27 Actually Cool Things to Do in Reykjavik

Whether you’re exploring Iceland or just stopping on a layover, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Reykjavik! From must-see sights to unforgettable foodie experiences, we’ve rounded up the best this city has to offer—plus insider tips from our three visits—to help you plan the perfect trip.

Most visitors overlook Reykjavik in favor of exploring more of Iceland’s incredible landscapes. And admittedly, we did the same on our first visit. But once we finally took the time to properly explore the capital city, we were enchanted.

While small in size, Reykjavik, Iceland is packed with spunk, charm, and fun things to do. Super walkable, extremely safe, and full of Nordic charm, it’s truly one of the  best cities to visit in Europe. 

We know the real reason you come to this country is to chase waterfalls, walk on black sand beaches and gawk at adorable puffins (among other adventurous things to do in Iceland). But it would be a shame to come all this way and totally skip out on Reykjavik. 

Our Experience – Why Trust Us?

We’ve visited this city a total of three times, and can tell you from personal experience that there are a ton of cool things to do in Reykjavik. 

From iconic landmarks to quirky local spots, we’ve spent countless hours walking the colorful streets, sampling Icelandic cuisine, and experiencing the city in different seasons.

As travel bloggers, we don’t just visit a place—we dive deep to find the best experiences, practical tips, and insider knowledge to help you make the most of your trip. 

Whether you have just a handful of hours or a few days to explore Iceland’s charming capital city, we’ve got you covered with tons of personal recommendations for how to spend your time in Reykjavik. 

Want more ideas? Well, you are in for a treat, my friend, because this article is absolutely PACKED with the very best things to do in Reykjavik, plus all sorts of insider tips! 

Now let’s jump right in…

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1. Take a food tour

If you’re like us and you love sampling local flavors on your travels, there’s no better way to experience a huge amount of Icelandic cuisine at one time than by taking a food tour with Reykjavik Food Walk. Along with a local guide and other travelers, you’ll sample dishes all over town and learn a lot about the country’s cuisine.

We don’t want to spoil too much of the tour for you, but you’ll eat at fancy spots as well as hole-in-the-wall locales, and you’ll get to taste a variety of different dishes.

Sound like it’s up your alley? We’ve got an exclusive discount code just for you! When you make your reservation online, be sure to use the code TWS10 at checkout to get 10% off your tour.

If you don’t want to do an organized tour, we’ve created a list of all the different Icelandic foods to try during your trip so you can do a little DIY tour of your own!

2. Climb Hallgrimskirkja Church

Reykjavik from above is a beautiful sight — with its brightly-colored buildings and oceanside location. Being that it is a relatively flat city, you can’t really get a good glimpse from the ground. 

The best viewpoint in town is from the viewing platform at the top of Hallgrimskirkja Church.

Our advice is to use the Vedur app (the most accurate app for Icelandic weather forecasts and one of our top Iceland travel apps) to see which will be your clearest day in Reykjavik, and use that to plan your visit to the viewing platform.

In addition to seeing the view from above, be sure to get a good glimpse of the church from the ground, as it is beautiful and one of the most photographed spots in Reykjavik.

Fun Fact: The unique design of this church was inspired by the basalt column rock formations you can see around the country (at places like Reynisfjara black sand beach and Stuðlagil Canyon). 

3. Take a Free Walking Tour

We love free walking tours—they’re a great way to explore a new city, meet locals, and get insider tips. 

Our tour with City Walk was fantastic! Our guide was funny, shared insights about growing up in Iceland, and happily answered all our questions—from history to the best fish in town. We walked away with fun facts and local knowledge we never would’ve learned on our own.

Reserve your spot here (bookings open just a few days in advance).

Good to know: Even though it is called a “free” walking tour, it is expected that you tip your guide for their time. The amount you choose to pay is up to you, but keep in mind that Iceland has a high cost of living, so your contribution should reflect that.

4. Take a stroll down “Rainbow Street”

The street that leads up to Hallgrimskirkja is famed for its rainbow design. 

While the name of this street is Skólavörðustígur, that’s a mouthful. So let’s just call it the “Rainbow Street” from now on, shall we?

Bustling with tourists and locals, this is one of the busiest walking streets in town.

