My 19 Favorite Things to Do in Reykjavík (Based on 6 Visits)

Reykjavík is, in my honest opinion, the coolest small city in the world. Despite visiting 6 times, I still always find new things to do when here. From excellent food to a stunning mountainous backdrop, Iceland’s capital city really does have it all. 

Even if you don’t base yourself here for your Icelandic adventure, I still recommend spending at least some time in Reykjavík. I’ve been here as part of broader trips in the country and also layovers on the way back from the US; based on those experiences, I’m sharing my handpicked favorite things to do. 

Whether you’re into great coffee, enjoy good food, or like a good walk, I’ve got you covered in this post.

1. Visit Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja is the most impressive building in Iceland, and as mentioned in my article about the church, it offers my favorite view over Reykjavík. The church took over 40 years to build, and in my opinion, it was well worth the wait. 

You can see Hallgrímskirkja from all over Reykjavík, and unsurprisingly, the view from the top is fantastic. You can see over the whole Capital Region, and you’ll also get a fantastic view of Mount Esja. However, I must warn you that the bell rings every 15 minutes and is *very* loud 😄. 

The interior is also worth checking out. Hallgrímskirkja is right in the heart of Reykjavík; you can only book tickets to the tower on the day you visit.

Address: Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík

2. Explore and Photograph Reykjavík’s Old Town

Reykjavík’s Old Town stretches down to the Tjörnin lake on one side and the seafront on the other. Known as Downtown Reykjavík or 101 locally, it’s a lovely collection of colorful Nordic-style houses. 

Almost all of Reykjavík’s main landmarks, including Hallgrímskirkja and Skólavörðustígur—the famous rainbow street—are in this area. It’s also one of the best places to stay in Reykjavík.

I recommend giving yourself at least a few hours to explore the Old Town. It also looks different at varying times of the day, so if you’re a photographer, you’ll want to come back here multiple times on your trip. Though the main shopping street is full of tourists, most of the side streets are significantly quieter.

I’ve got a full guide to my favorite photography spots in Reykjavík if you want to further level up your photography game, which includes some spots in the downtown area.

3. Recharge at the Sky Lagoon

The Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur is one of the best things to do near Reykjavík. It opened in 2021 and is a 10-15 minute drive from the capital. I actually didn’t know about it until my most recent visit in 2024 😆.

Nonetheless, we absolutely loved visiting this place. You get a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean from the Sky Lagoon, and it’s an excellent place to spend the afternoon. I particularly enjoyed going to the hot waterfall and just goofing around in general. Several packages are available, and there’s also a bar at the spa. 

If you want to really channel your inner Viking, consider hopping from the cold pool to the hot one. We did the same thing here and in Helsinki in 2023, and it’s strangely addictive. Let’s just say that my girlfriend, the Finn, was better at handling this than I was 😶. 

Address: Vesturvör 44-48, 200 Kópavogur

Website: https://www.skylagoon.com/

Map:

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4. Explore Reykjavík’s Old Harbor

Reykjavík’s Old Harbor is one of my favorite photography spots in the city. I love the aqua houses here, and it also gives you a beautiful view of the city’s nearby mountains. Moreover, you can enjoy a lovely view of Harpa Concert Hall and the waterfront area.

At the Old Harbor, you’ll also find a handful of restaurants. Höfnin is a personal favorite. Most whale-watching tours also depart from the harbor.

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At the Old Harbor in Reykjavík, you’ll also find a number of restaurants. While pricey (let’s be honest, though, so is almost everything else in Iceland), the old buildings are super cozy on a cold day when the wind is howling outside.

5. Enjoy Reykjavík’s Local Hot Springs

Reykjavík’s locals love visiting local hot springs, and these are an excellent place to observe daily life in the Icelandic capital. I recommend the one at Laugardalslaug; I went here in June 2019. 

Laugardalslaug has steam baths, outdoor pools for adults and children, and various other facilities. Entry tickets cost 1,430 ISK for adults and 220 ISK for young people (aged 16 to 17). Children up to 15 years old go for free; you can get entry tickets at the reception. Note that photography is not allowed here.

