Iceland

Best Tourist Attractions to Visit and Things to Do in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland located on the western coast of the country on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay. It is also the largest city in the country and its an economic, political, and cultural heart. There are numerous historical and cultural places to visit in Reykjavík. Though the city is known more for the natural Reykjavík tourist attractions and adventurous things to do. Exploring wildlife is also among the best things to do in Reykjavík. You can go looking for whales, puffins, penguins, and several other animals along the coast of Iceland as the best day trips from Reykjavík. There are also a few Reykjavík tourist attractions to marvel at these animals within the city. Although the most popular things to see in Reykjavík are not on land nor in the ocean, they occur at night in the sky. A tour for seeing the northern lights or the aurora lights is among the best things to do in Reykjavík at night. You can choose to do this from one of Reykjavík’s tourist attractions within the city.

Among Reykjavík’s attractions within the city are several historical buildings, churches, cultural centers, art museums, Viking museums, and other cultural museums. The most iconic Reykjavík attraction is the Hallgrimskikja Cathedral and its beautiful tower. It is usually the place to be Reykjavík sightseeing. You can visit Iceland National Museum to explore the history of the country. You can also choose the local museum and the city’s museum among the places to visit in Reykjavík to learn about local history. Reykjavík was among the very first settlements in Iceland, hence it has a long and storied history. Reykjavík is also the hub for Iceland’s art & culture. You can explore several art galleries and museums as part of city sightseeing in Reykjavík. There are also many famous outdoor art exhibitions and sculpture installations among places to see in Reykjavík.

Iceland is well known for its several outdoor exploration locations. There are numerous Reykjavík activities to quench your thirst for exploring nature. As the weather gets cold, you can even come for adventurous things to do in Reykjavík in winter. This would include ice cave exploration, glacier hiking, cross-country skiing, and more. Even in summer, you can enjoy several top things to do in Reykjavík. There are equal parts of landscapes, mountains, volcanoes, beaches, and bays to explore among things to see in Reykjavík.

Though there are several fun things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland is known more for the outdoors than the city. The best day trips from Reykjavík include three locations and several sightseeing spots along the way. Popularly known as the Iceland Golden Circle, the day trip from Reykjavík covers Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfalls, and Geysir Geysers. It is a long journey that covers several Reykjavík tourist attractions on the way. You can also go on a tour of the popular TV show Game of Thrones locations among the best day trips from Reykjavík. This tour will take you to several things to see in Reykjavík located in Thingvellir National Park. The locations were used to depict a few north-of-the-wall locations in the show. There you will also meet the fabulous horses which were used in the show. Other day trips from Reykjavík can take you to the South Coast, Glacier Hiking, Ice Cave Exploration, Beaches, and most famously for Northern Lights tour. As there are several locations to check out Aurora lights among things to do in Reykjavík at night, you should pick the one which includes a few tourist attractions along the way. If you check the offbeat things to do and nature & wildlife tourist attractions section of this article you will find all the options for the best day trips from Reykjavík. In the nature & wildlife tourist attractions section, all the attractions starting from Thingvellir National Park are locations for day trips from Reykjavík.

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Explore The Best Tourist Places of Reykjavík in 5 Days

This section outlines a 5-day list of places to visit in Reykjavík and the wonderful activities you can explore at these attractions.

Day 1

1. Silfra Rift

This narrow rift is formed between subterranean continental plates. Scuba diving is among the top things to do in Reykjavík and Silfra Rift is among the best places for that. You should keep 2 hours of time aside for scuba diving in Reykjavík at Silfra Rift.

I suggest you should book a Tour of Snorkeling with Underwater Photos at Silfra Rift.

Silfra Rift

2. Thingvellir National Park

This park is among the best places to visit in Reykjavík on the Golden Circle tourist route. The Golden Circle route is considered one of the best day trips from Reykjavík. This National Park is listed among UNESCO sites and is an absolute wonder to explore. This volcanic landscape is also associated with Viking history. You should set aside 3 hours for Thingvellir National Park when you visit Reykjavík.

