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
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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
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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
Reykjavik showing shopping and fashion

Tún

If you're spending some time in Tún, Laugavegur and Hofdi House are top sights worth seeing.

Tún
Fosshotel Reykjavik

Fosshotel Reykjavik

4 out of 5
Þórunnartún 1 - Höfðatorg, Reykjavik
The price is P15,267 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P15,267
P17,323 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! (1,005 reviews)
"Wonderful location"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Fosshotel Reykjavik
CityHub Reykjavik

CityHub Reykjavik

3 out of 5
46 Hverfisgata, Reykjavik, Reykjavíkurborg
The price is P10,597 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P10,597
P12,141 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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! (204 reviews)
"First time that i stayed in a pod design. It was perfect for what i wanted; i only wanted a bed for one night before heading north. Bed was super comfy. Shared bathroom was clean and functional. Will stay again."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

CityHub Reykjavik
Kex Hostel Reykjavík

Kex Hostel Reykjavík

2 out of 5
28 Skúlagata, Reykjavik, Capital Region
The price is P7,554 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,554
P8,764 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (642 reviews)
"Would stay again"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Kex Hostel Reykjavík
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! (2,978 reviews)
"Stayed for 4 days with family. Enjoyed our stay. Hotel room was clean and spacious. Lot of room to sleep and move around. Located in downtown area, close to key attractions, shopping, food etc., and the bus stop was literally at the entrance."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 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! (1,137 reviews)
무료 주차 가능한 작은 스튜디오
"무료 주차가능한 레이카비크 외곽 아파트지만 30분 정도 걸으면 시내로 갈 수 있음."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Stay Apartments Bolholt
Day Dream Vesturgata 17

Day Dream Vesturgata 17

2 out of 5
17 Vesturgata, Reykjavik
Stay at this aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and Harpa are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (79 reviews)
"Everything was in walking distance. Didnt like the fact that i never received an email to tell me check in info. Plus other guests had to help us, where to put bags before check in, with your phone # for help. No sevice for TV to watch. Towels were cheap & no face cloths."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Day Dream Vesturgata 17
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.

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