The rugged and awe-inspiring island nation of Iceland, steeped in centuries of tradition—including Norse mythology and Viking longships—has long captured the imagination of outsiders. According to Icelandic legend, Ingólfur Arnarson fled his homeland of Norway in 874 AD and became the first settler where its capital city, Reykjavík, now thrives. Visitors should follow Ingólfur’s Viking footsteps by starting their Icelandic adventure in this city. If you’re looking for things to do in Reykjavík, here are some suggestions to kick-start your journey.
Getting to and around Reykjavík
After landing at Iceland’s Keflavík International Airport, once a US Navy air station and now the primary entry point for international travelers, you’ll need to get to the capital. Taxis for the 45-minute drive are not cheap, and most rental car companies place hefty holds on credit cards. The most economical option is Flybus (operated by Reykjavik Excursions), which offers hourly airport transportation to and from the city center. Having a vehicle in Reykjavík is not necessary; it’s easy to get around on foot, via e-scooter, or by city bus. Once you're settled, you’ll quickly discover that Reykjavík has plenty of things to do, whether you're strolling the city streets or venturing into nearby natural wonders.
Where to stay
If you want to stay in the heart of the action, consider a hotel in Reykjavík’s city center, such as Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. You’ll have easy access to Reykjavík’s vibrant Old Town as well as numerous museums, shops, and restaurants. For magnificent views, The Reykjavik EDITION is well-suited for the well-heeled. It’s next to the Harpa Concert Hall and offers rooms with views of the harbor, Mt. Esja and the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier. For a quieter location, the Fosshotel Reykjavik, which resides in the city’s business district, is just a 15-minute walk to the livelier parts of the city center and boasts an on-site beer garden with more than 20 beers on tap.
What to experience
From vibrant murals to one-of-a-kind sculpture gardens, art thrives in Reykjavík. Local pottery, jewelry, and fine art fill the shops along Skólavörðustígur, better known as “Rainbow Street.” The photogenic street, with its rainbow-painted road and brightly colored buildings, runs from the majestic Hallgrímskirkja church to the city’s main shopping street, Laugavegur, and is a favorite with the Instagram crowd.
While you could easily enjoy free art—from street murals to outdoor art installations—by simply strolling Reykjavík, it’s also worth a visit to its indoor galleries and museums. Entry to many of them is included with The Reykjavík City Card, which is sold in one-, two-, and three-day increments. Among its perks, the card provides free unlimited travel by bus within Reykjavík’s capital area.
If you want to experience the natural wonder of the island without leaving Reykjavík, FlyOver Iceland offers an immersive ride that takes you on a bird’s-eye adventure over mountains, through fields, and along the coast. FlyOver Iceland is one of many new attractions in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour area, such as Lava Show and Aurora Reykjavík, making it a must-visit stop—especially if you’re short on time.
Celebrations worth traveling for
Time a trip with a renowned festival or quirky event in Reykjavík. Popular opportunities include the following events:
- Bjórdagur, or Beer Day (March 1) – The craft beer trend has reached Iceland with Beer Day, the moment in 1989 when beer became legal in Iceland, after a ban that lasted 74 years. Celebrate at Bryggjan Brugghús, the city’s first microbrewery.
- Iceland National Day (June 17) - Parades and festivities take place outside the parliament building on Austurvöllur Square to celebrate Iceland’s independence from Denmark in 1944.
- Reykjavík Pride (August) – What began in 1999 as a simple pride parade in the nation’s capital has blossomed into a 10-day event filled with nightlife, art, and education to celebrate the LGBTQ community.
- Reykjavík Jazz Festival (August) - Reykjavík is a quirky setting for this annual showcase of styles, from contemporary jazz and the avant-garde to Latin jazz, gospel and big bands with an emphasis on local musicians.
- Iceland Airwaves Festival (November) – Airwaves attracts new and established talent from all around the world, but the emphasis is on Northern European musicians ranging from rap acts to classical soloists performing in multiple settings around the city.
What to eat
Amazing eats in Reykjavík range from streetside pylsur (Icelandic hot dogs) to fine dining that features fresh-caught Arctic char and Icelandic lobster.
With so many excellent restaurant options in the city center, don’t fall for the touristy spots touting “traditional Icelandic” cuisine of puffin and whale. Look for deals on hearty soups at local cafes, or splurge at upscale restaurants such as Fröken Reykjavík Kitchen & Bar, Mat Bar, Kol, and Matur og Drykkur. The latter presents a taste of Icelandic culinary history through refined Nouvelle cuisine-influenced dishes.
If you seek a true Icelandic foodie adventure, however, take a bite of hákarl at the Kolaportið market. You can brag to friends back home about tasting a national dish of Iceland: fermented Greenland shark.
Partake in a national pastime
Icelanders love to spend time in the water, whether bathing in public pools or soaking in naturally heated geothermal spas. The most famous is the Blue Lagoon, which is close to Keflavík International Airport, making it a convenient spot after arriving or before departing. It’s worth considering a trip to one of Iceland’s newest—and less-crowded—water wonder: Sky Lagoon. This safe and uncrowded lagoon in Kópavogur, an easy 15 minutes from Reykjavik’s city center, offers a seven-step ritual of refreshment to energize and relax guests as they enjoy views from the infinity pool ledge and drinks from the swim up bar.
Where your adventure begins
With so many things to do in Reykjavík, the city is a great jumping-off point to further exploration of Iceland. Hop on one of the many single or multiday tours departing Reykjavík for puffin spotting or whale watching, trips to Gullfoss waterfall or Þingvellir National Park along the Golden Circle, or customize your experience by renting a car. A few days in the capital city are the perfect kickoff to a larger Iceland adventure, but Reykjavík also has more than enough to be the focus of an unforgettable frí—the Icelandic word for vacation.