I suggest you should go for a Day Tour to Thingvellir National Park.

Thingvellir National Park

3. Geysir Geothermal Area

The Geysers are also among Reykjavík attractions on the Golden Circle route. These natural geysers ray out with great force from under the ground. The bubbling mud pits along with hot springs make up for a great sight. You would need about an hour here to admire these wonders of nature.

I suggest you should book a Day Trip to Golden Circle from Reykjavik to see the Geysir Geothermal Area.

Geysir Geothermal Area

4. Gullfoss Waterfall

One of the unique features of these waterfalls is that they are double-sided. The waterfalls are a part of Gullfoss National Park, which also falls on the Golden Circle. It is among Reykjavík’s must-see sites and you would need 2 hours of time for the waterfall and the national park combined.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Tour to Golden Circle to see the Gullfoss Waterfall.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Day 2

1. Vik Black Sand Beach

To visit this beautiful beach with volcanic black sand, you will have to make day trips from Reykjavík to a small town named Vik. This beach has a few other natural wonders to explore and admire. You would need at least 2 hours to fully enjoy this beach.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Trip to South Iceland to visit Vik Black Sand Beach.

Vik Black Sand Beach

2. Skogafoss Waterfall

This marvelous waterfall looks like it came from a fairytale movie. Anytime you can expect magical creatures to pop around it. This 60-meter-high waterfall is frequently known to form rainbows around it. It is a marvelous sight to behold during Reykjavík travel. Keep at least an hour to time spend at Skogafoss.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Tour to the South Coast of Iceland to see the Skogafoss Waterfall.

Skogafoss Waterfall

3. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

This is again a beautiful waterfall you can admire among places to visit near Reykjavík. One of the unique things you can do here is walk behind the waterfall on a hiking trail. You should keep 2 hours for this waterfall.

I suggest you should book a Trip to South Iceland to see the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Day 3

1. The Blue Lagoon

This natural hot spring is a spectacle to behold. If you want to take a warm bath and enjoy otherworldly views, then this is the place to be. It is among the top things to do in Reykjavík in winter especially. You should keep 2 hours relaxing at the Blue Lagoon.

I suggest you should book your Admission Ticket to The Blue Lagoon with transportation from Reykjavik.

The Blue Lagoon

2. Árbær Open-Air Museum

The museum gives a unique experience of the culture and traditions of the region. It is a part of the city sightseeing of Reykjavík and is a subset of the city museum. You would need about an hour and a half to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Tour to Reykjavik Suburb and visit Árbær Open-Air Museum.

Árbær Open-Air Museum

3. Kerid Crater

This volcanic crater is quite close to the Gullfoss waterfall and is an equally beautiful natural wonder. You would need an hour’s time for this site.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Golden Circle Trip and visit the Kerid Volcanic Crater.

Kerid Crater

Day 4

1. Hallgrímskirkja

Also known as the Church of Hallgrimur, this is a Lutheran Parish church in the city. This church is not only a Reykjavík tourist attraction but also a national monument for Iceland. You would need about 30 minutes to explore this church.

I suggest you should book a Guided Walking Tour with a Viking in Reykjavik and visit this beautifulc church of Hallgrímskirkja.

Hallgrímskirkja

2. The Sun Voyager

Also known as Solfar, this sculpture is made of stainless steel and depicts a Viking ship. It is one of the most iconic things to see in Reykjavík. You would need 15 to 20 minutes for this sculpture.

The Sun Voyager

3. The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871±2

This museum exhibits several artifacts from the Viking era of the region. From a historical point of view, especially for those interested in Vikings, this museum is among the best places to visit in Reykjavík. You would need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should get your Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to The Settlement Exibition.

The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871±2

4. Reykjavík City Hall

The city hall sits near Lake Tjornin, which itself is among Reykjavík attractions. Top among things to see in Reykjavík City Hall is a 3D model of Iceland. There are also a few other exhibits here. All in all, you would need 15 to 20 minutes here.

