Complete Reykjavik City Guide: What to See, Where to Stay & How to Plan Your Trip

REYKJAVIK CITY GUIDE

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

The best area to stay is downtown (postcode 101). You’ll be within walking distance of major sights, restaurants and tour pick-up points.

Reykjavik accommodation isn’t cheap, but staying centrally saves time and transport costs.

I definitely recommend the one we stayed in, Sand Hotel – super central, superb breakfast, great customer service, sleek rooms, super clean…no complaints. We loved it! On our last morning, our bus to the airport was super early so we were going to miss breakfast. For those of us who need to leave at the crack of dawn there was coffee and croissants to take away which we thought was a really lovely touch! (we did get delicious Icelandic breakfast at the airport later paired with mimosas, cause why not?!)

It wasn’t cheap but, to be honest, we approached our trip to Iceland as a “let’s not worry about money here, this is what we work for” (as former DINKs!). We didn’t go crazy or splashy but we didn’t want to restrict ourselves too much either.

For a slightly (because it’s still Iceland…) cheaper option, I’ll recommend the Kvosin Downtown Hotel.

Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

If you’re searching for the best things to do in Reykjavik, you’ll quickly notice something: this isn’t a city packed with dozens of world-famous landmarks. Instead, Reykjavik’s charm lies in its vibe, design, culture and its proximity to nature. The good news? Most of the top attractions are within walking distance, so you can explore at a relaxed pace without constantly checking public transport routes. Here’s my Reykjavik city guide top things to do:

Visit Hallgrímskirkja

Reykjavik’s most iconic landmark towers over the city and is usually the first thing visitors spot. The church’s design was inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava columns, giving it a dramatic, almost otherworldly appearance. Step inside to admire the minimalist interior, then take the lift to the top of the tower for panoramic views over the colourful rooftops of Reykjavik, the harbour and the surrounding mountains. If you only do one landmark in the city, make it this one (right across the road from Cafe Loki which I’ll talk about later on!).

Explore Harpa Concert Hall

Located on the waterfront, Harpa is one of the most striking buildings in Iceland. Its geometric glass façade reflects the sea and sky, changing appearance depending on the light and weather. It’s free to enter, so even if you’re not attending a concert or event, it’s worth stepping inside to admire the architecture and views across the harbour.

Walk Along the Waterfront to Sun Voyager

The Sun Voyager sculpture (steps away from Harpa!) resembles a Viking ship and symbolises exploration and new beginnings. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Reykjavik, especially at sunset when the sky turns pastel and Mount Esja forms a dramatic backdrop across the bay. The coastal walking path here is peaceful and perfect for a slow stroll.

Wander Laugavegur & the 101 District

Laugavegur is Reykjavik’s main shopping street and the heart of the downtown 101 district. You’ll find independent boutiques, Nordic design shops, outdoor gear stores, record shops, cosy cafés and lively bars. This is the best place to get a feel for the city’s personality. Take your time, duck into side streets and enjoy the colourful buildings and street art scattered throughout the area.

Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street

A few steps away from Laugavegur you’ll find the famous Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street. Make sure you walk through it! It’s a perfect spot for an iconic photo too, especially if you manage to go when it’s quiet: at the top of the road you’ll see Hallgrímskirkja. I did not take a good photo 😒. So here are much better ones I found on Unsplash (credit below):

Discover Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

The Old Harbour blends traditional fishing boats with trendy restaurants and tour operators. It’s a lovely place to wander, especially in the late afternoon. Many boat tours depart from here and it’s also a great spot for seafood restaurants and casual dining with sea views.

Visit the National Museum of Iceland

If you want to understand Iceland beyond the landscapes, this museum offers an engaging overview of the country’s history, from Viking settlement to modern-day society. It’s not overwhelming in size, making it manageable even if you’re short on time and it adds helpful context to everything you’ll see around Iceland.

Head Up to Perlan

Perlan sits on a hill overlooking Reykjavik and offers one of the best viewpoints in the city. Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibitions about glaciers, volcanoes and Iceland’s natural forces. It’s an excellent option if the weather isn’t ideal or if you’re travelling with family and want something educational but engaging.

Relax in a Local Geothermal Pool

Visiting a public swimming pool is one of the most authentic things to do in Reykjavik. Icelanders use pools as social spaces, gathering in the hot tubs to chat and unwind. It’s far more affordable than luxury lagoons and gives you a genuine glimpse into local life. Just be prepared for the pre-swim shower rules, which are taken seriously.

Go Whale Watching from the Old Harbour

Whale watching tours operate year-round, though sightings depend on season and conditions. From minke whales to humpbacks and dolphins, it’s a unique way to experience Iceland’s marine life just minutes from the city centre.

Join a Northern Lights Tour (Winter)

Between October and April, when nights are dark enough, you can join guided tours that leave Reykjavik to search for the Northern Lights. Clear skies are essential and sightings are never guaranteed, but witnessing the aurora dancing across the Icelandic sky is unforgettable.

Explore Reykjavik’s Street Art Scene

Murals and large-scale artworks are scattered throughout downtown, giving the city a creative, slightly edgy feel. Keep your eyes open as you wander; some of the best pieces aren’t marked on maps and are discovered by accident.

Join a Walking Tour

One of the best ways to experience Reykjavik is on foot with a knowledgeable guide. The city offers excellent walking tours, including tip-based “free” tours that cover history, folklore, politics and local culture. They’re informative, often surprisingly funny, and a great way to meet fellow travellers if you’re visiting solo. Even if you normally skip tours, Reykjavik’s compact size makes a guided walk feel manageable and genuinely worthwhile. If you’re a regular reader you’ll know I’m a BIG FAN of these walking tours we find all over Europe!

Visit Hús máls og menningar

Iceland is a VERY bookish country! From their Christmas Eve tradition of exchanging books as gifts and reading the night away to Reykjavik being selected as the first non-native English speaking city to receive the title of UNESCO City of LIterature. And one of my favourite spots in the city is Hús máls og menningar, the “Old Bookshop” which is actually bookshop (English + Icelandic), a bar, a live music venue AND a breakfast spot!

Reykjavik may not overwhelm you with attractions, but that’s exactly its appeal. It’s a city best experienced at a gentle pace, where the combination of culture, coastline and creativity makes even simple walks memorable.

REYKJAVIK CITY GUIDE

How Many Days Do You Need in Reykjavik?

Reykjavik works well as a short city break or as the start/end of a longer Iceland trip.

1 day: See the highlights and get a feel for the city.
2 days: Add museums, geothermal pools and better food exploration.
3 days: Use one day for a Golden Circle or nearby nature tour.

1 Day in Reykjavik: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary

If you only have one day, focus on the essentials.

Start your morning at Hallgrímskirkja, the city’s iconic church inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava columns. Take the lift to the top of the tower for panoramic views over the colourful rooftops and surrounding mountains. It’s the best introduction to Reykjavik’s layout.

From there, walk down Skólavörðustígur (the rainbow street) towards Laugavegur, the main shopping street. Stop for coffee and a pastry along the way. Reykjavik does cosy cafés extremely well!

You could slot in a walking tour to get a 1:30hr tour of the city and learn more about its history…

In the afternoon, head to Harpa Concert Hall. Even if you don’t attend a performance, step inside to admire the geometric glass façade and harbour views. Continue walking along the waterfront to Sun Voyager, a striking steel sculpture that resembles a Viking ship and makes for a beautiful photo spot, especially at sunset.

Finish your day at the Old Harbour area for dinner and drinks or head over to one of the restaurants I’ll recommend further down.

Everything in this itinerary is walkable and can be done at a relaxed pace.

2 Days in Reykjavik: Add Culture & Relaxation

With a second day, you can explore some of the city’s cultural highlights and experience Iceland’s famous geothermal bathing culture.

Consider visiting the National Museum of Iceland to understand Iceland’s Viking history and cultural development. It provides helpful context for everything you’ll see around the country.

Another excellent stop is Perlan, which combines interactive exhibitions with an observation deck offering sweeping views over Reykjavik and the coastline.

In the afternoon, relax at Sky Lagoon, just outside the city. Its infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean feels luxurious yet authentic. Many visitors also compare it with the Blue Lagoon, which is closer to the airport and often visited on arrival or departure day or as part of the Golden Circle tour.

If you’re on a budget, Reykjavik’s local public swimming pools are a fantastic alternative: affordable, less crowded and genuinely local.

3 Days in Reykjavik: Add a Golden Circle Day Trip

Most visitors spend their third day exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle.

The Golden Circle includes three major stops:
Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and learn about Iceland’s historic parliament site.
Geysir, home to Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes.
Gullfoss, a powerful, two-tiered waterfall that’s one of Iceland’s most impressive sights.

You can either self-drive (ideal if you want flexibility and extra stops) or join a guided tour (stress-free and perfect if you prefer not to drive in winter conditions).

My main advice is that you book in advance if you’re joining a tour! We almost didn’t make one as our trip was so last minute. We ended up on this Viator tour and loved it! Our guide was excellent, super friendly and played Icelandic music the whole way to showcase the local talent (many of them super famous, of course, like Bjork and Of Monsters & Men).

It included the Kerid volcano crater (where we saw the sun rise at 11am!), the Fridheimar tomato farm where we could have a quick lunch in a massive greenhouse and entrance to the Blue Lagoon to wind down at the end of the tour (we had 2 hours there).

As it was winter the sun had long gone down and it looked SO cool in the dark! They also had people walking around and shining big spotlights on couples if it looked like they were doing something they shouldn’t 😂

Best Bakeries in Reykjavik

Icelandic pastries are not to be underestimated. Iceland is not technically Scandinavia but 1) it’s Scandi adjacent and 2) they come from Norway so… it’s no surprise their pastries are gorgeous.

Brauð & Co is probably the most popular bakery in Reykjavik! Famous for its cinnamon buns and often has a queue out the door, for good reason.

Sandholt is ideal if you want a sit-down brunch or beautifully presented pastries in a more relaxed setting.

Deig Workshop offers creative and indulgent options if you want something slightly different.

Prices are higher than in most European cities, but the quality is excellent.