Travel guide
Reykjavik packs museums, geothermal pools, whale watching, and Northern Lights tours into a compact, walkable capital. Here is how to plan your days around the sights and experiences the city does best.
Reykjavik church, Reykjavik
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Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, a city surrounded by extraordinary nature yet alive with creativity and culture. It is described as one of the safest and happiest cities in the world, which makes it an easy place to settle into for a few days.[1],[4]
The city is made up of 14 diverse areas across six municipalities, so there is more to explore than the downtown core. You can find museums, art galleries, nature spots, activities, shops, and restaurants throughout.[1],[4]
Summer or winter, it is always a good time to visit Reykjavik. The city has year-round festivals and seasonal events, and its proximity to nature, outdoor activities, and scenic views offers a chance to recharge and rebalance.[1],[2]
Whether you are traveling alone, with a partner, friends, or family, there is much to do. Reykjavik is a family city and respects diversity as an LGBTQIA+ destination.[2]
Reykjavík (KEF)
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Hallgrímskirkja church is a popular sight and landmark in Reykjavik. Next to it is the Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum, which opened on 24 June 1923 and was Iceland's first public art museum on its own premises.[1],[2],[7]
Perlan - Wonders of Iceland is a popular attraction and an immersive museum that showcases Iceland's extraordinary landscapes and nature in an accessible way. It is a good stop if you want a broad picture of the country's natural features.[1],[2],[3]
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is a popular sight. At its main entrance, the World of Icelandic Music is a new experiential exhibition.[1],[3]
Viðey Island is a popular sight with unspoiled nature and a unique place in Icelandic history, plus abundant birdlife. The Árbær Open Air Museum is another popular sight where you can stroll through the past and experience the way people lived.[1],[3],[8]
The Settlement Exhibition is at Aðalstræti 10 and 16 and offers guided tours in English. At the same address in the city center, you can explore how the city developed from Iceland's settlement period.[1],[3]
Other landmarks to keep on your list include the Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum, Mount Úlfarsfell, Hofstaðir Viking Settlement, Elliðaárstöð, Kópavogskirkja Church, Hallargarðurinn public park, Klambratún park, the Island of Grótta and Grótta Lighthouse, Reykjavik Botanical Garden, Laugardalur valley and park, Alþingi - Parliament House, Seljatórn Pond, the Grandi District, and Heiðmörk nature reserve.[2]
The Reykjavik City Center includes the colorful Rainbow Street and the Old Harbour. It is an easy place to start walking and get your bearings.[4]
The Grandi District is a landmark area in its own right and sits near the harbor. The city's 14 areas each have their own character, so leave time to wander beyond the center.[1],[2]
Three of Reykjavik City Museum's five sites are within walking distance of downtown Reykjavik, which makes a museum day easy to do on foot.[8]
Reykjavik has 18 public swimming pools dotted throughout the city, and Icelandic swimming culture has received UNESCO recognition. The pools offer a unique experience, and you can also find geothermal pools, hot springs, a geothermal spa, and a geothermal beach.[1],[2]
For green space, visit Klambratún park, Hallargarðurinn public park, Laugardalur valley and park, or the Reykjavik Botanical Garden. Heiðmörk nature reserve is another outdoor option.[2]
The city has a wide range of art, natural history, and history museums. The National Museum of Iceland displays objects that provide insight into Icelandic cultural history, and the exhibition Treasures of a Nation in the House of Collections throws light on the museum's invaluable collections.[3]
Reykjavík Art Museum - Hafnarhús is housed in an old harbour warehouse and offers a progressive exhibition program with local and international contemporary artists. It is home to works by Erró, a significant player in the international pop art scene.[3],[6]
The Whales of Iceland Exhibition consists of 23 man-made life-size models of the various whale species found in Icelandic waters. The Icelandic Phallological Museum houses the world's largest collection of penises.[3]
The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum has an outdoor sculpture garden displaying 26 bronze casts of works by Einar Jónsson. The garden is open 24/7 and free of charge.[7]
