Best Tourist Attractions to Visit and Things to Do in Reykjavík

September 14, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 4169 Views

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland located on the western coast of the country on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay. It is also the largest city in the country and its an economic, political, and cultural heart. There are numerous historical and cultural places to visit in Reykjavík. Though the city is known more for the natural Reykjavík tourist attractions and adventurous things to do. Exploring wildlife is also among the best things to do in Reykjavík. You can go looking for whales, puffins, penguins, and several other animals along the coast of Iceland as the best day trips from Reykjavík. There are also a few Reykjavík tourist attractions to marvel at these animals within the city. Although the most popular things to see in Reykjavík are not on land nor in the ocean, they occur at night in the sky. A tour for seeing the northern lights or the aurora lights is among the best things to do in Reykjavík at night. You can choose to do this from one of Reykjavík’s tourist attractions within the city.

Among Reykjavík’s attractions within the city are several historical buildings, churches, cultural centers, art museums, Viking museums, and other cultural museums. The most iconic Reykjavík attraction is the Hallgrimskikja Cathedral and its beautiful tower. It is usually the place to be Reykjavík sightseeing. You can visit Iceland National Museum to explore the history of the country. You can also choose the local museum and the city’s museum among the places to visit in Reykjavík to learn about local history. Reykjavík was among the very first settlements in Iceland, hence it has a long and storied history. Reykjavík is also the hub for Iceland’s art & culture. You can explore several art galleries and museums as part of city sightseeing in Reykjavík. There are also many famous outdoor art exhibitions and sculpture installations among places to see in Reykjavík.

Iceland is well known for its several outdoor exploration locations. There are numerous Reykjavík activities to quench your thirst for exploring nature. As the weather gets cold, you can even come for adventurous things to do in Reykjavík in winter. This would include ice cave exploration, glacier hiking, cross-country skiing, and more. Even in summer, you can enjoy several top things to do in Reykjavík. There are equal parts of landscapes, mountains, volcanoes, beaches, and bays to explore among things to see in Reykjavík.

Though there are several fun things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland is known more for the outdoors than the city. The best day trips from Reykjavík include three locations and several sightseeing spots along the way. Popularly known as the Iceland Golden Circle, the day trip from Reykjavík covers Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfalls, and Geysir Geysers. It is a long journey that covers several Reykjavík tourist attractions on the way. You can also go on a tour of the popular TV show Game of Thrones locations among the best day trips from Reykjavík. This tour will take you to several things to see in Reykjavík located in Thingvellir National Park. The locations were used to depict a few north-of-the-wall locations in the show. There you will also meet the fabulous horses which were used in the show. Other day trips from Reykjavík can take you to the South Coast, Glacier Hiking, Ice Cave Exploration, Beaches, and most famously for Northern Lights tour. As there are several locations to check out Aurora lights among things to do in Reykjavík at night, you should pick the one which includes a few tourist attractions along the way. If you check the offbeat things to do and nature & wildlife tourist attractions section of this article you will find all the options for the best day trips from Reykjavík. In the nature & wildlife tourist attractions section, all the attractions starting from Thingvellir National Park are locations for day trips from Reykjavík.

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Table of Contents

Explore The Best Tourist Places of Reykjavík in 5 Days

This section outlines a 5-day list of places to visit in Reykjavík and the wonderful activities you can explore at these attractions.

Day 1

1. Silfra Rift

This narrow rift is formed between subterranean continental plates. Scuba diving is among the top things to do in Reykjavík and Silfra Rift is among the best places for that. You should keep 2 hours of time aside for scuba diving in Reykjavík at Silfra Rift.

I suggest you should book a Tour of Snorkeling with Underwater Photos at Silfra Rift.

2. Thingvellir National Park

This park is among the best places to visit in Reykjavík on the Golden Circle tourist route. The Golden Circle route is considered one of the best day trips from Reykjavík. This National Park is listed among UNESCO sites and is an absolute wonder to explore. This volcanic landscape is also associated with Viking history. You should set aside 3 hours for Thingvellir National Park when you visit Reykjavík.

I suggest you should go for a Day Tour to Thingvellir National Park.

3. Geysir Geothermal Area

The Geysers are also among Reykjavík attractions on the Golden Circle route. These natural geysers ray out with great force from under the ground. The bubbling mud pits along with hot springs make up for a great sight. You would need about an hour here to admire these wonders of nature.

I suggest you should book a Day Trip to Golden Circle from Reykjavik to see the Geysir Geothermal Area.

