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As Europe’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik encapsulates Iceland in a pedestrian-friendly format: colorful houses sheltering from the wind, steaming geothermal pools, insightful museums, cozy cafes, and a waterfront overlooking Faxaflói Bay. Here, you can stroll from iconic churches to concert halls with shimmering facades, warm up in hot pots after a coastal walk, watch whales and dolphins from the old harbor, and uncover Viking history beneath the street. The city is a delight to explore in every season—endless light in summer, the Northern Lights in winter—and serves as an ideal base for exploring the Golden Circle. Here’s a clear FAQ to help you plan your trip, followed by nine must-see experiences, along with just the right amount of local alternatives. What to do in Reykjavik? We’ll tell you everything here.
🗒️ Time of year, hotels: what you need to know before visiting Reykjavik
Before we get into things to do in Reykjavik, here are some useful tips.
What is the best time to visit?
May–September: milder temperatures, very long days (midnight sun at the end of June), and plenty of outdoor activities. Winter (November–March) is magical if you dream of the Northern Lights and quiet museums; the weather is more changeable, but the city remains lively (cafés, swimming pools, concerts). In between, spring and autumn offer lower prices and superb light on the coast.
How many days should I plan for?
Two full days are enough to see the essentials (Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, the Old Port, key museums, and the geothermal baths). Three to four days give you time to add Árbær Open Air Museum , a whale-watching trip, the Grótta headland, and a city break at Perlan. With an extra day, head to the Golden Circle (Þingvellir–Geysir–Gullfoss), which is very easy to reach from the capital.
How to get around (and what pass to get)?
The city center is best explored on foot. For additional travel, there are Strætó buses (contactless payment or via app). The Reykjavik City Card includes unlimited bus travel within the city limits, entry to numerous museums, and… access to the city’s swimming pools (a real bonus, both summer and winter). Available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, it quickly becomes worthwhile if you plan to visit two museums and one or two swimming pools.
How do I get to the city center from the airport?
The international airport (KEF) is approximately 45 minutes away. Regular shuttle buses (Flybus and similar services) drop passengers off at the BSI or near the main hotels; by car, access is direct via Route 41. Once in the city, everything is easily accessible on foot and by bus.
Which restaurants should I try?
Start with bread soup at Svarta Kaffið (Laugavegur), the catch of the day at the Grandi market, a “pylsa” hot dog at the Bæjarins Beztu stand, and finish with cinnamon at Brauð & Co. For Nordic bistro fare, several restaurants offer a s
imple yet delicious take on Icelandic products (lamb, cod, skyr).
Where to stay (3 popular and well-located hotels)?
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre (a stone’s throw from Laugavegur and Hallgrímskirkja) is popular for its welcoming design and incredibly convenient location. Hotel Borg by Keahotels , an Art Deco icon on Austurvöllur, the central square opposite Parliament, blends history with contemporary comfort. Alda Hotel Reykjavik , on the quieter side of Laugavegur, offers simple rooms and is a great base for exploring the city on foot.
🔝 What are the must-do things in Reykjavik?
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter and see what there is to do in Reykjavik. Only the must-sees, of course.
Climb the Hallgrímskirkja tower and get lost in the surrounding streets
A symbol of the capital, the concrete church inspired by basalt columns guides your steps from almost anywhere in the city. Climb the tower to frame views of Faxaflói Bay, Mount Esja, and the colorful rooftops of 101 Reykjavik, then stroll back down around Skólavörðustígur: workshops, frothy lattes, and photo galleries. Inside, the monumental organ sometimes punctuates visits with impromptu concerts. This stop works in all weather: crystal-clear views on sunny days, a graphic atmosphere and dramatic skies on windy days. Tip: arrive early to avoid waiting for the elevator, then combine it with a coffee or pastry, and walk leisurely down to Laugavegur to feel the city’s commercial heartbeat.
Admire Harpa and walk along the seafront to the “Solfar”
Facing the old port, Harpa unfolds its honeycomb façade, designed by Nordic artists and architects, a glass kaleidoscope that captures the light at all hours. Feel free to enter the lobby to admire the structure and check the program (symphony, jazz, lectures). From there, follow the coastal promenade to the Sun Voyager sculpture (Sólfar): a steel skiff reaching out to the Atlantic, ideal at sunset or when a storm rumbles in the distance. On clear days, you can make out the silhouette of Snæfellsjökull; in strong winds, the sea foam bounces off the breakwaters—a guaranteed spectacle. Continue on to the Grandi district for its gourmet food halls, workshops, and maritime museums, before returning along the quays of the old port.