There are plenty of other hot springs in and around Reykjavík, and the municipality’s website has a helpful page listing them all. Youth ticket prices depend on the age that someone is on August 1st of their birthday year.

I should point out that the changing rooms are often less polished than the touristy hot springs in Iceland. However, while not luxury, it is an authentic local experience. In my opinion, you should try both when you’re in Reykjavík and other parts of the country.

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NOTE:

Before getting into any hot spring in Iceland, you *must* shower naked beforehand.

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6. Learn About Iceland’s Nature at Perlan

I’ve seen some people online call Perlan overrated, but I respectfully disagree with them. This museum is on the outskirts of the downtown area, and having been here four times, it’s one of my favorite activities in the Icelandic capital. 

Perlan is a fantastic place to learn about Iceland and its nature. The museum covers wildlife and the country’s natural powers, and you can even walk through an ice cave. I also recommend going to the planetarium for the Northern Lights show; while my girlfriend and I were late for the Sky Lagoon, she wisely said that walking out mid-show would be a dumb idea 🤓. 

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. Luckily, you can get ice cream inside. 🙂

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Address: Varmahlíð 1, 105 Reykjavík

Website: https://perlan.is/

Map:

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7. Walk Along the Waterfront at Sunset

It’s impossible not to walk along Sæbraut without being captivated by the Atlantic Ocean and a stunning mountainous backdrop. It’s particularly magical at sunset; I’ve done this walk in the winter, during the summer, and in April. And every time I visit Reykjavík in the future, I will continue doing it. 

You’ll find the Sun Voyager statue along this stretch, and it takes you to the beautiful Harpa Concert Hall (which is also worth seeing). Cycling along the path is also possible. It gets very windy sometimes, but on a calm day, I don’t think there’s a better thing to do in Reykjavík. 

If you visit in the winter, you can come here at any time; the daylight hours are so short in Reykjavík that it’s effectively one long golden hour.

8. Take the Reykjavík Food Walk Tour

I love Icelandic cuisine, and in my opinion, it’s one of the most underrated in Europe. As Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík is a great place to sample many of the country’s best dishes. Food tours are a great way to learn about the history behind these foods; I went on the Reykjavík Food Walk in December 2018, and I can recommend doing the same if this interests you. It’s rated the best food tour in Iceland for a reason. 🤠

You’ll go to several restaurants and try various kinds of Icelandic foods, including main courses and desserts. We also went to a variety of different restaurant types, which was nice; on trips since my 2018 adventure, I’ve taken others to some of the places I originally visited. 

9. Walk Around Tjörnin

Tjörnin is the main lake in Reykjavík. It sometimes freezes over in the winter and is home to a number of bird species, including swans and the Arctic Tern. You’ll get some Alpine-level views of the downtown area with mountains in the background, and another pretty church—the Lutheran Free Church—is perched on the shores here. 

The lake has several statues, including one of a businessperson with a rock replacing his head. This statue inspired me to quit a job I hated in 2018 and pursue my own dreams, so you’re also witnessing some history there 🙂. 

The lake is right in the center of town and close to the main square. It doesn’t take a long time to walk around, but I recommend taking a moment to sit down and admire your surroundings. Tjörnin is particularly beautiful at sunrise, and besides getting great photos, you can also escape the crowds by coming here at that time.

Tjörnin often freezes over during the winter. We were also lucky enough to see the Northern Lights here in January 2025, but you’re generally better off going outside of Reykjavík due to light pollution. I actually took a Northern Lights tour on one of my first trips to Iceland, which is more ideal if that’s your precise reason for visiting the country during the off-season.

10. Go Whale-Watching

Whale-watching is one of my favorite things to do in Reykjavík, and several tours depart from the Old Harbor. Several species inhabit the harbor waters around the capital, including humpback whales and harbor porpoises. 

