Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city, is located in Southwestern Iceland on the edge of Faxaflói Bay. It’s a city often overlooked as just a gateway to explore the country’s wilderness, but there’s so much to be discovered within Reykjavik itself. Despite sitting just below the Arctic Circle, there’s a warmth to everything here, from the people, to the colourful houses, to the coffee shops and boutiques. The charming, walkable city has an unhurried pace which makes it feel more like a small town, surrounded by the most spectacular nature.

Exploring Reykjavik itself can be done in 1-2 days as it is so compact, but you could easily spend longer enjoying the city’s relaxed pace, especially if you’re also doing day trips. The city has a calming feel, but there are definitely moments of energy. Reykjavik is perfect for nature lovers, solo travelers, couples and creatives. It is an expensive city, with high costs for food, drink and accommodation, however there are many free and low cost attractions. With use of hostels and self catering facilities, budget travelers can still make it work.

Unmissable Things to Do in Reykjavik

Hallgrímskirkja Church

This Lutheran Church, the tallest building in the city, towers over Reykjavik’s skyline. The bold, modernist church, inspired by Iceland’s landscapes was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, and took 40 years to complete. It is centrally located, at the top of Skólavörðustígur, and entry to the church is free. Entry to the observation tower costs 1,400 ISK (£8.40 GBP/$11.45 USD), and will provide you with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the harbour, the mountains and the North Atlantic.

Harpa Concert Hall

This cultural and architectural gem sits right on the waterfront. It’s a concert and event venue, home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. It often holds concerts, festivals and exhibitions, many of which are free. The multicoloured, geometric panels of the building reflect the light, sky and sea during the day, whilst at night, they have shifting LED patterns, making it an incredibly photogenic attraction. It’s free to enter, and has great views of the harbour and Mount Esja.

Old Harbour

The Old Harbour is the perfect place for sightseeing and soaking in the city’s atmosphere. Reykjavik’s history and modern charm blend perfectly here, with old fishing sheds and docks, now transformed into cafes, boutiques and incredible seafood restaurants. You can take a boat trip from here for harbour sightseeing, whale watching, puffin watching or a Northern Lights cruise.

Skólavörðustígur(Rainbow Street)

Skólavörðustígur is one of Reykjavik’s most well known and youthful streets. It’s often referred to by visitors as Rainbow Street due to the rainbow painted path stretching from Laugavegur (the main shopping street) to Hallgrímskirkja Church. The rainbow was painted for Reykjavik Pride, however it was kept as a symbol of LGBTQ+ inclusion and Icelandic openness. The street is lined with boutiques, galleries, shops and cafes, and perfectly reflects Reykjavik’s inclusivity and creativity.

Geothermal Pools

For locals, geothermal pools are a huge part of the culture and their everyday lives, used as a place to relax and catch up with each other. The country is powered by geothermal energy, so there are several geothermal pools around the city (Laugardalslaug is the largest and most popular). Most of them include warm outdoor pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, cold plunges and children’s areas. There are very few places in the world that you can swim outdoors while snow falls around you.

Getting Around Reykjavik

Reykjavik is extremely easy to get around on foot as it is so compact. Most of the attractions are within around 15-20 minutes of each other. If you are travelling a longer distance, you can use the local public bus system, Strætó. It is reliable and covers most of the city. Tickets start at 670 ISK (approx £4.00 GBP/$5.45 USD) and cash is not accepted. Taxis are expensive and so they are not recommended unless necessary.

Planning a Trip to Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is beautiful year round, however your experience will be completely different depending on when you go. For milder weather, long daylight hours and easier travel, May to September is best. Summer brings midnight sun, and the city feels the most alive. For a quieter experience, with the possibility of snow and Northern Lights, November to March is best, but be prepared for unpredictable weather and short days.

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