Top things to do in Reykjavík
Attractions, tours, and activities in Reykjavík
Recommended museums in Reykjavík
Where to find art and culture in Reykjavík
Reykjavík: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Reykjavík
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Vesturbær
0.4 miles from downtown
Well-heeled Vesturbær is made for lazy afternoons. Once home to fishermen’s cottages, its quiet streets now house families and students. Join locals for a dip and some friendly gossip at Vesturbæjarlaug swimming pool. At Eiðsgrandi, take a seafront stroll and suck in fresh salty air. Then, sweeten things up with homemade ice cream at Valdís.
Places to stay from $59 a night
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Reykjavík 101
In downtown
“101” is Iceland’s hippest postcode. It’s peopled by artsy, woollen-capped clans and Macbook-toting media tribes. Cruise the Skólavörðustígur–Klapparstígur–Laugavegur triangle of streets for everything from saké bars to second-hand shops. Sip a latte in retro art-café Mokka, or sink craft brews in casual Kaldi Bar. Congrats, you’re officially cool!
Places to stay from $26 a night
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Reykjavík East
1.6 miles from downtown
The city’s first suburbs slowly popped up here in the 1940s. Today, the area fizzles with life. At Reykjavík Zoo, giddy kids line up to see cute Icelandic horses and reindeers up close. In Kringlan Mall, check out trendy weather-proof threads at 66°North. Then saunter down Laugalækur Street to peruse artisan food shops like the Sausage Company.
Places to stay from $21 a night
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Reykjavík South-East
4.7 miles from downtown
When Reykjavík rapidly grew after WWII, modern flats replaced this area’s old farm houses. Today, some buildings carry murals by Icelandic artists Erró and Sara Riel. At Árbær Museum, quaint grass-roof cottages and actors in folk dress recreate the old world. In Elliðaárdalur Park, you can pick wild berries to the sound of gushing waterfalls.
Places to stay from $51 a night
About Reykjavík
Including tips for the best time to visit Reykjavík
The world's northernmost capital is packed with history, culture, and Icelandic charm. Reykjavik's compact city center makes it easy to explore all of its streets lined with colorful houses, cozy cafes, and great restaurants serving up local favorites like kjötsúpa – a lamb soup with vegetables and herbs.
You can explore the city's Viking past at The Settlement Exhibition, where ancient ruins meet digital technology. Other main sights include the enormous Hallgrímskirkja Church and the National Museum, which tells the story of the country's history and unique culture.
Tons of excursions depart from the city, so travelers can experience the natural wonders beyond the capital, including the famous geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, ice caves, geysers, and waterfalls.
Lots of travelers stop for a dip in the nearby Blue Lagoon on their way to or from the airport in Keflavik, about 30 miles out of Reykjavik.
Tonight
From $308 per night
Next weekend
From $437 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | € 1 = $1.07 |
| Language | Icelandic |
| Average weekend price | $249 per night |
| Average weekday price | $259 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Reykjavík
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Reykjavík
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The Pearl
1.4 miles from downtown
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Laugavegur Shopping Street
0.9 miles from downtown
Reykjavík reviews
What other travelers say about Reykjavík
I booked a hiking trip hut to hut with Arctic Adventures.
September 22, 2023
I booked a hiking trip hut to hut with Arctic Adventures. I stayed in Reykjavik my first night and my las two nights after my hiking tour. Very happy with my whole experience in Iceland, the locals, the food, the breathtaking views and the tour guides we had from Arctic Adventures.
This was a once in a lifetime trip for us and it was...
September 22, 2023
This was a once in a lifetime trip for us and it was highlighted by a great view of the Northern Lights right from the hotel parking lot. We deliberately booked when there would be a new moon and the 2nd night did not disappoint. Prearranged tours all picked up right from our hotel. Tun and Tieger and Nordica bus stops provided easy access to public transport. Botanical garden, waterfront and pools all just a short walk away. We enjoyed the hotel spa hot tubs. Skip the Blue Lagoon choose Secret Lagoon instead.
Reykjavik downtown where we stayed was lovely.
September 21, 2023
Reykjavik downtown where we stayed was lovely. Quaint with colourful buildings, murals, parks and lots of shops. We enjoyed wandering around, walking the shoreline, exploring the area and trying to remember the street names! We did eat out but we also cooked at our apartment (dining out is expensive). We went to the local swimming pool and enjoyed sitting in the outdoor hot tubs with light rain coming down. We also rented a car after a couple days and hiked to some natural hot springs about 45 min. out of Reykjavik.
I truly like Reykjavik, however the hotels are too expensive.
September 20, 2023
I truly like Reykjavik, however the hotels are too expensive. What they're charging for a shoe box you can get a presidential suit somewhere else. I've paid that type of money before but it was 3000sq, a villa, or I had private dipping pool. The hotels are a deterrent to return.
Prices are high for almost everything….
September 20, 2023
Prices are high for almost everything…. Be prepared to spend perhaps twice as much as you might have budgetted for. Eg: plate of a lam shank with mashed potato & beans plus one glass of wine = $75 AUD. Fridge magnet souvenirs around $18 AUD Just learn basic currency conversions to understand what you’re actually paying for things. If you want to get a quick handle on Reyjkavik history visit The City Museum branch The Settlement which features both an archaeological dig plus the oldest house in Reyjkavik. Consider buying the Reyjkavik Card for public transport & entry prices to major cultural attractions, especially if staying more than one day.
Rejkjavik doesn't have that much.
September 18, 2023
Rejkjavik doesn't have that much. There are bars and shops everywhere but give it one one and a half days max and spend your time on the north coast where the weather is better! Loki café is great for Icelandic food at reasonable prices. Old Iceland restaurant is also good but we're looking at pricey for most normal people. Promenade has great views. Perlan is fantastic but WAY overpriced
Popular places to stay in Reykjavík
Stay in some of the best accommodations Reykjavík has to offer
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House of the Snowbird Reykjavík 101, Reykjavík
From $256 per night
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Tower Suites Reykjavík Reykjavík 101, Reykjavík
From $469 per night
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Nest Apartments Reykjavík 101, Reykjavík
From $208 per night
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Reykjavík City Town Apartments Reykjavík 101, Reykjavík
From $222 per night
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Hotel Phoenix Reykjavík 101, Reykjavík
From $181 per night
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Other accommodations in Reykjavík
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Reykjavík
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Apartments
From $35 per night
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Villas
From $142 per night
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Cottages
From $142 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From $54 per night
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Vacation Homes
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Guest houses
From $35 per night
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Hostels
From $21 per night
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B&Bs
From $54 per night
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Homestays
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Self-catering Accommodations
From $43 per night
