My 23 Favorite Things to Do in Reykjavík (Based on 8 Visits)

On each of my eight trips to Iceland, I have either based myself in Reykjavík or visited the city for at least a day. Besides being convenient for nearby day trips and various tours, I personally think the Icelandic capital is a super interesting place that’s worth exploring in its own right. If I am flying back to Europe from the US, I’ll often go out of my way to also spend a few days in Reykjavík, too. 

Despite being relatively small, Iceland’s capital is the closest thing you’ll find to a city in the country. As a result, it has plenty of interesting things to do. Even after being there so many times and having no problems navigating it without a map, I’m still finding new experiences each time I’m there. Although the downtown area is often full of tourists, I still think Reykjavík is charming when you give it a chance and explore more deeply. Plus, you can find spots for yourself if you look for them. 

Based on my several trips to Reykjavík (and Iceland, more broadly), I’ve put together this comprehensive guide with 20+ recommendations for your own visit. I go back to Iceland at least once per year, so I am constantly keeping this guide updated with new suggestions and ensuring that all information is still accurate. Moreover, I retry my suggestions to ensure that I still believe they’re worth doing. 

Anyway, let’s get into my detailed tips for the best things to do in Reykjavík. Feel free to pick what interests you and leave the rest. 

1. Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Observation Deck

Even if you only have a day or two in Reykjavík, I think that you should make the Hallgrímskirkja observation deck a priority. This church is the most iconic building in Iceland, and I love to mark the start or end of my trips to the country with a visit here. You will find objectively the best views over the Icelandic capital from here. 

From the church’s observation deck, you can see over the whole of Downtown Reykjavík. You’ll see the Harpa Concert Hall, the nearby mountains, and the main shopping street quite easily. When you go doesn’t matter, but my favorite time to visit is winter. Seeing the city with snow-covered mountains nearby, along with beautiful pink skies, is my personal definition of perfection. 

Compared to churches elsewhere in Europe, you don’t need to worry about walking up hundreds of stairs. An elevator will take you to the top once you’ve bought your tickets. You can purchase admission to the observation deck from inside the church. Cards are accepted; I only once needed to use cash because the card terminal wasn’t working. 

Hallgrímskirkja is quite busy, but I’ve never had issues buying a ticket and going straight up to the observation deck. You can check out the church’s interior when you’re done for free, too. It’s quite cool, but the main reason to visit the church is for the views of Reykjavík. The church is at the end of Skólavörðustígur, which is one of the city’s main streets and also where you’ll find the rainbow street. 

2. Try Fermented Shark (and Some Nicer Foods) at Íslenski Barinn

It took me eight years of regularly visiting Iceland to finally try hákarl, also known as fermented shark. But at some point, I figured that I should just do it and get it out of the way. After a trip on which I hiked the Laugavegur trail and had lived off freeze-dried food for most of a week, this was… certainly one way to re-introduce myself to civilization. 

I went with a group of people who I had hiked with to Íslenski Barinn (Google Maps location here 📍) after we arrived back in Reykjavík. I had actually been here once before, but I did not try the fermented shark on that occasion. This time, I thought “sure, why not”. The person who brought it out told us that you need to keep chewing it until you feel sick, and then, you need to drink the Brennevín schnapps that it comes with. I can hardly say that I was looking forward to it after that. 🤣

Would I do it again? Probably not, unless I was going with someone who hadn’t tried fermented shark before. However, it was fun to do at least once. Beyond that, the rest of the food we had was great. I also liked the beers here, and would absolutely visit Íslenski Barinn again. The fish and chips are worth trying, in particular, and they have lots of great burgers on their menu, too. 

It was quite busy when I went there the second time, which was in the middle of summer. However, we still managed to get a seat—despite being a group of 5+ people. 

3. Join the Reykjavík Food Walk

I actually think that Icelandic cuisine is underrated, and I personally like how fresh it is. Subconsciously, I eat a lot of it on my own at home anyway. Well, by that, I mean that I love salmon and rye bread. 

Anyway, Reykjavík also has several excellent restaurants. One of the best ways to try lots of things for yourself is to join the Reykjavík Food Walk, which I did with my mom on one of my previous trips to Iceland. We based ourselves in the capital for that particular trip and had a free afternoon, so it was a good way to spend some time and also visit some of the city’s restaurants. 

