Back to Iceland

REYKJAVIK

Iceland’s vibrant capital. Hot pots, street art, craft beer, Northern Lights, and gateway to fire and ice. 44 curated spots.

🔍
↓
No spots match your search... try something else!
Must See

Icons & Landmarks

Iconic architecture, sculptures, and Reykjavik’s defining monuments.

Hallgrímskirkja
Harpa Concert Hall
Landmarks

Harpa Concert Hall

Stunning glass honeycomb concert hall on the waterfront. Designed by Olafur Eliasson. The facade changes color with the light. Free to enter and explore the interior even without a show.

Google Maps
Sun Voyager (Sólfar)
Landmarks

Sun Voyager (Sólfar)

Iconic steel sculpture resembling a Viking ship, facing the midnight sun across the bay. Best photographed at sunset with Mount Esja in the background. One of Iceland's most photographed objects.

Google Maps
Imagine Peace Tower (Viðey)
Landmarks

Imagine Peace Tower (Viðey)

Yoko Ono's light installation dedicated to John Lennon. A powerful beam of light shoots into the sky from October 9 to December 8. Visible from Reykjavik's waterfront. Best experienced from the island itself.

Google Maps
Discover

Museums & Culture

Viking history, contemporary art, and uniquely Icelandic museums.

National Museum of Iceland
Culture & History

National Museum of Iceland

Comprehensive museum covering Iceland's history from settlement to modern day. Viking artifacts, medieval manuscripts, and national treasures. The settlement exhibition is fascinating. Allow 2-3 hours.

Google Maps
Perlan Museum
Culture & History

Perlan Museum

Futuristic glass dome on a hilltop. Indoor ice cave, planetarium, and exhibits on Iceland's natural forces. The observation deck offers 360-degree views of the city. The ice cave alone is worth the visit.

Google Maps
Icelandic Phallological Museum
Culture & History

Icelandic Phallological Museum

The world's only museum dedicated to penises. Over 200 specimens from every mammal found in Iceland. Includes a human specimen. Bizarre, educational, and uniquely Icelandic humor.

Google Maps
Reykjavik Art Museum (Hafnarhús)
Culture & History

Reykjavik Art Museum (Hafnarhús)

Contemporary art museum in the harbor area. Rotating exhibitions of Icelandic and international art. The Erró collection is permanent. Free admission on certain days. The building itself is striking.

Google Maps
Whales of Iceland Museum
Culture & History

Whales of Iceland Museum

Full-size models of all 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters. The blue whale model is overwhelming. Interactive exhibits and VR experiences. In the Grandi harbor district.

Google Maps
Settlement Exhibition (Landnámssýningin)
Culture & History

Settlement Exhibition (Landnámssýningin)

In-situ archaeological exhibition built around a 10th-century Viking longhouse foundation. One of the oldest human-made structures in Iceland. Multimedia displays bring the settlement era to life.

Google Maps
Árbær Open Air Museum
Culture & History

Árbær Open Air Museum

Relocated traditional Icelandic turf houses, church, and farm buildings. Staff in period costume during summer. See how Icelanders lived for centuries. The turf houses are otherworldly.

Google Maps
Explore

Districts & Streets

Colorful streets, harbor districts, and Reykjavik’s creative neighborhoods.

Laugavegur Shopping Street
Districts

Laugavegur Shopping Street

Reykjavik's main street. Colorful buildings housing boutiques, design shops, vintage stores, and cafes. The heart of the city's creative scene. Transforms into nightlife central after dark.

Google Maps
The Old Harbour (Grandi)
Districts

The Old Harbour (Grandi)

Revitalized harbor area with art galleries, craft breweries, seafood restaurants, and the Maritime Museum. Watch fishing boats come in. The Grandi district is Reykjavik's coolest neighborhood.

Google Maps
Icelandic Lopapeysa Shopping
Shopping

Icelandic Lopapeysa Shopping

Buy an authentic hand-knitted Icelandic wool sweater (lopapeysa). The Handknitting Association of Iceland at Skólavörðustígur has the best selection. Expect to pay 15,000-25,000 ISK for genuine handmade sweaters.

Google Maps
Soak

Hot Springs & Pools

Geothermal pools, hidden hot pots, and Iceland’s bathing culture.

Blue Lagoon
Experiences

Blue Lagoon

The world-famous geothermal spa. Milky-blue silica-rich water at 37-39°C. Silica mud masks, swim-up bar, and surreal lava field setting. Book well in advance. 45 min from Reykjavik.

Google Maps
Sky Lagoon
Experiences

Sky Lagoon

Newer geothermal spa closer to Reykjavik (15 min). Infinity-edge pool overlooking the North Atlantic. The 7-step ritual includes cold plunge, sauna and steam. Less crowded than Blue Lagoon, more intimate.

Google Maps
Laugardalslaug
Experiences

Laugardalslaug

Reykjavik's largest public pool. Hot pots (37-44°C), steam bath, water slide, and a 50m swimming pool. Where locals socialize. Incredibly cheap compared to tourist spas. A true Icelandic experience.

Google Maps
Vesturbæjar Swimming Pool
Sundhollin Swimming Pool
Experiences

Sundhollin Swimming Pool

Reykjavik's oldest pool (1937), recently renovated. Beautiful Art Deco building. Rooftop hot pot with city views added in renovation. Central location near Hallgrímskirkja.

Google Maps
Taste Iceland

Icelandic Food & Drink

From fermented shark to craft beer, Reykjavik’s food scene is bold and surprising.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Reykjavik Food Hall (Hlemmur Mathöll)
Food & Drink

Reykjavik Food Hall (Hlemmur Mathöll)

Gourmet food hall in a converted bus station. Multiple vendors serving everything from Icelandic lamb to Vietnamese pho. The perfect introduction to modern Icelandic cuisine. Craft cocktails too.

Google Maps
Grillið Restaurant
Food & Drink

Grillið Restaurant

Fine dining with panoramic views from the top floor. Icelandic tasting menu featuring Arctic char, lamb, langoustine, and foraged herbs. Romantic atmosphere. One of Reykjavik's best restaurants.

Google Maps
Kolaportið Flea Market
Shopping

Kolaportið Flea Market

Weekend flea market in a harbor warehouse. Find vintage Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa), dried fish, fermented shark (hákarl), vinyl records, and oddities. Only open Sat-Sun.

Google Maps
Fermented Shark Tasting (Hákarl)
Food & Drink

Fermented Shark Tasting (Hákarl)

Traditional Icelandic fermented Greenland shark. Intense ammonia smell but milder taste. Chase it with Brennivín (Black Death schnapps). Available at Kolaportið market or specialty shops. A rite of passage.

Google Maps
Icelandic Lamb Soup
Food & Drink

Icelandic Lamb Soup

Rich, hearty lamb soup (kjötsúpa) is Iceland's comfort food. Slow-cooked lamb with root vegetables and herbs. Available at most traditional restaurants. The perfect meal after a cold day exploring.

Google Maps
Ramen Momo
Food & Drink

Ramen Momo

Surprising hit, Iceland's best ramen shop. Japanese-Icelandic fusion using local lamb and seafood. The lamb ramen is uniquely Icelandic. Small space, often a queue. Worth the wait.

Google Maps
Reykjavik Roasters
Food & Drink

Reykjavik Roasters

Specialty coffee roastery. Expertly crafted pour-overs and espresso in a cozy, intimate space. One of the best coffee shops in Europe. Small and often crowded but the coffee is exceptional.

Google Maps
Íslenski Barinn
Food & Drink

Íslenski Barinn

The Icelandic Bar, traditional Icelandic food in a pub setting. Fermented shark, dried fish, lamb, and Brennivín. Good introduction to local cuisine without fine dining prices.

Google Maps
Grandi Mathöll (Harbour Food Hall)
Food & Drink

Grandi Mathöll (Harbour Food Hall)

Food hall in the harbour district. Icelandic fish and chips, Skyr desserts, lamb burgers, and craft beer. More casual than Hlemmur Mathöll. Right next to the whale museum.

Google Maps
After Dark

Nightlife & Bars

Reykjavik punches above its weight in nightlife. The rúntur tradition lives on.

Craft Beer Walk
Nightlife

Craft Beer Walk

Reykjavik has a thriving craft beer scene. Key stops: Bryggjan Brugghús (harbour brewery), Skúli Craft Bar (28 taps), Mikkeller & Friends, and Bastard Brew & Food. Icelandic beers are surprisingly excellent.