While on Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street, pop into photo galleries to see some spectacular photos of Iceland, and shop to your heart’s content at the cute boutiques that line this street. Or stop in a cafe or restaurant to warm up with a bowl of soup or hot coffee.

Good to know: There’s another “rainbow street” in the small town of Seyðisfjörður in eastern Iceland. Again, it leads up to the community’s small church, and makes a pretty epic photo opportunity.

5. Soak in luxury hot springs

Because of all the geothermal activity in Iceland, there are amazing hot springs all around the country! If you’re a soaking fiend (like we are!), you’ll be happy to know that two of the best hot springs in Iceland are located not far from Reykjavik’s city center, making it possible to enjoy them even if you are on a short stopover.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly the most famous hot spring in the entire country, and for good reason. The milky blue waters surrounded by lava stones are stunning. Plus, with a complimentary beverage (prosecco, please!) and silica face mask, you’ll feel totally pampered soaking here.

Sky Lagoon

The newly-opened Sky Lagoon is another luxurious soaking option near Reykjavik. Famed for its signature 7-step “Ritual”, hot spring goers will feel like they’re at a spa as they rotate between the cold dip, sauna (the coolest one we’ve ever seen!), salt scrub, cold mist, and more.

Neither the Blue Lagoon nor Sky Lagoon are cheap, but they’re both a worthy splurge if your budget allows.

Traveling on a budget? If you’re more of a “ramen noodle traveler” than a “fine Italian dining type”, read #8, as it’s a much more budget-friendly hot spring alternative…

6. Day trip to the Golden Circle

Driving the “Golden Circle” is sort of a rite of passage on most visitors’ first trip to Iceland. The popular driving route loops from Reykjavík past three major attractions and back to Reykjavík, making it the perfect day trip adventure.

Our guide to the Golden Circle is packed with info on how to make this day trip, including useful tidbits and hidden gems along the way.

Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle Route: Perfect Itinerary [2025]

→ Psst! Be sure to check out our guide to getting a rental car in Iceland to find out how to get the best rates and all sorts of tips for driving in Iceland you may want to know before you hit the road!

7. Sample Reykjavik craft beer

If you’re a craft beer fan (hey, us too!), you won’t find a ton of options on tap throughout the far reaches of Iceland. However, Reykjavik has a pretty decent (and growing!) craft brewing scene that is worth checking out while in the city.

Small breweries are still a relatively new thing as beer was actually outlawed until 1989. (Yes, you read that correctly!) 

Good to know: Alcohol in general is expensive in Iceland, and craft beer is no exception. Expect to pay somewhere around 1,000 – 1,400 ISK ($7.50 – $10.50) per pint of craft beer.

8. Chat with locals in a public pool

Not into the whole luxury hot spring thing (or just can’t justify the steep price tag!)? We get it, and luckily, there’s a much more budget-friendly alternative.

Instead of going to one of the luxury (and pricey!) hot springs mentioned above, head to a public pool. That’s right, public pools in Iceland are a big thing and are particularly popular with locals. In fact, you may be one of only a few tourists.

While public pools aren’t free, they are typically a very reasonable price (think somewhere between $8 – $10 per person.

Insider Tip: You should plan on bringing your own towel, as they typically are not provided. We like to pack a microfiber towel like this one on our trips because it packs up small and dries quickly.

→ Traveling on a budget? We’ve got all sorts of money-saving tips for Iceland here that should be helpful!

9. Explore the town by scooter

We’ve seen electric scooter rentals in cities around the world, but it wasn’t until our trip to Reykjavik that we finally tried them out. And I’ve gotta say, it was really freaking fun! 

Renting electric scooters allowed us to see even more during our stay in Reykjavik, and we still walked a TON. 

Not only are electric scooters convenient and a good way to get around in a city where public transportation is limited and taxis are crazy expensive, but it’s fun too!

*How to get Internet in Iceland: In order to start and complete your rental, you will need to have Internet access (either via WiFi or cell signal). Find out how to get an international SIM card for your travels before you go!

10. Photograph the Sun Voyager

This statue is one of those things you “have to see” while in Reykjavik, and while it’s not that large or intricate, it is a nice quick stop to add to your time in the city. 

If you can time it right, seeing this sculpture at sunset is quite a sight, and it makes a pretty great photograph.

