Reykjavík may be one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, but don’t let its size fool you. This colourful, creative city has a big personality. Surrounded by mountains and sea, and shaped by its volcanic roots and Viking heritage, Reykjavík is where Icelandic culture meets everyday life. That’s why in this post we bring you the top things to see and do in Reykjavík.
Reykjavík packs in a remarkable variety of things to see and do. From iconic landmarks and lively neighbourhoods to soothing hot pools and quirky museums, the city offers a little bit of everything.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the very best things to see and experience in Reykjavík. Perfect whether you have a few hours or a few days to explore.
1. Visit Hallgrímskirkja and take in the views
Towering over the city centre, Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavík’s most famous building. The church’s design, inspired by the basalt columns found in Icelandic lava fields, is striking both inside and out. You can take the elevator to the top of the 74.5-metre tower for panoramic views across the colourful rooftops of Reykjavík, Faxaflói Bay, and even Mount Esja on a clear day. The surrounding square often features street musicians and artists, making it a great place to start your exploration.
2. Admire Harpa Concert Hall
Down by the old harbour, Harpa is an architectural gem of Reykjavík. Its honeycomb-like glass facade, designed in collaboration with artist Ólafur Elíasson, reflects the shifting Icelandic light beautifully throughout the day. Inside, you’ll find performance halls, exhibitions, and a cosy café. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and regularly hosts concerts, theatre, dance, and other cultural events.
-Even if you’re not attending a performance, the building is well worth a visit for its design and views.
-If you’re curious about what’s on during your stay, check the programme here for concerts, guided tours, and other events open to the public.
3. Walk along the Sculpture & Shore Walk
From Harpa, follow the Sculpture & Shore Walk west toward the Sun Voyager (Sólfar), an abstract steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason. Designed as an ode to discovery, the sculpture resembles a Viking ship and is a popular photo stop, especially at sunset. Continue along the shoreline for views of the sea and Esja mountain, and you’ll reach Höfði House, where Reagan and Gorbachev held their famous summit in 1986.
4. Explore the Old Harbour District
Once Reykjavík’s industrial port, this area has transformed into one of the most vibrant quarters of the city. It’s home to excellent seafood restaurants:
- The Sea Baron (Sægreifinn), known for its lobster soup.
- Messinn, famous for its sizzling fish pans.
From the harbour, you can also join a variety of boat tours. Companies like Elding and Special Tours offer whale watching, and puffin spotting tours (in summer).
5. Discover Iceland’s nature at Perlan
Set on a hill with a glass dome visible from across the city, Perlan is part exhibition space, part nature museum, and part observation deck. The Wonders of Iceland exhibition features a real indoor ice cave, a 360° planetarium film about the Northern Lights, and interactive displays on volcanoes and glaciers. Don’t miss the open-air viewing platform for sweeping city views.
6. Enjoy Reykjavík’s geothermal swimming culture
Public swimming pools are a central part of daily life in Iceland, and Reykjavík has some of the best. Sundhöllin, located near the city centre, is the oldest pool in Reykjavík and was recently renovated to include outdoor hot tubs and a cold plunge pool. For a larger, family-friendly experience, Laugardalslaug offers slides, steam rooms, and spacious hot tubs.
If you’re looking for something more upscale, the Sky Lagoon offers a spa-like experience with ocean views and a 7-step Icelandic bathing ritual. It’s located just 10 minutes from downtown and offers shuttle service to and from the city centre.
And don’t forget to check out our recommendations for the best tours from Reykjavik.
7. Dive into Icelandic culture and history at local museums
Reykjavík’s museums are ideal for rainy days, or any time you want to go deeper into Icelandic life:
- The National Museum of Iceland is a must for anyone curious about the story of Iceland, from the arrival of the first Norse settlers to modern times. With more than 2,000 artefacts, including Viking swords, turf house interiors, and religious relics, the museum offers a clear and engaging timeline of Icelandic culture. Interactive elements and well-designed exhibitions make it great for visitors of all ages.
- The Saga Museum brings Iceland’s legendary past vividly to life. Using realistic, life-sized silicone figures, the museum recreates key moments from the Icelandic sagas, including dramatic battles, volcanic eruptions, and scenes of early settlement. Each display is accompanied by an audio guide in multiple languages, making it easy to follow even if you’re new to Icelandic history.
- Icelandic Lava Show offers a one-of-a-kind experience where you can witness real lava flowing at 1,100°C, right in front of you. This is the only live lava show in the world and it’s as educational as it is thrilling. You’ll learn how Iceland’s landscapes are formed through volcanic activity, and how locals have adapted to living on one of the most geologically active islands on Earth. It’s located in the Grandi area and perfect for families, science lovers, and anyone who’s ever wondered what lava really looks like up close.
- Aurora Reykjavík is a fantastic place to learn about the aurora borealis, especially if your chances of seeing them outdoors are slim. The museum features interactive displays, a 4K time-lapse theatre, and an immersive Northern Lights photo gallery. You’ll also find tips on how to photograph the aurora yourself, making it the perfect stop before heading out on one of EastWest’s Northern Lights tours.
8. Wander through Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur
Reykjavík’s main shopping and café streets offer much more than retail therapy. Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur are full of independent boutiques, design stores like Hrím and 66°North, plus bookstores, vintage stores, and coffee spots.
If you’re looking for a truly Icelandic souvenir, stop by the Handknitting Association of Iceland on Skólavörðustígur. This cooperative was founded in 1977 and supports local knitters across the country. Here you’ll find authentic Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysur), hats, scarves, mittens, and more (all hand-knit from warm, water-resistant lopi wool). Each piece is unique and comes with a tag that tells you who made it.
Along the way, you’ll also see colourful houses and murals. Reykjavík’s street art scene is thriving and adds a splash of surprise to every corner.
9. Try Icelandic flavours
From traditional dishes to modern comfort food, Reykjavík’s culinary scene offers something for every taste and budget. Sample plokkfiskur (fish stew), grilled lamb, or rye bread ice cream. Top-rated spots include Fiskfélagið (The Fish Company) for creative fusion seafood, and Café Loki for homemade Icelandic classics in a relaxed setting right by Hallgrímskirkja.
For something simple, warm, and satisfying, stop by Svarta Kaffið on Laugavegur. This cosy little café is famous for its soup served inside a bread bowl (usually one meat-based and one vegetarian option that changes daily). It’s a local favourite for good reason: hearty, affordable, and delicious.
And of course, don’t leave without trying the famous hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, loved by locals and visitors alike since 1937. Visit the linked post for more traditional Icelandic food ideas.
10. Relax like a local
What makes Reykjavík special is not just the sights: it’s the atmosphere. You’ll notice how walkable, welcoming, and human-scaled the city feels. Take your time, enjoy a book in Austurvöllur Square, watch the ducks in Tjörnin pond, or sip a coffee while the city goes by.
It’s this everyday magic that makes people fall in love with Reykjavík.
Final Tip:
Reykjavík is full of surprises waiting to be discovered. Its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, while its mix of culture, creativity, and nature makes it unforgettable. Use it as your base before heading out on one of our small-group tours or take a day to enjoy all the colour and calm the city has to offer.
This list is just a starting point. Depending on the season, you might find live music festivals in the parks, pop-up markets along the harbour, or families enjoying ice cream walks even in the middle of winter.
And if you’re travelling with children, there’s even more to enjoy! The city is full of family-friendly spots, creative play areas, and hands-on museums. For ideas specially tailored to younger travellers, check out our blog post: Things to Do in Reykjavík with Kids. You will find tips to keep the little ones engaged while the grown-ups soak in the local charm.