Dive into the natural sciences at Perlan
Perched atop its hot water reservoirs, Perlan combines a panoramic rooftop, an immersive planetarium (featuring the Northern Lights), recreated ice tunnels, and interactive exhibits on volcanoes, glaciers, and seabirds. It’s the perfect place to understand the island before exploring it: climate, geology, and glacier dynamics are clearly explained, with carefully designed displays for all ages. In practice, allow 2 to 3 hours if you visit all the sections; finish at the circular observation deck for a complete view of the capital. In inclement weather, it’s a great option: alternate between engaging content, immersive films, and coffee breaks with a view, then walk back down to the center if the wind drops.
Relax in a geothermal pool (Laugardalslaug, Sundhöllin, Vesturbæjarlaug)
The municipal swimming pools are a local institution: 28–50 m pools, hot tubs at various temperatures, steam rooms, and often cold plunge pools. Laugardalslaug , the largest, boasts water slides, indoor/outdoor pools, and salt baths; Sundhöllin , near the center, has a 1937 charm with renovated rooftop pools; Vesturbæjarlaug , on the west side, charms with its neighborhood atmosphere. People meet there in the morning before work, in the evening for a chat, even in the middle of winter under the snow—simple and inexpensive pleasure. Remember: a soapy shower without a swimsuit beforehand (strictly required), rinsed hair, and relative silence in the hot baths. Perfect for relaxing your legs after a day of walking in the wind.
Open a history book at Árbær Open Air Museum
Located 15–20 minutes from the city center, this open-air museum brings together houses, farms, and shops, each moved piece by piece from the old Reykjavik. Wandering through the village square, past a small church, through furnished interiors, and into workshops, you immediately grasp the transition from a fishing village to a modern capital. In summer, demonstrations and artisans bring the skills of yesteryear to life; in winter, the site resembles a snow-covered village. A perfect complement to the city center’s museums for families, it offers photographers a wealth of angles and details (cladding, corrugated iron roofs, colors faded by sea spray). Combine it with a visit to nearby Laugardalur Park (botanical gardens, family zoo) or a relaxing soak in the Laugardalslaug thermal baths.
Going back to the “Reykjavik of the origins” at the Settlement Exhibition 871±2
Beneath the sidewalks of Aðalstræti, you’ll discover the remains of a 10th-century longhouse and dated layers of ash that pinpoint the exact time of the first inhabitants—hence the “871±2.” Models, projections, and everyday objects place the Norse settlers’ arrival within the context of the volcanic landscape and the bay. This underground visit complements the National Museum of Iceland , just a few bus stops away, providing a complete narrative from the original farm to the modern nation. The compact and clear exhibition design is accessible to all, and the central location makes it easy to squeeze in a visit between strolls around the old harbor and Austurvöllur.
Go out to sea from the Old Harbour for whale watching
From the old harbor (Hafnarfjörður/Grandi), boats depart year-round to observe minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and sometimes humpback whales, depending on the season and conditions. The companies provide warm wetsuits and naturalist commentary; the trip lasts 2 to 3 hours. It’s another way to experience the city: lava formations and low-rise houses on one side, the open Atlantic on the other. In rough seas, bring earmuffs and a small bag if you are prone to rolling. Bonus on the return trip: the Whale Watching Centre offered by some companies and the cafes in the old harbor to warm up. In summer, you can also spot puffins on dedicated tours; in winter, the low-angled sunlight makes the cetaceans’ silhouettes even more striking.
Looking for the Northern Lights (or the midnight sun) at Grótta
At the tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, the Grótta lighthouse faces the ocean. In winter, when the sky is clear and solar activity cooperates, it’s a favorite spot for locals to watch for the Northern Lights, far (relatively) from the city center. In summer, people walk there at low tide, photograph eiders, and sit on the rocks to watch the sun skim the horizon without actually setting. Check the tide times : the islet can become inaccessible when the water comes in. Dress warmly, even in good weather; the Atlantic wind can be unpredictable. Return to the center via the coastal promenade, dotted with artworks and benches facing the bay.
Choose your “signature” bath: Sky Lagoon (urban) or municipal baths (local vibes)
Ten to fifteen minutes south of the city center, Sky Lagoon boasts an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a large glass-enclosed sauna, and a seven-step ritual (hot/cold/sauna/mist/treatments) that blends Icelandic heritage with contemporary design. Reservations are recommended, especially in the evening at sunset. If you prefer a more local experience and a budget-friendly option, stick with the municipal pools mentioned earlier: you can mingle with locals, chat in the hot pots, and alternate between hot and cold plunges and steam rooms. In both cases, go in the evening during winter: if the Northern Lights appear, the steam rising from the green water creates unforgettable—and warm!—images.
There you have it! We hope this guide to things to do in Reykjavik has helped you plan your trip. Come back and visit us regularly for more content about Iceland.