11. Harpa Concert Hall

Perched on the Atlantic’s edge, this award-winning concert hall is an architectural masterpiece. If your budget allows, check for shows during your visit. Even if you don’t catch a concert, it’s worth admiring the building’s striking design.

Architect Olafur Eliasson drew inspiration from Iceland’s landscape, mimicking the country’s hexagonal basalt columns in the facade. At night, the illuminated glass panels ripple like the Northern Lights—a breathtaking sight.

Insider tip: Unless there is an active event, you can typically go inside and see the building from within. Walk up to the top floor for a nice view!

12. Shop antiques at the weekend flea market

Kolaportið flea market is located downtown near the harbor and is worth a stroll if you’re in the area on a weekend. Only open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, this is Iceland’s only flea market.

Inside, you’ll find stands selling typical souvenirs as well as artisan-made goods like jewelry and Icelandic wool sweaters, known as Lopapeysa.

If you go a little further back, you’ll find food items, like dried fish (which you can sample free of charge) and gourmet infused salts (which make a great gift or souvenir). In the very back of the building there is an aisle dedicated to antique and thrifted items.  

Overall, it’s kind of a small venue and the prices are higher than you may expect at a typical flea market, but you might just find some gems.

13. Cozy up in a cute cafe

Reykjavik has a strong coffee house culture. I mean, it’s not to the level of Seattle or Portland (but really, what city is?!). 

Nevertheless, you’ll find plenty of cute cafes to cozy up inside and escape the wind or rain or snow (or all three!).

Just pop into whatever coffee shop looks most inviting, or check out this list of cuties to choose from:

14. Go Whale Watching

Iceland is a great destination to spot these gentle giants, so if whale watching is on your bucket list listen up…

Reykjavik and Húsavík are the two most popular places to go on a whale watching tour in Iceland.

If your itinerary doesn’t include Húsavík, you’ll likely want to book a whale watching tour in Reykjavik. Our advice is to look into the different tours and see how they compare. Opt for smaller tours if possible.

Good to know: Iceland has some very strict rules when it comes to this type of tourism. Whale watching boats are not allowed to use sonar to “find” the whales. They must keep their distance, allowing them to go about life in their natural habitats. These strict rules are a huge win in the world of responsible tourism, but just know that this means seeing whales is never guaranteed. We didn’t get super lucky on our whale watching tour, as we saw only one from a pretty far distance. But that makes seeing one up close even more special!

15. Taste the most famous hot dog in Iceland

You can’t leave Reykjavik without trying the city’s most famous hot dog! 

Okay, well, if you’re a vegetarian, then you get a pass. And I should admit that I visited Reykjavik three times before trying this world-renowned street food.

Don’t be like me and miss out, because even as someone who generally just isn’t a huge fan of hot dogs, I have to admit, this one is pretty damn good.

Situated smack dab in downtown Reykjavik, you’ll find a small street stand that would be unassuming if it weren’t for the near-constant line of locals and tourists waiting for their pylsa (aka Icelandic hot dog).

The stand is called Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which translates to “the best in town”. And they’ve been serving up one dish, and one dish only, since 1937. 

Do you love trying local foods on your travels? Make sure you check out our list of Icelandic foods to sample on your trip (and which foods to skip!).

16. Wander the harbor

Head down to the harbor for a fun late afternoon stroll. You’ll first pass through a section known as the Old Harbour where most of the sightseeing boats are moored. And if you keep going, you’ll eventually come to what’s known as the “new harbor”.

This area comes alive at night, with the garage-style doors in a somewhat industrial-looking area opening up to reveal trendy boutiques and cozy cafes. With lots of dining options, we’d recommend to come hungry!

Insider Tip: If you’re up for it, rent an electric scooter (#7 on this list) to explore this area, as it’s quite a walk!

17. Walk to the top of Þúfa

Toward the end of the harbor, you’ll spot a perfectly symmetrical grassy mound that seems a bit out of place. As you approach this grassy knoll, you will notice a trail that spirals upward to the top where a small wooden hut sits. 

Good to know: Þúfa is pronounced th-oo-fha as the “Þ” symbol makes a “th” sound.

If you walk to this point and peek inside the locked hut, you’ll see a somewhat startling sight… dried fish hanging from strings. This is to illustrate the traditional way of making harðfiskur, or dried fish, which is a popular Icelandic snack.

