Essential Reykjavik Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Iceland's Vibrant Capital

 

 

Thinking of visiting a place where stunning natural wonders meet quirky city charm? Where you can chase the Northern Lights by night and explore volcanic landscapes by day? Welcome to Reykjavik, Iceland's captivating capital! As the world's northernmost capital city, Reykjavik offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan energy, rich history, and easy access to some of the planet's most dramatic scenery. This Reykjavik Travel Guide is your key to unlocking the best of this incredible city and its surroundings. Whether you're seeking adventure on the Golden Circle, relaxation in geothermal lagoons, or simply want to soak up the vibrant culture, we've got you covered. Prepare to be amazed by the land of fire and ice – your Reykjavik adventure starts now!

Unveiling Reykjavik: History, Culture, and Geography

Reykjavik's history stretches back to the very settlement of Iceland. Tradition holds that the first permanent Norse settler, Ingólfr Arnarson, arrived around 874 AD and named the site Reykjavik, meaning "Smoky Bay," likely due to the geothermal steam rising from the area. For centuries, it remained a small collection of farms. It wasn't until the 18th century that it began to develop as a trading town, eventually becoming the capital and administrative center of Iceland. Today, it's a modern, thriving city that still retains echoes of its Viking past.

Icelandic culture is characterized by a strong sense of community, resilience, and creativity. Icelanders are known for their love of literature (Reykjavik is a UNESCO City of Literature), music (think Björk, Sigur Rós, and the Iceland Airwaves festival), and design. Expect a friendly, direct, and generally egalitarian society. A simple "Hæ" (Hi) or "Halló" (Hello) and "Takk" (Thank you) are appreciated. Don't be surprised by the relaxed approach to punctuality in social settings. A unique cultural element is the swimming pool culture – visiting local geothermal pools is a beloved pastime for socializing and relaxing year-round.

Geographically, Reykjavik sits on the southwestern coast of Iceland, nestled along Faxaflói Bay. Its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge means it's a hotbed of geothermal activity, providing renewable energy and world-famous hot springs. Despite its northerly latitude, the climate is moderated by the Gulf Stream, making it milder than other locations at similar latitudes. It serves as the perfect base camp for exploring Iceland's diverse landscapes.

Planning Your Trip: Weather, Climate, and Local Time in Reykjavik

Iceland's weather is notoriously unpredictable – you can genuinely experience four seasons in one day! Packing layers is essential regardless of when you visit. Reykjavik has a subpolar oceanic climate.

• Summer (June-August): This is the most popular time to visit, with the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun offering almost 24 hours of daylight in June and July. Temperatures are mildest, averaging 10-15°C (50-59°F), occasionally reaching 20°C (68°F). It's the best time for hiking, exploring the highlands (F-roads usually open mid-June to August), and seeing puffins (April-September). Expect crowds and higher prices.
• Autumn (September-October): A shoulder season with beautiful fall colors, fewer crowds than summer, and the beginning of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) season (late September onwards). Temperatures range from 1-10°C (34-50°F). Be prepared for potentially stormy weather and decreasing daylight hours.
• Winter (November-March): The prime time for chasing the Northern Lights due to long, dark nights (only 4-5 hours of daylight in December). Temperatures hover around 0°C (32°F), but wind chill can make it feel much colder. Snowfall is common, creating magical landscapes. Many tours operate, focusing on winter activities like ice caving (check accessibility).
• Spring (April-May): Another shoulder season sees the snow melting, landscapes greening, and daylight hours rapidly increasing. Puffins start returning. Temperatures range from 1-10°C (34-50°F). Weather can still be variable, and some highland roads may remain closed.

Best Time to Visit: Depends on your priorities! Summer for Midnight Sun and extensive hiking; Winter for Northern Lights and snowy landscapes; Shoulder seasons (May, September-October) for a balance of decent weather, fewer crowds, and potential Northern Lights sightings later in the season.

Time Zone: Reykjavik operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC+0) year-round. It does not observe Daylight Saving Time. As of April 14, 2025, the current time in Reykjavik is 01:59 AM GMT.

Getting To and Around Reykjavik: Transportation Guide

Reaching and navigating Reykjavik is straightforward.

Arriving by Air:
Most international visitors arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 50 km (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavik. Options to get to the city center include:

• Airport Coaches (Flybus / Airport Direct): The most popular option. These comfortable buses run frequently, timed with flight arrivals. They take approximately 45 minutes to reach designated bus terminals (BSÍ for Flybus, Reykjavik Terminal for Airport Direct) or offer "Plus/Hotel Pick Up" options for drop-off at specific hotels/bus stops for an extra fee (adds ~30 mins). Book tickets online in advance to secure your spot (€20-€30 range).
• Public Bus (Strætó): Bus number 55 offers a more budget-friendly connection between KEF and Reykjavik city center (requires exact change or app payment, takes longer, ~70-90 minutes).
• Taxi/Private Transfer: The fastest but most expensive option. Taxis cost around €120-€160+ (ISK 18,000-24,000+). Ride-sharing apps like Hopp Taxis operate similarly. Private transfers can be pre-booked.
• Rental Car: Major rental companies operate at KEF. Recommended if you plan extensive exploration outside Reykjavik. Book well in advance, especially in summer.

