Reykjavik

What are the most recommended things to do in Reykjavik?

  • Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church and take the elevator to the top for panoramic city views
  • Explore the old harbor area with its colorful buildings and local seafood restaurants
  • Tour the Harpa Concert Hall and enjoy its striking architecture
  • Walk along Laugavegur, the main shopping street, for boutiques and cafes
  • Take a whale watching or puffin tour from the harbor
  • Visit the National Museum of Iceland and Reykjavik Art Museum
  • Relax in the city’s geothermal pools such as Laugardalslaug
  • Experience the Northern Lights during winter months
  • Join guided city tours or explore nearby natural attractions like the Golden Circle

Introducing Reykjavik

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, its largest city and largest port. Its prime location makes it a major port in northern Europe. With its beautiful environment, few factories, and virtually no pollution, it's known as the "smoke-free city." People here enjoy a comfortable, peaceful, and tranquil life. Reykjavík has been ranked among the happiest cities in the world for many consecutive years.

Climate and best time to travel

Temperate maritime climate;

June to September is the best time to travel

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral

Climbing to the top of Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral in the city center and overlooking the panoramic view of the city center is the most unmissable angle in Reykjavik and the most essential photo in your camera. You will see the colorful roofs with Nordic characteristics arranged in a staggered manner.


Lake Toning

Tourists and Icelanders alike enjoy feeding the swans and ducks at Lake Törnin in the city center. Near the city hall, visitors often gather to feed the swans and ducks. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves here.


Harper Hall

Iceland is a nation that produces a wealth of avant-garde and niche musicians, and attending concerts and performances is a common pastime for Icelanders. Harbour Hall hosts numerous major music festivals each year, including Iceland's most renowned festival, Iceland Airwaves, as well as Sónar Festival and the Reykjavik Jazz Festival.


old port

The Old Harbour is the departure point for whale watching, bird watching, and sea fishing trips from Reykjavík. Whale watching tours are available year-round, and in the summer, there are boat trips to see Iceland's national bird, the Puffin, and enjoy sea fishing and seafood.


Recommended number of days: 3-4 days


Most Popular FAQs for Reykjavik

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital and largest city, known for its Viking heritage, cultural landmarks, and as a hub for Icelandic arts, music, and political history.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Located in southwestern Iceland along the Faxaflói Bay. Accessible by Keflavík International Airport via bus or taxi (approx. 45 minutes). Walking and city buses are convenient for exploring Reykjavik itself.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Most attractions open between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM; summer months (June–August) offer long daylight hours, while winter (September–March) is ideal for Northern Lights viewing.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

  • Hallgrímskirkja tower: around ISK 1,000 per person, tickets at entrance or online
  • Museums: ISK 1,500–3,000, tickets at entrance or online
  • Harpa Concert Hall events: variable, book online

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Recommended for popular museums, Harpa concerts, and guided tours; usually 1–2 weeks in advance during high season.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

2–3 days to cover main attractions, museums, city walks, and a harbor tour.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Hallgrímskirkja Church
  • Harpa Concert Hall
  • Old Harbor and Sun Voyager sculpture
  • Laugavegur shopping street
  • Perlan Museum and observation deck
  • National Museum of Iceland

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, guided tours and audio guides available in English, Icelandic, and sometimes German or French for major attractions.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Top of Hallgrímskirkja Church
  • Perlan observation deck
  • Harbor area with Sun Voyager sculpture
  • City rooftops for colorful houses and mountains in the background

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at Hallgrímskirkja, walk down Laugavegur street, visit Harpa and the harbor, then explore museums and Perlan. Evening Northern Lights tour if in winter.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes, Northern Lights tours, evening concerts at Harpa, and some night museum events in summer.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Peak season is summer (June–August) and around Christmas; weekdays and shoulder seasons (May, September) are less crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Well-equipped with public toilets, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and public seating areas throughout the city center.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Many attractions are wheelchair accessible; public transport and sidewalks are generally suitable for children and elderly, though some older streets are cobblestone.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) widely accepted; cash rarely needed.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Seafood restaurants along the harbor
  • Cafes and bakeries on Laugavegur street
  • International cuisine, Icelandic fine dining, and casual eateries citywide

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available at most restaurants; halal options limited but available at some international or Middle Eastern eateries.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • City-center hotels like Hotel Borg, Reykjavik Residence Hotel
  • Guesthouses and apartments near the harbor and Laugavegur street
  • Budget hostels and boutique hotels throughout downtown

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Golden Circle tour (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss)
  • Blue Lagoon geothermal spa
  • Reykjanes Peninsula for volcanic landscapes

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, Icelandic wool products, lava jewelry, handcrafted items, and local snacks are common souvenirs.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

  • Bus or rental car for day trips (Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon)
  • Domestic flights to other Iceland regions
  • Taxi or city buses for local exploration