4. Gullfoss Waterfall

One of the unique features of these waterfalls is that they are double-sided. The waterfalls are a part of Gullfoss National Park, which also falls on the Golden Circle. It is among Reykjavík’s must-see sites and you would need 2 hours of time for the waterfall and the national park combined.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Tour to Golden Circle to see the Gullfoss Waterfall.

Day 2

1. Vik Black Sand Beach

To visit this beautiful beach with volcanic black sand, you will have to make day trips from Reykjavík to a small town named Vik. This beach has a few other natural wonders to explore and admire. You would need at least 2 hours to fully enjoy this beach.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Trip to South Iceland to visit Vik Black Sand Beach.

2. Skogafoss Waterfall

This marvelous waterfall looks like it came from a fairytale movie. Anytime you can expect magical creatures to pop around it. This 60-meter-high waterfall is frequently known to form rainbows around it. It is a marvelous sight to behold during Reykjavík travel. Keep at least an hour to time spend at Skogafoss.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Tour to the South Coast of Iceland to see the Skogafoss Waterfall.

3. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

This is again a beautiful waterfall you can admire among places to visit near Reykjavík. One of the unique things you can do here is walk behind the waterfall on a hiking trail. You should keep 2 hours for this waterfall.

I suggest you should book a Trip to South Iceland to see the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.

Day 3

1. The Blue Lagoon

This natural hot spring is a spectacle to behold. If you want to take a warm bath and enjoy otherworldly views, then this is the place to be. It is among the top things to do in Reykjavík in winter especially. You should keep 2 hours relaxing at the Blue Lagoon.

I suggest you should book your Admission Ticket to The Blue Lagoon with transportation from Reykjavik.

2. Árbær Open-Air Museum

The museum gives a unique experience of the culture and traditions of the region. It is a part of the city sightseeing of Reykjavík and is a subset of the city museum. You would need about an hour and a half to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Tour to Reykjavik Suburb and visit Árbær Open-Air Museum.

3. Kerid Crater

This volcanic crater is quite close to the Gullfoss waterfall and is an equally beautiful natural wonder. You would need an hour’s time for this site.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Golden Circle Trip and visit the Kerid Volcanic Crater.

Day 4

1. Hallgrímskirkja

Also known as the Church of Hallgrimur, this is a Lutheran Parish church in the city. This church is not only a Reykjavík tourist attraction but also a national monument for Iceland. You would need about 30 minutes to explore this church.

I suggest you should book a Guided Walking Tour with a Viking in Reykjavik and visit this beautifulc church of Hallgrímskirkja.

2. The Sun Voyager

Also known as Solfar, this sculpture is made of stainless steel and depicts a Viking ship. It is one of the most iconic things to see in Reykjavík. You would need 15 to 20 minutes for this sculpture.

3. The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871±2

This museum exhibits several artifacts from the Viking era of the region. From a historical point of view, especially for those interested in Vikings, this museum is among the best places to visit in Reykjavík. You would need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should get your Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to The Settlement Exibition.

4. Reykjavík City Hall

The city hall sits near Lake Tjornin, which itself is among Reykjavík attractions. Top among things to see in Reykjavík City Hall is a 3D model of Iceland. There are also a few other exhibits here. All in all, you would need 15 to 20 minutes here.

5. National Gallery of Iceland

The museum exhibits work by several artists, but it is especially known among places to see in Reykjavík for the collection of works by Icelandic artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum and the various works of art exhibited here.

6. National Museum of Iceland

This museum depicts the history of Iceland from the time Vikings settled here till the 21st century. You will get to learn about the region’s history, culture, traditions, customs, and more. It will take 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book your Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to the National Museum of Iceland in advance.

7. Whale Watching Cruise

Whale watching is among popular Reykjavík activities. This cruise only takes place between May & August. You can catch a boat from Reykjavík Old Harbour and venture into the ocean to see these majestic creatures. You should keep a 2-hour to 3-hour window in mind for this activity.

I suggest you should book your Whale Watching Tour in advance.

Day 5

1. Reykjavík (Vikin) Maritime Museum

This museum focuses on the seafaring history of the city. You can also see ships from the settlement era at this museum. Maritime history is a significant aspect of Iceland and this museum depicts it very well. It is hence among the most historically significant places to visit in Reykjavík. You would need 2 hours to explore this museum.

2. The Culture House

This museum focuses on the cultural history of Iceland. There are 6 different cultural institutes that form this museum. You will need a couple of hours to explore the cultural history of Iceland.

3. Perlan Museum

Perlan or The Pearl sits on Oskjuhlio Hill and is an important landmark among Reykjavík tourist attractions. You can get a breathtaking view of the city as well as the ocean from this dome. Keep 20 to 30 minutes of your time for Reykjavík sightseeing from Perlan.