On the food walk, we tried a mixture of main courses, snacks, and desserts. The only one I wasn’t so keen on was the famous hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. I felt like I’d had better hot dogs in Copenhagen and New York City, and I didn’t like the texture. Still, they are worth trying once when you visit. The rest of the food was great.

We got to try a skyr dessert, along with plokkfiskur—which is a popular fish dish in Iceland. Alongside that, we had ice cream and more. Our guide was informative and entertaining, and I personally would happily do this tour again, even after visiting Reykjavík multiple times now. 

I have also been back with my girlfriend on trips that we’ve taken to Iceland. The burgers here are excellent, and the portion sizes are also pretty big. If you’re visiting as a couple, I also recommend sharing the lamb dish. I had the veggie burgers once here, too, which I can recommend if you don’t eat meat. 

The beers are good here, even though they’re expensive. You can, however, get a discount if you visit for Happy Hour (between 15:00 and 18:00 daily). When I went here for my birthday, they were also nice enough to give me a crown. 🙂

I recommend booking a table in advance as this place is popular with locals and tourists alike. It is also one of the more expensive places to eat in Reykjavík, but it’s a nice place to splurge if you have the budget to do so. Sæta Svínið is close to the Ingólfstorg square and easy to reach from everywhere in the city center. 

5. Go for a Morning Photography Walk in Downtown Reykjavík

Reykjavík has plenty of great photo spots, and I really enjoy going for an aimless stroll in the downtown area with my camera. I specifically mention going in the morning here because it’s much nicer when the streets aren’t full of people. When walking around Downtown Reykavík (also known as 101 because of its postcode), you’ll find plenty of colorful houses and numerous cute side streets. 

Downtown Reykjavík is where you’ll find most of the city’s main attractions anyway, including Hallgrímskirkja and the Lutheran Free Church. I recommend giving yourself at least a few hours to go for a walk around the streets here; lighting-wise, I think it looks nice throughout the day. Still, I think your experience will be better if you wake up earlier and go then.

Even if you’re not into photography, Reykjavík’s downtown area is still worth seeing. When you’re wandering around, remember to be respectful of the people who live here and keep your noise down. 

6. Visit the Sky Lagoon

I have been to both the Sky Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon, and I personally prefer the Sky Lagoon. Both of them are more luxury spas than they are local geothermal bathing areas, so neither is “authentic”. However, I enjoyed the atmosphere at the Sky Lagoon—and the bathing areas—much more. 

The Sky Lagoon is in Kópavogur, which is a short drive from Downtown Reykjavík. You can also take public transport here. We visited in April, and it was quite chilly outside—so it was nice to step into the pools and warm up. It was quite busy when we went, but nothing too bad. 

You can buy several types of tickets for the Sky Lagoon, including combinations with day tours from Reykjavík. If you want a relaxed day during your Iceland trip, the Sky Lagoon is the place to do that, IMO. You’ll also find a nice restaurant here.

The muesli buns here basically taste like crunchy cinnamon buns, and they’re some of the best pastries I’ve had anywhere in the Nordics. These are popular, and you should pick them up in the morning for two reasons. Firstly, they’re better when freshly baked and warm. And secondly, because you might not even have the chance later in the day. I tried to go once in the afternoon, and the bakery in Downtown Reykjavík had closed early because it had sold out of baked goods. 🥲

Besides the main bakery on Frakkastígur (which is close to Hallgrímskirkja and in the building with colorful graffiti), you will find various other Brauð & Co. bakeries throughout the capital region. I’ve been to a couple of these, and the quality is pretty consistent across the board. If you go to the bakery in the city center, expect to wait in a queue outside. 

In addition to the muesli buns, I also like the bread rolls here. The Frakkastígur bakery has very limited space indoors, so you’ll likely need to take your food to eat elsewhere. So basically, it’s a nice place to stop before you get in your car and head out into Iceland’s stunning nature. 🙂

8. Join a Whale-Watching Tour From the Old Harbor

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to go whale-watching. I’ve done so in Húsavík and Reykjavík; I had more luck when in Húsavík, but we still got to see some whales when going from the Icelandic capital. 