Reykjavik City Airport (RKV): Located very close to the city center, handles domestic flights (to places like Akureyri, Egilsstaðir) and flights to Greenland/Faroe Islands.

Arriving by Ferry:
The Smyril Line ferry connects Iceland (Seyðisfjörður, East Iceland) with Denmark and the Faroe Islands, but this requires significant travel time across the country to reach Reykjavik.

Navigating the City:

• Walking: Downtown Reykjavik (Miðborg) is very compact and easily walkable. Many main attractions, shops, and restaurants are within comfortable walking distance.
• Public Buses (Strætó): Efficiently cover the greater Reykjavik area. Use the Strætó app for planning and payment, or buy tickets onboard (exact change needed, ~570 ISK). A Reykjavik City Card includes free bus travel.
• Taxis: Readily available but expensive. Can be hailed, found at ranks, or booked by phone. Tipping is not customary.
• Bicycle Rentals: Available during warmer months; a nice way to explore the coastline and parks.
• Electric Scooters: Popular for short hops around the city center.
• Rental Car: Not necessary for exploring Reykjavik itself (parking can be tricky/expensive), but essential for flexible day trips and exploring further afield.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik: Top Accommodation Picks

Reykjavik offers diverse neighborhoods (hverfi), each with its own character:

• Miðborg (Downtown/101): The heart of the action. Packed with shops, restaurants, bars, museums, and major landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja. Ideal for first-timers and those wanting nightlife. Can be noisy.
• Vesturbær: West of downtown. A quieter, more residential area with charm, local cafes, and still within walking distance (or a short bus ride) to the center. Good for families or those seeking a local feel.
• Old Harbor/Grandi: A trendy, redeveloped area with great restaurants, museums (Maritime, Whales of Iceland), galleries, and close to whale watching departure points. Offers scenic views.
• Hlíðar: East of the center, near the domestic airport and Perlan. More residential, popular with students, offers budget-friendly options like hostels.
• Laugardalur: East of the city center. Known as the "hot spring valley," home to the large Laugardalslaug swimming pool, botanical garden, zoo, and park. Quiet, green, and great for families.

Here are 5 recommended hotels across different budgets:

Hotel Name	Price Range	Key Feature	Neighborhood
The Reykjavik EDITION	Luxury	Stylish design, harbour views, spa, central location	Old Harbor/Grandi
Kvosin Downtown Hotel	$ Mid-Range	Boutique style, spacious rooms, prime central location	Miðborg (Downtown)
Center Hotels Arnarhvoll	$ Mid-Range	Rooftop bar with city views, wellness area, near Harpa	Miðborg (Downtown)
KEX Hostel	$ Budget	Trendy hostel vibe, gastropub, harbour views, social	Miðborg (Downtown)
Loft - HI Hostel & Bar	$ Budget	Central location, rooftop terrace, eco-certified	Miðborg (Downtown)

(Note: Prices are indicative; ISK rates fluctuate. Always check current rates and book in advance, especially for summer)

Savoring Reykjavik: Must-Try Restaurants and Local Cuisine

Icelandic cuisine focuses on fresh, high-quality local ingredients, particularly lamb and seafood.

Must-Try Dishes & Foods:

• Icelandic Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa): A hearty, traditional meat and vegetable soup.
• Fresh Fish: Cod, haddock, arctic char, salmon – often simply prepared to showcase freshness.
• Plokkfiskur: Creamy fish stew, often served with rye bread.
• Skyr: Thick, protein-rich Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product (try it with berries).
• Rúgbrauð: Dense, dark, slightly sweet rye bread, traditionally baked underground using geothermal heat. Try rye bread ice cream!
• Icelandic Hot Dog (Pylsa): A national obsession! Made primarily from lamb, served with specific condiments (ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade, raw onions, crispy fried onions). Get one "with everything" (eina með öllu) at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.
• Fermented Shark (Hákarl): Cured Greenland shark with a strong ammonia smell/taste. A challenging delicacy often chased with Brennivín schnapps (try at places like Íslenski Barinn for the experience).
• Lobster Soup (Humarsúpa): Creamy and flavorful, especially good near the harbour.
• Puffins/Whale Meat: Available at some traditional restaurants, though controversial for conservation reasons.

Dining Culture: Reykjavik has a booming food scene, from fine dining to food halls and casual cafes. Dinner is typically eaten around 7-8 PM. Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.

