Found stark on the serene coast of Iceland is the country’s beautiful capital, Reykjavik. It’s a bustling metropolis known for its vast landscape that’s dotted by majestic mountains, mighty glaciers, and rolling waves of the Atlantic ocean. A charming place born of fire and ice, this magical destination boasts endless opportunities for exciting adventures. Distinguished as the northernmost capital in the world, Reykjavik is home to a vibrant art and music scene. It also houses a fascinating reserve of world-renowned cultural and historical attractions that are not only breath-taking but also as unique as a fingerprint. So, if you are interested in visiting this beautiful city, read on for a list of the best things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland.
1. Feast your eyes with the intricated sculptures at Magic Ice (from USD 31.55)
Whisk yourself away to the adorable winter wonderland that is Magic Ice. This popular attraction will send you the good chills, featuring over 60 tons (60,000 kilograms) of ice carvings that showcase the tales of Norwegian Viking sailors. Get to know their enchanting story through the intricate, gorgeous ice sculptures parade throughout the gallery. Don’t worry about the frosty ambiance, as you’ll receive complimentary gloves and a poncho upon entrance.
Topping off the experience is a signature locally-sourced drink, which you can enjoy in the cozy bar. Make sure to seal the deal with plenty of selfies and photos.
Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink
2. Get to know Reykjavik's folk tales and legends (from USD 43.0)
Iceland’s tradition has a strong inclination towards folk tales and legends. So if you’re an avid fan of folklore or mythical culture, you’ll surely find your time here more amusing. Lucky for you, there’s no need to faze the locals for the greatest myths in town, as there is this folklore walking tour in Reykjavik that you can join.
This guided tour begins at the city center, particularly in Ingolfstorg Square, and will take you through the most folkloric areas of this urban jungle. Some of the stops include the city’s oldest graveyard, an unimposing elf stone, and Reykjavik Pond, where monstrous aquatic creatures are said to inhabit.
Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
3. Sink your teeth in authentic Icelandic cuisine (from USD 126.0)
Reykjavik also boasts a vibrant food scene, with a wide variety of eateries serving local delights and authentic Icelandic cuisine. It would be a bummer not to indulge in its flavors during your visit. So to sink your teeth in the city’s most delectable treats, it is best to indulge yourself in a food walk.
This small-group walking tour is a three-hour food crawl on some of the finest joints across Reykjavik, ranging from food trucks to fine dining restaurants. Don’t be a tourist and taste traditional dishes and street foods the way locals know how. During the tour, you’ll also get the chance to take a photo at significant landmarks such as Parliament House, Hallgrimskirkja, and the Harpa concert hall, which you’ll all pass by.
Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
Duration: 3 hours
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4. Go whale-watching onboard a spacious yacht (from USD 89.0)
If you want a sweet encounter with Reykjavik’s wildlife, you would certainly want to cruise through the waters of Faxalfoi Bay. Fortunately, this whale-watching voyage on board a spacious yacht can feed your thrills. The tour starts at Old Harbor and speeds through the sites where cetaceans such as minke, humpback, and even killer whales are commonly spotted. The whale sightings are frequent, and you’ll get a ticket for another day’s cruise if no wildlife shows up during the tour.
What’s more, WiFi is provided onboard, so you can immediately share your close encounter online. The sweeping views of the city skyline from the water are a welcome bonus during your cruise.
Reykjavik Whale-Watching Cruise on Yacht
Duration: 3 hours
5. Take in around 3000 plant species at the Reykjavik Botanical Garden
This botanical garden mainly aims to conserve plants to encourage education and research about the plants featured in the place. There are around 3,000 plant species here, divided into 8 collections. While it is for science, there’s no denying that the garden is a treat for the eyes as well. Founded in 1961. The garden has since been a hallmark of the diversity of the vegetation that can be found in the region.
In certain months, the garden hosts guided tours and the Flóran Café/Bístró is open to serve the garden’s guests.