Whale-watching tours depart from the Old Harbor throughout the year. I went in December, and I may or may not have been out drinking the night before. I guess the cold sea water was good to freshen me up, but maybe don’t do the same 🤣. 

Anyway… onto the actual important talking point. Regardless of when you go, you have the chance to see whales throughout the year. Besides that, I loved the views of Mount Esja from the sea. Being out on the water was a great experience in general, and this was one of my favorite tours in Iceland. 

The Golden Circle is accessible year-round and covers around 155 miles in total. The route starts around 45 minutes from Reykjavík, and it’s suitable for all fitness levels. I first went here with my mom on an early trip to Iceland and have since been back; while it’s touristy, I still think the Golden Circle is worth seeing. 

I recommend spending the majority of your time in Þingvellir National Park. I’ve traveled extensively across Iceland, and this is still one of my favorite places in the whole country. You can walk between the Eurasian and North American Tectonic Plates here, and it’s also where Iceland declared its independence from Denmark in June 1944. In Þingvellir, you can also go snorkeling in the Silfra fissure.

You’ll know you’re close to Geysir because a smell that resembles rotten eggs will infiltrate your car. Here, you can watch the Strokkur geyser erupt; it does so every 5-10 minutes, and it’s quite the spectacle. I don’t think you need to spend too long in this area, though—it’s more of a pit stop. 

Gullfoss, meanwhile, is stunning. By that, I mean that it’s one of the best waterfalls in all of Iceland. On one trip, my girlfriend and I also went to the café here, which was nice. 

Many people ignore Kerið Crater, where you can see the inside of an inactive volcano. I think this is a mistake, however. You need to pay a small entrance fee, but it’s worthwhile. Though Kerið requires an entrance fee, but you don’t need to pay for admission or parking at Gullfoss or Geysir.

How to Get to the Golden Circle From Reykjavík

The Golden Circle is very easy to reach, whether you drive yourself or join a guided tour. I have done both, and personally, I prefer driving myself. The roads are well-maintained, and you can also spend as much time as you want in each location. 

Driving around the Golden Circle also lets you take detours whenever you want. Moreover, you can leave your accommodation in Reykjavík at a time that’s most convenient for you. 

You can go to Tjörnin whenever you want, but I think it’s particularly beautiful at sunset. From the pond’s shores, you can see the Lutheran Free Church and Hallgrímskirkja in the background. It’s also a good place to see Mount Esja behind the Harpa Concert Hall, and you’ll find plenty of birds here as well. 

My personal favorite landmark here is the statue of the suited man with a rock replacing his head. When I was miserable at my full-time corporate job in London back in 2018, this perfectly summarized how I felt at the time. It ended up being the catalyst for me quitting and not looking back.

During the winter, Tjörnin often freezes over. I was also lucky enough to see the Northern Lights here once, though I’d treat this as a bonus rather than something to specifically visit for. You can easily walk to Tjörnin from anywhere in Reykjavík, and buses also stop close by. 

11. Go Shopping in Reykjavík

I’m not normally a fan of shopping, but it’s pretty much a guarantee that I will come back with something each time I visit Reykjavík. The Icelandic capital has plenty of places to buy outdoor clothing, along with numerous souvenir shops where you can buy unique gifts. 

My personal favorite store is 66ºNORTH, where I bought a hat that has lasted me years and a great pair of gloves, too. It’s arguably Iceland’s most famous clothing brand; while it is super expensive, the coats, fleeces, and whatnot will keep you warm. Icewear is more of a budget-friendly option, but I like my rain pants and sweaters that I’ve bought from them. 

My personal favorite craft beer bar in Reykjavík is Skúli. I went there after that trip on the Laugavegur trail I talked about, and I basically asked for the darkest beer on the menu. It holds the record for my most expensive beer ever, but it was good… so I didn’t mind at all. The taplist features over 100 beers.

We had no issues getting a table for a big group; the bar was quite peaceful when we went there. I can imagine it getting busier if you visit a bit later, though. Skúli is close to Tjörnin and super easy to reach from the rest of Reykjavík, too. 

13. Enjoy Some Ice Cream at Gæta Gelato

Every time I eat at Sæta Svínið, I then go to Gæta Gelato for dessert. I will also sometimes go here after I’ve spent the day in Reykjavík. This is where you will find the best ice cream in the city, in my opinion. 

