The world's most northerly capital is certainly the most endearing for its relaxed atmosphere, cultural life, cafés, young heritage and festivities. It's a pleasant place to stroll, to take part in the sacrosanct ritual of bathing and to meet its inhabitants, who are as welcoming as they are natural. Nature, in all its splendour, is only a stone's throw away: Reykjavik is the starting point for a visit to the Golden Circle, where Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir site are all within easy reach. What to do and see in Reykjavik? Let's discover the 15 must-sees with us!
1. Discover Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran Church
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Dominating the center of Reykjavik, the Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran Church has become the symbol of the city. Its architecture is absolutely astonishing, with its 73-metre bell tower draped in two basalt slabs that fall from the top. Its designer, Guðjón Samúelsson, wanted to symbolize the glaciers and mountains typical of the Icelandic landscape. On the forecourt, you are greeted by the statue of Guðjón Samúelsson, the famous Norwegian explorer, son of the Viking Erik the Red, who was the first European to set foot on North American soil.
2. What to do in Reykjavik Visit the National Museum of Iceland
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The National Museum of Iceland traces Iceland's history from the Viking settlements to the present day, through a modern, interactive scenography. Artefacts, photographs and activities make the visit both exciting and fun for young and old. Discover the way of life of the first Icelanders, typical arts and crafts and Icelandic culture in general. Don't miss the National Gallery of Photography on the first floor and the temporary exhibition area.
3. What to do in Reykjavik Stroll along the old port
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The Old Port lends itself to all kinds of strolls along its quays, where fishermen's huts have been transformed into galleries, craft stores and cafés. There are museums, a volcano projection room andexcellent seafood restaurants with lovely ocean views. The old port is also the starting point for fishing excursions and offshore whale-watching cruises. If it's your lucky day, you may spot 4 different species: humpback whales, minke whales, porpoises and white-nosed dolphins.
To book : Embark on a whale-watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík by booking right here. A unique opportunity to see the local wildlife, including whales, dolphins, porpoises...
Did you know? Iceland is one of the 15 destinations to visit in 2025 according to Petit Futé!
4. Go to the Blue Lagoon
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250 °C... There are few places like here where the underground temperature is so hot, and this is certainly what inspired Iceland's open-air bathing culture. The emblematic place to sample the pleasures of splashing about is Blue Lagoon, a man-made lake that hovers around 40°C, some forty kilometers from Reykjavik. This body of freshwater has blue and green, almost fluorescent reflections, which stand out beneath a halo of steam and smoke. Its water is loaded with mineral salts, silicates and micro-algae with healing properties, which is why some people bathe here to treat eczema and psoriasis.
To book : click here to book your Blue Lagoon admission package!
Read more: Top 10 destinations to enjoy the snow this winter
5. Visit Harpa
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Behind its resolutely contemporary design, Harpa is the Icelandic capital's congress and concert hall, since its recent construction in 2011. Harpa houses several halls, including a large 1,800-seat concert hall, to which the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera are attached. In addition to its rich cultural program, you can visit this architectural UFO draped in steel and glass, which filters the light in a captivating play of reflections and shadows.
6. What to do in Reykjavik Enjoy nature in Thingvellir National Park
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Ah, Iceland also means dream walks in the National Parks! Thingvellir National Park is part of the trio that make up the Golden Circle, along with Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir site. The site has many attractions, starting with its seismic activity, as evidenced by the faults and volcanic rocks that make up its scenery. The Silfra fault is one of the world's best diving sites, where you can observe the fault between Europe and America at depths of over 100 metres. The park is also of historical and symbolic interest to the country: it was here, over 1,000 years ago, that the first meetings of the Althing were held: the oldest parliament in the world.
Read more : Top 15 destinations for van travel in Europe
7. Volcanic eruptions at Geysir
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The second sight in the Golden Circle, Geysir is a geothermal site 120 m above sea level in the southern mountains. It's named after the Great Geysir, one of the world's most powerful geysers, which still blows its top to this day, though less so than its slightly more virulent colleague Strokkur! The site is home to a wide variety of geothermal phenomena: geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, bubbling pools... On site, you'll discover the Geysir Center, which shows numerous video-projections of recent volcanic eruptionsas well as extensive documentation on the geology of these lands.
To book: We recommend booking this guided tour of Iceland' s iconic Golden Circle . You'll see the breathtaking natural scenery and discover the spectacular Geysir region, Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
Read more: The 5 best tours to discover Iceland
8. What to do in Reykjavik Admire the Gullfoss waterfall
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Nicknamed the Golden Falls, the two waterfalls of Gullfoss are impressivewith their 32-metre height and the powerful flow of their waters.... indeed impossible to approach the banks without coming out partially soaked! Hikes can be organized here, and along the way you'll come across a stele dedicated to Sigridur Tomasdottir: she was the daughter of the original owner of the land, who fought all her life to prevent the site being sold to industrialists who wanted to use it to generate electricity.
