Plan Your Reykjavik Holiday: Best of Reykjavik
Explore Reykjavik
Essential Reykjavik
Things to do
Food & drink
Trip ideas from our community
A parent’s guide for bringing teens to Reykjavik
Perlan3,652An excellent first stop to get the lay of the land, literally. Iceland is a unique geographic island, and volcanoes and glaciers and geysers have shaped both the land and the people. The Perlan building itself is an architectural gem, and the virtual lava show and (real) ice cave will be a hit with anyone who blows hot and cold. Grab a bite at the glass-domed restaurant for great views of the city.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur5,679Probably the most famous eatery in Iceland is the modest hot dog basket that has been serving up wieners since 1937. Don’t be alarmed by the line, it moves fast. Dogs are made with lamb meat, and are best with crispy onions. Who doesn’t love a good dog?
Hallgrimskirkja23,099This stunning church on the hill can be seen from anywhere in Reykjavik. It’s the largest church in Iceland, and source of pride for Icelanders. Pay the extra fee to go up the tower for the best views of the city, and it’s OK to pretend you’re a Norse god in Valhalla.
Laugardalslaug1,173Iceland sits directly on top of the meeting of two tectonic plates, creating more than 200 volcanoes and making earthquakes a common occurrence. The plus side? Cheap geothermal energy, and thus amazing public geothermal pools. Jump between hot, hotter and freezing pools, enjoy the sauna and waterslides along with the locals. Children under 16 are free.
Sun Voyager9,019This impressive sculpture, reminiscent of the bones of a Viking ship, is worth a visit. It’s a modern work by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. It’s been described as an “ode to the sun” and the artist says he wanted to convey the “promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, progress and freedom.” It’s free to visit, and the setting on the waterfront is unmatched. It’s particularly impressive at night, when it’s lit up.
Lauga-as175For authentic Icelandic cuisine, especially seafood. The lobster soup is always a hit, and when we visited the special was minke whale. But they also have burgers and chicken nuggets for those not looking for adventures in dining.
Icelandic Riding184The Icelandic horse is a source of national pride. Icelandic law prevents the breed from being imported into the country and exported animals are not allowed to return. The breed is hardy and small (more like a pony) and they have an extra gait (the “tolt”) that is unique (most horses just have the walk, trot, canter/gallop) and makes for smooth riding. Take a riding tour and get to see some of the unique scenery from horseback.
Vera Food Court12This upscale food court houses eight different restaurants, so even the pickiest eater will find something. Nice views of the water too. We recommend the Bang Bang and their dumplings.
Blue Lagoon19,914Before you hit the airport to depart, stop by Iceland’s most famous spa destination, the Blue Lagoon. It is not a natural hot springs, but instead was created from the runoff from a nearby geothermal power plant. Still, it’s worth the trip to enjoy the luxurious spa environment and have a hot soak. Applying the white silica clay to your face is great for the skin and makes a nearly required photo for Instagram. The restaurant serves up healthy gourmet fare in a sleek modern atmosphere.
Browse collections
Autumn in ReykjavikSee what makes the place so magical this time of year
Get a piece of the actionAdventures to get your heart racing
Reykjavik after darkThe city’s best bars, clubs, and live music
If you're feeling fancy-ishLuxury experiences that are totally worth it
Off-the-beaten-path picksHidden gems and spots locals love
Under-the-radar artBoutique galleries and lesser-known museums
Day trips to write home aboutThere's so much to see just outside the city
Find a patch of grassParks, gardens, and green spaces in the city
A taste of IcelandFood halls, markets, and more casual bites
Take a quick dipWhere to go for a soak—lagoons to pools
Reykjavik Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Reykjavik
Barbara A
There are tons of hiking and walking opportunities to enjoy, not to mention breathtaking viewpoints both in and around the city, including valleys and mountains containing some of Iceland's best-kept natural secrets. You may even catch a glimpse of the beautiful northern lights if you're lucky enough!
TigerLilly813
Take a tour for the Northern Lights. You have to drive way out of the city where there are no lights. For safety and for expertise, take a tour.
Sarah_Londoner
Go to the Blue Lagoon—I recommend going on the way to the airport as it is a perfect end to your holiday. They have bags in the changing room so you can wrap everything up and put it into your luggage before heading back.
icelandicguide
You typically will not be automatically brought the bill at your restaurant table. You ask for the check or pay at the counter on your way out.
Whitney C
Reykjavik is a beautiful city with wonderful people. There're plenty of things to see and experiences to be had, with many of the best highlights lying just off the beaten path.
Barbara A
Reykjavik offers many great open-air adventures — whether you are coming on your own, with friends, a partner, or family.
Freddy F
Reykjavik has a certain vibe and is small enough that you can explore it easily on foot. You can eat at some very good cafes, walk along the long promenade admiring the views, do a whale watching and puffin tour, visit the Harpa centre, go up the top of the cathedral for the views, and go to Perlan.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Keflavik International Airport is located 31 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of Reykjavik, in the town of Keflavik. Shuttle buses run from the airport to downtown Reykjavik.
Do I need a visa?
Check the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration to find out whether or not you need a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
Early Fall to Winter: Reykjavik weather is always changeable so make sure you bring warm clothing any time of year. Average Summer temperatures are around 68-77° Fahrenheit (20–25° Celsius.) Summer is peak tourist season but by early September the biggest crowds are gone. Winter and Spring, which bring the Northern Lights, is also appealing and, despite its latitude, Reykjavik temperatures are mild, with averages being around 14° Fahrenheit (−10° Celsius).
Get around
walk
A compact city, Reykjavik is ideal for exploring on foot.
bicycle
Bicycles can be rented from tour operators and where there are no dedicated bike lanes guests can ride on the sidewalk. Though, pedestrians have right of way.
bus
Strætó, Reykjavik’s public bus system is clean and reliable. If you are planning to use it a lot, get a multi-day pass. If you need to change buses to reach your destination, ask for a transfer ticket (skiptimiði).
taxis
Taxis are the most expensive way of getting around Reykjavik, but if you need one, call or wait at a taxi rank: the main ranks are in front of Hallgrimskirkja and Harpa Concert Hall.
ridesharing
There is no Uber or Lyft service in Iceland but home-grown carpooling site Samferda lets you request for rides or passengers for your journey around Iceland.
scooters
Zolo is a dockless electric scooter sharing scheme which offers rental via its smartphone app.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Iceland observes Greenwich Mean Time all year. There is no Daylight Saving Time.
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. There are two plug types, C and F. Type C has two round pins; type F has two round pins, with two earth clips on the side.
What is the currency?
Icelandic Króna.
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes and are typically preferred.
How much do I tip?
Tipping is not obligatory in Iceland, however, a tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20.
Public transport
Allow others to disembark before boarding. Stand to offer seating to the elderly, pregnant women, or someone with a disability.
Language
Icelanders do not expect visitors to know much of their difficult and little-spoken language, but a few Icelandic words such as halló (hello) and takk (thanks) go a long way.
Always refer to people by their first name
Unlike much of the world, Iceland doesn’t have a family naming system. Even the Prime Minister is referred to by their first name.
Follow the rules and regulations at hot springs and pools
Geothermal pools are popular around the country but note that you must shower before getting in.