talking, or sitting on a bench and taking in the view. Reykjavik’s town hall sits at the western end of the Tjornin. It’s not uncommon to see city officials stepping out for fresh Icelandic air.
Walking around the pond and mingling with the locals is one of the best free things to do in Reykjavik.
Dive into the culinary scene
No, this isn’t a punchline to some long-forgotten joke. The whole idea of a culinary scene in Iceland would have been unthinkable even a decade ago. This was a city that felt more like a culinary wasteland than a true capital of Europe.
Those days are long gone. These days, gourmands flock to the city for the culinary revolution happening here. Yes, there’s still lamb and fish on every menu, but they are being re-imagined for a new generation of Icelanders.
Traditional cuisine is being reshaped into fine art at Icelandic restaurants. And there’s every kind of international cuisine you can possibly imagine. These days, fine dining is one of the new, cool things to do in Reykjavik.
If you’re interested in dining, check out the section on where to eat below or visit our Reykjavik Restaurant Guide.
Stand in awe at the Sun Voyager
When it comes to your list of what to see in Reykjavik, the Sun Voyager (or Solfarid) sculpture is probably high on the list. It would seem every visitor to Iceland needs to take a selfie in front of this sculpture.
However, there is a far more moving story here. The work was conceived and built by sculptor Jon Gunnar Arnason to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the city. He conceived of the sculpture and built it but never saw it installed. He passed away from Leukemia before the work could be completed.
The Sun Voyager resembles a Viking long ship, but wasn’t designed to represent the Vikings. Rather, it is a “dream boat” that is designed to “convey the promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, progress and freedom.”
The Sun Voyager is particularly beautiful at sunset with Mt. Esja in the background or in the early morning with the sun at your back.
Shop for a sweater at the Handknitting Association of Iceland
In 1977, a group of Icelandic women established the local handknitting association. Their goal was to knit goods (sweaters, shalls, etc.) and sell them to those who didn’t knit or to tourists.
Over 40 years later, the association is still going strong. There are two locations in the capital city, but most people visit the downtown store located on Skólavörðustígur.
In retrospect, the association was a brilliant solution to a common problem: a poor economy in Iceland. After years of cod wars with Europe and high inflation due to the oil crisis, the Icelandic economy was struggling. These enterprising women literally stitched the country’s economic back together.
Catch some culture at Harpa
Other than the Hallgrimskirkja church, the most famous building in Reykjavik is the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center. Occupying prime waterfront real estate at the harbor right downtown, this building is a showpiece for the country.
Designed by the firm of Henning Larsen Architects in partnership with the Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, this building is truly a work of art and is now one of the top Reykjavik sites to visit.
The geometric building is the permanent home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera, and Reykjavik Big Band, which perform at the venue regularly. You’ll also find everything from jazz to country to classic rock, so it’s worth taking a look at the event schedule if you’re a lover of music.
See the Reykjavik Settlement Exhibition 871 +/- 2
The Settlement Exhibition – Reykjavik 871 +/-2 is an interesting and unusual exhibit with an even more unusual name. It’s curious partly because this exhibit is in the basement of an ultramodern hotel and partly because the name highlights the question of exactly when Reykjavik was settled some time between 868 and 872 (i.e., +/-2).
During the construction of an earlier building, the remnants of an early Viking building were discovered. When the modern hotel was to be built in 2001, measures were taken to carefully excavate the site and preserve the artifacts.
The exhibits at the Settlement Museum Reykjavik are detailed and allow you to see foundations of the earliest houses up close.
Explore the nightlife
Hold onto your livers! The Reykjavik bar and nightclub scene is legendary. While there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time or money in the city, one of the best things to do in Reykjavik at night is to indulge in some of the city’s famous nightlife. It’s unlike any other city in the world.
The bars and lounges in Reykjavik are perfect for a night out. They stay open really late (like 4:00 or 5:00am late). There are no cover charges. There are no velvet ropes or bouncers or elitism. There’s delicious drinks (albeit pretty expensive). And all of the bars are in a very centralized area so you can go between them easily.
