The 15 Best Things to do in Reykjavík

Need some ideas for what to do in Reykjavík? Even though I think you should spend most of your time out in the countryside, there are plenty of things Reykjavík has to offer. So if you have some time to spare in the city, I have a few recommendations for you.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but in my opinion it covers the absolute Reykjavík highlights 😊

The Reykjavík Top 15 List

• Hallgrímskirkja
• Harpa Concert Hall
• The Sun Voyager Sculpture
• Fly over Iceland
• Perlan
• The Lava Show
• Viking Photo Shoot
• Árbær Open Air Museum
• National Museum of Iceland
• Sky Lagoon
• Swimming Pools
• Explore Reykjavík on an Electric Scooter
• Ice Cream Parlors
• Bakeries
• Hot Dogs!

What to see when strolling around Downtown Reykjavík 

Let’s start with the basics. When you’re strolling around downtown Reykjavík you should not miss the following landmarks.

Hallgrímskirkja Church

This big grey church stands tall on a hill called Skólavörðuholt at the end of the rainbow street. Its beautiful architecture was inspired by the basalt columns you’ll find in many places around the country. For example on the  famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

You could suffice with taking some pictures of the church from the outside. Or you could also go inside to see the interior (given you’re there when it’s open). You could even participate in a mess or a concert if your timing is right. 

See the church’s calendar here.

Furthermore you can buy a ticket to access the church tower where you’ll get a great view over the city. The tower is open from 9-19:45 (9am to 7:45pm).

From the church website:

“Kindly observe restrictions and timing for sightseeing of the church and opening of the tower during religious services and other events such as concerts, funerals and weddings.”

Harpa Concert Hall

This stunning building is a beautiful piece of art and in my opinion simply a must-see when in Reykjavík. The award winning building has attracted millions of visitors since its opening in 2011.

Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera and Reykjavík Big Band, which hold regular concerts throughout the year. A lot of other concerts, shows and conferences are held in Harpa every year. But even though you’re not going to any of those, a visit to Harpa is more than worth it.

You can see what’s going on in Harpa here.

There is one show in Harpa I think you should check out. See if it’s something for you. It’s called “How to become Icelandic in 60 minutes”. It’s a very funny 1 hour one-man show for everybody who wants to know how it is to be Icelandic.

This popular show premiered in 2012 and has been running ever since. 

You can book a ticket to it here.

The Sun Voyager Sculpture

The Sun Voyager is a sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, located close to Harpa Concert Hall down by the sea. Depending on the light and the weather, the experience you get when visiting varies. Different conditions bring different perspectives. 

In my opinion you get the best visiting conditions on a clear day (no matter the season). Then you can enjoy it with its scenic backdrop; the ocean and the mountains on the other side of the bay.

It’s also amazing if you’re lucky enough to catch the Northern Light in this spot.

Please note there is no parking right next to it but you can easily park close by and then walk for a few minutes to get there.

What activities you should check out while in Reykjavík

Fly over Iceland

Shows you Iceland from above and takes you to places you wouldn’t be able to access otherwise. You sit in a seat that moves, like the ones they use in amusement parks. You know, like you are actually flying. I loved it. Such stunning footage they have in this show.

See further information on their website.

Perlan

Perlan offers a variety of different and interesting exhibitions. Most of them are in one way or another about Icelandic nature, or the wonders of Iceland as they call them.

They also offer a Northern lights show in a sophisticated planetarium and a quite big man made ice cave. Both are pretty cool.

See further information on their website.

The Lava Show in Reykjavík

On this show they recreate a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava and pouring it into a showroom full of people. It’s a bit hard to describe, you just have to see it for yourself! It’s a really cool (or you know, more like hot) and informative experience.

See further information on their website.

Viking Photo Shoot

This one is a bit different but also very cool and fun! Have you ever wondered how you would have looked like as a viking? The photographer at Mink Viking Portrait can help you release your inner viking and take some awesome photos of you for you to take home. I dare you to check them out 😄

See some photos and further information on their website.

Árbær Open Air Museum

Árbær Open Air Museum gives you insight into the architecture and way of life as it was in Reykjavík in the 1800s and 1900s. The museum is divided into a small village and a countryside where you can also see some animals in the summer.

Most of the houses in the village originate from downtown Reykjavík and the old farm in the countryside section is the farm the museum is named after, Árbær.

Many temporary exhibitions and events are held at the museum throughout the year. These include crafts days, vintage car displays, Christmas exhibitions and more.

It’s a very nice museum and really family friendly. I remember my kids loving it there when they were younger as there are plenty of old toys kids are allowed to play with.

Click here for further information.

National Museum of Iceland

This great museum displays the history of Iceland from the settlement until modern times. It’s not big (two floors) but it’s conveniently set up in a logical, chronological order. You don’t have to spend all afternoon here, but you could! Most people spend about 1,5-2 hours at the museum.

In addition to the permanent exhibition there are a few different temporary exhibitions running at the same time. I recommend taking your headphones with you as you can access an audio guide via a QR code on your phone. Very convenient.

Children are also taken care of at the museum as there are various activities for them so they won’t get bored. And their coffee shop is good too!

Click here for further information.

Sky Lagoon | The only Geothermal Bath in Reykjavík

Sky Lagoon is one of the many geothermal baths we are so lucky to have here in Iceland. These are scattered all around the country but this one is the only one located in the capital area.

What I like the most about the Sky Lagoon is the Ritual with its saunas and body mask. My skin felt so incredibly soft afterwards.

Many people wonder about the difference between the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon. My opinion is that they are quite different and I can’t say one is better than the other. I really like them both!

