Reykjavik is a very small city. It might be Iceland’s largest (and it’s capital), but compared to most big cities, it’s practically a fishing village! But thanks to that, it’s a completely unique and wonderful city to explore.
Rather than driving around Iceland, I spent six days in Reykjavik, exploring the city centre and its surrounding area.
So here are the top things to do in Reykjavik Iceland.
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How Long Do You Need In Reykjavik Town Centre?
As I said, Reykjavik in Iceland is very small! So you really don’t need that much time to explore.
One to two days should suffice to see the city, but it will all depend on what you’re interested in. These are my top things to do in Iceland’s capital, but there’s a lot more you can do in the city centre.
For example, there are TONS of museums in Reykjavik alone. I swear, it seems like there’s one for every genre imaginable (and yes, that includes a phallic museum)!
On top of that, some activities in Reykjavik will be short, while others can take up a full day.
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How To Get Around Reykjavik In Iceland?
Most things to do in Reykjavik are within walking distance of one another. I mean, I did compare it to a large fishing town, but it’s still quite a small city!
As always, there are a few exceptions. You might want a car to get to some things to do in the city of Reykajvik.
But you are in a city, so if you don’t have a car, there is public transportation, taxis, and even public electric scooters!
Needless to say, you shouldn’t have any issues getting around.
Top 10 Things To Do In The City Of Reykjavik
1. Free Walking Tour Of Reykjavik Town Centre
This is one of my top things to do in Reykjavik when you first arrive. Not only will it help you find your bearings in a new city, but also provide some background information on Reykjavik and Iceland.
A walking tour will take you to all the important, historical, and even trendy spots around Reykjavik in Iceland.
I went on CityWalk’s free walking tour (see it here) and would recommend it, although it’s only possible to reserve a spot a few days in advance. It is a tip based model, so keep in mind that it’s not 100% free either.
You can also book a small group walking tour of Reykjavik on Viator here.
If you aren’t one for organized tours, you can also go on a self-guided audio tour at your own pace with Viator, check it out here.
Walking Tours Of Reykjavik With Viator
Small group walking tour of Reykjavik →
Food walking tour of Reykjavik →
For more organized tours in Reykjavik Iceland, click here.
2. Get An Unbeatable View From The Top Of Hallgrimskirkja Church
I’m never a fan of visiting churches on vacation. But, Hallgrimskirkja Church stands out from the pack.
For starters, it doesn’t look like any church I’ve seen before! But you also get a surreal view of Reykjavik town centre and surroundings from the top.
And I haven’t even told you the best part yet! Because Hallgrimskirkja Church is a relatively new construction, the way to the top could not be easier! It’s a normal elevator, and a VERY normal staircase (not cramped and winding like in some more historical churches).
At the top, you get a 360 degree view around Reykjavik in Iceland. You can see all the vibrant colours of the buildings below, as far out to the sea and mountains. It’s incredible! It lets you appreciate things you wouldn’t otherwise see from street level.
I will give you a heads up though, you are in the bell tower once you’re at the top, and the bells are very much in use. When we visited, the church bells rang EVERY 15 minutes (00, 15, 30, and 45).
You don’t really need longer than 15 minutes at the top, but I would definitely plan around this…
3. Enjoy Traditional Icelandic Food At Cafe Loki
Part of visiting Iceland, and learning about Icelandic culture is the food. Traditional Icelandic food is very… how do I say it… original.
A lot of Icelandic cuisine is fermented and there aren’t a lot of fresh vegetables. This is due to the harsh weather they have all year round. So as a result, you end up with potatoes, a lot of fish, and bread!
There’s a lot of food to try in Iceland (don’t believe me? See my list here), and one of the best places to try all the traditional food at once is right in the heart of Reykjavik, at Cafe Loki.
They serve all the traditional Icelandic food you should try while you’re here. You can order an entire platter to get a bit of everything, or pick and choose what you want (let’s just say you might not want to try everything…).
You can also go on a guided traditional Icelandic food walking tour through Reykjavik, see it on Viator here.
Go On An Icelandic Food Tour Around Reykjavik
Viator food walking tour of Reykjavik tasting traditional Icelandic cuisine →
For more organized food tours around Iceland, click here.
4. Things To Do In Reykjavik: Go Souvenir Shopping Along Laugavegur
Laugavegur street is one of the top things to do in Reykjavik.
This is a long street in downtown that takes you all the way from the old part of Reykjavik to the new sections of the city. A portion section of the street is pedestrian only, which makes it even nicer to walk along.
Here, you’ll find all the souvenir shops you need to bring back a taste of Iceland for friends, family, and yourself! Plus even more restaurant options!
5. Hunt For Murals Around Reykjavik (& Rainbow Street)
Reykjavik is not a large city by any means, but what they lack in size, they make up for in colour! Reykjavik might just be one of the most colourful cities I’ve ever seen, it’s amazing!
On every street there’s at least one gorgeous mural. Either it’s on a wall, all around a building, or painted on the actual street.
Which brings me to an absolute must-see mural in Reykjavik town centre: Rainbow Street.
Of course, it’s not actually called Rainbow Street, that’s just the nickname it received for being painted, well, like a rainbow. The actual street is called Skólavörðustígur.