Here are 5 recommended spots or types of eateries:

Restaurant/Type	Cuisine Style	Price Range	Why Visit
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur	Hot Dog Stand	$	Iconic Reykjavik experience, arguably the world's best hot dog
Café Loki	Traditional Icelandic		Homemade classics like rye bread ice cream, views of Hallgrímskirkja
Fiskmarkaðurinn (Fish Market)	Seafood / Icelandic Fusion		High-end, innovative seafood dishes in a stylish setting
Svarta Kaffið	Casual / Soup		Famous for serving delicious soups (incl. Kjötsúpa) in bread bowls
Skál!	Modern Icelandic/Tavern	$	Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, creative small plates, great vibe

(Note: Iceland is expensive; budget accordingly for dining out. Consider food halls like Hlemmur Mathöll or Grandi Mathöll for variety and slightly lower prices.)

Exploring Reykjavik's Treasures: Top Tourist Attractions

Reykjavik itself has plenty to see and do:

• Hallgrímskirkja: Iconic Lutheran church with a unique basalt-column-inspired design. Take the elevator to the top for panoramic city views (admission fee for tower).
• Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre: Stunning glass building on the waterfront. Worth visiting just to see the architecture; check for concerts or events.
• Sun Voyager (Sólfar): Striking steel sculpture resembling a Viking longship, located on the waterfront with views of Mount Esja. Great photo spot, especially at sunset/sunrise.
• Perlan - Wonders of Iceland: Museum complex housed in former hot water storage tanks. Features exhibits on Icelandic nature (glaciers, volcanoes), a real indoor ice cave, a planetarium (Northern Lights show), and a 360° observation deck (admission fee).
• National Museum of Iceland: Covers Iceland's history and culture from settlement to the present day.
• The Settlement Exhibition: Built around excavated ruins of one of the first houses in Iceland, offering insights into Viking-age Reykjavik.
• Walk down Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur: Reykjavik's main shopping streets, full of boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and colorful buildings (Skólavörðustígur is known as 'Rainbow Street').
• Tjörnin Pond: Pretty lake in the city center, home to swans and ducks. Nice for a stroll; Reykjavik City Hall sits on its edge (features a large 3D map of Iceland).
• Old Harbour Area: Explore the harbor, see the fishing boats, visit museums like the Reykjavik Maritime Museum or Whales of Iceland exhibition.
• Quirky Museums: Consider the Icelandic Phallological Museum (yes, really!) or the Punk Museum for something different.

Beyond the Landmarks: Reykjavik's Natural Beauty and Parks

Even within the city and its immediate vicinity, you can connect with nature:

• Öskjuhlíð Hill: Wooded hill where Perlan is located, offering walking paths and city views.
• Elliðaárdalur Valley: A green oasis within the city limits with salmon fishing river, walking/cycling paths, and small waterfalls.
• Grótta Lighthouse: Located on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula (short drive/bus ride/long walk). Beautiful spot for coastal views, birdwatching, and Northern Lights viewing away from city lights. Check tide times if walking out to the lighthouse.
• Reykjavik Botanical Garden (Grasagarður Reykjavíkur): Located in Laugardalur, showcasing Icelandic flora.
• Viðey Island: Reachable by ferry from the harbor. Offers art installations (Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower - lit seasonally), history, birdlife, and walking trails.

Engaging Experiences: Best Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the perfect launchpad for unforgettable Icelandic adventures:

• Northern Lights Tours (Winter): Join a guided bus or boat tour heading away from city lights for the best chance to witness the Aurora Borealis (September-April). Remember, sightings are never guaranteed.
• Whale Watching Tours (Year-round, best May-September): Depart from the Old Harbour to spot minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay. Puffin tours often combined in summer.
• Golden Circle Day Trip: The classic Iceland tour covering three highlights: Þingvellir National Park (historic site, tectonic plates), Geysir Geothermal Area (exploding Strokkur geyser), and Gullfoss Waterfall (powerful two-tiered cascade). Easily done by rental car or numerous guided tours.
• Geothermal Spas: Relax in mineral-rich geothermal waters. Options include the world-famous Blue Lagoon (near KEF airport, pre-booking essential), the stylish Sky Lagoon (closer to Reykjavik, stunning ocean views, pre-booking essential), or local city pools like Laugardalslaug.
• South Coast Tours: Day trips exploring stunning waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss), black sand beaches (Reynisfjara), glaciers (Sólheimajökull - glacier hiking possible), and the village of Vík.
• Icelandic Horse Riding: Experience the unique tölt gait of the Icelandic horse on a guided ride through lava fields or countryside near Reykjavik.
• Hiking: Mount Esja, visible across the bay, offers popular hiking trails with rewarding city views.

