Reykjavik Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, is a city where modern culture meets natural beauty. This compact yet vibrant city offers a unique blend of fascinating history, stunning landscapes, and a thriving arts scene.
With 346+ hand-picked places to explore, Reykjavik rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Below is our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for, with every place linked to its full profile.
Must-See Attractions in Reykjavik
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Reykjavik 871 +/- 2 — a fascinating exhibition uncovering the earliest days of Reykjavik's settlement. Just as worthwhile is Leif Erikson Statue: a striking homage to the Norse explorer, symbolizing Iceland's storied seafaring legacy. Sólfar (Sun Voyager) Sculpture completes the picture: an iconic steel sculpture embodying dreams of discovery and freedom along Reykjavik's coastline.
Reykjavik 871 +/- 2
Reykjavik • Monuments & Statues
A fascinating exhibition uncovering the earliest days of Reykjavik's settlement.
Leif Erikson Statue
Reykjavik • Monuments & Statues
A striking homage to the Norse explorer, symbolizing Iceland's storied seafaring legacy.
Sólfar (Sun Voyager) Sculpture
Reykjavik • Monuments & Statues
An iconic steel sculpture embodying dreams of discovery and freedom along Reykjavik's coastline.
Domkirkjan
Reykjavik • Historic Architecture
A historic cathedral, known for its neoclassical design and significant role in Icelandic history.
Museums & Culture in Reykjavik
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Hallgrimskirkja: an iconic church with a towering spire, offering sweeping views of Reykjavik from its observation deck. Locals will also point you to Perlan - Wonders of Iceland — interactive exhibits on Iceland's natural wonders under a glass dome. And for something different, there's Árbæjarsafn: this open-air museum provides a glimpse into Reykjavik's past with restored buildings and traditional crafts.
Hallgrimskirkja
Reykjavik • Historical Sites
An iconic church with a towering spire, offering sweeping views of Reykjavik from its observation deck.
Perlan - Wonders of Iceland
Reykjavik • Museums
Interactive exhibits on Iceland's natural wonders under a glass dome.
Árbæjarsafn
Reykjavik • Historical Sites
This open-air museum provides a glimpse into Reykjavik's past with restored buildings and traditional crafts.
Reykjavik Art Museum - Hafnarhús
Reykjavik • Museums
Contemporary art shines in this former warehouse, with works from both Icelandic and international artists.
Best Things to Do in Reykjavik
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it FlyOver Iceland — soar across Iceland's stunning landscapes in an immersive flight simulation. Elliðaárdalur Valley earns its reputation too — urban nature reserve with walking trails, rivers, and diverse birdlife. Round out the shortlist with Grótta Lighthouse — a peaceful spot for watching sunsets and potentially catching the Northern Lights, located on a picturesque peninsula.
FlyOver Iceland
Reykjavik • Indoor
Soar across Iceland's stunning landscapes in an immersive flight simulation.
Elliðaárdalur Valley
Reykjavik • Outdoor
Urban nature reserve with walking trails, rivers, and diverse birdlife.
Grótta Lighthouse
Reykjavik • Outdoor
A peaceful spot for watching sunsets and potentially catching the Northern Lights, located on a picturesque peninsula.
Laugardalslaug
Reykjavik • Indoor
A well-maintained geothermal pool complex featuring slides, hot tubs, and a steam room for relaxation.
Where to Eat in Reykjavik
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Lamb Street Food — celebrates Icelandic lamb with a variety of street food options. Just as worthwhile is Fiskfélagið: combines global techniques with Icelandic seafood specialties. Grillmarkaðurinn completes the picture: contemporary grill house offering Icelandic meats and fresh seafood.
Lamb Street Food
Reykjavik • Street Food
Celebrates Icelandic lamb with a variety of street food options.
Fiskfélagið
Reykjavik • Fine Dining
Combines global techniques with Icelandic seafood specialties.
Grillmarkaðurinn
Reykjavik • Local Cuisine
Contemporary grill house offering Icelandic meats and fresh seafood.
Kol Restaurant
Reykjavik • Fine Dining
A stylish venue offering modern Icelandic cuisine with international flair.
Reykjavik After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Jungle Cocktail Bar: a nature-inspired bar with exotic cocktails and a lush atmosphere. Locals will also point you to Skúli Craft Bar — specialist bar known for its diverse array of craft beers in a cozy setting. And for something different, there's Bankastræti Club: offers a chic environment and energetic dance floors with a mix of music genres.
Jungle Cocktail Bar
Reykjavik • Cocktail Bars
A nature-inspired bar with exotic cocktails and a lush atmosphere.
Skúli Craft Bar
Reykjavik • Pubs & Bars
Specialist bar known for its diverse array of craft beers in a cozy setting.
Bankastræti Club
Reykjavik • Nightclubs & Discos
Offers a chic environment and energetic dance floors with a mix of music genres.
Paloma
Reykjavik • Nightclubs & Discos
Known for its underground vibe, Paloma offers eclectic music and an intimate setting.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Eric the Red Guesthouse — comfortable guesthouse known for its warm hospitality and proximity to Reykjavik’s main attractions. Guesthouse Galtafell earns its reputation too — historic guesthouse with a blend of modern amenities and classic Icelandic architecture. Round out the shortlist with Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton — modern luxury infused with Icelandic heritage in a stylish downtown setting.
Eric the Red Guesthouse
Reykjavik • Bed & Breakfast
Comfortable guesthouse known for its warm hospitality and proximity to Reykjavik’s main attractions.
Guesthouse Galtafell
Reykjavik • Bed & Breakfast
Historic guesthouse with a blend of modern amenities and classic Icelandic architecture.
Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Reykjavik • Luxury Hotels
Modern luxury infused with Icelandic heritage in a stylish downtown setting.
Butterfly Guesthouse
Reykjavik • Bed & Breakfast
Quaint guesthouse with personalized service and a homely atmosphere in Reykjavik's downtown area.
Shopping in Reykjavik
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Steinunn — this fashion studio is renowned for its innovative designs and use of luxurious fabrics. Just as worthwhile is Epal: a premier destination for high-quality Icelandic and Scandinavian design home goods. Frú Lauga completes the picture: an organic farmers market known for fresh, locally sourced produce and gourmet products.
Steinunn
Reykjavik • Luxury Shopping
This fashion studio is renowned for its innovative designs and use of luxurious fabrics.
Epal
Reykjavik • Luxury Shopping
A premier destination for high-quality Icelandic and Scandinavian design home goods.
Frú Lauga
Reykjavik • Markets
An organic farmers market known for fresh, locally sourced produce and gourmet products.
Handknitting Association of Iceland (Skólavörðustígur)
Reykjavik • Markets
Offers authentic Icelandic wool products, crafted by local artisans in traditional patterns and designs.
Parks & Green Spaces in Reykjavik
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Esja Hiking Trails: challenging trails on Mount Esja, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of Reykjavik. Locals will also point you to Grótta Island Lighthouse — a coastal landmark offering stunning views and a chance to see the Northern Lights. And for something different, there's Heiðmörk: expansive nature reserve with diverse landscapes and numerous trails, perfect for exploring Iceland's natural beauty.
Esja Hiking Trails
Reykjavik • Hiking Trails
Challenging trails on Mount Esja, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of Reykjavik.
Grótta Island Lighthouse
Reykjavik • Parks
A coastal landmark offering stunning views and a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Heiðmörk
Reykjavik • Hiking Trails
Expansive nature reserve with diverse landscapes and numerous trails, perfect for exploring Iceland's natural beauty.
Heiðmörk Nature Reserve
Reykjavik • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
A vast expanse of protected wilderness ideal for hiking, cycling, and nature appreciation.
Reykjavik Like a Local
The spots most visitors walk straight past.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Ægissíða Seaside Path — a tranquil walkway offering picturesque views of the ocean and distant mountains, ideal for a peaceful stroll. Bíó Paradís earns its reputation too — independent cinema showcasing a mix of Icelandic films and international arthouse fare. Round out the shortlist with Stofan Café — cozy café in a historic building, perfect for relaxing with a book or catching up with friends.
Ægissíða Seaside Path
Reykjavik • Hidden Neighborhoods
A tranquil walkway offering picturesque views of the ocean and distant mountains, ideal for a peaceful stroll.
Bíó Paradís
Reykjavik • Local Hangouts
Independent cinema showcasing a mix of Icelandic films and international arthouse fare.
Stofan Café
Reykjavik • Local Hangouts
Cozy café in a historic building, perfect for relaxing with a book or catching up with friends.
12 Tónar
Reykjavik • Local Hangouts
Eclectic music store doubling as a cozy café, frequented by local artists.
58 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Reykjavik that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Reykjavik list:
- The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland· Luxury Hotels
- Óx· Fine Dining
- Reykjavik Roasters· Local Hangouts
- Reykjavik Pride· Festivals
- The Handknitting Association of Iceland· Souvenir Shops
Planning where to stay in Reykjavik?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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