One year, Skólavörðustígur was painted with rainbow colours to celebrate Pride, and people loved it, so it stayed! The amazing part is that it leads directly to Hallgrimskirkja Church. I’m not sure how many other churches around the world would be okay with that!? It just speaks to how amazing Iceland is!
6. Hang Out In Ingólfur Square & Aðalstræti
Ingólfur Square is part of the oldest section of Reykjavik. Although the square doesn’t look like much, the area is worth exploring.
Around Ingólfur Square you’ll find the oldest street in Reykjavik, Aðalstræti, which stands for Main Street. This was the first street in Reykjavik, so it’s no surprise that you also have one of the oldest remaining buildings here (more on that in a bit!).
If it’s a nice day outside, it’s worth soaking up some sun on the patio at one of the restaurants along Hafnarstræti.
Once you’re here, be sure to explore some more of the streets in this older part of Reykjavik.
7. Learn About Reykjavik’s Past To Present At The Settlement Exhibition
The Settlement Exhibition is an absolutely wonderful museum in the heart of Reykjavik. If you could only go to one museum in Reykjavik, it should be this one.
The museum takes you all the way back to Viking times, where you’ll see the actual ruins of an old Viking house that were recently discovered underneath the city.
Then, you’ll learn about Reykjavik through the centuries, through WWII, all the way up to present day Reykjavik.
The museum actually takes you inside the oldest house in Reykjavik (on Aðalstræti).
P.S. If you’re interested in seeing more artifacts from over the centuries, head to the National Museum of Iceland instead.
8. Enjoy Art & Views Along The Sculpture & Shore Walk
You all know the famous Sun Voyager sculpture – it’s the one that looks like the skeleton of an old viking ship. You obviously have to make your way here while you’re in Reykjavik town centre. But this sculpture is a part of a much larger project…
You see, the Sun Voyager sculpture is along a walking path, the Sculpture & Shore walk. So it’s just one of many sculptures along the shore.
The path goes all the way from the Grótta Island Lighthouse in the west to the Skarfagarður Lighthouse in the east.
It’s no small feat to walk the entire shore, but no one said you have to walk the whole path…
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It’s worth walking a bit further as there are more points of interest to see and even more spectacular views.
We were interested in the Kvika Footbath, but it was a bit too far of a walk so we drove there instead! But this way we were also able to explore some of this part of the walk as well.
P.S. If you’re interested in dipping your town in the foot bath, remember to bring a towel to dry your feet off afterwards (like this quick dry towel from Amazon)! Hopefully you have better luck than we did though, someone was there the entire time we were and they didn’t leave!
9. Walk Around Tjörnin Lake – Things To Do In Iceland Capital
Tjörnin Lake is another area in Reykjavik that’s worth checking out.
On the edge of the lake is Reykjavik’s City Hall, which I know, doesn’t sound that interesting.
But you’ll get some wonderful views of Reykjavik from beyond the lake with Hallgrimskirkja Church soaring above the city.
And make a point to walk inside City Hall (which is free), where they have a scale model of Iceland.
If you are planning on exploring outside of Reykjavik, it’s very cool to see where everything is on the map, and how it all scales relative to everything else. P.S. Interested in exploring the surrounding area around Reykjavik? Check out my top day trips from Reykjavik.
While you’re here, be sure to also get a photo op with some of the best sculptures in Reykjavik: The Unknown Bureaucrat, and Wrocław Garðálfur.
10. Leave Reykjavik Town Centre To See Puffins
This is not one of the typical things to do in Reykjavik, because you do actually have to leave the city.
Let’s be real though, everyone wants to see puffins in Iceland, and it just so happens that you can see them from Reykjavik.
Puffins live on the islands around the capital: Lundey, Akurey, or Engey Island. You can book a boat tour that will take you around the islands to see them up close!
There are several tours you can book that will take you to Puffin Island from Reykjavik, like this one on Viator.
P.S. Interested in going on some more day trips from Reykjavik? check out my top day trips from Reykjavik here.
And No, You Don’t Have To Run To Try The Legendary Hot Dog…
One of the most popular things to do in the city of Reykjavik is to eat the famous Pylsa, or, Icelandic hot dog.
The famous place to pick it up is the hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, on the corner of Tryggvagata and Pósthússtræti. By all means, feel free to pick one up if you’re walking by and there’s no line.
But it’s not worth the wait if there’s a long line.
According to my partner (who tried it for me since I don’t eat pork), it’s a totally mediocre hot dog with some toppings. By the way, you have to order it “with the works” (ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade, crisp fried onion and raw onion), otherwise there’s really no point.
Also if you’re only getting a hot dog because it’s a more “affordable” food in Iceland, head down the street to Hlölla bátar instead. They have cheaper, and better sandwiches. P.S. see more of my suggestions for what to eat in Iceland in my post here.
Need A Place To Stay In Reykjavik? Hotel Recommendations
We stayed in Reykjavik our whole time in Iceland at the Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels. They offered free parking (upon availability), breakfast, and a modern room. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.
If you’re interested in spa services at the tip of your fingers, ( I mean, you’re in Iceland after all!), stay at Midgardur by Center hotels. My parents stayed here and highly recommend it. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.
If you’re staying in Reykjavik for one night before heading out to drive the Ring Road, my sister stayed at the Hotel Frón and would recommend it for a one night stay. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.
Or, check out more hotel options on Booking.com in Reykjavik, Iceland
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Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API