10 Best Places to Visit in Reykjavik, Capital of Iceland

Reykjavik is a city like no other. As the northernmost capital in the world, it blends stunning natural landscapes with a thriving Nordic culture that’s both modern and deeply rooted in Viking history. Whether you’re here to chase the Northern Lights, explore the city's colorful streets, or soak in a geothermal hot spring, Reykjavik delivers an unforgettable experience.

I’ve explored the city’s top attractions, from its iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church, offering panoramic views of the skyline, to the lively Laugavegur Street, where Icelandic cuisine, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife await. If you love the outdoors, Reykjavik is the gateway to the Golden Circle, home to geyser eruptions, waterfalls, and the Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.

For a relaxing escape, nothing beats the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a short drive from the city, or the Sky Lagoon, a newer geothermal spa with breathtaking ocean views. And let’s not forget Reykjavik’s rich art and museum scene, from the Harpa Concert Hall to the fascinating Perlan Museum, where you can step inside an ice cave year-round.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the best places to visit in Reykjavik, helping you uncover both must-see landmarks and hidden gems. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a food lover, this city has something extraordinary waiting for you.

Top Things to see and do in Reykjavik

Founded in the 9th century by the Norwegian explorer Ingólfur Arnarson , Reykjavík (or Reykjavik) gradually grew to become Iceland's main administrative centre in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1944 , during World War II, Iceland declared independence from Denmark and Reykjavík became the capital of the new republic.

Today, it is the northernmost capital in the world and one of the least populated in Europe, with just 122,000 inhabitants . But seen from a local perspective, it is by far the largest and most lively city. And mind you, it is home to more than 30% of the total population ! In a country covered in green or frozen landscapes (depending on the time of year), Reykjavik is like a much-needed splash of colour . Streets full of murals, museums, sculptures, parks and swimming pools… Are you ready to discover everything that Reykjavik has to offer?

Are you sure you're going to rent a car and explore Iceland on your own? If not, we recommend joining this all-inclusive 8-day Iceland tour that takes you on a super-comprehensive tour of the entire country.

How Long Do You Need in Iceland? : Iceland Tours

1. Hallgrímskirkja Church, one of the symbols of Reykjavík

Discover the fascinating Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavik (be careful not to confuse it with the cathedral), a masterpiece by renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson . With a huge 74-metre tower and a peculiar design inspired by the basalt columns that we see so often in Icelandic natural landscapes, it is the tallest building in the country and undoubtedly the symbol of its capital.

It is open every day from 10am to 5pm and admission is free for all visitors. Its interior is not as impressive as its exterior, but it does have a magnificent pipe organ that delights with its music. For around €10 you can access the tower's viewing platform via a lift and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. More info .

Dominating the square just in front of the main façade of the church is the statue of Leif Erikson , a Viking explorer considered the first European to reach American lands, around the year 1000.

Extra point : in the streets of downtown Reykjavik, parking is paid, but in the surroundings of this church there are plenty of free parking spaces with no time limit.

We stayed at the Odinsve Hotel , very central and in a pleasant little square.

what to see in reykjavik, basalt church

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2. Sun Voyager

One of the best things to do in Reykjavik is to visit the sculpture with the evocative name “ Sun Voyager ”. Designed by the talented Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason and constructed from stainless steel, this contemporary work stands on the seafront , looking out over the serene Faxaflói Bay. On clear days, its glow reflects the light of the Nordic sun.

Affectionately known as “Sólfar”, she is much more than just a sculpture, we might say that she is something of a link between the Icelandic people and the sun . Her stylised form evokes the majesty of a Viking ship , but also sparks the imagination with the figure of a paper boat or even the silhouette of a solitary traveller.

It was built to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the city of Reykjavik and as a symbol of discovery and freedom. We liked it a lot more than we expected!

sculpture of a traveling ship, the sun

3. Harp

On the seafront, not far from the sculpture of the Sun Voyager, we find another place to see in Reykjavik that surprises at first sight. This is the Harpa, the city's concert and conference centre . It has a very curious architecture, especially the façade full of thousands of multicoloured glass hexagons , which reflect the light and seem to shine.

Various events, exhibitions and concerts are held here every day. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a rehearsal by the country's Symphony Orchestra, as this is their home. It's one of the most characteristic buildings in Reykjavik, so don't miss it! You can check out the programme here .

what to see in reykjavík, harpa building

4. Street Art route through the streets of the center

One of the things we were most looking forward to in Reykjavik was a street art tour. There are plenty of examples of urban art and cool murals within the walls of the city centre . In fact, it seems that the Icelandic capital is a benchmark in the street art scene and many artists, both national and international, have left their mark on the city.

Our advice would be to take a nice stroll down some of the main streets in the centre , such as Laugavegur, Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street), Austurstraeti or Laekjargata . If you only have time for a couple, stick to Laugavegur as it’s packed with bars (don’t miss the happy hours, the only way to get a beer at decent prices), restaurants and shops (from sportswear to souvenir shops) and Rainbow Street for an iconic photo of the rainbow street with the Hallgrímskirkja church in the background.

street art in reykjavik

Tip: A place we noted down as soon as we saw its name was the Lebowski Bar , where we had a few pints and a white Russian, of course! It's also a good place to have dinner or a snack: they have a burger + fries + drinks menu that's good, nice and cheap (by Icelandic standards, of course, hehe).

5. National Museum of Iceland

If you are passionate about history, one of the best things to do in Reykjavik is to visit the National Museum of Iceland , where you will take a tour of the country's fascinating past , from its Viking origins to the 20th century. Some of the highlights include ritual masks, a replica of a typical Icelandic hut, and medieval stained glass windows.

