Iceland's colorful and cosmopolitan capital blends rough-and-ready Viking and other nautical history with a sleek design sensibility and hip arts scene. While many travelers treat it as just the jumping-off point for outdoor adventures in Iceland's otherworldly landscapes, Reykjavik is well worth lingering in. From exploring museums and spotting whales and puffins in Faxaflói Bay to indulging in the city's always-interesting dining scene and notoriously wild nightlife, visitors will find plenty of things to do in Reykjavik.
The best time to visit Reykjavík is in the summer. June, July, and August promise the warmest temperatures (though not necessarily hot weather), as well as long daylight hours that let you pack more activities into each day. If you visit in June or July, you can also take a boat tour to spot whales and puffins. Note that summer is, however, also the busiest season, so consider visiting in May or September if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.
Pint-sized Reykjavík is easy to explore on foot as most top attractions are within a short distance of one another. If you’re short on time, a hop-on hop-off bus tour can take you to all of the city’s most important landmarks—and spend as much time as you like at each one. Straetó, Iceland’s public bus system, is handy for traveling to nearby towns, but if you’re planning to travel much farther afield, you’ll save time and effort by joining a tour or renting a car.
The Blue Lagoon in Grindavík is the country’s best-known geothermal spa, but if you want a truly local experience, visit one of Reykjavík’s 17 geothermal swimming pools. These pools usually combine the functions of sports centers, water parks, and spas, and many Icelanders visit to enjoy the water’s health benefits or go with friends as a fun outing. Laugardalslaug, which is located east of the city center, is Reykjavík’s largest and most popular spot, boasting two swimming pools, seven hot tubs, a steam bath, and large water slide.
Local Currency Icelandic Króna (ISK) | Time Zone GMT (UTC 0) | Country Code +354 | Language(s) Icelandic | Attractions 50 | Tours 1,333 | Reviews 135,886 |
Friðjón was brought up in downtown Reykjavik and has lived in and around there ever since. You might run into him in a hot tub at one of the city’s many outdoor swimming pools.
unwind after a long flight at the local swimming pool. Every neighborhood has their own but you can’t go wrong with Laugardalslaug.
starts with delicious cinnamon buns from Brauð & Co for breakfast, a walk down Laugavegur street, and a visit to the pond outside Reykjavik City Hall to feed the ducks.
Perlan, a glass dome built on top of old hot water tanks. Visit the museum, grab a coffee, and enjoy the 360-degree view of the city.
explore the Old West Side of downtown Reykjavik and don’t miss the old Hólavallakirkjugarður graveyard.
go to the Hallgrímskirkja church. You can also use it as a landmark to find your way if you get lost in Reykjavik.
is trusting the weather. Conditions change fast in Iceland, so don’t be fooled even if the weather looks beautiful when you’re heading out.
Reykjavik is known as the world’s northernmost capital city. Iceland’s pint-sized capital is also known for its colorful streets, innovative design, creative people, and wild nightlife scene. Most visitors to Iceland spend at least a day or two in Reykjavik as it is the gateway to the rest of the country.
...MoreReykjavik makes a great base for exploring Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, but there’s plenty to do in town. Visit Hallgrim's Church (Hallgrímskirkjao) for a birds-eye view, stroll the Harpa concert hall, and learn Icelandic history at the National Museum of History. At night, try local cuisine and check out the nightlife.
...MoreYes. It is possible to see the northern lights in Reykjavik, but don’t count on it. The northern lights are elusive and there's no guarantee you'll see them. In Reykjavik, you’ll have a better chance if you leave the city and its light pollution—many aurora-focused tours depart Reykjavik.
...MoreYes. English is widely spoken in Iceland. Generally, you should have no problems speaking only English and not knowing any Icelandic. However, if you are traveling to more remote parts of the country, you may find that people (especially older Icelanders) are not quite as comfortable speaking English.
...MoreFirst-time visitors to Iceland usually drive or take a tour around the Golden Circle route along the south coast, which takes you to Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Then there’s glacier walks, Icelandic horseback riding, geothermal hot springs, volcanoes, lava tubes, and northern lights spotting.
...MoreYes. Reykjavik is expensive. The biggest hit to your wallet comes from hotels and eating and drinking. Iceland’s greatest attraction is nature and that doesn’t cost anything. Save money getting around by booking combination tours that combine activities. In Reykjavik, buy a pass that includes admission to multiple attractions.
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