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A foggy day in rural Iceland with a traditional farmhouse surrounded by lush greenery.

Things to Do in Reykjavik, Iceland

Photo made by Mark Neal on Pexels.com

When to visit

MODERATEJan-1°15d rain
MODERATEFeb-1°14d rain
MODERATEMar0°14d rain
NOT BUSYApr2°12d rain
NOT BUSYMay7°10d rain
BUSYJun11°8d rainBEST
VERY BUSYJul13°9d rainBEST
VERY BUSYAug13°12d rainBEST
MODERATESep10°14d rain
MODERATEOct5°16d rain
NOT BUSYNov2°16d rain
MODERATEDec-1°15d rain

When are you going to Reykjavik, Iceland?

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Scroll down for a list of most popular attractions and select them, if you want to include them in the itinerary preparation!

Most popular attractions in Reykjavik, Iceland

Harpa Concert Hall

1. Harpa Concert Hall

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4.6 (8,972)
Event VenueCoffee ShopCultural CenterCafeFood Store

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Catch dazzling light play and world-class performances. Experience a stunning blend of nature-inspired design and vibrant culture.

Perlan

2. Perlan

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4.5 (10,340)
Tourist AttractionPlanetariumCafeHistorical LandmarkHistorical Place

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Unrivaled panoramic views meet an icy adventure inside a rotating glass dome. Experience glaciers, cityscapes, and a top-floor spinning café all in one visit.

Sun Voyager

3. Sun Voyager

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4.5 (9,983)
SculptureHistorical LandmarkTourist AttractionHistorical PlacePoint of Interest

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Experience a stunning sculpture inspired by Viking voyages and dreams. Feel a connection to Iceland's maritime spirit with breathtaking sea views.

Our #1 travel tip

Have you heard of free walking tours?

After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Reykjavik, Iceland, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
National Museum of Iceland

4. National Museum of Iceland

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4.5 (3,931)
History MuseumTourist AttractionArt MuseumMuseumPoint of Interest

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Explore Iceland’s past through 2 million artifacts and ancient manuscripts. Walk through recreated medieval turf houses bringing history to life.

Reykjavik Art Museum

5. Reykjavik Art Museum

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4.2 (982)
Art MuseumTourist AttractionCultural CenterMuseumPoint of Interest

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Step into a vibrant world of modern Icelandic art and culture. Experience dynamic exhibitions and colorful pop art murals that brighten every corner.

Old Harbour

6. Old Harbour

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4.4 (74)
Clothing StorePoint of InterestStoreEstablishment

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Vibrant fishing life meets creative art and thrilling whale tours here. Dive into maritime charm and epic nature encounters!

Tjörnin Pond

7. Tjörnin Pond

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4.7 (120)
ParkPoint of InterestEstablishment

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A peaceful nature break right in the city heart. Enjoy close-up encounters with vivid wildlife and captivating reflections.

Imagine Peace Tower

8. Imagine Peace Tower

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4.1 (152)
MonumentTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

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Witness a luminous tribute that lights up the Icelandic sky in a beacon of hope. Feel the serene energy of a unique monument dedicated to peace.

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Kleina

Kleina

Kleina is a traditional Icelandic twisted doughnut that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often enjoyed with coffee.

Pönnukökur

Pönnukökur

Pönnukökur are thin Icelandic pancakes typically served rolled with sugar and jam, a popular treat for all ages.

Vinarterta

Vinarterta is a layered cake filled with prune jam, a dessert influenced by Iceland's Danish heritage and often served during festive occasions.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Plokkfiskur

Plokkfiskur

Plokkfiskur is a comforting Icelandic fish stew made with boiled cod, potatoes, onions, and a creamy white sauce.

Hangikjöt

Hangikjöt

Hangikjöt is smoked lamb, traditionally served sliced with potatoes and green peas, especially popular during Christmas.

Harðfiskur

Harðfiskur

Harðfiskur is dried fish, usually haddock or cod, eaten as a high-protein snack and often accompanied by butter.

Traditional Beverages

Brennivín

Brennivín is Iceland’s signature distilled spirit, often called the 'Black Death', made from fermented grain or potato and flavored with caraway.

Icelandic Milk

Icelandic milk is prized for its purity and is a staple beverage, reflecting the country's high standards for dairy farming.

Icelandic Birch Beer

Icelandic Birch Beer

Icelandic Birch Beer is a traditional soft drink made from birch sap, known for its unique, slightly sweet and aromatic flavor.

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Most popular day trips

Golden Circle

300 km 1h 30m by car

Popular route with Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall.

Blue Lagoon

50 km 45m by car

Famous geothermal spa with warm, mineral-rich waters.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

150 km 2h by car

Scenic area with lava fields, mountains, and coastline.

Rent a car in Reykjavik, Iceland

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Getting there

Use the Flybus shuttle for reliable transport from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik center.

Find flights to Reykjavik, Iceland

Click to get eSim for Reykjavik, Iceland

The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.

Useful information for Reykjavik, Iceland

Shopping locationsLaugavegur, Kringlan, Smáralind
Nightlife locationsAusturstræti, Laugavegur
Popular casual restaurantsIcelandic Street Food, Saeta Svinid
Popular fancy restaurantsDill, Matur og Drykkur
Popular coffee shopsReykjavik Roasters, Cafe Babalú, Mokka Kaffi
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaYes
Best taxi appHreyfill, City Taxi
Taxi price / km$2.5
Tourists / year2200000
Mobile internet speed90 Mbps
Unemployment percentage5 %
Poverty percentage8 %
Average income / month$5500
Average cost of living / month$2800
Hotel price / night from$120
Beer price from$8
Coffee price from$5
Street food price from$10
Restaurant meal price from$25
Local currencyISK
Power plug typesF
ReligionsLutheranism, Irreligion
Spoken languagesIcelandic, English, Danish
EthnicitiesIcelandic
Political orientationcenter-left
Population density450 /km²
Geographical area273 km²
Possible natural disastersvolcanic eruptions, earthquakes, storms
Dangerous animalsArctic fox (rarely dangerous)
Locations for a nice walkReykjavik Old Harbor, Perlan, Hallgrímskirkja
Public transportationsbuses, taxis
AirlinesIcelandair, WOW Air
Suggested vaccinationsTetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B
Architecture typeModern, Nordic, Contemporary, Functionalism
Average beer consumption per person / year81 l
Average wine consumption per person / year19 l
Tipping culturenot mandatory, but appreciated
Coworking / day$20
Airbnb / month$2500
1BR rent / month$1600
Gym / month$70
Daily budget (backpacker)$90
Daily budget (mid-range)$160

Overview for Reykjavik, Iceland

English proficiencyGood
Traffic safetyVery good
Friendly to foreignersGood
Freedom of speechVery good
Public transportationAverage
HealthcareGood
EducationGood
Power grid reliabilityVery good
Crime safetyVery good
WalkabilityGood
NightlifeGood
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyGood
Startup sceneAverage
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessGood
Nature accessVery good
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