The Árbær Open Air Museum is a living museum where you can encounter costumed guides, grazing animals, and traditional crafts. Exhibitions, demonstrations, and tours reveal how Reykjavik grew from a few scattered farms to a vibrant capital city.[8]
Reykjavik hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year, and has year-round festivals and seasonal events. Check what is on during your dates before you book.[1]
The August 12, 2026 eclipse is the first total solar eclipse in Iceland since 1954, and Reykjavik's first in nearly 600 years. A total solar eclipse occurs in 2026, so plan well ahead if you want to be in the city for it.[1],[2]
In winter, Reykjavik has Christmas markets covered in a holiday guide, and the city marks the end of Christmas with bonfires.[1]
Northern Lights tours are available from Reykjavik, and the city is described as one of the best places in the world to experience the Northern Lights. You can learn when to go, where to watch, and the best tours to see them.[1],[4]
The Reykjavík City Card offers free unlimited bus travel within the Reykjavik Capital Area. That makes it a straightforward way to move between the city's 14 areas without paying per ride.[1]
Walking tours are available in Reykjavik, and three of Reykjavik City Museum's sites are within walking distance of downtown. The Árbær Open Air Museum and the ferry terminal are only a 10-15 minute drive from the city centre.[1],[2],[8]
Day tours from Reykjavik are available if you want to see waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes without changing hotels. Trusted local operators run these trips.[1],[4],[5]
The Reykjavík City Card offers free entry to a great selection of museums and galleries, all swimming pools in Reykjavík, and free unlimited bus travel within the Reykjavik Capital Area. It also gives discounts on attractions and services.[1]
Visitors can enjoy Reykjavik on a budget, and there are free things to do for unhurried travelers. The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum's outdoor sculpture garden is open 24/7 and free of charge.[1],[7]
Slow travelers can explore Reykjavik at an unhurried, authentic pace, from sea-to-table fishing to geothermal pools.[4]
Whale watching is an activity available in Reykjavik, and you can go whale watching in Faxaflói Bay from the city. Whale Safari uses a fleet of specially designed RIB boats, and Elding is the original whale tour operator in Reykjavik.[1],[5]
Activities in Reykjavik range from boat tours, hiking, skiing, and helicopters to theatres, golfing, horse riding, and music venues. Adventurous travelers can easily pack their stay with activities.[2]
ATV tours explore nearby mountains, lava fields, and hidden valleys. Norðurflug Helicopter Tours is rated as one of Trip Advisor's top activities in Iceland, and HeliAir offers flights showing lava, volcanoes, waterfalls, and mountains on the same trip.[5]
EC Iceland Electric Cycling Tours offers leisurely guided e-bike tours from Nauthólsvík through Fossvogsdalur and Elliðaárdalur. Íshestar Riding Tours has been the leading equine tourism company in Iceland since 1982.[5]
Your Friend in Reykjavík offers tours designed to show the best of Reykjavík and teach visitors about Iceland. Arctic Adventures offers a wide range of outdoor activities led by experienced guides.[5]
No. The Reykjavík City Card includes free unlimited bus travel within the Reykjavik Capital Area, and walking tours are available. Three of Reykjavik City Museum's sites are within walking distance of downtown.[1],[8]
It offers free entry to a great selection of museums and galleries, all swimming pools in Reykjavík, and free unlimited bus travel within the Reykjavik Capital Area. It also gives discounts on attractions and services.[1]
Northern Lights tours are available from Reykjavik, and the city is described as one of the best places in the world to experience them. You can learn when to go, where to watch, and the best tours to see them.[1],[4]
Yes. The August 12, 2026 eclipse is the first total solar eclipse in Iceland since 1954 and Reykjavik's first in nearly 600 years. A total solar eclipse occurs in 2026, so plan ahead if you want to be there.[1],[2]
There are free things to do in Reykjavik for unhurried travelers. The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum's outdoor sculpture garden is open 24/7 and free of charge.[1],[7]
You can go whale watching in Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavik. Whale Safari uses a fleet of specially designed RIB boats, and Elding is the original whale tour operator in Reykjavik.[5]
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Start planningThe facts above come from these pages, which we read on November 9, 2026. Opening hours, prices and event dates change, so check with the venue or organizer before you go.
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