Our opinion: Honestly, it’s not worth going too far out of your way to see this (in our opinions), but if you’re already down by the harbor, it is kind of a unique thing to do and offers a pretty unique view of the city.

18. Hike Mount Esja

Once at the top of this little hill, take in the views of the bay and the city. You’ll get a particularly good view of Harpa Concert Hall!

This art installation was created in 2013, and stands 8 meters (25 feet) tall, making it one of the largest artworks ever made in Iceland.

If you’re an avid hiker and are looking for a challenging trek near the capital city, Mount Esja is calling your name. 

At just a 10 km drive from Reykjavik, this hike can be easily done as a day trip from the city. 

19. Treat yo’self to a fancy dinner

If your budget allows, we’d highly recommend planning at least one “splurge meal” while in Reykjavik, as there are so many spectacular restaurants in this city. 

While we can only speak to a couple of fancy-schmancy restaurants, we have a foodie friend who lives in Reykjavik and gave us some pretty killer recommendations:

Insider Tip: We’d recommend making a reservation at most of these establishments, as they do get busy.

→ Fancy dinner won’t fit in your budget? No worries, there are plenty of more affordable options too. Check our recommended restaurants in our Reykjavik Travel Guide for some budget-friendly options.

20. Laugh the night away at a Comedy Show

We love a good comedy show and try to seek them out in big cities on our travels. 

The Secret Cellar hosts regular shows in English that are sure to have you in tears (tears of laughter, that is!). Be sure to check their calendar to see if there are any shows during your stay in Reykjavik and reserve your seats in advance.

21. Scope out the city’s street art scene

Reykjavik is a colorful city. And we’re not just talking about the brightly hued building facades. If you look for it, you’ll find that Reykjavik has a pretty good street art scene, with murals and art installations on just about every block downtown.

22. Eat as many pastries as possible at Braud & Co

Typically on travels, we don’t repeat restaurants because there are so many to explore. But Braud & Co. was an exception. We got pastries here 3 times. THREE times. They’re that good. 

Be sure to stop here at least once during your time in Reykjavik for a super tasty treat. Everything we had there was great, so we’d suggest getting a few to sample. There aren’t signs labeling the pastries, but the staff do a good job of explaining what they are if you ask. Or, just point at whatever looks good!

Alternative: Another good pastry shop in town is Sandholt, though, we’re partial to the baked goods at Braud & Co.

23. Go museum hopping

Let your inner-nerd shine at one of the many, many museums in Reykjavik. For a small city, there sure are lots of options. 

While we haven’t personally visited any of these establishments, here are some of the most popular and famous museums in Reykjavik:

Quirky museums

• Icelandic Phallological Museum: Yep, this is a museum dedicated to penises, and you’ll find more than 200 on display from all sorts of wildlife and sea creatures.
• The Icelandic Punk Museum: Small museum dedicated to the history of punk in Iceland. This used to be an underground public restroom. Take that for quirky! For Iceland, the entrance fee of 1200 ISK ($9) is very cheap. 

Free museum

• The Einar Jónsson Museum: This free sculpture garden is located near Hallgrimskirkja Church, and features pieces made by Iceland’s first sculpture. Many of them represent parts of Icelandic history and Norse mythology.

Other popular Reykjavik museums

• National Museum of Iceland: discover artifacts, art, photography, and temporary exhibitions that date back to when Iceland was first settled to today. 
• Whales of Iceland Museum: life size models and interactive features showcase Iceland’s regional whale populations.
• Saga Museum: this museum recreates key moments of Icelandic history.
• Reykjavik Maritime Museum: former fish factory with historic ships that tells the story of how Iceland’s fishing industry shaped the country.
• Aurora Reykjavik: interactive and educational museum about witnessing the northern lights in Iceland. 
• Arbaer Open Air Museum: highlights the history and folklore of Iceland through relocated houses, objects, and other exhibits.
• Settlement Exhibition: explore remnants of a 10th century viking settlement.

24. Check out Laugavegur Street

The coolest and liveliest spot in Reykjavik is Laugavegur Street.

You can easily spend a day wandering along the road and stopping at everything that catches your eye. From innovative designs to housewares, clothes, and culture, you’ll get a taste of everything that encompasses Iceland’s charm. 