The bar scene changes quickly with places going into and out of fashion quickly. We are big fans of the Jungle Cocktail Bar and their craft mixology. And, for pop culture appeal, don’t miss having a White Russian at the the famous Lebowski Bar.
Even if you aren’t a “club person,” the nightlife in Reykjavik is not to be missed.
Visit the Blue Lagoon
No trip would be complete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon. This is the most famous geothermal pool in Iceland (and perhaps the world). Located between the city and the airport, this is an Instagram model’s delight. Or just skip the selfies and enjoy the water for what it is.
If you spend any time in Iceland, you’ll likely end up in the Blue Lagoon. You can drive yourself or take one of the popular Blue Lagoon tours. Check out our Blue Lagoon guide if you plan to go.
Eat a hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Many people consider the hot dog to be the national food of Iceland. Icelanders certainly eat large quantities of them, particularly from the numerous gas stations throughout the country.
And while the hot dog is iconic, the location of the best hot dog in Iceland is not disputed. Most people end up at the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the hot dog stand in the heart of downtown. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has been serving sausages since 1937 and the long lines at the stand attest to their popularity.
During his Presidential visit, Bill Clinton famously had a hot dog here in August 2004. He ordered his with only mustard, but most people get their hot dogs “with” – meaning with everything.
Drive the Golden Circle
If you’re wondering what to do in Reykjavik, a visit to the Golden Circle is essential. This full-day outing from the city allows you to see the very best of Iceland in a single day. You’ll get all the waterfalls, lakes, geysers, volcano calderas, and hot springs you would ever want. If you don’t have time to road trip on the Ring Road or explore the rest of the country, you can get a sense of it here.
The Golden Circle takes you to the Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the patriotic “home” of the Icelandic people. It’s also located directly on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates intersect. It makes for some very interest geological formations.
Check out our Golden Circle self-drive tour. Or, you can select one of the Golden Circle tours.
Search for the northern lights
For many people, coming to see the Northern Lights in winter is one of their activities. Since the capital is a fairly large city, it is difficult to see the lights clearly within the city. If you really want to see the dancing green lady in the sky, you’ll need to head outside of the city.
The good news is that the capital makes a decent base to go hunting for the Aurora lights in the winter. If you want to see them, just rent a car and head out into the countryside. Alternatively, there are large numbers of Northern Lights tours that leave from Reykjavik every evening in the winter.
Take a day trip to Greenland
Yes, Greenland. One of the most unique things to do in Reykjavik is to get on a small propeller aircraft and fly to another country. Yes, there’s plenty to see and explore in Iceland, but for visitors looking for a bit more, go to Greenland.
On our very first trip to Iceland, we discovered you can take a day trip to Greenland from Iceland. And we did it. While Greenland is very difficult to visit from North America or Europe, it’s actually surprisingly easy to visit from Iceland.
What’s in Greenland? There are glaciers and icebergs. There’s lots and lots of snow and ice. And while you’re expecting to be awed by the scenery and the nature, the biggest impact could be the cultural aspects. Whatever you expect from Greenland, you will be surprised and challenged.
Where to Eat
Sumac Grill + Drinks: Lebanese restaurant on the main drag
Austur: Essentially an Indian restaurant (with a few other Asian dishes thrown in) with good vegetarian options
Matarkjallarinn – Foodcellar: This is one of the nicest places in town for fine dining with an Icelandic flair
Fiskmarkadurinn: Japanese/Icelandic hybrid restaurant that focuses on fish
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
Baldursbrá Apartments: Private parking with everything you’ll need for an enjoyable visit (Read reviews and book a room)
101 Hotel: One of the most central hotels with a sleek, modern design and on-site parking (Read reviews and book a room)
Lance Longwell is a travel writer and photographer who has published Travel Addicts since 2008, making it one of the oldest travel blogs. He is a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of the United States by the time he graduated high school. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 countries on 5 continents – all in search of the world’s perfect sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys hot springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not traveling (or writing about travel), you’ll find him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.