Whether it’s summer or -13ºC, I will happily go here. Gæta Gelato uses Icelandic milk for its ice cream, and you can choose from numerous flavors. The staff here are always friendly, too, which is a nice bonus. We usually go to the store next to Ingólfstorg, but you will find another on Laugavegur, too. 

I don’t really have a favorite flavor, to be honest. All of them are good. My recommendation is just to go there and pick whatever takes your fancy at the time. 🙂

14. Visit Harpa Concert Hall

The Harpa Concert Hall opened in 2011 and is another example of Nordic cities being really good at modern architecture. The exterior resembles fish scales, and it’s one of the coolest buildings in all of Iceland. Even if you don’t go to watch a performance, it’s a nice place to see. Plus, if it’s super cold outside, you can go here if for nothing else but to warm up. 

Harpa is right next to the seafront, and you can get some beautiful views of Mount Esja. One of the most popular performances here is How to be Icelandic in 60 Minutes, which is worth checking out if one happens to take place when you’re in town. 

At the Harpa Concert Hall, you’ll also find a shop with some nice souvenirs. It’s very easy to walk here from the city center, and at night, be sure to see the illuminated exterior. 

15. Grab Some Burgers at 2Guys

To be honest, 2Guys was a spontaneous discovery. Before I went on a multi-day hike in Iceland, I needed to go into town to buy some rain pants. I had been on a flight from Copenhagen and hadn’t eaten much during the day, so I stopped at 2Guys for dinner. 

This, as it goes, was a good choice. The burgers here are really good, and despite it being a busy Friday night, I got a seat without any issues. I got the Notorious B.I.G burger, which was very “😋”. You’ll find a handful of other beef and chicken burgers on the menu, though. 

2Guys has more than one location in Reykjavík. I went to the restaurant on the Laugavegur shopping street. 

16. Explore the Neighborhoods Behind Tjörnin

Many people only visit Tjörnin before heading back into the city center, but in my opinion, they’re missing out. The districts behind the lake are really pleasant on both sides, and you can get a great view of Hallgrímskirkja when peeking through the trees on Suðurgata. It’s also significantly less crowded than basically anywhere in the downtown area.

On the other side, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Reykjavík’s downtown architecture. So, if you want to do some architectural photography in the Icelandic capital, this is a great opportunity. 

The neighborhoods behind Tjörnin are largely residential, but you’ll enjoy wandering around here if you like pretty architecture. The villas, in particular, are lovely. It’s easy to get back into the city center from here, too.

From the Old West Side, you can also walk to the Old Harbor without too many problems. So, if you want to, you can do a nice loop before or after taking a whale-watching tour. 

17. Learn More About Iceland’s Nature at the Perlan Museum

Some people call Perlan overrated, but I personally disagree with them. I have been here three times and enjoyed it on each occasion. If you have some extra time in Reykjavík and have already seen the main sights, the museum is well worth your time. 

At Perlan, you’ll learn all about Iceland’s stunning nature. The museum has numerous permanent and temporary exhibitions covering landscapes, birds, and more. The Northern Lights show was also worth seeing when we were there… this was why we were late for the Sky Lagoon, but we figured that walking out halfway through would make no sense. 🤓

After seeing all of the exhibitions, I recommend checking out the excellent view of Reykjavík and its surrounding areas. It gets very windy, so be prepared. I went out here once in the winter and froze because I was not fully prepared. Luckily, you can get ice cream inside. 🙂

The sandwiches at Sandholt are great, as are the quiches and pastries. You’ll find a decent amount of space inside, but it is very popular. So, you might need to wait. If you want to get food to take with you, you’ll often need to wait in a queue outside. 

Sandholt Bakery is on Laugavegur. In addition to brunch, you can also eat here for lunch or dinner. While you’re here, I can also recommend trying their coffees, which are particularly very good on a chilly morning in the city. 

19. Visit the Lutheran Free Church

While Hallgrímskirkja takes most of the headlines in Reykjavík, the city has lots of other churches worth checking out. One of my favorites is the Lutheran Free Church, known locally as Fríkirkjan, near the Tjörnin pond.

Compared to Hallgrímskirkja, this church is more unassuming. The style of it is pretty cool, though. I usually come here for photography, and since it’s so close to the lake, stopping for a few minutes makes total sense. 