I suggest you should book a Wonders of Iceland & Áróra Northern Lights Planetarium Show at the Perlan Museum.

4. Icelandic Horse Riding

This is among the most fun things to do in Reykjavík. Viking horses are a unique breed and you can explore nature along with these wonderful companions. Keep an hour’s time for riding the Viking Horses.

I suggest you should book a Tour of Icelandic Horse Riding on Lava Fields.

5. Nauthólsvík Beach

The beach is man-made, but the geothermal lagoon is absolutely natural. It is also said to have great healing and skin treatment qualities, which is why is so popular among Reykjavík tourist attractions. Keep a couple of hours of time to thoroughly enjoy yourself here.

If you plan to visit Reykjavík for more than 5 days, check out our exhaustive list of all the things to do and places to visit in and around the city in the section below.

Things to do in Reykjavík

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Reykjavík

Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral
Harpa Complex
Perlan Exhibition Center
Sun Voyager Sculpture
Icelandic Phallological Museum
National Museum of Iceland
Settlement Exhibitions
Arbajarsafn Open Air Museum
Hofdi House Museum
Reykjavík Maritime Musuem
National Gallery of Iceland
Reykjavík Art Museum
Saga Museum
Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Museum
Grotta Island Lighthouse
Einar Jonsson Museum
Culture House Museum
Cathedral of Christ the King
Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaoir
Althingi Parliament House
The Living Art Museum
Reykjavík Museum of Photogrpahy
Reykjavík Art Museum Asmundarsafn
Tales form Iceland Video Museum
The Icelandic Punk Museum
Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhus
Frikirkjan Church
Hafnarborg Art Museum
Geroarsafn Köpavogur Art Museum
Hategskirkja Church
Sigurjon Olafsson Museum
Natural History Museum Kopavagur
Museum of Design & Applied Art
Hafnarfjorour Museum
Reykjavík Local History Museum
Kopavogskirkja Church
Gljufrasteinn House Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Reykjavík

Tjornin Lake
Oskjuhlio Forest Park
Thirhnukagigur Volcano
Heiomork Nature Reserve
Almannagja Tectonic Rift
Lundey Island
Akurey Island
Alafoss Waterfall
Ulfarsfell Mountain
Ellioaa River
Rauoholar Volcano
Holmsa River
Lake Ellidavatn
Thingvellier National Park
Gullfoss Falls
The Great Geysir Geyser
South Coast
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Hraunfossar Waterfall
Barnafoss Waterfall
Blue Lagoon
Kerid Volcanic Crater

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Reykjavík

Iceland Game of Thrones Tour
Reykjavík City Hall
Nautholsvik Hot Springs
Whales of Iceland Exhibit
Imagine Peace Tower
Laugardalslaug Park
Nordic House Cultural Center
Omnim Chocolate Factory
Grasagardur Botanical Garden
Reykjavík Park & Zoo
Pufa Art Installation
Hellisgeroi Park
Reykjavík City Museum
Magic Ice Reykjavík – Ice Art Gallery
Klambratun Complex
Hljomskalagarour Park

Shopping in Reykjavík

Kolaportio Flea Market
Laugavegur Street
Skolavoroustigur Corridor
Kirsuberjatreo
Bankatraeti Street

Beaches & Islands in Reykjavík

Videy Island
Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach
Grotta Island
Abbi Island

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Things to Do in Reykjavík

Flyover Iceland Plane Tour
Northern Lights Tour
Quad Bike Safari
Glacier Hiking
Ice Climbing
Mountaineering
White Water Rafting
Whale Watching Tour
Bird Watching Tour
Scuba Diving
Ice Cave Exploration
Iceland Golden Circle Tour
Viking Horse Riding Tour

Sightseeing in Reykjavík

Old Harbour
Austurvollur Square
Bessastaoir Government Building
Skarfabakki Harbour
Ingolfur Square
Aoalstraeti Street
Ballenas en Islandia
Smaratorg Tower
Sculpture Shore Walk

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Reykjavík

Matur og Drykkur
Dill
La Primevera
Old Iceland Restaurant
Prir Frakkar
Saegreifinn
Mandi
Flatey Pizza
Coocoo’s Nest
17 Sortir
Devito’s Pizza
Skal
Bryggjan Brugghus
Icelandic Street Food
Glo
Bio Borgari
Brauo & Co.
Snaps
Grandi Matholl
Messinn
Cafe Babalu
Bakari Sandholt
Le Kock
Bergsson Mathus
Hlemmur Matholl
Grillmarkaourinn

Where to Stay in Reykjavik?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Reykjavik. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Reykjavik.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Reykjavik

How to Reach Reykjavík?