Reykjavik Botanical Garden
Address: Hverfisgata 105, Hverfisgata 105, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Reykjavik Botanical Garden
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
6. Marvel at the stunning design of the Hallgrimskirkja
Nestled in the heart of the city center lies one of Reykjavik’s most stunning landmarks that would astound even the keenest outdoor enthusiast — the iconic Hallrgrimskirkja Church. Named after a famed 17th-century hymn and poem writer, Halligumur, this fascinating building was established in the late 1980s and is part of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Iceland. It’s a stunning architectural marvel designed to allure visitors with its enchanting style, which depicts the region’s captivating landscape. Hallgarimskirkja Church is tucked away in Skolvordustigur Street and towers 75m (246 ft) above the ground, offering sweeping views of eye-popping cityscapes. Among the church’s most notable features is an enormous pipe organ, designed and constructed by the legendary German organ builder, Johannes KJlais of Bonn.
Hallgrimskirkja
Address: Hallgrímstorg 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Hallgrimskirkja
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
7. Go ice skating at Lake Tjörnin
Treat yourself to an uplifting outdoor experience and soak up the levitating vibes of some of Reykjavik’s magical sceneries at the spectacular Lake Tjörnin. A beautiful city lake pulsating with a plethora of beautiful biomes, from beautiful bird species to ravishing surroundings, this captivating lake is a must-visit in Reykjavik, especially for those of you looking for an elating pastime, to wind down from the bustling ambiance of this picturesque metropolis. If you consider yourself an ice skater, you will be thrilled to know that this lake freezes during winter, creating a large skating ring where you can relish ice-skating as you take in the fascinating cityscapes of Reykjavik.
Tjörnin
Address: Lake Tjornin, Reykjavik, Iceland
8. Soak up Reykjavik's amazing culture at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Make a fun-filled discovery of Reykjavik’s fascinating culture and unique heritage at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center. An enchanting destination for intrigued travelers who’d like to get a glimpse of the country’s awe-inspiring art and music scene, this magical place is one of the city’s most iconic and distinguished landmarks. Established in 2011 to promote and persevere the vibrant cultures of Iceland, this astounding glass building has attracted over 10 million guests across the globe. It offers one of the best facilities for concerts and conferences in Northern Europe. With stunning views of the majestic Icelandic mountains and the pristine North Atlantic Ocean, visitors can take in the beautiful scenery of Reykjavik as they enjoy exhilarating performances — from traditional songs and dance to intoxicating concerts and everything else in between.
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Address: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
9. Discover Iceland at the iconic Árbær Museum
Immerse yourself in the blissful aura of Iceland’s golden days at the enthralling Árbær Museum and witness the fascinating charms of Reykjavik. A rustic place that brings together a beautiful blend of history, culture, and scenery, this elating open-air museum looks to take visitors on a fun-filled journey through time. Here, you’ll find out how Reykjavik came to life from being a few scattered farms to a vibrant metropolis that is now the city’s capital. Get to see the history of this magical gem preserved in beautifully restored homes where you will encounter exciting traditional crafts, grazing farm animals, and costumed guides who are happy to share amazing facts of this astonishing destination.
Árbær Museum
Address: 4, 110, Kistuhylur, Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Árbær Museum
Opening hours: 1pm - 5pm (daily)
10. Learn more about Iceland at Perlan (from USD 39.17)
Nothing spells out a quintessential fun-filled adventure in Reykjavik more than a visit to Perlan (The Perl). A stunning landmark perched atop Oskjuhilo Hill and one of the city’s most favored chill spots, this beautiful nature exploratorium strives to provide its visitors with a full glimpse of what Iceland is all about. Come and explore a real man-made snow cave as you learn more about glaciers at an interactive and engaging exhibition or go on a first-class virtual journey through the sky and experience the breathtaking Northern Lights that will surely get you amazed.
