Reykjavik

Travel Guide

Reykjavik
Harpa which includes modern architecture and general coastal views
Reykjavik which includes a coastal town, a city and general coastal views
Harpa showing 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.

For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our things to do in Reykjavik page.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

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

Downtown Reykjavik

5/5(183 area reviews)

Home to Iceland's national parliament and vibrant nightlife, Reykjavík City Center boasts landmarks like Tjörnin pond, Hallgrímskirkja, and lively Austurstræti and Bankastræti streets.

Downtown Reykjavik
Reykjavik showing fashion and shopping

Laugardalur

4/5(34 area reviews)

Just east of Reykjavík's city center, Laugardalur offers various recreational facilities, including the main stadium. Known as "hot spring valley," it's perfect for travelers seeking leisure activities.

Laugardalur
Assa getting in shape 👍🏻😍😍 I am super happy how well she is doing, I think she will be released very very soon 😊👍🏻

Háaleiti

4/5(61 area reviews)

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 showing general coastal views, a sunset and a bay or harbor

Vesturbær

4.5/5(232 area reviews)

Mostly residential with a touch of commercial activity at Grandi harbor, this district boasts the University of Iceland and the community-centered Vesturbæjarlaug swimming pool.

Vesturbær
Black sand beach in Iceland

Hlíðar

4.5/5(123 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
I was really surprised at how much graffiti there is in Reykjavik.  Some of it is really artful, some not so much.  This is just off Laugavegur, the main street through the downtown party district.

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
$265 nightly
The price is $301 total per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
$301 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total with taxes and 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! (1,012 reviews)
"The parking options weren’t ideal yet the staff helped us avoid high costs of the ramp. We walked to city center yet drove to sky lagoon. The beer garden was great after a long day of adventures. The breakfast buffet was wonderful - lots of fresh food and bakery items."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Fosshotel Reykjavik
Hotel Reykjavík Grand

Hotel Reykjavík Grand

4 out of 5
Sigtun 28, Reykjavik
$338 nightly
The price is $382 total per night from Sep 6 to Sep 7
$382 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Beds were too soft for our liking and moved around a lot overnight? Understand green policies - but only cleaned room or did anything if you asked. Breakfast was great!"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Hotel Reykjavík Grand
CityHub Reykjavik

CityHub Reykjavik

2 out of 5
46 Hverfisgata, Reykjavik, Reykjavíkurborg
$123 nightly
The price is $143 total per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
$143 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and Hallgrimskirkja ...
9/10 Wonderful! (250 reviews)
"I cannot speak highly enough of this hotel. I felt like I was in a womb, and slept so well! And plenty of convenient places spaces for luggage and gear. The staff was amazing and always available to help. I would come back to Reykjavik if only to stay here again. Wonderful!!!"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

CityHub 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! (3,007 reviews)
"Great place to stay as it’s very walkable to restaurants and museums. It is a little louder outside but goes with what you would expect in the middle of town. The breakfast was simple but very good. I stayed in the Tannery and loved the whole idea of these “homes”."

Reviewed on Aug 21, 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! (1,163 reviews)
"I could easily check in"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Stay Apartments Bolholt
Máni Apartments

Máni Apartments

4 out of 5
Laugavegur 18, Reykjavik
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,872 reviews)
"I liked the book store bar below"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Máni 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.

Getting around Reykjavik

Much of central Reykjavik is compact enough to navigate on foot, which is the best way to get a feel for the city and take in its unique architecture. There is also an extensive bus system which covers the city center, outlying suburbs and beyond, while car rental is a good option too. Taxis are convenient but expensive. Cycling is a pleasant way of getting around, although there are not many cycle paths. Visit the Icelandic Transport AuthorityOpens in a new window website.Browse Reykjavik rental cars.

Best time to visit

Reykjavik is among the coldest capital cities in the world, but its weather varies widely depending on what time of year you visit. The summer sees average high temperatures in the mid 50s F (10–12 C) and incredibly long days, with up to 21 hours of sunlight per day. Winter, by contrast, is bitterly cold and incredibly gloomy, but the dark skies mean this is the season to view the stunning northern lights.

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Things to do

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