Reykjavík City Hall

5. National Gallery of Iceland

The museum exhibits work by several artists, but it is especially known among places to see in Reykjavík for the collection of works by Icelandic artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum and the various works of art exhibited here.

National Gallery of Iceland

6. National Museum of Iceland

This museum depicts the history of Iceland from the time Vikings settled here till the 21st century. You will get to learn about the region’s history, culture, traditions, customs, and more. It will take 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book your Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to the National Museum of Iceland in advance.

National Museum of Iceland

7. Whale Watching Cruise

Whale watching is among popular Reykjavík activities. This cruise only takes place between May & August. You can catch a boat from Reykjavík Old Harbour and venture into the ocean to see these majestic creatures. You should keep a 2-hour to 3-hour window in mind for this activity.

I suggest you should book your Whale Watching Tour in advance.

Whale Watching Cruise

Day 5

1. Reykjavík (Vikin) Maritime Museum

This museum focuses on the seafaring history of the city. You can also see ships from the settlement era at this museum. Maritime history is a significant aspect of Iceland and this museum depicts it very well. It is hence among the most historically significant places to visit in Reykjavík. You would need 2 hours to explore this museum.

Reykjavík (Vikin) Maritime Museum

2. The Culture House

This museum focuses on the cultural history of Iceland. There are 6 different cultural institutes that form this museum. You will need a couple of hours to explore the cultural history of Iceland.

The Culture House

3. Perlan Museum

Perlan or The Pearl sits on Oskjuhlio Hill and is an important landmark among Reykjavík tourist attractions. You can get a breathtaking view of the city as well as the ocean from this dome. Keep 20 to 30 minutes of your time for Reykjavík sightseeing from Perlan.

I suggest you should book a Wonders of Iceland & Áróra Northern Lights Planetarium Show at the Perlan Museum.

Perlan

4. Icelandic Horse Riding

This is among the most fun things to do in Reykjavík. Viking horses are a unique breed and you can explore nature along with these wonderful companions. Keep an hour’s time for riding the Viking Horses.

I suggest you should book a Tour of Icelandic Horse Riding on Lava Fields.

Icelandic Horse Riding

5. Nauthólsvík Beach

The beach is man-made, but the geothermal lagoon is absolutely natural. It is also said to have great healing and skin treatment qualities, which is why is so popular among Reykjavík tourist attractions. Keep a couple of hours of time to thoroughly enjoy yourself here.

Nauthólsvík Beach

If you plan to visit Reykjavík for more than 5 days, check out our exhaustive list of all the things to do and places to visit in and around the city in the section below.

Things to do in Reykjavík

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Reykjavík

  1. Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral
  2. Harpa Complex
  3. Perlan Exhibition Center
  4. Sun Voyager Sculpture
  5. Icelandic Phallological Museum
  6. National Museum of Iceland
  7. Settlement Exhibitions
  8. Arbajarsafn Open Air Museum
  9. Hofdi House Museum
  10. Reykjavík Maritime Musuem
  11. National Gallery of Iceland
  12. Reykjavík Art Museum
  13. Saga Museum
  14. Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Museum
  15. Grotta Island Lighthouse
  16. Einar Jonsson Museum
  17. Culture House Museum
  18. Cathedral of Christ the King
  19. Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaoir
  20. Althingi Parliament House
  21. The Living Art Museum
  22. Reykjavík Museum of Photogrpahy
  23. Reykjavík Art Museum Asmundarsafn
  24. Tales form Iceland Video Museum
  25. The Icelandic Punk Museum
  26. Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhus
  27. Frikirkjan Church
  28. Hafnarborg Art Museum
  29. Geroarsafn Köpavogur Art Museum
  30. Hategskirkja Church
  31. Sigurjon Olafsson Museum
  32. Natural History Museum Kopavagur
  33. Museum of Design & Applied Art
  34. Hafnarfjorour Museum
  35. Reykjavík Local History Museum
  36. Kopavogskirkja Church
  37. Gljufrasteinn House Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Reykjavík

