Reykjavik

Travel Guide

Reykjavik which includes modern architecture, a square or plaza and a sunset
Harpa featuring modern architecture and general coastal views
Reykjavik featuring a coastal town, a city and mountains
Harpa featuring interior views and modern architecture
Reykjavik featuring street scenes, a house and heritage architecture

The most northerly capital city in the world combines amazing natural wonders with the exciting buzz of a thriving, creative metropolis.

Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, is small, but has many great things to do. The city features a world-renowned music scene, eclectic architecture, Viking history, geothermal swimming pools and some of the friendliest and safest streets in Europe. Reykjavík also makes the perfect base for experiencing Iceland’s incredible natural beauty, which you can enjoy through leisurely daytrips or action-packed multi-day adventures.

Reykjavík’s weather is highly changeable, so pack accordingly. When the sun shines, take a boat tour at Reykjavík Harbour to see puffins and whales. Then join the throngs of locals and enjoy the city’s downtown parks, Tjörnin Lake and markets. Climb the bell tower of Iceland’s largest church, Hallgrimskirkja, for panoramic views across Old Town’s colored rooftops to the spectacular mountains and glaciers beyond.

If you’re visiting between October and March, don’t miss Mother Nature’s greatest lightshow, the aurora borealis (northern lights). On dark, clear nights, wrap up and head to Grótta lighthouse, Miklatún or Hljómskálagarður parks, or Öskjuhlíð Hill for the city’s best vantage points.

When the icy winds pick up, seek shelter in Reykjavík’s many museums. Visit the 871±2 Settlement Exhibition at Reykjavík City Museum to see the oldest archeological ruins in Iceland, then follow the country’s journey to nationhood at The National Museum of Iceland. Stop by the Saga Museum, unusually located in one of six water tanks at Perlan. Here, waxwork figures recall key moments in Iceland’s past.

For a small city, Reykjavík has made its presence known on the world’s cultural and creative stages. Explore the city’s galleries, bookshops and quirky boutiques before heading off to discover the next Sigur Rós or Björk in the city’s acclaimed bars and live music venues.

After exploring Reykjavík’s streets, dance floors and countryside, join locals in one of the city’s seven natural geothermal springs, such as Arbaejarlaug and Laugardalslaug.

It’s best to plan your visit based on the seasons and your preferred activities. By mid-June, Reykjavík experiences 21 hours of sunlight per day, giving you plenty of daylight to discover all the delights this stunning metropolis has to offer.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Reykjavik which includes religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral

Downtown Reykjavik

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja and National Gallery of Iceland are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Reykjavik
Reykjavik showing shopping and fashion

Laugardalur

Laugardalur is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool or Laugavegur.

Laugardalur
Default Image

Háaleiti

While there might not be top attractions in Háaleiti, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kringlan Shopping Mall and Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Háaleiti
Reykjavik Harbour which includes a bay or harbor, a sunset and general coastal views

Vesturbær

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Vesturbær. A stop by Reykjavik Harbour or Landakotskirkja might round out your trip.

Vesturbær
Default Image

Hlíðar

4/5(3 area reviews)

Though Hlíðar might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reykjavik Harbour and Perlan.

Hlíðar
Default Image

Holt

While Holt isn't home to many top sights, Reykjavik Harbour and Laugavegur are some notable places to visit nearby.

Holt
Fosshotel Reykjavik

Fosshotel Reykjavik

4 out of 5
Þórunnartún 1 - Höfðatorg, Reykjavik
The price is P15,045 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P15,045
P17,071 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"Overall great place to stay"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Fosshotel Reykjavik
CityHub Reykjavik

CityHub Reykjavik

3 out of 5
46 Hverfisgata, Reykjavik, Reykjavíkurborg
The price is P7,903 per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
P7,903
P9,146 total
Sep 9 - Sep 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and Hallgrimskirkja ...
9/10 Wonderful! (228 reviews)
"stayed for one night before cruise. perfect location. short walking distance from bus stop #6, where i drop off from airport shuttle. roomy for one person even with large suitcase. also quiet at night and comfortable bed. shared bathroom is clean and have Ritual brand toiletries. will stay again"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

CityHub Reykjavik
KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik

KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik

2 out of 5
28 Skúlagata, Reykjavik, Capital Region
The price is P7,447 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P7,447
P8,640 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (657 reviews)
Lovely Stay
"The room was very clean, the bed comfortable, the location was really good and the people were nice."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Reykjavik Residence Hotel

Reykjavik Residence Hotel

4 out of 5
Vatnsstígur 2, Reykjavik, Capital Region
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,992 reviews)
Good enough
"This hotel is clean and the rooms are very big but I didn’t like that the buildings are separated from the lobby and there are no amenities. It was very quiet though and close to many sites and shops"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Stay Apartments Bolholt

Stay Apartments Bolholt

3 out of 5
Bolholt 6, Reykjavik
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,150 reviews)
"The room was large and comfortable. It was self check-in so check your email for instructions. We used the luggage storage both before we checked in and again before our ride to the airport came and picked us up so that was a nice feature to have access to. The beds were comfy and there was a small ..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Stay Apartments Bolholt
Black Pearl Luxury Apartments

Black Pearl Luxury Apartments

4.5 out of 5
Tryggvagata 18A, 102, Reykjavik
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (628 reviews)
Great Place to Stay in Reykjavik
"The Black Pearl was very comfortable and clean. It is located within a short walk of all the major attractions in Reykjavik as well as restaurants and bars but was quiet at night. Our room was well equipped and very modern and up to date. The staff are very accommodating and helpful."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do