What to See in Reykjavik: 15 Tips

I arrived in Reykjavík in the morning. It was cold and windy, but the sun was shining too. I was wearing winter clothes and, I won’t lie, I was still pretty cold. The locals are clearly used to it, though, because when I walked past a football stadium, local kids were playing football in short-sleeved shirts and shorts, happily rolling around on the ground.

Reykjavík is a modern, small, clean, straightforward city that’s easy to navigate, with a Nordic feel. You can walk around the entire city centre in an afternoon without having to puzzle over public transport maps (the transport works well, but it’s fairly expensive). All the key spots, from design shops and renowned restaurants to iconic landmarks and waterfront promenades, are quite literally within easy reach.

I tried to visit as many of the best-known places as possible, but I couldn’t skip the local spa and microbrewery either (yes, they make beer in Iceland, and very good beer at that).

A stay with sunset views at KEX Hostel

Yep, the picture above was my view while I worked on my computer in the evening. Imagine some coffee, a snack and ACDC playing through your headphones. “Work and travel” in all its glory.

In Reykjavík, I stayed at KEX Hostel. It offers single and double rooms, as well as shared rooms for larger groups. I chose the cheapest option and stayed in a room for up to 10 people. The room was never full, though. I was there in May. The hostel is well equipped and was kept clean too.

Hallgrímskirkja: An iconic church and the heart of Reykjavík

No visit to Iceland is complete without seeing the majestic Hallgrímskirkja church, which towers over the capital, Reykjavík.

This distinctive concrete building, completed in 1986 (honestly, I thought the church was much older) after more than 40 years of construction, is famous for its architecture, which is intended to evoke the Icelandic landscape: from basalt cliffs to giant columns of lava.

It is one of the highest points in the city and serves as its best observation tower, with breathtaking panoramic views of Reykjavík’s colourful rooftops, the harbour and the surrounding mountains. It also makes a great landmark for any traveller finding their way around.

Lake Tjörnin

Lake Tjörnin is an ideal choice for a peaceful stroll. This city pond, surrounded by colourful Nordic houses, galleries and City Hall, is a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. The lake is known for its abundant birdlife—you’ll see dozens of swans, ducks and geese here throughout the year, earning it the nickname “the world’s largest bread soup”. In the winter months, the surface often freezes over, turning it into a natural ice rink. A walk around Tjörnin offers wonderfully photogenic views and makes a great starting point for exploring the sights and cafés of central Reykjavík.

Perlan Museum: Experience Icelandic nature beneath a glass dome

Perlan (meaning “The Pearl”) is one of Reykjavík’s most fascinating and conspicuous buildings, standing on the wooded hill of Öskjuhlíð. This futuristic building with its enormous glass dome was originally built as a set of six massive hot-water storage tanks, but today it serves as a modern science and natural history centre with unique interactive exhibitions.

Inside, you can experience the power of Icelandic nature first-hand—the centre houses the world’s first and largest artificial ice cave, built from 350 tonnes of real snow and ice, as well as a state-of-the-art planetarium that faithfully recreates the magical northern lights. The biggest draw for tourists, however, is the outdoor 360-degree observation deck running all the way around the dome, offering the best panoramic views of the whole of Reykjavík, the nearby ocean, the airport and the distant mountains.

You’ll find a link to the Perlan Museum website at the end of the article.

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

If you want to truly understand Iceland, you need to understand its bond with the ocean. The Reykjavík Maritime Museum (Sjóminjasafnið), housed in a former fish-processing factory in the modern Grandi district, offers a compelling look at the history of Icelandic fishing and seafaring. Interactive exhibitions take you from humble rowing boats to the technologically advanced ships of the 20th century that helped shape the Icelandic nation.

The biggest attraction is the chance to explore the deck of the former coastguard vessel Óðinn, moored right beside the museum, which played a key role in the legendary “Cod Wars”. It’s an ideal destination for families with children and history enthusiasts alike, and a great addition to a walk around Reykjavík’s old harbour.

Harpa Concert Hall: Reykjavík’s modern architectural gem

Lovers of modern architecture and design shouldn’t miss Harpa Concert Hall when visiting the Icelandic capital. This building, completed in 2011 and winner of the prestigious Mies van der Rohe architecture award, immediately catches your eye with its “façade”. It consists of thousands of glass panels in various shapes that reflect the Nordic light, the sea and the sky, creating an ever-changing play of colours. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, but its interiors are freely accessible to the public. 

Walk through its glass-lined corridors, enjoy the views of the ocean and harbour, or stop for a coffee. It’s a perfect example of how modern Scandinavian design can blend with Iceland’s wild natural landscape.

The statue of Ingólfur Arnarson on Arnarhóll hill: Where Iceland’s history began

When tracing Reykjavík’s Viking history, you have to head to the green hill of Arnarhóll, dominated by a majestic statue of Ingólfur Arnarson. This legendary Norwegian chieftain is considered Iceland’s very first permanent settler. He founded a settlement here in 874 and gave Reykjavík its name (meaning “Smoky Bay”).

The imposing bronze work by sculptor Einar Jónsson depicts Arnarson in full Viking armour, leaning against the dragon-headed prow of his ship. Arnarhóll hill itself is not only a key historic site but also a popular park where locals relax in summer, with beautiful views of Harpa Concert Hall and the waterfront.

