Many people tend to gloss over Reykjavik using it solely as a jumping-off point for the famous Ring Road or Golden Circle. But Iceland’s capital city deserves at least a couple of days to explore its many historical, cultural, and active things to do. From street art to lagoons and the taste of the very best hot dogs, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. Plus, the city center is so tiny that Reykjavik is extremely walkable – maximizing how much time you get to enjoy attractions.
Top things to do in Reykjavik
You can visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, taste traditional Icelandic food, or appreciate Icelandic culture at Reykjavik museums. We did all of this when we visited Reykjavik for the first time. Reykjavik has enough to keep you entertained. This guide will cover all the best things to do in Reykjavik.
1. Perlan Museum
For some reason, the Perlan Museum is not one of the most popular things to do in Reykjavik. Don’t let 2023 be the year that you miss out too. This impressive glass building is a massive dome and sits hilltop in a park setting just outside the city center. The museum is a nature Exploratorium. You can learn more about Icelandic nature and science through technology and interactive exhibits. Iceland has many unique natural attractions and phenomena, so this is a top attraction for your list. Guests can enjoy an observation deck, an indoor ice cave, and a planetarium show.
When you’ve finished learning, there’s also hospitality to relax. The Perlan Museum is also home to a revolving restaurant and fancy cocktail bar. The futuristic dome has everything- what’s not to love? Grab your entrance ticket here!
2. Icelandic Phallological Museum
The Icelandic Phallological Museum is one of the most bizarre things to do in Reykjavik. Yes, you read the name correctly. This is an entire museum dedicated to ‘penises and penile parts’. The Phallological Museum is surprisingly educational, though; the specimen comes from various Icelandic land and sea mammals, including whales. The museum is a biological exhibit and stands out because of its unique focus.
Allow at least an hour or two to visit the Icelandic Phallological Museum. There are over 200 penises and penile parts on display, presented in glass columns, wall platforms, and tiny specimen jars. There’s even a mythical creatures section as a bit of extra fun. Located in central Reykjavik, the Phallological Museum is one of the most fun things to do in Reykjavik. It is a perfect attraction if you fancy some light-hearted entertainment.
3. Flyover Iceland
Flyover Iceland is relatively new to the Reykjavik attractions scene. The 4D experience is an exciting way to virtually fly over Iceland and whisks guests away on a thirty-minute tour of Iceland’s most iconic attractions. For those with limited time in Iceland, Flyover Iceland is a fantastic way to experience attractions that you can only access on lengthy road trips. The 4D experience factors in all your senses, with wind, mist, scents, and seat motion – with 3D visuals throughout. The spherical screen is 20 meters, so you can prepare for ultimate views.
Located in Downtown Reykjavik, Flyover Iceland is extremely easy to access and factor into your itinerary. And, if you want an indoor attraction, an immersive, 4D ‘flight’ is a great way to warm up. Grab Your ticket now.
Shopping in Reykjavik is one of the most fun things for Icelandic visitors to do, yet also extremely practical. Even the best-laid plans can go wrong, and the same goes for packing warm clothes. Picking up a handy woolly layer is a brilliant thing to do in Reykjavik, and you’ll thank yourself later. Icelandic wool contains two types of hair, giving it a soft inner layer and a coarser water-resistant outer layer. Read more: 5 Winter Layering Tips to Dress for Extreme Cold Weather
So, where can you find the best shops? Downtown and central Reykjavik is home to many of the city’s main shopping streets, where you’ll discover woolen clothes shops galore. The Wool Shop, Icewear Magasin Austurstraeti, Thorvaldsen Bazar, and the Nordic Store are the best shops to purchase woolly layers. Souvenir shops tend to sell smaller items like gloves and hats too. Keep your eye out for extra insulating merino layers as well as traditional wool as well.
5. Catch a live gig at the bookshop bar none
Rublan Bokakaffi might look like an unassuming bookshop by day. Still, at night it transforms into a raging live music venue. The bar switches from coffee-making to pint-pulling and cocktail mixing. Guests line up in front of bookshelves along the mezzanine floor to peer over the railings at the performing band and the lower floor becomes a dance floor. Rublan Bokakaffi is the perfect place to experience Reykjavik’s quirky nightlife. Where also could you belt out ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Wonder Wall’ next to copies of encyclopedias and world history books?
If you bar hop along the famous Laugavegur street, Dillon’s Whiskey Bar, Bravo, and Rublan Bokakaffi are three fantastic stops. We recommend combining a visit to Rublan Bokakaffi with these other two bars for the best experience of Icelandic nightlife.
6. Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon is one of the newest attractions in Iceland, opening at the start of 2022. Sky Lagoon is a ten-minute drive out of the city center, but it is close enough that we are including it in this guide. The natural thermal baths are heated by underground hot springs. They feature a dramatic infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean 75 meters below. The Sky Lagoon is much closer to Reykjavik and more natural than the Blue Lagoon (we’ll get to that later). The lagoon is cut into coastal cliffs, and the water is crystal clear apart from the steam. You can buy a drink from the bar and spend hours relaxing in the heat.
Aside from the lagoon itself, you can book yourself in for a seven-step spa ritual. This involves time in the lagoon, a dip in a cold therapy pool, a sauna overlooking the ocean, a cold fog experience, a cleansing scrub, a warm steam experience, and a final shower. For those wanting a more extended experience, the seven-step ritual turns the Sky Lagoon into a full-day attraction.
Reaching the Sky Lagoon is a piece of cake if you drive, and there’s plenty of parking onsite. If not, you can purchase a shuttle ride straight from Reykjavik city center.
7. Go on a whale-watching tour
Going whale watching is one of the best wild animal encounters and wildlife-related things to do in Reykjavik. Whale-watching tours can easily be booked from the old harbor. They range from more expensive experiences on smaller RIB boats and more budget-friendly options on larger tourist boats. Depending on the season, you can see humpback, blue, fine sperm, and minke whales. If you are lucky, you might spot orcas as well.
June to August are the best months for spotting whales in Iceland, but March to June are great for spotting orcas, specifically from Reykjavik. If you are visiting outside the whale watching season, at least visit the Whales of Iceland museum. The museum showcases the region’s whales using life-sized exhibits, informative displays, and interactive experiences. Reykjavik is one of the world’s best locations for spotting cetaceans, so make the most of your visit regardless of the season. This is a great tour for Whale Watching.
8. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is very likely a familiar attraction for you. The lagoon is Iceland’s darling and attracts millions of tourists a year. The milky white thermal waters are heated by run-off from the nearby geothermal plant. They have become immortalized by glamorous social media pictures. Like the Sky Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon isn’t exactly in Reykjavik. However, it is so nearby and famous that we are including it in this guide. It is easily added to your Reykjavik itinerary at just 45 minutes from the city center by car or shuttle bus.
Check out our full guide on visiting the Blue Lagoon which includes recommendations, what to expect, and ticket prices.
The lagoon is full of bridges, hidden seating areas, and scenic viewpoints. You can spend hours exploring the lagoon, especially when it gets foggy and extra steamy on cold days. You can try out different natural facemasks or grab a drink at the lagoon bar when you aren’t exploring the lagoon layout. It is easy to see why the Blue Lagoon is so famous; just picture yourself soaking in thermal waters with a face mask and white wine.
9. Parliament House
Reykjavik might be best known for its natural attractions, but it is also home to plenty of political history. You can visit the home of the Icelandic parliament during your stay, taking a 45-60 minute guided tour of the building free of charge. Guests learn about the history of Iceland, the parliament, and the work and function of the government.
The Icelandic Parliament once sat near Silfra, the fissure that marks the divide between the European and North American tectonic plates. However now, the parliament sits in the center of Reykjavik in a ‘modest’, probably much warmer, 19th-century house. You can easily reach it on foot from Reykjavik city center in minutes. Plus, it is one of the most budget-friendly things to do in Reykjavik.
10. The National Gallery of Iceland
The National Gallery of Iceland is a lofty title, and if you love art museums, the Reykjavik National Gallery is worth a spot on your to-do list. The gallery exhibits fine art from Icelandic and international artists across the 19th and 20th centuries. As well as valuable permanent collections, the gallery has temporary exhibitions that display topical artworks and themes. It is a generous size and definitely keeps you entertained for an hour or more.
The National Gallery is in downtown Reykjavik, not far from Reykjavik City Hall and the Parliament House. It is well suited to art enthusiasts and more general visitors just curious about the gallery. And with such a central location, it is a brilliant indoor attraction for your itinerary.
11. Take a Downtown Reykjavik walking tour
Reykjavik is a very walkable city, and you don’t have to walk it alone. In fact, guided walking tours are among the best things to do in Reykjavik. Most walking tours last around two hours and take you around all the major central and downtown Reykjavik sites. The tour pauses to give information about each attraction, Icelandic culture, and Reykjavik’s history. Prices are low, and some guided tours are totally free. Walking tours are also a great way to familiarize yourself with a new city.
You will most likely stop by Hallgrimskirkja, Rainbow Street, Reykjavik street art, and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Each tour varies, so find one that best suits you and your interests. This is the walking tour we recommend.
12. Spot the Northern Lights
Who doesn’t want to spot the northern lights? The lights are one of the most famed natural wonders in the world and one of the most sought-after things to do in Reykjavik. You might spot the lights just walking around downtown Reykjavik after dark. Alternatively, you can download an app that tells you about aurora borealis predictions for that night. You can then head out of the city center to wait and try to spot the lights with less light pollution. Grotta Island Lighthouse is one of the best spots outside the city center if you want to wait for the lights.
If you prefer to put your experience in expert hands, book one of the extremely popular northern lights chasing tours that embark from Reykjavik city center. These tours whisk you away on a cross-country chase, serving you hot chocolate as you wait. Many of these tours offer a free second tour if you fail to see the lights on your first tour.
13. Visit Harpa Concert Hall
Harpa Concert Hall is another impressive glass building located along the harbor front. It is the heart of classical music culture in Reykjavik and is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera, and Reykjavik Big Band. You’ll find an endless schedule of concerts, performances, and even the occasional music festival, so it is worth checking to see if anything interests you while visiting. And even if there isn’t, Harpa Concert Hall is stunning to visit just to admire the exterior architecture.
Harpa Concert Hall is less than a fifteen-minute walk from the city center and is located nearby the Phallological Museum and Ingolfsgardur Lighthouse. It is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik if you want to book an event or admire the interesting architecture.
14. Reykjavik Maritime Museum
Speaking of harborside attractions, Reykjavik Maritime Museum is a fantastic Reykjavik attraction to learn more about Iceland’s relationship with the sea. The museum itself is set in a former fish factory. It exhibits the local fishing industry and the history and development of fishing in Iceland. As such an isolated nation with such hostile conditions, fishing was a dangerous endeavor with high stakes – essentially feeding a nation through a few brave individuals.
The Reykjavik Maritime Museum is one of the most fascinating maritime museums in the world, partly because of the ancient necessity of fishing for Icelandic survival. Its exhibits are equally impressive and include a 900-ton coast guard ship called Odinn.
15. National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland is one of the best historical things to do in Iceland. It exhibits artifacts from the Settlement Age to the 20th century using a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions. You can see all sorts of ancient objects, from jewelry to old architecture and artwork. Guests are guided through Icelandic history from the earliest dated period of civilization to the modern day.
The museum costs around $17 to enter, but the amount of information and quality of exhibits justifies the price. It is a fantastic indoor attraction too – so keep it in mind in case the weather turns particularly horrible. The National Museum of Iceland is located in downtown Reykjavik and is an easy walk from the city center.