The best things to do in Reykjavík

What is it? Reykjavik’s defining landmark and one of Iceland’s most striking buildings, this soaring concrete church was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson to echo the country’s hexagonal basalt columns formed by cooling lava. With clean lines and a sweeping form, it dominates the city skyline. 

Why go? Even if you’re not religious, this is one sight you can’t miss. The exterior is striking and modern, and while the interior is sparse by European standards, it makes the vast pipe organ all the more dramatic. The tower also offers the best views in town, looking over Reykjavik’s colourful tin roofs. 

Address: Hallgrímstorg 1, 101

Opening hours: Summer 9am-8pm, winter Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10-10.30am & noon-5pm (tower closes 15 minutes before)

Price: Entrance is free; tower access costs 1,500 ISK (€10)

What is it? The second most famous landmark in Reykjavik sits pretty on the waterfront – a concert hall and cultural centre wrapped in a honeycomb-like facade that shifts with the Icelandic light. The inside space is dedicated to world-class musical performances, shows, and exhibitions.  

Why go? Step inside for a kaleidoscopic view of sea, sky and mountains framed by Harpa’s prismatic walls, to join a tour led by a local singer, or to catch a show (How to become Icelandic in 60 minutes is a long-running favourite). It’s even worth wandering the glassy halls just to watch the light play across the interior.

Address: Austurbakki 2, 101

Opening hours: Sun-Tue 10am-6pm, Wed-Sat 10am-8pm

Price: Free entry; tickets required for concerts, guided tours, and special exhibitions

What is it? Set inside a gleaming glass dome on a hill above Reykjavik, the Perlan is part museum, part immersive nature experience. Inside, the Wonders of Iceland exhibit dives deep into Iceland’s volcanoes, glaciers, and otherworldly landscapes through high-tech displays and interactive exhibits. Throw in an observation deck on the top floor and a zipline over the forest, and you’ve got one of Iceland’s standout attractions.

Why go? Nowhere else in Iceland offers such a vivid crash course on the country’s geology and natural wonders. You can step inside a man-made ice cave, learn how volcanic eruptions and glacial floods have shaped the land, and enjoy a northern lights show in the planetarium. 

Address: Varmahlíð 1, 105

Opening hours: Daily 9am-9pm

Expect to pay: Adults 6,290 ISK (€44); ages 6 to 174,090 ISK (€28)

What is it? Exactly what it says on the tin; this is Reykjavik’s historic harbour. Nowadays, the fishing trawlers land up the coast, and this harbour has been given over to retired boats and the old fishing sheds refurbished into cafes, restaurants, and bars. 

Why go? It’s a charming place to warm yourself up with a walk, sipping coffee while admiring the vessels at anchor. Keep your eyes peeled for the Icelandic Coast Guard ship, which can be toured in summer as part of the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, anchoring the far end of the harbour. 

Address: Geirsgata 15, 101

Opening Hours: 24 hours a day; Reykjavik Maritime Museum 10am-5pm daily 

Expect to pay: Free; entrance to the Reykjavik Maritime Museum is 2,450 ISK (€17), and free for ages 17 and under

What is it? One of Reykjavik’s most popular experiences, guided tours depart from the old harbour and venture out to sea in search of minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and puffins who come to Iceland to feed in the bountiful waters. 

Why go? You don’t need to travel far to get a taste of Iceland’s wild side. Bundle up, jump on board from the old harbour, and enjoy a warm drink while the experts spot the whales for you. Even if they’re feeling shy, the views of mountains, sea, and city are incredible. 

Address: Ægisgarður 1, 101

Opening hours: Tours depart both morning and afternoon; in summer, special midnight sun tours are also available

Expect to pay: Tours start from around 14,000 ISK (€98)

What is it? A combined historical look at the early days of Reykjavik. On one side, the Settlement Exhibition, where the excavated remains of a Viking longhouse beneath the city’s streets tells the story of Iceland’s first settlers through interactive displays. Linked by an underground tunnel, Aðal­stræti 10, Reykjavik’s oldest house, hosts a charming exhibition of everyday life through the ages. 

Why go? A two-for-one journey through Reykjavik’s history, from Viking Sagas to the modern day. The Settlement Exhibition captures the mystery and adventure of the early days, while Aðalstræti 10 feels like stepping into a time capsule. 

Address: Aðal­stræti 10 and 16

Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm

Expect to pay: 3,000 ISK (€21); 17 and under free 

What is it? Just 10 minutes from downtown Reykjavik in neighbouring Kópavogur, the Sky Lagoon is the city’s sleekest spot for a soak: a steamy infinity pool on the coast embedded in slate-gray basalt rocks. 

Why go? A rejuvenating way to experience Iceland’s bathing culture, the Sky Lagoon is a heavenly mix of tradition and luxury. Its seven-step ritual takes you from warm lagoon to cold plunge, sauna, mist room, body scrub and steam before returning to the water feeling brand new. The views are the cherry on top; on a clear day, you’ll see Snæfellsjökull glacier shimmering on the horizon.  

Address: Vesturvör 44-48, Kópavogur

Opening hours: From 9am-10pm or 10am-11pm

Expect to pay: Admission starts from 13,990 ISK (€98)

What is it? No trip to Iceland is complete without seeing the famed Golden Circle, a popular tourist route comprised of natural wonders of the world. It covers around 300km, looping from Reykjavík into the southern uplands of Iceland and back.

Why go? Ever seen videos of those incredible volcanic geysers shooting hot water 40m into the air? Or photos of Gullfoss, the magnificent waterfall? Then you’ll know just how beautiful the Icelandic landscape can be. 