By Air

The fastest option for Reykjavík travel is Keflavik International Airport located 50 km away from the city in the southwest direction. You can get a direct flight to visit Reykjavík from various cities in the USA, Canada, and Europe. Some of the most popular cities for trips to and from Reykjavík include New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Tampa, Orlando, Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Edmonton, Vancouver, Halifax, Toronto, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Oslo, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Stockholm, Bergen, Gothenburg, Geneva, Basel, Belfast and many more. Icelandair is the most popular airline for Reykjavík travel, followed by Easy Jet. Icelandair covers the majority of cities in North America as well as Europe, while Easy Jet only covers a few European cities. There are also a few other airlines you can pick for Reykjavík travel.

Once you reach the airport, you have the option of a bus or cab to reach Reykjavík. The bus takes about 45 minutes to get you to Reykjavík tourist attractions. You can buy tickets from the airport or online. There are also direct-to-hotel express buses available from the airport. If you want they can also take you to things to see in Reykjavík from the airport. These buses require advance booking online. There are also public buses to visit Reykjavík. These are good options if you are looking for the best day trips from Reykjavík. You will also come across a few Reykjavík attractions along the way. These buses take various stops on the route hence takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to reach places to visit in Reykjavík. It is good for Reykjavík sightseeing. These public buses are cheaper, but also way slower means of transport for Reykjavík travel. Finally, you have the option to take a cab directly to reach your hotel or towards the best things to do in Reykjavík.

By Road

There are buses running from almost all major cities and towns in Iceland for Reykjavík travel. If you are already in Iceland, these buses can take you to the city or for the best day trips from Reykjavík. There are also several Reykjavík sightseeing bus tours available from numerous cities in Iceland.

If you are traveling by car, you can choose from two main routes to visit Reykjavík. If you are traveling from the western side you can take route 40. If you are traveling from east or north route 1 would be preferable. Route 41 connects with Reykjavík from the southwest and is also a popular route for coastal road trips or day trips from Reykjavík to the southern coast of Iceland.

By Water

Many cruise ships operating around Iceland include Reykjavík city sightseeing in their itinerary. The Skarfabakki Harbour is a common docking point for several cruise liners. You might get a day or two to enjoy several top things to do in Reykjavík with these cruises. Some of the cruises also include pre-planned Reykjavík activities while others just provide assistance and guidance. The majority of cruise lines visit Reykjavík in summer only. There are very few which include the best things to do in Reykjavík in winter. Another water transport for Reykjavík travel includes boat rides from Seedsfjordur located on the other end of Iceland. You can also get ferry ride from Torshavn (Faroe Islands) to reach places to see in Reykjavík. Via Torshavn, you can get a boat ride from Hirtshals and Esbjerg in Denmark. These boat rides are very expensive compared to flights for Reykjavík travel. Besides the expenses, the boat ride is also quite long. If you don’t have the experience or patience to stay on a boat for more than a day, such trips are not advisable for you. Although if you wish to enjoy sailing among fun things to do in Reykjavík, you can catch a private tour boat to nearby ports of Iceland.

Image Reference

Silfra Rift – Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Thingvellir National Park – AO’D / Flickr
Geysir Geothermal Area and Strokkur (The Great Geysir) – Alex Proimos / Flickr
Gullfoss Waterfall – Brennan Emerson / PixaBay
Vik Black Sand Beach – Henrique Pinto / Flickr
Skogafoss Waterfall – David Lee / Flickr
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – David Mark / PixaBay
Blue Lagoon (Geothermal Spa) – Chris Goldberg / Flickr
Árbær Open-Air Museum – american_rugbier / Flickr
Kerid Crater – Xavi / Flickr
Hallgrímskirkja – Xavi / Flickr
The Sun Voyager – Arian Zwegers / Flickr
The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871±2 – Heidrunin / Wikimedia Commons
Reykjavík City Hall – Claire Cox / Flickr
National Gallery of Iceland – JasonParis / Flickr
National Museum of Iceland – A.Davey / Flickr
Whale Watching – Helgi Halldórsson / Flickr
Reykjavík (Vikin) Maritime Museum – Luc Coekaerts / Flickr
The Culture House – Vera de Kok / Wikimedia Commons
Perlan Museum – smcgee / Flickr
Nauthólsvík Beach – Jesús Rodríguez Fernández / Flickr
Icelandic Horse Riding – Piqsels