  1. Tjornin Lake
  2. Oskjuhlio Forest Park
  3. Thirhnukagigur Volcano
  4. Heiomork Nature Reserve
  5. Almannagja Tectonic Rift
  6. Lundey Island
  7. Akurey Island
  8. Alafoss Waterfall
  9. Ulfarsfell Mountain
  10. Ellioaa River
  11. Rauoholar Volcano
  12. Holmsa River
  13. Lake Ellidavatn
  14. Thingvellier National Park
  15. Gullfoss Falls
  16. The Great Geysir Geyser
  17. South Coast
  18. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
  19. Snaefellsnes Peninsula
  20. Hraunfossar Waterfall
  21. Barnafoss Waterfall
  22. Blue Lagoon
  23. Kerid Volcanic Crater

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Reykjavík

  1. Iceland Game of Thrones Tour
  2. Reykjavík City Hall
  3. Nautholsvik Hot Springs
  4. Whales of Iceland Exhibit
  5. Imagine Peace Tower
  6. Laugardalslaug Park
  7. Nordic House Cultural Center
  8. Omnim Chocolate Factory
  9. Grasagardur Botanical Garden
  10. Reykjavík Park & Zoo
  11. Pufa Art Installation
  12. Hellisgeroi Park
  13. Reykjavík City Museum
  14. Magic Ice Reykjavík – Ice Art Gallery
  15. Klambratun Complex
  16. Hljomskalagarour Park

Shopping in Reykjavík

  1. Kolaportio Flea Market
  2. Laugavegur Street
  3. Skolavoroustigur Corridor
  4. Kirsuberjatreo
  5. Bankatraeti Street

Beaches & Islands in Reykjavík

  1. Videy Island
  2. Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach
  3. Grotta Island
  4. Abbi Island

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Things to Do in Reykjavík

  1. Flyover Iceland Plane Tour
  2. Northern Lights Tour
  3. Quad Bike Safari
  4. Glacier Hiking
  5. Ice Climbing
  6. Mountaineering
  7. White Water Rafting
  8. Whale Watching Tour
  9. Bird Watching Tour
  10. Scuba Diving
  11. Ice Cave Exploration
  12. Iceland Golden Circle Tour
  13. Viking Horse Riding Tour

Sightseeing in Reykjavík

  1. Old Harbour
  2. Austurvollur Square
  3. Bessastaoir Government Building
  4. Skarfabakki Harbour
  5. Ingolfur Square
  6. Aoalstraeti Street
  7. Ballenas en Islandia
  8. Smaratorg Tower
  9. Sculpture Shore Walk

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Reykjavík

  1. Matur og Drykkur
  2. Dill
  3. La Primevera
  4. Old Iceland Restaurant
  5. Prir Frakkar
  6. Saegreifinn
  7. Mandi
  8. Flatey Pizza
  9. Coocoo’s Nest
  10. 17 Sortir
  11. Devito’s Pizza
  12. Skal
  13. Bryggjan Brugghus
  14. Icelandic Street Food
  15. Glo
  16. Bio Borgari
  17. Brauo & Co.
  18. Snaps
  19. Grandi Matholl
  20. Messinn
  21. Cafe Babalu
  22. Bakari Sandholt
  23. Le Kock
  24. Bergsson Mathus
  25. Hlemmur Matholl
  26. Grillmarkaourinn

Where to Stay in Reykjavik?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Reykjavik. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Reykjavik.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Reykjavik Residence Hotel
  2. Hotel Borg by Keahotels
  3. Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
  4. Fosshotel Reykjavik
  5. Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, Reykjavik
  6. Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre
  7. Storm Hotel by Keahotels
  8. Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels
  9. Grand Hotel Reykjavik
  10. Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels
  11. Midgardur by Center Hotels
  12. Alda Hotel Reykjavik

