25 Things to Do in Reykjavík (Free and Paid)

Iceland's capital is the smallest of capitals in many ways, which is a big part of its charm. The things to do in Reykjavík range from free walks along the waterfront to museums, geothermal pools and boat trips, and most of them are within a short walk of each other. Prices and opening hours change, so check current information before you go.

Below are 25 ideas, grouped by type, so you can build a day around what you enjoy.

Free things to do in Reykjavík

Eight of our 25 ideas cost nothing, which makes Reykjavík easy on the budget.

• Look up at Hallgrímskirkja, the landmark church. Going inside is usually free, though the tower has an entrance fee.
• Walk the seafront to the Sun Voyager sculpture.
• Admire Harpa, the glass concert hall by the harbour.
• Wander Laugavegur and the side streets for shops, cafés and street art.
• Walk around Tjörnin, the city pond, and look at the birds.
• Stroll the Old Harbour area.
• Walk to the Grótta lighthouse on the edge of the city. Check the tide, because the path can be cut off at high tide.
• Relax at Nauthólsvík geothermal beach in summer. Check opening times.

A simple free day could start at Hallgrímskirkja, drop down Skólavörðustígur towards Laugavegur for coffee, continue to Harpa and the Old Harbour, and finish with a walk along the seafront to the Sun Voyager. It covers the heart of the city in a few relaxed hours and costs nothing but time.

Museums and culture (paid)

Six more ideas are paid attractions, so check prices before you go.

• Go up the Hallgrímskirkja tower for a view over the rooftops.
• Visit the National Museum of Iceland for an overview of the country's history.
• See the Settlement Exhibition in the city centre, built around the remains of a very early house.
• Explore the Reykjavík Art Museum and its different sites.
• Visit Perlan and its exhibitions and viewing deck on a hill above the city.
• Walk through the Árbær Open Air Museum, which shows old Icelandic houses.

Because Icelandic weather can be changeable, museums are a good plan for a wet or windy day. Check current opening times and prices on each museum's own website.

Pools, boat trips and outdoors

• Swim in a local geothermal pool, such as Laugardalslaug, where Icelanders relax in hot tubs. Check opening times and rules.
• Take a whale watching or puffin boat tour from the Old Harbour. Seasons vary, so check with operators.
• Take a ferry to Viðey island for walks and art.
• Try a Northern Lights tour in the cold, dark months. They can never be guaranteed.
• Hike or walk part of Mount Esja on a clear day, choosing a route that suits your fitness.

Reykjavík has a strong pool culture. Locals visit the public pools to swim, soak in the hot tubs and chat, and visitors are welcome. The rules are simple and posted at the entrance: you shower without a swimsuit before entering, which is part of keeping the water clean.

Food and everyday life

• Try a classic Icelandic hot dog from a stand near the harbour.
• Browse the weekend flea market, Kolaportið, if it is open during your visit.
• Sit in a cosy café with a pastry and a coffee.

Food prices in Iceland are high compared with many countries, so a simple bakery lunch or a hot dog is a sensible way to balance the budget. Check menus and prices before you sit down.

Day trips from Reykjavík

The last three ideas are day trips, because the area around Reykjavík is some of the best in the country:

• Take a day trip along the Golden Circle to Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.
• Spend a long day on the South Coast for waterfalls and black sand beaches.
• Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula or the Blue Lagoon, close to the airport.

For the classic route, see our Golden Circle guide and our South Coast day trip guide. With only a few days, our 3-day itinerary shows how to combine the city and the countryside.

Getting around Reykjavík

Most of the sights listed above are in the centre and within walking distance. Beyond that, local buses and taxis are available, and a private driver is a stress-free way to reach places on the edge of the city or to start a day tour right at your hotel door. For a day out of town, see our private tours.

Our private tours run with your own driver in your own car or van: Economy (Tesla) for 1 to 4 passengers, Van (Mercedes Vito) for 5 to 7, and a minibus for 8 to 16 on request. The fixed price is per car, not per person, and you can message us 24/7 on WhatsApp at +354 777 3949.

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