The entrance costs about 16€.

If you want more, mark the Saga Museum on the map , where you can find out more about the island's Viking history. We also think it's a great thing to do in Reykjavik with kids.

iceland museum in reykjavik

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6. Lake Tjörnin (and surroundings)

Although apparently somewhat far from the center (we're talking about a 200-meter walk, eh?), this area that includes the surroundings of Lake Tjörnin is one of the liveliest in Reykjavik.

It is worth noting that we coincided with the celebration of the first day of Icelandic summer and not only was the weather nice, but half of Reykjavik was gathered on the terraces of the busy Austurvöllur Square , one of the most popular meeting points for its inhabitants.

In the vicinity of the square there are some significant buildings, such as the Town Hall, which is actually quite ugly, the Lutheran Cathedral , which originally dated back to 1787 although it was later rebuilt, the Althingi or Parliament House, and if you want to have a pint, go into Lemmy , a rather peculiar rock bar.

what to do in reykjavik

7. Eat a hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu

Icelandic cuisine is unique, that's undeniable, and although there are some dishes like hákarl (fermented shark) that we don't like at all hehe, there are others that are worth giving a chance, like skyr , the typical Icelandic yogurt, or plokkfiskur , a super tasty fish stew. But did you know that one of the most famous snacks in Iceland is a hot dog?

We're talking about the Bæjarins Beztu hot dog stand , a true icon of the city since 1937. It became very famous after a visit by Bill Clinton who declared that he had the best hot dog in the world here. After him, other celebrities such as the Kardashians came here. Levelasso ! And the best thing is that it only costs about €6, which is almost a steal for Iceland! Here we recommend 8 restaurants where you can eat in Iceland .

8. And a cinnamon bun from Brauð & Co

Brauð & Co is a popular artisan bakery in Iceland, which has made a name for itself with its fresh and delicious baked goods. The jewel in the crown is the cinnamon roll , a fluffy cinnamon bun with a sweet glaze (although there are other flavours, such as vanilla and pecan). There are several locations around the city, but we went to the one in the centre at Frakkastígur 16, very close to the Church.

Tip : Next to the colourful venue there are some benches and a small play area for children. Right in front of it you will find a speciality café, the Reykjavik Roasters , where you can order a delicious cup of coffee!

Cinnamon bun from braud & co

9. Blue Lagoon (and other hot springs)

Let's start with the downside for backpackers: this geothermal centre is expensive, with an entrance fee of around €80. But if this is your only chance to take a refreshing dip in Icelandic waters or budget is not a problem for you, the Blue Lagoon is without a doubt one of the most beautiful hot springs in Iceland (and one of the most visited, too).

It is located about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, surrounded by volcanic landscapes and is known for its blue hot springs that, obviously, have earned it the name of Blue Lagoon. The temperature ranges between 37-40º, so don't be afraid of the cold! What we did read is that it is not advisable to wet your hair, as it will leave it feeling like a scouring pad, so keep that in mind.

If you prefer to stay in Reykjavik, there are less glamorous alternatives that will save you a few Icelandic crowns. This is the case of the numerous thermal pools you will find in the city (with more affordable prices), the Kvika Footbath near the Grótta Island Lighthouse where you can soak your feet, or the beautiful Sky Lagoon hot springs (prices from €45). We also think that the Hvammsik hot spring is an excellent option. It is located next to a fjord just an hour north of the city.

⭐ We tell you which are the best thermal baths (paid and free) in Iceland .

blue lagoon hot springs iceland

10. Take a trip to the Golden Circle

Anyone planning a trip to Iceland must visit a route or excursion around the Golden Circle , and Reykjavik is the perfect place to start the road trip. Throughout the day you will visit waterfalls , geothermal areas , you will be able to see a geyser in action, meet the beautiful Icelandic horses or do something even more curious: visit the Thingvellir National Park and walk along a tectonic fault between the North American and Eurasian plates.

⭐ Here we tell you everything to see and do on Iceland's Golden Circle .

Other recommended excursions from Reykjavik

The Golden Circle is the most popular and recommended excursion to do from Reykjavik, but not the only one. In fact, there are many different plans suitable for every type of traveler . These are our recommendations, which you can book online:

Langjökull Glacier Ice Cave Tour
Glaciers and waterfalls on the south coast of Iceland
Excursion to Snaefellsnes
Reykjavik geothermal area

gullfoss waterfall

Extra. Only have a few hours?

If you only have a short time in Reykjavik and you can't explore the city on foot, a good idea is to sign up for this free tour of Reykjavik, where you can see the main places of interest accompanied by a Spanish-speaking guide. Or, alternatively, why not hop on the Reykjavik tourist bus and tour the city on wheels?

⭐ Still wondering what the country's must-sees are ? Here are the 15 best things to see and do in Iceland on a first trip .

More things to see and do in Reykjavik

For those who are not short on time, these suggestions are great for filling out a visit to Reykjavik:

To the north of the historic centre we find the area known as Grandi , with old port buildings converted into emerging businesses, such as workshops, exhibitions and a food market.
Something cool to do in Iceland is a whale watching tour if you have never seen them, this may be your chance. Check it out here .
And of course, if you're travelling between September and March, sign up for a tour to see the Northern Lights . More info and prices .

Did you find our post useful? We hope so and that you enjoy your time in the capital of Iceland and even more your adventure through this extraordinary land, which is a paradise for nature lovers. Save this lis tof the top things to see and do in Reykjavik.

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