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Hotel Island Spa & Wellness
  2. R13 – A Townhouse Hotel
  3. Hotel Muli
  4. Igdlo Guesthouse
  5. Saga Studios by ylma
  6. OK Hotel
  7. Dalur – HI Hostel
  8. Foss Hotel Lind
  9. Guesthouse Sunna
  10. Hotel Fron
  11. CenterHotel Skjaldbreid
  12. Fosshotel Raudara

Budget Hotels

  1. Blue House B&B
  2. Central Guesthouse Reykjavik
  3. Center Hotels Klopp
  4. Grettir Guesthouse
  5. Rek Inn
  6. Reykjavik Peace Center – Guesthouse
  7. 4th Floor Hotel
  8. Grotta Northern Lights

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Reykjavik

How to Reach Reykjavík?

By Air

The fastest option for Reykjavík travel is Keflavik International Airport located 50 km away from the city in the southwest direction. You can get a direct flight to visit Reykjavík from various cities in the USA, Canada, and Europe. Some of the most popular cities for trips to and from Reykjavík include New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Tampa, Orlando, Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Edmonton, Vancouver, Halifax, Toronto, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Oslo, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Stockholm, Bergen, Gothenburg, Geneva, Basel, Belfast and many more. Icelandair is the most popular airline for Reykjavík travel, followed by Easy Jet. Icelandair covers the majority of cities in North America as well as Europe, while Easy Jet only covers a few European cities. There are also a few other airlines you can pick for Reykjavík travel.

Once you reach the airport, you have the option of a bus or cab to reach Reykjavík. The bus takes about 45 minutes to get you to Reykjavík tourist attractions. You can buy tickets from the airport or online. There are also direct-to-hotel express buses available from the airport. If you want they can also take you to things to see in Reykjavík from the airport. These buses require advance booking online. There are also public buses to visit Reykjavík. These are good options if you are looking for the best day trips from Reykjavík. You will also come across a few Reykjavík attractions along the way. These buses take various stops on the route hence takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to reach places to visit in Reykjavík. It is good for Reykjavík sightseeing. These public buses are cheaper, but also way slower means of transport for Reykjavík travel. Finally, you have the option to take a cab directly to reach your hotel or towards the best things to do in Reykjavík.

By Road

There are buses running from almost all major cities and towns in Iceland for Reykjavík travel. If you are already in Iceland, these buses can take you to the city or for the best day trips from Reykjavík. There are also several Reykjavík sightseeing bus tours available from numerous cities in Iceland.

If you are traveling by car, you can choose from two main routes to visit Reykjavík. If you are traveling from the western side you can take route 40. If you are traveling from east or north route 1 would be preferable. Route 41 connects with Reykjavík from the southwest and is also a popular route for coastal road trips or day trips from Reykjavík to the southern coast of Iceland.

By Water

Many cruise ships operating around Iceland include Reykjavík city sightseeing in their itinerary. The Skarfabakki Harbour is a common docking point for several cruise liners. You might get a day or two to enjoy several top things to do in Reykjavík with these cruises. Some of the cruises also include pre-planned Reykjavík activities while others just provide assistance and guidance. The majority of cruise lines visit Reykjavík in summer only. There are very few which include the best things to do in Reykjavík in winter. Another water transport for Reykjavík travel includes boat rides from Seedsfjordur located on the other end of Iceland. You can also get ferry ride from Torshavn (Faroe Islands) to reach places to see in Reykjavík. Via Torshavn, you can get a boat ride from Hirtshals and Esbjerg in Denmark. These boat rides are very expensive compared to flights for Reykjavík travel. Besides the expenses, the boat ride is also quite long. If you don’t have the experience or patience to stay on a boat for more than a day, such trips are not advisable for you. Although if you wish to enjoy sailing among fun things to do in Reykjavík, you can catch a private tour boat to nearby ports of Iceland.


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Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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