Reykjavik: Perlan Museum Wonders of Iceland Entrance Ticket
11. Stroll through Reykjavik Town Hall
If taking a rejuvenating stroll to wind down and reflect on the events of daily life is your cup of tea, then a relaxing walk through the calm ambiance of Reykjavik Town Hall might be your thing. Situated in the heart of the city, adjacent to the pristine shores of Lake Tjornin, this impressive building features a mind-blogging design that deliberately attracts beautiful avifauna to the center of the town. Opened back in 1992, the hall is where you can find the offices of the city’s mayor and other officials. It also houses a stunning art gallery, which hosts a constant stream of new and compelling exhibitions including, an extensive 3D map of Iceland, which has become a perennial favorite among many Icelanders and visitors alike.
Reykjavík Town Hall
Address: Tjarnargata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Reykjavík Town Hall
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 6pm; Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm
12. Take in the artistic splendor of the Sun Voyager
If you are a stalwart explorer who’s got a crazy passion for elating monuments and astounding sculptures, then a visit to the iconic Sun Voyager in Iceland may be worth your while. Nesting conveniently along Sæbraut, this iconic steel structure on Reykjavik’s marvelous waterfront is a dreamboat. It serves as an ode to the sun, symbolizing the promise of uncharted areas, dreams of hope, progress, and freedom. With a beautiful setting and sweeping views of the majestic Mt. Esja, this incredible sculpture makes a superb spot for a remarkable photo-taking opportunity, especially when the sun is setting. All these and more make the Sun Voyager one of the most popular attractions in Reykjavik.
Sun Voyager
Address: Sæbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Sun Voyager
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Enjoy shopping at Laugavegur
If you’re a keen shopping buff with a liking for the finest things money can buy, and you’re looking for somewhere convenient in this bustling metropolis to scratch off your shopping urge, then a visit to the iconic Laugavegur street might be ideal for you. A quintessential gem to shoppers of all tastes, this charming place whose name means “wash road ” in Iceland was once a pathway that led to hot springs in Laugardalur where in the golden times the women of Reykjavik took their laundry for washing. Today, this fascinating place has evolved to become the primary commercial hub of downtown Reykjavik, housing a plethora of stunning and unique boutiques, from clothing stores to exquisite malls.
Laugavegur
Address: Borgartún 26105 Reykjavík, Iceland
14. Be amazed at the Icelandic Phallological Museum
If the study of Phallology is your thing and you’re looking for a complimentary place to expound your knowledge and research, then make your way to the Icelandic Phalogical Museum. Located right in the heart of Reykjavik, this impressive place holds the distinction of being the only museum in the world to house and display a collection of Phallic specimens. The specimen the museum displays belong to most mammal species found in Iceland, including that of a Homo Sapien. Boasting an intriguing collection of more than 250 penises and penile parts from a plethora of land and sea mammals, visitors here get a unique place to undertake serious studies in the field of Phallology in an orderly and scientific fashion.
Icelandic Phallological Museum
Address: Laugavegur 116, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Icelandic Phallological Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
15. Explore exhibits at National Museum of Iceland (from USD 18.0)
If you’re a staunch history buff looking to explore the fascinating culture and heritage of the native Icelanders, then the National Museum of Island would be the perfect place to start. Established in 1863 to preserve the unique ancient history of this beautiful region, this exhilarating museum is an astounding gem that looks to provide a full-scale insight of this magical nation since its settlement to its present day. Marvel at the awe-inspiring artifacts in creative display spaces as you listen to a detailed audio guide that offers a wealth of information. From swords to drinking hoards and an eerie figure of Thor, explorers are in for a treat they soon won’t forget!
Reykjavik: National Museum of Iceland Skip-the-Line Ticket
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Explore Reykjavik in style
From spectacular museums to a plethora of stunning attractions and unique monuments, there is hardly a dull moment in Reykjavik. With this article listing some of the best things to do and venues to visit in Iceland, you are spoilt for choice. So, plan your itinerary and be sure to visit some of these exciting places for remarkable discoveries you soon won’t forget!
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