Fun Things to Do in Reykjavik | Travel Guide (2023) | Best Places to Visit

The best time to visit Reykjavik is during the summer months, from June through August. During this time of year, Reykjavik enjoys long days and short nights with up to 18 hours of daylight per day. The average temperatures are quite mild, ranging between 10-12°C (50-54°F). This is also the peak tourist season in Iceland, and you can expect plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, whale watching, and more. If you’re looking for a winter getaway, consider visiting Reykjavik from November to February when temperatures range between -5 to 4°C (23-39°F) and snow provides opportunities for skiing and other outdoor adventures.

The best area to stay in Reykjavik depends largely on what you are looking for. The city center is the most popular and convenient spot, located close to all of the major attractions. If you’re looking for a more traditional experience, consider staying in one of the older neighborhoods like Vesturbaer or Grafarvogur. For a more luxurious stay, head to one of Reykjavik’s outer suburbs such as Laugardalur or Breidholt. Finally, if you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, consider booking accommodation near Thingvellir National Park or Reykjanes Peninsula – both offer stunning natural landscapes for exploring.

1. Hallgrímskirkja: This iconic church is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Reykjavik and features a stunning neo-Gothic design.

2. Harpa Concert Hall: A modern concert hall featuring glass walls, amazing acoustics, and an impressive music program.

3. Perlan Museum: Located on a hill overlooking downtown Reykjavik, this intriguing museum offers excellent views of the city along with interactive exhibits about Iceland’s natural environment.

4. Sun Voyager Sculpture: A striking stainless steel sculpture which symbolizes hope and optimism for the future located near Reykjavik’s old harbor area.

5. The National Museum of Iceland: A great museum which provides a comprehensive overview of Iceland’s history from its Viking roots to the present day.

6. The National Gallery of Iceland: Located in Reykjavik’s city center, this gallery features Icelandic art from the medieval period to modern times.

7. Hallgrímskirkja Church: An iconic church featuring a 76-meter high tower and an enormous pipe organ.

8. Árbæjarsafn Open Air Museum: A fascinating outdoor museum showcasing traditional Icelandic architecture and artifacts from centuries past.

9. Laugardalur Park: A beloved recreation park situated close to downtown Reykjavik, complete with walking paths, playgrounds, a swimming pool, and several sports stadiums.

1. The Lobster House: An award-winning seafood restaurant offering fresh, locally caught lobster dishes.

2. Dill Restaurant: A fine-dining establishment featuring inventive Icelandic cuisine and an extensive wine list.

3. Reykjavik Fish Market: Featuring a wide selection of fresh fish dishes, including several traditional Icelandic specials.

4. Café Loki: Serving up authentic Icelandic delicacies such as skyr, rye bread, and smoked salmon in a cozy atmosphere.

5. Hot Dog Stand at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur : A beloved hot dog stand serving up some of the best hot dogs in Reykjavík with all the traditional toppings–a must try!

6. Sea Baron: A popular seafood restaurant serving up delicious fish and chips, lobster soup, and some of the freshest seafood dishes in Reykjavík.

7. Fish & More: An upscale seafood eatery offering a variety of classic Icelandic dishes, including their signature smoked salmon platter.

8. Grillmarkaðurinn : A unique dining experience that combines traditional Icelandic flavors with modern techniques, creating truly beautiful dishes.

9. Tapas Barinn: Offering a wide selection of small plates and tapas-style dishes inspired by both Spanish and Icelandic cuisine.

1. Kringlan Mall: The largest shopping mall in Reykjavik, offering a variety of stores, restaurants and cafes for locals and tourists alike.

2. Kolaportið: An indoor flea market located in the Old Harbour of Reykjavík, selling souvenirs, antiques and local food specialties.

3. Handprjónasamband Íslands: A unique store that specializes in hand-knit Icelandic wool garments and accessories made by local artisans.

4. Geysir Clothing Store: An iconic clothing store featuring stylish apparel from both international and Icelandic designers.

5. Design Marché: A carefully curated marketplace for independent design products from local artisans and entrepreneurs.

6. Kringlan: A large shopping mall offering over 160 stores, restaurants and cafes in an accessible location just outside of Reykjavík’s city center.

7. Stúdentakjallarinn: An affordable student-run restaurant located near the University of Iceland campus, serving up delicious Icelandic cuisine at a great price.

8. Brauð & Co.: A popular bakery known for its freshly baked breads, pastries and cakes made with locally sourced ingredients.

9. Ölsmiðjan Microbrewery: A local microbrewery that offers craft beers brewed onsite in small batches using traditional methods and quality ingredients from Iceland.

1. Prikid: A popular bar and club located in the heart of Reykjavik that plays an eclectic mix of music from around the world.

2. Kaffibarinn: An iconic nightclub, serving up great drinks and playing a variety of music for its patrons to dance and enjoy.

3. Paloma Bar & Grill: A trendy lounge with DJs playing everything from house to hip hop, offering a unique atmosphere perfect for nightlife fun.

4. Hurra!: A lively bar featuring live music performances by local bands and DJs, as well as karaoke nights throughout the week.

5. Boston Bar: An upscale cocktail lounge known for its craft cocktails and selection of wines from all over the world, perfect for a night out with friends.

6. Café Loki: An intimate bar and restaurant in Reykjavik that serves delicious traditional Icelandic dishes alongside live music every weekend.

7. Kiki Queer Bar: A vibrant LGBTQ+-friendly bar and nightclub located in the center of town, offering a variety of events and parties throughout the year.

8. Sólon Bistro: A stylish bistro located just off Laugavegur Street with great food and DJs playing everything from jazz to hip hop.

9. Gaukurinn: An alternative club located in 101 Reykjavík featuring diverse musical genres including metal, punk, pop, indie rock and electronic.

1. Blue Lagoon: Located just 45 minutes outside Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa with mineral-rich waters and incredible views of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.

2. The Golden Circle: An iconic day trip that takes visitors around some of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions including Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park.

3. Þingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Iceland, roughly an hour away from Reykjavík, where you can explore lava fields, rift valleys and crystal clear lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

4. Gljúfrabúi Waterfall: One of Iceland’s hidden gems, located in the southwest region of the country, it is a beautiful and secluded spot to take in alluring views of rocky cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

5. Reykjavík: The vibrant capital city of Iceland filled with colorful buildings, unique street art and thriving nightlife. Home to the world-renowned Harpa Concert Hall as well as many interesting museums and galleries to explore.

6. Hofn Glacier Lagoon: This natural wonder is situated on the southeastern coast of Iceland, boasting breathtaking views surrounded by enormous icebergs that have carved out spectacular formations over time.

7. Jökulsárlón Glacial Lake: Situated at the edge of Vatnajökull glacier, this enormous lake is filled with glittering icebergs from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. It’s an impressive site to see and a great spot for marveling at the natural beauty of Iceland.

8. Þingvellir National Park: This important historical site is home to many interesting relics from Iceland’s past as well as some beautiful landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient stone structures, hike up clear streams and wander through lush meadows.