Reykjavik's Vibrant Pulse: Major Festivals and Events

Reykjavik hosts lively events throughout the year:

• Iceland Airwaves (November): Major international music festival showcasing Icelandic and international talent across city venues.
• Winter Lights Festival (February): Celebrates winter with light installations, museum nights, and pool nights.
• Reykjavik Culture Night (Menningarnótt) (August): City-wide celebration with free events, concerts, art installations, culminating in fireworks.
• Reykjavik Pride (Hinsegin Dagar) (August): One of Iceland's biggest festivals, a colorful and joyous LGBTQ+ celebration.
• Secret Solstice Festival (June - status varies, check): Music festival held under the Midnight Sun.
• New Year's Eve: Famous for its massive, decentralized fireworks displays set off by residents all over the city.

Shopper's Paradise: Best Markets and Shopping Areas in Reykjavik

Find unique souvenirs and Icelandic design:

• Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur: Main downtown streets for fashion, souvenirs, design shops, bookstores.
• Old Harbour/Grandi: Increasingly home to artisan workshops, design stores, and food shops.
• Kolaportið Flea Market (Weekends): Indoor market near the harbor. Find everything from vintage clothes and books to Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa) and food items (including fermented shark!). Cash might be useful here.
• Shopping Malls: Kringlan and Smáralind (in nearby Kópavogur) offer more conventional mall shopping experiences.
• What to Buy: Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa), lava rock jewelry, skincare products (Blue Lagoon brand), local art and design items, Brennivín schnapps.

Essential Tips for Your Visit to Reykjavik

Keep these points in mind for a smooth trip:

• Safety: Reykjavik is extremely safe with very low crime rates. Use common sense, especially regarding weather hazards if venturing outside the city. Follow safety guidelines on tours (e.g., glacier hikes, boat trips). Dial 112 for all emergencies.
• Tipping: Not customary or expected in Iceland (service charge is usually included in bills). Rounding up a taxi fare or leaving a small amount for exceptional service is fine but not required.
• Language: Icelandic is the official language. However, English is widely and fluently spoken, especially in tourism-related sectors. Basic Icelandic phrases are still appreciated:
• Hæ / Halló - Hi / Hello
• Takk (fyrir) - Thank you (for...)
• Já / Nei - Yes / No
• Góðan daginn - Good morning/afternoon
• Gott kvöld - Good evening
• Bless - Goodbye
• Afsakið - Excuse me
• Booking: Essential to book accommodation, popular tours (Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights, whale watching, glacier hikes), and rental cars well in advance, especially during peak season (summer) and shoulder seasons.
• Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit/debit cards are widely accepted everywhere (even for small purchases). Carrying a small amount of cash might be useful for the flea market or remote areas, but you can often manage without it.
• Weather Preparedness: Pack layers! Waterproof and windproof outerwear, warm hats, gloves, scarves, thermal base layers, and sturdy waterproof footwear are crucial year-round. Sunglasses are needed even in winter due to low sun angles and snow glare.
• Alcohol: Expensive due to high taxes. Consider buying at the duty-free shop upon arrival at KEF airport if you plan to drink.
• Tap Water: Excellent quality and perfectly safe (and free!) to drink directly from the tap. Bring a reusable water bottle.
• Electricity: Iceland uses standard European Type F sockets (230V). Bring an adapter if needed.

Emergency Contacts and Important Information for Reykjavik

Be prepared:

• Universal Emergency Number (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Search & Rescue): 112
• Non-Urgent Police: +354 444-1000 (Reykjavik Station)
• Health Advice Line (Non-Emergency): 1770
• Tourist Information: Located in Reykjavik City Hall (Ráðhús Reykjavíkur), Vonarstræti, 101 Reykjavík. Offers maps, brochures, and assistance. Phone: +354 590-1550 (Check current hours).
• Official Reykjavik Tourism Website: www.visitreykjavik.is
• Official Iceland Tourism Website: www.visiticeland.com
• Road Conditions: www.road.is (Essential if driving)
• Weather Forecast: en.vedur.is
• Safe Travel Iceland: www.safetravel.is (Crucial safety info, especially for outdoor activities)

(Note: Always verify numbers and office locations locally upon arrival if possible)

Conclusion: Your Reykjavik Adventure Awaits

Reykjavik is more than just a city; it's the gateway to a land of unparalleled natural beauty and unique cultural experiences. From the colorful streets and cozy cafes of its downtown core to the geothermal wonders and dramatic landscapes just beyond its limits, Iceland's capital offers an adventure unlike any other. Whether you're marveling at the Northern Lights dancing across the winter sky, basking in the glow of the Midnight Sun, exploring glaciers, or simply enjoying the city's creative vibe, Reykjavik promises memories to last a lifetime. Use this Reykjavik Travel Guide to navigate your journey, embrace the unpredictable weather, and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Iceland.