Tours depart year-round. I went on one in December 2018, but April through October is a better time to see whales if you’re going specifically for this. You aren’t guaranteed to see a whale on your trip, but even if you don’t, the scenery is amazing. 

11. 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.

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.

12. Visit Harpa Concert Hall

Nordic cities seem to excel at opera houses and concert halls, with Copenhagen and Oslo being two prime examples. Reykjavík’s beautiful Harpa Concert Hall is well worth a visit when you’re in town, even if you only go inside to look at its interiors. 

The building, which opened in 2011, has a design that very closely resembles fish scales. Besides being very peaceful inside, you can also enjoy beautiful views of Mount Esja and the ocean. 

Performances take place at Harpa regularly, and while I haven’t been to one yet, I really want to see “How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes”. 

While you have to pay to see performances, you can walk around much of Harpa for free—making this a great activity when visiting Iceland on a budget.

Address: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík

Website: https://www.harpa.is/en/

13. Enjoy Some Shopping in Reykjavík 

Reykjavík is a great place to buy all the cozy Icelandic sweaters and socks you ever wanted. You’ll also find those colorful jackets that every influencer on Instagram wears while standing under a waterfall (not me, though, I promise 🤭).   

You can also buy anything you forgot to bring with you, such as hats and gloves. I also suggest browsing the 66 North Store; while pretty expensive, this Icelandic clothing brand is the perfect match between form and function. 

If you’re looking for an Icelandic sweater, I recommend checking out the Rammagerðin store at Skólavörðustígur 12. I bought two when I visited in January 2025 (I couldn’t decide between them, so yeah 🙂). We also purchased a comfortable wool blanket for our home from the same brand in 2024 at the airport.

Icewear is another place to buy Icelandic sweaters. I’ve bought two from here, too, and they’re pretty warm—even if they’re not “authentic”. For an authentic Icelandic sweater, you can always go to the Handknitting Association of Iceland.

The main street for shopping in Reykjavík is Laugavegur, and you’ll find a handful of other stores next to the Harpa Concert Hall. Meanwhile, Harpa itself has a nice store—which includes multiple sweaters and blankets by Rammagerðin. You’ll also find postcards and more here.

Note:

If you live outside Iceland, you can get a VAT refund. When buying your items, ask for a tax refund form. You’ll normally need to spend at least 12,000 ISK on a single purchase to qualify, which is around $97 or £72. I had my request processed in 24 hours after submitting my form at the airport. Go to the dedicated counter at Keflavík Airport when you leave Iceland; it’s well-signposted. You can learn more about getting a VAT-free refund here.

14. Get the Best Pastries in Town at Brauð & Co

I really wish Brauð & Co would come to Copenhagen because their cinnamon buns are seriously some of the best I’ve ever had.

My mum and I first visited this bakery in 2021, and my girlfriend and I came here multiple times on our 2024 adventure (and then again in 2025). The smell of freshly baked goods first thing in the morning is all too alluring, and the main bakery in Reykjavík isn’t far from Hallgrímskirkja. 

Besides cinnamon buns, you’ll find plenty of other sweet treats here. Freshly baked bread and rolls are also on the menu. There is often a queue outside, but it’s worth the wait. 

In addition to the main Reykjavík bakery, Brauð & Co has a handful of other locations in and around the Capital Region. While there’s limited seating space indoors, you’ll find a few benches nearby. Dress warm, though, as let’s just say that it can get quite cold. 😄

Location: Frakkastígur 16, 101 Reykjavík (main bakery)

Website: https://www.braudogco.is/

15. Rye Bread Ice Cream and Food at Café Loki

Café Loki is just across the street from Hallgrímskirkja. The rye bread ice cream is fantastic; it might sound a bit strange, but in my opinion, it actually tastes more like cookie dough. I managed to convince my girlfriend that it was good; she was pretty skeptical beforehand 🤣. 

I went to Café Loki for the first time in 2018 on the Reykjavík Food Walk. Since then, I have since been back multiple times. Each time I visit Reykjavík with someone new, this is one of the places I take them.

