Reykjavik

Travel Guide
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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

Kastali Guesthouse
Kastali Guesthouse
3 out of 5
2 Kirkjustrati, Reykjavik
The price is $135 per night from Jun 6 to Jun 7
$135
per night
Jun 6 - Jun 7
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, housekeeping, and a communal living room. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and Reykjavík 871 +/-2 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Exactly what we were looking for. Clean room, quiet, hostel like setting, and a perfect place to get some sleep after a long day of touring Iceland. Perfect walking distance to all downtown activities. We will definitely stay here again! We had a poor experience at another downtown hotel who refused ..."

Reviewed on May 29, 2023

Kastali Guesthouse
Fosshotel Reykjavik
Fosshotel Reykjavik
4 out of 5
Þórunnartún 1 - Höfðatorg, Reykjavik
The price is $243 per night from Jun 4 to Jun 5
$243
per night
Jun 4 - Jun 5
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"Lovely place"

Reviewed on May 29, 2023

Fosshotel Reykjavik
Center Hotels Plaza
Center Hotels Plaza
3.5 out of 5
Adalstraeti 4, Reykjavik, 00101
The price is $191 per night from Jun 4 to Jun 5
$191
per night
Jun 4 - Jun 5
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"This hotel is really amazing. We had the most beautiful view of Reykjavik from our room. The staff are very helpful . Check in was a breeze and they even have a test of sweets for my husbands bday . Upon check out - the staff went out of their way to help us catch our transfer by calling flybus so ..."

Reviewed on May 30, 2023

Center Hotels Plaza
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.
Stay Apartments Bolholt
Stay Apartments Bolholt
3 out of 5
Bolholt 6, Reykjavik, 105
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the quiet rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (803 reviews)
"Clean and friendly staff. Close to downtown Reykjavik. Parking right in front."

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2023

Stay Apartments Bolholt
Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Reykjavik Residence Hotel
4 out of 5
Hverfisgata 60, Reykjavik, 101
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle. Our guests praise the WiFi and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,288 reviews)
"The staff was so friendly and heavenly gracious! The accommodations were very comfortable for my girlfriend and I, and we've already recommended your business-hotel numerous times to other travelers. We felt like we found our new home away from home. In addition, the breakfast basket was brilliant ..."

Reviewed on May 30, 2023

Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Rey Apartments
Rey Apartments
3 out of 5
Grettisgata 2a, Front Door At Klapparstígur, Reykjavik, 101
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (772 reviews)
"Walkable location, amazing bars and restaurants nearby. Lots of shopping if that’s what you are looking for. Highly recommend Snaps in the main hotel"

Reviewed on May 26, 2023

Rey 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 Authority 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Reykjavik

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