There are beautiful views of the surrounding area from the top of the hill. So even if you don’t want to visit the museum, you certainly won’t regret coming for the view, and I recommend stopping by. There’s a car park at Perlan, so you can drive here.

Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street

If you’re looking for the most recognisable shot of the Icelandic capital, head to Skólavörðustígur. This lively, colourful shopping street is famous for its rainbow-painted road, first painted in 2015 for Reykjavik Pride, which has since become a permanent symbol of the city’s tolerance, openness and joy. The street creates a perfect visual line leading towards the majestic Hallgrímskirkja church in the background. As well as being a great spot for photos, Skólavörðustígur is full of stylish design shops, cosy cafés, art galleries and bistros, making it an ideal place for a relaxed afternoon in Reykjavík.

Sun Voyager (Sólfar): The legendary sun ship on Reykjavík’s waterfront

On a walk along Reykjavík’s coastal promenade, you can’t miss the fascinating steel sculpture Sun Voyager (Sólfar in Icelandic). This famous artwork by Jón Gunnar Árnason, completed in 1990, may look like a Viking ship at first glance, but its creator intended it as an ode to the sun and a dreamboat symbolising hope, progress, freedom and undiscovered territories. On clear days, its oceanfront setting provides a breathtaking backdrop featuring the majestic Mount Esja. Sun Voyager is undoubtedly one of Iceland’s most photographed spots, especially at sunset or beneath the magical northern lights, when the light reflects perfectly off its clean metal lines.

Micro Bar Reykjavík: Iceland’s first and best craft beer bar

Whenever I travel somewhere, I always try to taste what the place or culture has to offer. Micro Bar was a short walk from my hotel, KEX, so it was an obvious choice. The law means you can’t buy spirits or stronger beer outside specialist shops, restaurants and bars.

This cosy underground bar was founded in 2012 as Iceland’s very first dedicated craft beer bar. On tap and in bottles or cans, you’ll find an exclusive selection from Icelandic microbreweries, led by beers from its own brewery, Gæðingur. 

I recommend ordering a “beer tasting flight”, which lets you try five different samples, from light lagers to rich stouts. The bar gives you a taste of the authentic atmosphere of Icelandic beer culture. 

Personally, I expected to chat with some local “Icelanders” here. Which I did, though not quite as I’d imagined. You go to Iceland, and who’s “boozing” with you on your first evening?... A Polish man, a Bulgarian woman, a Ukrainian woman and a guy from somewhere in Estonia. “Eastern Europeans” again. I should point out that they were a great bunch, and our chats about Iceland, life there, and tips on places to visit and getting around helped me over the following days.

If you’re booking a tour on GetYourGuide.com, check whether they have a partnership with this bar before you visit. I found information about the discount in a tour description after booking. Alcohol in Iceland isn’t exactly cheap, and every discount helps.

Also, if you’re planning a hike, for example to the hot springs in the mountains, you can buy cans here to take with you 🍺.

You’ll find a link to Micro Bar at the end of the article.

Sky Lagoon: A luxury geothermal spa on Reykjavík’s coast

After trips and hikes around Iceland, you’ll definitely want a little rest and relaxation. At Sky Lagoon you can unwind with views of the endless ocean. There’s a bar too, so you won’t have to go without a drink.

This modern geothermal spa, opened in 2021, offers a stunning infinity pool that appears to merge with the cold waters of the Atlantic. 

The main attraction is a unique seven-step ritual combining a hot soak, a cold plunge pool, a sauna with a panoramic window, a steam room and a body scrub.

The entire complex is designed to reflect Icelandic traditions and nature, highlighted by basalt rocks and a wild waterfall right in the pool. It’s a perfect, quieter alternative to the famous Blue Lagoon, just a short distance from central Reykjavík.

Alternatively, you can visit Blue Lagoon. After chatting with guides who happened to be at Sky Lagoon, I learned that it’s also a wonderful place to relax. What they offer is similar to Sky Lagoon. It’s outside Reykjavík, though, so you need to arrange transport, and in the event of “eruptions”, which occasionally occur in the area, you have to quickly pack up and leave.

Icewear: Authentic souvenirs and clothing from Reykjavík

Icewear is a leading Icelandic outdoor clothing brand that has been equipping locals and travellers with the best protection against the harsh Nordic weather since 1972.

The main reason to visit their shops in Reykjavík is to buy the iconic lopapeysa wool jumpers with their distinctive pattern around the shoulders. These jumpers are made from unique Icelandic sheep’s wool, which has exceptional temperature-regulating properties, keeps you warm, blocks the wind and naturally repels water. Alongside traditional knitwear, you can buy modern technical jackets, thermal underwear and accessories at significantly more affordable prices than other Icelandic brands, making Icewear an ideal stop for a stylish but, above all, thoroughly practical souvenir from your trip.

I bought a beanie here and tried it out the very next day in the hot springs in the mountains! 

Museums to consider visiting

I’ve already seen plenty of museums, so I don’t visit every one. But while looking for places to visit in Reykjavík, I came across these:

• National Museum of Iceland
• Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús
• The Icelandic Phallological Museum

• Micro Bar Reykjavik: https://gaedingur.beer/en/pages/microbar-reykjavik-draft-menu and on Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/6q8p3kx8ZNkxzSPz6 
• Sky lagoon: https://www.skylagoon.com/
• Blue lagoon: https://www.bluelagoon.com/ 
• Perlan: https://perlan.is/