Besides the rye bread ice cream, I’d also recommend trying the open-top sandwiches. You’ll find plenty of other options on the menu as well.

Address: Lokastígur 28, 101 Reykjavík

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16. Take a Day Trip to the Golden Circle

If you’re visiting Iceland for the first time, the Golden Circle is a gentle introduction to the country’s nature. It consists primarily of Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir. Whether you’re only in Iceland for a short period or doing a bigger trip, each of these attractions is worth seeing.

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. Alongside Skógafoss on the South Coast, it’s one of the waterfalls in Iceland where I’ve seen the full forces of nature with my own eyes. I suggest allocating 30-45 minutes here. 

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, parking itself is free; Gullfoss and Geysir have free parking and no entrance fee.

How to Get to the Golden Circle

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. 

If you’re visiting Iceland without a car, I recommend taking a guided tour instead. Every tour will go to Þingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir; some add extra locations, such as Kerið.

17. Get Ice Cream at Gæta Gelato

It’s my honest opinion that there is never a bad time for ice cream, as I exhibited by going to Gæta Gelato when it was -13ºC (8.6ºF) on a chilly winter evening. This, in my opinion, is the best place to go for ice cream in Reykjavík—I have been back multiple times.

Gæta Gelato uses Icelandic milk to make its ice cream, and the results are excellent. You will find a number of flavors on the menu, and the texture is a dream. 

When we’re in Reykjavík, we usually go to the Gæta Gelato shop on Aðalstræti—which is close to the Ingolfstorg square. However, you will also find an establishment on Laugavegur—making it perfect if you’ve just done some shopping. 

There’s also a Gæta Gelato in Hlemmur Mathöll—a food hall close to the main parts of Downtown Reykjavík. The two others are open until 23:00 daily, while the one in Hlemmur Mathöll closes at 22:00. Opening times at the stores on Aðalstræti and Laugavegur vary, however. 

18. Food and Drinks at Sæta Svínið

Sæta Svínið is, in my opinion, the best place to get pub food in Reykjavík. I always try to have at least one meal here when I visit Iceland, and they were very kind in giving me a cake and a hat for my 29th birthday. 🙂 

The burgers at Sæta Svínið are really good; I’ve had both the meat and vegetarian options. You can’t go wrong with either, but I liked the vegetarian one slightly more. Icelandic beers are on tap, too—it’s a good place for a relaxed couple of drinks before finishing the day. 

I also recommend the lamb dish, which is big enough for two people. Lamb in Iceland is really, really good, in general—and that’s no exception here. 

Sæta Svínið is popular with locals and tourists alike, and as a result, I suggest booking a table in advance. You can do so on the website. While food and drinks here are quite pricey, it’s well worth the splurge. 

Oh, and there’s a Happy Hour from 15:00 to 18:00 daily. 

Address: Hafnarstræti 1-3, 101 Reykjavík

19. Check Out 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. I really like the spire, in particular, which makes for great photos when walking around Tjörnin. The style of it is also pretty cool; it’s quite similar to some churches you’ll find elsewhere in Iceland. 

Right next to the church, you will find the National Gallery of Iceland—so you may want to consider visiting both at the same time. The church is within walking distance from pretty much everywhere in Downtown Reykjavík.

Address: Fríkirkjuvegur 5, 101 Reykjavík

Final Thoughts: All the Best Things to Do in Reykjavík in One Place

Despite being the size of a big town by global standards, Reykjavík has more fun things to do than you might first think. I have sometimes spent weekends and layovers in Iceland just to visit Reykjavík, and even after six visits, I’m still not bored. Each time I return, there’s something new—whether that’s a restaurant or other interesting experience. 

The Icelandic capital is the perfect place to start or finish your adventure in the country (or both). You’ve got everything you could need from your trip, and all of it is within a short distance of each other. Plus, if you base yourself here, you’re still close to Iceland’s wonderful nature. 

Even if the city isn’t your main reason for visiting the country, you should add Reykjavík to your Iceland itinerary. It’s worth visiting year-round, too.