Reykjavík

While many people don’t come to Iceland specifically to explore its capital, Reykjavík is a wonderful place to base yourself for a few days. The wind howls from the North Atlantic while Mount Esja stands gracefully across the bay. Friendly locals create unique art and music that could only come from this part of the world, while the smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns is also a mainstay.

Let yourself recharge in Reykjavík. And if you’re planning a bigger trip in Iceland, consider checking out my Iceland travel guides.

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An image of Reykjavik and its mountains from Tjörnin
A view of the Old Harbor in Reykjavík
A view from Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik in the winter

Articles About Reykjavík

Discover all my Reykjavík travel guides below.

Traveling to Reykjavík

Reykjavík is Iceland’s only real city of size, and the Capital Region is home to over half of the country’s population. While you are probably in Iceland primarily to see its stunning natural scenery, Reykjavík is well worth visiting in and of itself.

Despite being a small city by global standards, Reykjavík has all the comforts of anywhere bigger. The Icelandic capital has a number of excellent restaurants, serving both local and international cuisines. The range of hotels here is nothing short of excellent, too.

Reykjavík also has some of Northern Europe’s most interesting architecture. Examples include the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, which offers amazing views of the city and its surroundings from the observation deck.


A view of Reykjavik's downtown architecture from a hilly street

A Cozy City With a Beautiful Backdrop

A photo of Mount Esja in Reykjavik During the Winter

One of the best things about Reykjavík is that even here, you’re always close to nature. Walk along Sæbraut, the road stretching along the waterfront, and you will see precisely what I mean.

From here, you’ll see the mountains close to Reykjavík—including Mount Esja. It’s a great place to watch the mesmerizing North Atlantic Ocean as its waves crash against the shore, too.

Within a short distance of Reykjavík, you can also get a taste of Iceland’s stunning nature. The Reykjanes Peninsula, for example, is full of gems often overlooked by tourists—while the Golden Circle is just a 45-minute drive from the capital.


Useful Information for Your Trip

Here are some more quick tips to help you better plan your trip to Reykjavík…

  • Money: Iceland uses the Icelandic Króna (ISK). You can pay everywhere in Reykjavík by card.
  • Rain & Wind: Reykjavík, like the rest of Iceland, is notoriously windy for most of the year. Even in the summer, you can still experience storms. It rains a lot, too; be sure to bring a waterproof jacket.
  • Safety: Reykjavík is one of the world’s safest cities. Violent crime is almost non-existent, though petty crime—while still rare—can occur. Note that Downtown Reykjavík gets quite rowdy on Friday and Saturday evenings.
  • Accommodation: Iceland’s capital is one of the main places that tourists stay, and as a result, it has a good range of hotels and hostels. These are generally expensive, though, and you should book in advance. Camping is possible at designated campsites in the summer.


A view of Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík