14 Unmissable Things to Do in Reykjavik: Your Ultimate Guide

Reykjavik may be a small city, but it’s packed with culture, history, and unique experiences. The town is full of high-quality restaurants, trendy shops, parks, and a vast array of museums. Reykjavik truly has something for everyone.

We’ve compiled a list of 14 of the best things to do in the capital city.

1. Hallgrímskirkja Church

One of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks, this church’s striking modernist architecture is inspired by Iceland’s volcanic landscape. Don’t miss taking the elevator to the top for a panoramic view of the city and beyond.

Visiting Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík is free of charge. However, to access the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city, there is an admission fee. As of the latest available information, the fee is 1,000 Icelandic króna (ISK) for adults and 100 ISK for children aged 7 to 16.

The church operates daily, with varying hours depending on the season. From May to September, it’s open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and from October to April, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The tower closes approximately 15 minutes before the church’s closing time. Additionally, the tower is closed on Sundays between 10:30 AM and 12:15 PM during the 11:00 AM mass.

2. Harpa Concert Hall

The Harpa Concert Hall is an architectural masterpiece that sits on the waterfront. Harpa is home to many concerts, events, and performances. Even if you’re not attending an event, the glass facade and design are worth exploring.

It is free to explore.

3. National Museum of Iceland

This museum offers a comprehensive look at Iceland’s history, from the Viking age to modern times. The museum’s main exhibition, “Making of a Nation,” features over 2,000 artifacts, including Viking weapons, medieval manuscripts, and traditional clothing, providing visitors with a deep understanding of the nation’s heritage. It’s an excellent way to dive deeper into the country’s heritage and culture.

The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

4. Reykjavik Art Museum

The Reykjavík Art Museum (Listasafn Reykjavíkur) is the largest visual art institution in Iceland, dedicated to contemporary and modern Icelandic art. It operates across three distinct locations in Reykjavík:

Hafnarhús – Located in the city center, this venue features contemporary exhibitions, including works by Erró, one of Iceland’s most famous pop artists.
Kjarvalsstaðir – Named after Jóhannes S. Kjarval, one of Iceland’s most celebrated painters, this location focuses on his works and other modern art exhibitions.
Ásmundarsafn – A museum dedicated to the sculptures of Ásmundur Sveinsson, housed in a unique dome-shaped building designed by the artist himself.

The museum is open from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily, but hours may vary depending on location.

A single ticket grants access to all three museum locations.

- Adults: 2,500 ISK
- Students & Seniors: 1,500 ISK
- Children under 18: Free

5. Perlan

Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic landmarks, offering a mix of natural history exhibits, a planetarium, and breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Originally built as hot water storage tanks, it has been transformed into a major tourist attraction with interactive exhibits showcasing Iceland’s unique nature.

Main Attractions at Perlan:

🌋 Wonders of Iceland Exhibition – Features a real indoor ice cave, a glacier exhibit, and displays on Iceland’s volcanoes, earthquakes, and northern lights.
🌍 Áróra – Northern Lights Planetarium Show – A stunning immersive film experience about the northern lights, shown in Iceland’s only planetarium.
🔭 Perlan Observation Deck – Offers a 360-degree view of Reykjavík and its surroundings, including mountains and the ocean.
🌿 Forces of Nature Exhibit – Learn about Iceland’s geothermal energy, geysers, and tectonic activity.
🦅 Water in Icelandic Nature Exhibit – Highlights Iceland’s unique bird and marine life, featuring an interactive seabird cliff.

6. Old Harbour Area

The Old Harbour is a lively part of Reykjavik with great cafes, restaurants, and shops. You can also catch whale-watching tours or boat trips here. The area has a vibrant maritime atmosphere.

Main Attractions include:

🐋 Whale Watching & Puffin Tours – Several tour operators offer whale watching and puffin spotting boat trips year-round. Popular companies include Elding and Special Tours.
🦑 FlyOver Iceland – An immersive virtual flight experience that takes you on a breathtaking aerial journey over Iceland’s landscapes.
🦈 Whales of Iceland Museum – A fascinating exhibition featuring life-sized whale models and interactive displays.
🎨 Reykjavík Maritime Museum – Learn about Iceland’s rich fishing history and maritime heritage.
🖼️ Art & Craft Shops – Explore small galleries and local designer boutiques selling handmade Icelandic crafts, souvenirs, and artwork.

7. Laugavegur Shopping Street

Laugavegur Street is Reykjavík’s main shopping, dining, and nightlife hub. It’s one of the oldest and busiest streets in the city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, unique boutiques, and cozy cafés.

🛍️ Shopping & Boutiques

Laugavegur is home to a mix of local Icelandic brands, high-end fashion, and souvenir shops. Book a night at the Sand Hotel to be right in the midst of all of the fun!