9. Enjoy the unique spectacle of the Northern Lights
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Located north of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is the ideal destination for watching the Northern Lights, from late August to mid-April. During this period, you can witness a magnificent spectacle of streaks of light dancing across the sky as night falls. This natural astronomical phenomenon has all the makings of the supernatural: it can be observed with the naked eye, but you need to choose areas without too much light to get the most out of this magical show.
What to book : Discover one of the world's greatest natural phenomena by booking this guided bus tour to see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik.
Good to know: The Perlan is one of Reykjavik's most attractive sites, easily spotted thanks to its imposing glass bubble. Our favorites include the "Wonders of Iceland" exhibition, which raises awareness of the country's natural resources, and the 8K planetarium with its aurora borealis projections. In winter, it's also an ideal place to watch the northern lights when the sky is clear. Tempted? Click here to book your ticket for the Perlan Museum
Read more: Where to go to see the northern lights? Top 11 best places
10. What to do in Reykjavik Taste the local culinary specialties
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Surprising country, surprising gastronomy... Here, you' ll experience many firsts: first whale steak, first pheasant shark, first boiled sheep testicle, first smoked puffin! And for the grand slam, go for a þorramatur that simmers together shark fin, mutton testicles, seal flippers, liver sausages, mutton heads, whale fat and a bit of rye bread! If you're feeling the cold, at least try the "hot springs", compositions that are buried underground, in what is known as hot ground, for several hours at low temperatures.
11. Visit the Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Strategically located on the harbor, this museum explores the country's maritime history through ship models, maps, navigation tools and various works of art. The exhibition provides an insight into the impressive evolution of Iceland's fishing industry, which has enriched the country considerably in just a few decades. Highly interactive, this museum is a real pleasure to visit, alone or with the family. It also houses the Messinn restaurant, renowned for its seafood.
Read more: Iceland is one of the top 10 greenest destinations to travel to!
12. What to do in Reykjavik Visit the National Gallery of Iceland
Located on the shores of Lake Tjörnin, this charming museum offers superb views from its windows and presents a panorama of Iceland's 19th and 20th century art scene. You'll discover the works of numerous landscape painters influenced by Impressionism. Temporary exhibitions are held regularly throughout the year. The museum also has a cafeteria and a well-stocked gift store. Admission is free for children under 18, making it an ideal destination for a family outing!
13. Tjörnin, a small lake in the heart of the city
Tjörnin, a small lake in the heart of the city, attracts Icelanders and tourists alike. It's much more than just a link between the city center and the university district. Surrounded by some of the finest mansions in the old town, the lake changes its appearance according to the weather, becoming shiny, metallic or dark. Its benches invitecontemplation and observation of the many Icelandicbirds that frequent its banks and islets. In winter, when the lake freezes sufficiently, it turns into an impromptu ice rink!
14. What to do in Reykjavik Árbær Farm Museum
This open-air museum, although a little out of the way, is well worth a visit! In Árbær, where 27 buildings (dating from 1820 to 1907) were rebuilt after being salvaged from all over Iceland, this museum resembles a small village with its houses, church and peat farm. Workshops showcase traditional Icelandic crafts. This picturesque place offers an immersion in the daily life of Icelanders a few decades ago.
15. What to do in Reykjavik Swimming at the geothermal beach
This beautiful little beach of yellow sand, imported from Morocco, is located in Fossvogur, at the foot of the hill where Perlan stands. The water temperature is a pleasant 18-20°C, while the mini-basin reaches 30-35°C. The beach offers many activities, including beach volleyball, with a breathtaking view of Kópavogur and its distinctive church. This secluded corner of the capital is well worth a visit, especially in the mornings, when only a few locals go there.
Where to stay in Reykjavik?
The best place to stay in Reykjavik depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your stay. Miðbær (Downtown) is located close to the main attractions, restaurants, bars and stores, and is an ideal option for those who want to be right in the heart of the action. The Vesturbær (West Quarter) is a quiet, residential area, close to the city center but quieter, with good restaurant and café options.
Discover our 3 favorite hotels:
- The ideal option for families: the Black Pearl
If you're looking for comfortable accommodation in the heart of the capital, book the Black Pearl apartments here! From the 60 m² junior suite to the 180 m² penthouse, each apartment is equipped with a kitchen, living room with TV and private bathroom, all decorated with care. Suites and apartments can even be connected for groups and families.
- The most authentic option: Casa Dísa
If you're a couple or a family looking for a real home-away-from-home, Casa Disa is the ideal choice, bookable here ! Located just a few steps from a bus stop (with a line that reaches the center in 10 minutes) and Laugardalslaug, the place is quiet and peaceful. It's a real pleasure to chat with Anna and spend a short stay here. We really appreciated the warm welcome.
- The hotel with the best view: Hotel Cabin
This hotel is located in Borgartún, 100 meters from the coastline, a hiking trail that runs through the town center along the coast. The superior panoramic rooms are all located on the hotel's 7th floor and offer a unique view(they fill up fast, so remember to book right here to guarantee the view!).
See also below for the hottest things to do in Reykjavik:
