Best of Reykjavik: Your Go-To Travel Guide for Iceland’s Capital

One of the things I love about Reykjavik is the convenience it offers. While some prefer road trips around the country, staying in the capital allows you to explore many parts of Iceland with ease through local tours, for many breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Reykjavik is a charming, highly walkable city with so much to see and do, despite its small size. The liberal Icelandic society is known for its open-mindedness and acceptance of diversity, making Reykjavik one of the most welcoming and inclusive capital cities in the world—an advanced, clean safe and pleasant destination for travelers of all races and backgrounds, including those from the LGBTQ+ community.

Watch the world's only lava show

Experience the raw power of nature at the Reykjavik Lava Show, where you can witness real molten lava flowing indoors. This unique experience, the only one of its kind in the world, offers a safe but thrilling encounter with lava as it sizzles and cools right before your eyes. It's a mesmerizing display of Iceland's volcanic might and a must-see for anyone interested in geology or natural phenomena.

Lava tour horseback riding at Sólhestar

Just 15 minutes outside the city center, Sólhestar Horse Rental offers an unforgettable horseback riding experience through lava fields. Icelandic horses, known for their unique gait and gentle nature, make this tour accessible to riders of all levels. As you trot through the stunning landscape, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for Iceland's volcanic terrain and its resilient nature.

Relax at the Old Harbor

Once the heart of Reykjavik’s fishing industry, the Old Harbor is now a majestic waterfront area brimming with colorful Icelandic houses, cozy cafes and scenic views. With its blend of historical significance and modern vibrancy, it’s a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the atmosphere, especially during the long summer days with up to 21 hours of sunlight. The area also serves as a gateway to popular activities like water tours and boat trips.

Stroll through Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street)

Laugavegur Street and the vibrant Skólavörðustígur, also known as Rainbow Street, are Reykjavik's main shopping and cultural hubs. Explore an array of shops offering everything especially Icelandic lamb wool souvenirs in this downtown area. The streets are also lined with eateries and street art, making it a lively area to explore both day and night.

Feast on Icelandic cuisine

Reykjavik is a culinary hotspot that may surprise you for a city of its size, offering a diverse range of traditional and modern Icelandic dishes. Notable local ingredients include lamb, beef, salmon and Arctic char, all of which are staples in Icelandic cuisine. For the more adventurous eater, Reykjavik also offers unique specialties like puffin, whale and horse meat. Many restaurants in the city are known for their innovative takes on Icelandic cuisine, creatively blending traditional ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques. Read on for some recommended restaurants in the city.

Explore iconic landmarks

Reykjavik is home to several must-see landmarks, including the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, with its towering architecture and panoramic views from the top. Don't miss the Sun Voyager Sculpture, a beautiful ode to Icelandic seafaring heritage and the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel that hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year.

Watch the northern lights

Catching a glimpse of the northern lights is a highlight of any trip to Iceland. Many local tours (with their professional aurora detecting equipment), take you just 10 to 15 minutes outside the city for even higher chances of seeing the auroras dance across the sky. If you're lucky, you might catch the lights while simply hanging out around the city or even from your hotel window. Although Reykjavik is Iceland's busiest city, its light pollution is mild compared to larger cities around the world, making it still possible to randomly see the auroras right in the city. This is especially true during the winter months when the nights are long and dark.

Visit Reykjavik's museums

Reykjavik is rich in history and culture, and its museums are a testament to this. The Perlan Museum offers an immersive experience into Iceland's natural wonders, housed in a glass dome that simulates an iceberg. The Arbaer Open Air Museum gives a glimpse into 19th and 20th-century Icelandic life, while the Reykjavik Art Museum, the National Museum of Iceland, the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, provide deep dives into the country's artistic, historical, and seafaring traditions. Last but not least, the Saga Museum, often referred to as the Vikings Museum, brings Iceland's Viking history to life with realistic displays and storytelling.

Join local tours

Reykjavik serves as an ideal base for exploring the captivating regions of Iceland. With numerous high-quality local tours departing daily or even hourly, it’s easy to visit iconic sites such as the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon and embark on adventures like exploring ice caves or lava tunnels. The city’s efficient bus system simplifies accessing tours directly from your hotel or a nearby bus stop. Hotel concierges are typically eager to recommend and arrange these tours for you. Read on for some must-see local tour recommendations.

Experience Reykjavik's nightlife

Reykjavik boasts a vibrant nightlife, with its trendy bars and clubs often buzzing until the early morning hours, especially on weekends. The long winter nights—stretching up to 21 hours of darkness—offer plenty of time to enjoy indoor activities, dive into the music scene, mingle with locals and fully emerse yourself in Icelandic hospitality.

Day trips

Visit either one of these hot springs or all of them!

• Blue Lagoon: Soak in the iconic geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, famous for its soothing, mineral-rich blue waters and stunning lava field backdrop.

• Secret Lagoon: Enjoy a more rustic and natural geothermal bathing experience at the Secret Lagoon, located in the village of Flúðir, with less commercial development.

• Sky Lagoon: Experience the Sky Lagoon’s modern, infinity-edge geothermal pool with breathtaking ocean views, plus a unique seven-step ritual for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Whale and puffin watching tour: You can also embark on whale and puffin-watching cruises departing from the Old Harbor. Whale-watching cruises are available year-round, with the peak season from April to October for the best sightings. Puffin-watching cruises are seasonal, running from May to August when puffins nest in Iceland. Iceland is home to the largest colony of Atlantic puffins in the world. Around 8 to 10 million puffins returning each summer to breed along the country's rugged cliffs forming a spectacular view. The optimal time to enjoy both experiences is between June and August.

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: Just 30 minutes away from Reykjavik, it is one of the longest and most accessible lava tubes in Iceland. Marvel at the cave formations and learn about volcanic activity from knowledgeable guides.

Golden Circle: Discover Iceland’s most famous route on the Golden Circle tour, including Þingvellir National Park, where tectonic plates meet; the geothermal wonders of Geyser; and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, offering a perfect introduction to Iceland’s natural beauty.

Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Visit Diamond Beach to see the mesmerizing contrast of glistening icebergs scattered across the black sand shore. These chunks of glacial ice, washed up from the nearby Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, create a striking and otherworldly landscape. Then take a boat tour around the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can marvel at floating icebergs calving from the Vatnajökull glacier. The lagoon’s serene blue waters and ice formations offer breathtaking photo opportunities.

Snowmobile, glacier hike and ice cave tour: Experience Iceland’s ultimate adventure on Langjökull Glacier, Iceland's second-largest glacier in the Highlands. Enjoy a thrilling snowmobile ride across the glacier, hike its rugged terrain to admire stunning ice formations, and explore a breathtaking ice cave with surreal blue ice and intricate structures.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour: Discover the stunning landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature." Highlights include the Snæfellsjökull glacier, black sand beaches, lava fields and charming coastal villages.

Active volcanoes tours: Explore Iceland’s dynamic volcanic landscape with a tour focusing on active volcanoes. Depending on current volcanic activity, you might visit areas near recent eruptions or volcanic craters, gaining insight into Iceland’s geological marvels.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Established in 1937, this famous hot dog stand, introduced in every guidebook is a quintessential Reykjavik experience. Icelandic hot dogs are made from a blend of lamb, beef and pork, and are served with a range of toppings including ketchup, mustard, remoulade, raw onions and crispy fried onions. The combination of these toppings, placed under the hotdog instead of on top of it, creates a unique taste. It was the first thing I ate in Reykjavik, and that I couldn’t resist returning to before heading to the airport!

KOL Restaurant

KOL is renowned for its exceptional dishes, including the truffled beef tenderloin and grilled lamb filet. The miso reindeer and Icelandic salmon are also worth trying. The menu features vegan options as well. The cocktails there are so delicious. With its chic and sophisticated interior, stylish bar area and cozy dining space, KOL is a popular Instagram hotspot where the food quality truly lives up to the hype.

Sæta Svínið Gastropub

This gastropub is perfect for adventurous eaters, highlighting an Icelandic tasting menu that includes smoked puffin, whale and Icelandic horse. A paradise for beer lovers, it boasts a wide range of local and international craft beers. The welcoming staff and community vibe make it a memorable dining experience.

Deig Bakery

Located in the Exeter Hotel, which was rated the Best Hotel in Reykjavik by Forbes in 2023, Deig Bakery is a top spot for breakfast and lunch. With a 4.9-star google rating, it’s famous for its high-quality, fresh bagels and a variety of delicious fillings. Their donuts and scones are also unforgettable, making his place bustling with both locals and tourists throughout the day.

Perlan Restaurant

Situated on the top floor of the Perlan Museum, this revolving restaurant offers stunning 360-degree views of Reykjavik. It’s not your typical museum restaurant — grab warm soup and freshly baked pizza while enjoying the breathtaking scenery as the restaurant slowly turns.

Icelandic Street Food

Known for the best lamb stew in Reykjavik, Icelandic Street Food serves traditional Icelandic comfort food in a casual, welcoming setting. The hearty Icelandic Lamb Soup and Seafood Soup, served in bread bowls with free refills, offer an authentic experience. After visiting Reykjavik, I found myself craving lamb stew on a regular basis and spending the entire winter recreating the flavor in my own kitchen.

Dill Restaurant

Dill was the first restaurant in Iceland to receive a Michelin star, known for its creative and modern take on traditional Icelandic cuisine. The chefs use locally sourced and often foraged ingredients to craft dishes that tell the story of Iceland’s landscapes. The menu changes frequently based on seasonal ingredients, offering a surprise tasting menu experience.

Mokka Kaffi

One of Reykjavik’s oldest cafes, Mokka has been a local favorite since 1958. It was the first café in town to get an espresso machine. Here, you can enjoy the best combo—hot chocolate (“heitt súkkulaði”) paired with their famous waffles. Icelandic hot chocolate is decadent, indulgent and perfect for warming up during the cold fall and winter months. Did I mention I had two a day everyday during my trip?