Pop into Spúútnik for the city’s most beloved vintage finds, Kaldi Bar to try one of Iceland’s first craft beers, or Hús Máls og Menningar to browse books among live music.

25. Enjoy the city’s nightlife scene

Outside of Reykjavik, there is little nightlife to speak of. If you want to get your dance, or drink, or freak on while traveling in Iceland, you’ll be happy to know Reykjavik actually has quite a lively nightlife scene. 

Best nightlife in Reykjavik:

You could simply wander down Laugavegur, aka the main street in Reykjavik, and pop into any bar or pub that speaks to you. But if you want some unique recommendations, we’ve got you covered.

Local and laidback vibes:

• Hidden gem feels: Kaldi Bar/Café
• Local vibe with a good happy hour: Bravó
• Laidback Reykjavik coffeehouse/club with DJs: Kaffibarinn
• Proper Irish pub atmosphere: The Irishman Pub

Unique nightlife in Reykjavik:

• Bookstore + live music + drinks? Sign us up! Hús máls og menningar has a classy vibe and features live music and cocktails.
• Good happy hour & weekly trivia: Lebowski Bar:
  • Trivia every Thursday night at 9 p.m., entry is free 
  • Happy hour from 4 – 7 p.m.
• Catch live music: Skugga Baldur Bar
• Shameless touristy experience: Magic Ice Bar
• Seriously good cocktails ($$$) with a vibe: Jungle Cocktail Bar

26. Find this hidden box

If you want to go on kind of a fun scavenger hunt, you can look for a geocache box that’s hidden in the city. We’ll give you a couple of clues…

If you do find this box (congrats!), try to find our entry (and maybe even our business card, hint, hint!) we left it in August 2021.

27. Snaefellsnes Peninsula day trip

Just northwest of Reykjavik are giant mountains, remote lakes, and sweeping vistas dotted along this iconic peninsula.

There are boundless highlights to see here, but you definitely don’t want to miss Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, hiking in Snaefellsjokull National Park, and snapping photos at Arnarstapi and the Budir Black Church.

Given that it’s a 3-hour drive from Reykjavik, you’ll want to pack up your rental car early for this day trip.

→ Brush up on our guide to renting a car in Iceland for all the must-know information for road tripping and day tripping in Iceland.

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Reykjavik map: All of our recommendations in one place!

Click on the map and enter your email to gain access to our custom Reykjavik Map.

It’s filled with 50+ custom pins of everything on this list, plus our favorite eateries, day trips and more! We’ve made personal notes for each pin and included many of our personal photos so you know exactly what to expect from each pinned location.

First timer’s guide to Reykjavik

If this is your first time visiting Reykjavik, you’ll want to read our First Timer’s guide which is packed with helpful information like how to get around and where to find the best eats.

First-Timer’s Guide to Reykjavik, Iceland

Want the perfect Iceland itinerary planned for you?

If you want to save yourself the hours of research and planning, we’ve got you covered with our done-for-you Iceland South Coast Itinerary. This itinerary includes a lot of what you’ll find in this article, plus so much more!

It covers ALL the bases, from driving directions and timing of activities, to necessary reservations and recommended places to stay.

The itinerary is customizable for 7 days, with 8- or 9-day options, hitting all of the highlights of the Southern Coast of Iceland.

Plan your trip to Iceland

We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our Iceland Homepage for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Check out all of our top recommendations for things to do in Iceland. 
• You’ll want to keep this guide handy if you plan on driving Iceland’s Golden Circle. 
• We’ve got the perfect one week itinerary for your first time in Iceland.
• This article will help you plan the perfect Iceland road trip.
• Read this if you plan on renting a car in Iceland, or if vanlife is more your style, we have a complete guide to campervan rentals in Iceland. 
• And don’t forget camping in Iceland is one of the best ways to save money!
• Get a complete cost breakdown for your Iceland trip and follow our sneaky budget tips to save money!
• Be sure to download these essential Iceland travel apps before your trip!

Don’t miss your chance to grab our Iceland packing list!

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We want to hear from you!

Are you planning a trip to Reykjavik soon? What’s the one thing you’re most excited about doing there? Do you have more questions about traveling in Reykjavik? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!