The location of it makes it a bit inconvenient to use public transport. So I recommend you do one of three things to get there:

1. Use the Hopp electric scooters you find all over town (this one only works well in good weather though 😅).
2. Book a day trip that includes the Sky Lagoon.
3. Buy a ticket to a special Sky Lagoon shuttle.

See examples here for day trips that include the Sky Lagoon and where to buy tickets to the Sky Lagoon shuttle.

Swimming Pools in the Reykjavík Area

If you’d like to try a more affordable and more authentic option for a relaxing bath in public, the local swimming pools are something for you.

Get soaked with the locals in one of these pools. Or you know, the hot tubs the swimming pools have to offer. Some locals go there to swim, but most of us just relax in the hot tubs and chat with each other.

Many of the pools also offer a sauna and cold plunge tubs are the newest addition to most, if not all the pools. For a much lower price compared to the more fancy baths, you get all this and also a more authentic experience.

So go and get naked with the locals! 😀

The swimming pools closest to downtown Reykjavík are:

Sundhöll Reykjavíkur

Is technically the only swimming pool that is downtown but of course it depends on where you’re staying if it’s the one closest to you.

Click here for further information.

Vesturbæjarlaug

This one is technically not downtown but it’s only a 15 min walk from City Hall to this pool. A very nice café, Kaffihús Vesturbæjar, is located really close by. A café that is not at all touristy as it’s located in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Nearby, you’ll also find an ice cream parlour that is very popular among the locals. A parlour called Ísbúð Vesturbæjar.

Note that Vesturbæjarlaug will be closed from May 30th to June 14th 2023 due to maintenance.

Click here for further information.

Laugardalslaug

This is the biggest pool in town. It’s a very nice pool but be aware that it’s also very popular among tourists. Therefore it might not give you as an authentic experience as the other pools. It’s within a short walking distance from hotels like Hotel Reykjavík Grand and Hilton Reykjavík Nordica.

If you go here, make sure to stop by at the hot dog stand that is located in front of the main entrance. They sell delicious hot dogs so you have to try them 😊

Click here for further information.

These three pools mentioned above,  are the pools that are most easily accessible if you don’t have a car. But if you do, the following pools are also definitely worth a visit:

• Lágafellslaug
• Sundlaug Kópavogs
• Árbæjarlaug
• Ásvallalaug

The last one is perfect if you’re traveling with small children as they have a big indoor kiddie pool. The main pool is also indoors but you’ll find two hot tubs outside.

Explore Reykjavík on an Electric Scooter

Reykjavík isn’t big and to cruise around on an electric scooter is an easy way to see a big part of it in a short amount of time. Especially in spring, summer and fall.

Download the app from “Hopp” and start exploring the city!

What to eat while in Reykjavík?

Downtown Reykjavík is filled with amazing restaurants and I haven’t tested so much as half of them. That’s why it isn’t really fair of me to mention any favorites but I’m going to do that anyway! 😁

First thing first. If you’re looking for some authentic Icelandic food. Old style Icelandic, you should go to Café Loki close to Hallgrímskirkja. I never go there as that’s not the kind of food I’m looking for when I go out to eat. Obviously. But it’s THE place to go for that kind of food.

With that out of the way, here are my (current) favorite restaurants in Reykjavík:

• Sjávargrillið (Seafood – their lobster taco is to die for!)
• Austur-Indíafjelagið (Indian)
• Sumac (Middle Eastern Cuisine)
• Steikhúsið (Steak House)
• Tres Locos (Mexican)

Hot Dogs | Simply a must when in Reykjavík

This is a must! When in Iceland, you just have to get a hot dog. Simple as that.

The most famous ones you get at “Bæjarins Beztu” which translates to “The best in town”. Their original hot dog stand is down town (Tryggvagata) but they have now opened in six other locations in the capital area.

You can see a map of all the locations here.

You don’t actually have to go to Bæjarins Bestu to get a great hot dog. You can also get them at gas stations all over town and all over the country.

Bakeries

There are numerous bakeries all over the capital area that offer different kinds of pastries, quality bread and other yummy stuff.

In downtown Reykjavík, “Brauð og co” is the most popular one. They are especially famous for their cinnamon buns. People looove those.

Sandholt Bakery & Eatery on Laugavegur (the main shopping street) is also a big favorite.

Ice Cream Parlours

Then there are all our ice cream parlours. We looove ice cream and have so many ice cream parlours that it must be some kind of a record! 

In the parlours that are most popular among the locals (Ísbúð Vesturbæjar and Ísbúð Huppu), you can’t choose between many flavors of ice cream (soft ice), just the basic ones. But then they offer a lot of different fruit, berries and candy. A LOT of candy 😅

Then people choose their favorite fruits, berries and candy to blend with their ice cream (McFlurry style). This is called “Bragðarefur”. If you want to do it like the locals, you buy yourself a “Bragðarefur”.

Ísbúð Huppu

Look for “isbud huppu” in GoogleMaps to see the locations for this one.

Ísbúð Vesturbæjar

Look for “Isbud vestur” in GoogleMaps and choose “Ísbúð Vesturbæjar see locations” from the results. 

Then there is an ice cream parlour called Yoyo. They have many different flavors of ice cream (soft ice). You can also choose to add some fruits and candy to it (it doesn’t get blended like in the other places). In this one there is self service and you pay by weight.

Last but not least is Valdís. This one is different from the others as there you get ice cream Italian style. Ice cream scoops in a waffle. The flavors might be a bit different than you’re used to though. At least many of them as the owners found out soon after opening, that Icelanders don’t have the same taste in ice cream as Italians. At Valdís they make all their ice cream theirselves. 

Well, that’s it for now. If you liked this post and think some of your friends might be interested in reading it too, please help me spread the word. I’d really appreciate it if you’d share it on social media or just send it directly to a friend.

Until next time!