Google Maps
Reykjavik Nightlife (Runtur)
Nightlife

Reykjavik Nightlife (Runtur)

Icelanders go out LATE (midnight-4am on weekends). The 'rúntur' bar crawl culture means hopping between bars on Laugavegur and side streets. Kaffibarinn, Prikið, and Kiki are iconic. Global DJs visit regularly.

Google Maps
Kex Hostel Bar
Nightlife

Kex Hostel Bar

Former biscuit factory turned hostel with one of Reykjavik's best bars. Live music, DJs, and a creative atmosphere. Open to non-guests. The rooftop hot tub is legendary.

Google Maps
Do

Experiences & Activities

Whale watching, Northern Lights, horse riding, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Reykjavik Street Art Walk
Experiences

Reykjavik Street Art Walk

The city is covered in murals and street art. Guided and self-guided walking tours available. Highlights include the rainbow street (Skólavörðustígur), political murals, and hidden courtyard art.

Google Maps
Whale Watching from Reykjavik
Experiences

Whale Watching from Reykjavik

3-hour boat tours to see minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay. Summer has highest success rates (90%+). Multiple operators depart from the Old Harbour daily.

Google Maps
Northern Lights from Reykjavik
Experiences

Northern Lights from Reykjavik

September to April. Drive 10 min to Grótta lighthouse for dark skies or join a guided tour. Clear nights with KP 3+ give the best chances. The lights dancing over the ocean is unforgettable.

Google Maps
FlyOver Iceland
Experiences

FlyOver Iceland

Virtual flight ride over Iceland's landscapes. Feel wind, mist, and scents while soaring over waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes. Great for anyone who can't do the full Ring Road. In the Grandi district.

Google Maps
Omnom Chocolate Factory
Experiences

Omnom Chocolate Factory

Icelandic bean-to-bar chocolate maker. Factory tour shows the entire process from cacao bean to finished bar. Tasting included. Their sea-salt and licorice bars are incredible. In the Grandi district.

Google Maps
Icelandic Horse Riding
Experiences

Icelandic Horse Riding

Ride the unique Icelandic horse with its fifth gait (tölt). Short rides through lava fields or longer coastal treks. These small, hardy horses have been in Iceland since the Vikings. Multiple operators, 30 min from city.

Google Maps
Beyond the City

Nature & Day Trips

Mountains, beaches, and volcanic landscapes within reach of the capital.

Tjörnin (The Pond)
Nature & Outdoors

Tjörnin (The Pond)

City center lake surrounded by colorful houses. Feed the ducks, geese, and arctic terns. The city hall sits on its north shore. Beautiful reflections on calm days. Freezing over in winter for ice skating.

Google Maps
Viðey Island
Day Trips

Viðey Island

Island in Reykjavik harbor accessible by ferry. Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower lights up October-December. Historic ruins, bird colonies, and walking trails. The peace tower at night is magical.

Google Maps
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Nature & Outdoors

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Man-made warm beach using geothermal water to heat the sea. Golden sand, hot pots, and changing facilities. Yes, people swim at the beach in Iceland. Summer only (May-August).

Google Maps
Seltjarnarnes Walk to Grótta
Nature & Outdoors

Seltjarnarnes Walk to Grótta

Walk along the coast to Grótta lighthouse on the westernmost point. Incredible sunset views. Hot pot by the lighthouse. Rich birdlife. Low tide lets you walk to the lighthouse island.

Google Maps
Mount Esja Hiking
Nature & Outdoors

Mount Esja Hiking

The mountain that dominates Reykjavik's skyline. Multiple trails from easy (Þverfellshorn, 2hr) to challenging (Steinn, summit). Panoramic views of the city and bay. 25 min drive from center.

Google Maps
Golden Hour Drive (Reykjanes Peninsula)
Day Trips

Golden Hour Drive (Reykjanes Peninsula)

Drive the Reykjanes Peninsula (1-2 hours). Volcanic landscapes, geothermal areas, the Bridge Between Continents (tectonic plate boundary), Krýsuvík hot springs, and Reykjanesviti lighthouse.

Google Maps

More Iceland guides →

North IcelandSouth IcelandWest Iceland

Explore other countries

TokyoSeoulBangkokDublinRomeMexico CityPunta CanaSydney
0 places selected