You will also find the National Gallery of Iceland right next to the Lutheran Free Church. So, if you’ve got some extra time and want to see some of Reykjavík’s galleries, this is a good idea. 

The church is within walking distance from pretty much everywhere in Downtown Reykjavík.

20. Go for Coffee or Drinks at Prikið Kaffihús

Prikið Kaffihús is a café during the day and turns into a bar at night. I have been here on both occasions, and I have also seen a few Icelandic artists perform here. Although I personally prefer going here during the day, either/or is a good choice. 

The hot chocolate at Prikið is very good, and you can also get coffee. It’s quite a small place and gets crowded, but it’s very cozy. If you’re visiting for drinks in the evening, I mainly recommend going for the atmosphere; Skúli is better if you specifically want craft beers, IMO. 

You can get food at Prikið during the day, too, ranging from eggs to burgers. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. The establishment is on Bankastræti, which is one of Reykjavík’s main streets. The building is one of the most recognizable in the city from the outside, so you shouldn’t struggle to find it. 

21. Spend an Afternoon or Evening at the Laugardalslaug Hot Spring

If you want to visit more of a local hot spring, Laugardalslaug (Google Maps location here 📍) is my top recommendation. I went here after doing the Midnight Sun Run one year, and it was the perfect place to relax after the race. It’s much less polished than the Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, and I was one of the only tourists here. 

Laugardalslaug has steam baths, outdoor pools for adults and children, and various other facilities. You can buy entry tickets at the reception when you arrive. Note that photography is not allowed here.

Before using the springs, you need to shower in the changing rooms when you arrive. And yes, that means showering without your swimsuit on—though you’ll need to wear your swimsuit while actually using the pools.  

The spring is quite far out from the city center, but you can take the bus here. Otherwise, it’d take 35 to 40 minutes if you walked from Downtown Reykjavík. Doing so will let you see some of the city’s outer areas, though, so it’s not a bad idea on a sunny day.

22. Stroll Along Sæbraut at Sunset

The view of Mount Esja from Sæbraut is one of my favorites on this entire planet. I am not exaggerating when I say that. While you can go at any time, I think that it’s best to walk along this waterfront area around sunset. 

Sæbraut is popular for walking, running, and cycling throughout the year. I must warn that it can get *very* windy here, and while it is well-protected, some of the waves will come over the side. Still, I really enjoy going for a walk along this part of the seafront. 

You can walk along Sæbraut to or from Harpa Concert Hall. The sea and ocean views are the main reason to go; on the other side, you will see a big street and pretty unremarkable architecture. You’ll also find the Sun Voyager statue along here, which I wouldn’t go out of my way for but is worth seeing if you’re already walking along Sæbraut anyway. 

23. Rye Bread Ice Cream & Lunch at Café Loki

I know that rye bread ice cream sounds a bit weird, but it tastes amazing. I went to Café Loki on a food tour for the first time, and since then, I have taken friends, family, and my partner here on different occasions. The café is opposite Hallgrímskirkja and one of the most popular places to eat in Reykjavík, but it’s popular for a reason. 

The rye bread ice cream doesn’t really taste like rye bread, but I like its texture and how it doesn’t feel too heavy. In addition to that, the open-top sandwiches you can get here are really good. Even though the café is busy, you will find plenty of seating. 

Café Loki is quite expensive, but I wouldn’t say that it’s outrageously pricey compared to how much things cost generally in Reykjavík. I recommend mainly coming here for lunch, but since it’s open from 08:00 to 22:00 daily, you can go for whatever meal you want. 

All the Best Things to Do in Reykjavík

Despite not being a very big city, Reykjavík is full of fun activities. Figuring out what to do is more about narrowing your options down than scratching your head and trying to find ways to fill your schedule. From food to architecture and drinks, Iceland’s capital has something for all types of travelers. 

Even if you only have a few days to spend, Reykjavík is still worth seeing when you visit Iceland. Whether you go at the start or end of your trip doesn’t matter; if you’ve been out in Iceland’s nature for a few days, it will probably feel like a big city when you arrive. 

If you have any questions for your trip, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll do what I can to help. To continue planning your Iceland trip, I recommend next reading my guide to the country’s South Coast. 

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