Time Out tip: The weather in Iceland is very, very changeable. There is always a chance your tour will be rescheduled, so if you’re set on going, book it in at the beginning of your trip. 

Address: Tours typically meet at major bus stops in Reykjavik

Opening hours: Typically morning and midday slots, with half-day and full-day tours available

Price: From around 17,990 ISK (€80) per adult for an 8-9 hour small-group tour

What is it? Iceland is famous for its hot dogs, and none are more iconic than those from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a little stand that’s been in the business since 1937. Bill Clinton famously stopped by in 2004, and since then, visiting celebs from Kim Kardashian to the cast of Game of Thrones have all eaten here.

Why go? You can get these particular hot dogs from several spots around town, but there’s something novel about joining the hyped up queue of tourists at the original. The hot dogs are made from a blend of lamb, beef and pork and topped with crunchy onions, ketchup, mustard, and remoulade. The go-to order is eina með öllu – one with everything. 

Address: Tryggvagata 1, 101

Opening hours: Sun-Wed 9am-1am, Thu 9am-2am, Fri-Sat 9am-6am

Expect to pay: 820 ISK (€5.70)

What is it? Iceland is a country built on its swimming pools; every neighbourhood has one, a mix of pools deep and shallow, bubbling hot tubs, and steamy saunas, all of them heated naturally by geothermal energy. 

Why go? This is where Icelanders go not only to exercise, but to unwind and catch up. Friends gossip, families splash about, and strangers chat about the news over the edge of a steamy hot tub. A slice of everyday Iceland, and the best place to thaw yourself out when the weather does its worst. 

Address: There are three pools convenient to downtown Reykjavik: Sundhöllin at Barónsstígur 45a in 101; Laugardalslaug at Sundlaugavegur 34 in 105, and Vesturbæjarlaug on Hofsvallagata in 107

Opening hours: Typically 6.30am until 10pm (varies by pool), with reduced hours on weekends.

Expect to pay: Between 1,000 and 1,500 ISK (€7-10)

What is it? A fiery live demonstration that recreates a lava flow from a volcano indoors, heating up black sand into its molten state before pouring it down a chute into the centre of the room. You’ll feel the heat, hear the lava crackle, and watch on as an employee pulls and picks at it with a long metal rod while explaining its properties.

Why go? Nowhere else in the world lets you experience lava this close without risking life and limb. It’s a dramatic experience but also highly educational, with the audience encouraged to ask any questions they can think of, receiving a crash-course in Iceland’s explosive geology.

Address: Fiskislóð 73, 101

Opening hours: Daily 9am-9pm

Expect to pay: Prices from 6,590 ISK (€46)

What is it? A small lake in the heart of the city, fringed by colourful houses, Reykjavik’s City Hall, and outdoor sculptures. The water is home to swans, ducks, and gulls, and a nice walking trail leads around the edge, a favourite local spot for a stroll. 

Why go? This is the city’s backyard, where locals come to ice skate in winter, feed the ducks with their kids, or laze on the grass on those long summer days when the weather behaves. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic, and the nearby National Gallery of Iceland offers a look at Icelandic art. 

Address: Tjörnin, 101

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Expect to pay: Free entry

What is it? Iceland’s leading art museum, showcasing everything from 19th century romantic landscapes to bold experiments in modern Icelandic art. The bright, waterside gallery is complemented by The House of Collections, located on Hverfisgata, a neoclassical building devoted to rotating shows from the museum’s archive.

Why go? For a wide overview of how Iceland’s artists have wrestled with and captured the country’s shifting light and wild landscapes throughout the years. The museum shop can also quickly drain the króna from your wallet thanks to a dangerously good selection of art and design books. 

Address: Fríkirkjuvegur 7 and Hverfisgata 15, 101

Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm

Expect to pay: 2,500 ISK (€17.50)

What is it? Billed as Iceland’s little slice of Ibiza, this man-made beach pairs a golden sweep of imported sand with geothermal water faintly pumped into the North Atlantic, creating a surprisingly-swimmable lagoon, even when temperatures dip below zero. 

Why go? Nothing says ‘Icelandic Summer’ quite like racing to the beach as soon as there’s a hint of sunshine. This is also a favourite spot for locals to take a cold plunge outside of the geothermally heated part (good for your health) before retreating to the long hot tub (even better for your health).

Address: Nauthólsvegur, 102

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-4pm

Expect to pay: 920 ISK (€6.50) for access to the changing rooms and hot tub

What is it? The country’s main history museum, charting Iceland’s long history from the early Viking settlers to the modern day. There are more than a thousand artifacts on display, including excavated weapons, works of art, and everyday items. Don’t miss the intricately carved medieval church door or the country’s first Icelandic flag, proudly displayed. 

Why go? Storytelling has long been at the heart of Icelandic culture, and this museum tells the whole saga through objects, not words. It’s the one stop that ties together everything else you’ll see on a trip to Iceland, revealing how this small nation forged its fierce and unique culture. 

Address: Suðurgata 41, 102

Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm

Expect to pay: 3,000 ISK (€21)

What is it? A gleaming steel sculpture by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason, perched by the sea. The shape resembles a Viking ship of the past, but it’s actually an ode to the sun – a symbol of hope, discovery, and the spirit of adventure, all of which have played their part in shaping the Icelandic nation. It faces due West, the direction the Vikings first sailed when departing Norway in search of a new home. 

Why go? It’s one of Reykjavik’s most striking landmarks and one of the city’s best photo ops. The views of Mount Esja across the water are fantastic; come at sunset to watch the sky turn golden-pink, reflected by mountains and sea.  

Address: Sæbraut, 101

Opening hours: 24 hours

Expect to pay: Free