Popular stops include:

66°North – Iconic Icelandic outerwear.
Icewear – Traditional Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa) and knitwear.
Geysir – Stylish Nordic clothing and home décor.
Handknitting Association of Iceland – Locally made hand-knitted wool products.

☕ Cafés & Restaurants

Laugavegur is full of great places to eat and grab a coffee. Some favorites include:

Café Babalú – Quirky café with great hot chocolate and cakes.
Sandholt Bakery – One of the best artisan bakeries in Reykjavík.
Reykjavík Roasters – Popular specialty coffee shop.
Brauð & Co. – Famous for its fresh cinnamon rolls.

🍻 Bars & Nightlife

Reykjavík’s nightlife is centered around Laugavegur, with many bars offering live music and craft beers. Some top picks:

Kaldi Bar – Great for Icelandic craft beer.
Kiki Queer Bar – The city’s best LGBTQ+ nightclub.
Lebowski Bar – A “Big Lebowski”-themed bar with famous milkshakes.
Dillon Whiskey Bar – Cozy whiskey and live music spot.

8. Reykjavik’s Geothermal Pools

Iceland is famous for its natural hot springs, and Reykjavik has a number of local geothermal pools to choose from, such as Laugardalslaug and Seltjarnarnes Swimming Pool. These pools are a relaxing and local experience.

9. Sun Voyager (Sólfar)

A striking sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, the Sun Voyager is a modernist tribute to Viking ships and Iceland’s exploration heritage. It’s located along the seafront and is especially beautiful at sunset.

10. Tjörnin Pond

This small lake in the heart of the city is surrounded by picturesque buildings, cafes, and parks. It’s a lovely spot for a walk, especially in the summer when the surrounding flowers are in full bloom.

11. The Icelandic Phallological Museum

The Penis Museum is a quirky museum featuring a collection of animal penises from around the world. It’s definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Reykjavik, but it’s also one of the most talked about!

🍆 What’s Inside?

Over 200+ preserved penises from mammals like whales, seals, polar bears, and even humans.
A human penis donation, as well as plans for future donations.
Various artifacts and sculptures inspired by phallic imagery.
A mix of scientific, humorous, and cultural exhibits about reproductive biology and folklore.

12. Explore Reykjavik’s Street Art

The city is full of colorful murals and street art. Taking a walk around downtown will uncover some cool and creative pieces by local artists.

1️⃣ “Ode to Mother” – Guido Van Helten

📍 Location: Vesturgata 26 (on an old factory wall near the Grandi area)
🖌️ This stunning black-and-white mural by Guido Van Helten depicts an Icelandic woman holding a baby, symbolizing motherhood and heritage.

2️⃣ “Wall Poetry” Series

📍 Location: Various spots around Laugavegur and Hverfisgata
🎵 Created during the 2015 Iceland Airwaves festival, these murals were inspired by music and lyrics, with artists from around the world collaborating with musicians. Look for murals featuring poetic lines and dreamy imagery.

3️⃣ The Giant Cat

📍 Location: Laugavegur 23 (alleyway near Reykjavík Chips)
🐈 A huge, realistic black-and-white cat mural, casually lounging along the wall. A favorite for cat lovers!

4️⃣ The Rainbow Street Mural

📍 Location: Skólavörðustígur (leading up to Hallgrímskirkja)
🌈 Though technically not “street art” in the traditional sense, this vibrant rainbow-painted street is a landmark in itself, celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and inclusivity in Iceland.

5️⃣ The Monster and the Girl

📍 Location: Hverfisgata 42
👾 A whimsical mural showing a young girl facing off against a colorful monster, symbolizing childhood imagination and Icelandic folklore.

6️⃣ The Raven

📍 Location: Grandagarður (Grandi Harbor Area)
🦅 A dramatic mural of a black raven, referencing Norse mythology and Iceland’s deep connection to nature and wildlife.

7️⃣ The Polar Bear in a Bathtub

📍 Location: Laugavegur 66
🛁 A quirky yet powerful commentary on climate change, showing a polar bear in a tiny bathtub.

13. Kaffi Tromp or Mokka Kaffi

Reykjavik has a wonderful coffee culture. Kaffi Tromp and Mokka Kaffi are two great local spots where you can experience Icelandic coffee and enjoy traditional pastries.

14. Reykjavik Flea Market (Kolaportið)

If you’re in Reykjavik on a weekend, the indoor flea market Kolaportið is a fun stop. You can find everything from Icelandic wool sweaters to quirky antiques and delicious Icelandic treats.

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14 Unmissable Things to Do in Reykjavik: Your Ultimate Guide