Top Things to do in Reykjavik
Things to do in Reykjavik, Capital Region: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Reykjavik bears the distinction of being the world’s northernmost capital, and for many Icelandic visitors it also serves as a gateway to the rugged adventure options beyond. Recharge after outdoor pursuits in one of the many geothermal springs or luxurious indoor spas. We appreciate Reykjavik’s open-minded and energetic culture that includes a hip and internationally recognized music and arts scene, great food and notoriously "enthusiastic" nightlife.
Restaurants in Reykjavik
1. Hannesarholt
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
HANNESARHOLT is a hidden gem a few blocks from the center of Reykjavik. Historic home of the late Hannes Hafstein, Iceland’s first Minister of State, poet and politician. Built in 1915, and remained a home until 2007, now restored and opened to the public. • Cafe and restaurant in the delightful dining rooms on the first floor • City walks from Hannesarholt of the historic center of town by appointment • Cultural events and musical performances year round in the music hall • Conference rooms – private parties • Historic short doc on Hannes Hafstein and the formative years of the city HANNESARHOLT IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A NOURISHING VISIT IN A UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE, AT THE GATE BETWEEN THE PAST AND THE PRESENT.
2. The Tin Can Factory - Reykjavik Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reykjavik Walk! Walk downtown Reykjavik with a historian talking about the city, Icelandic history, culture and traditions. At every stop you see photos of the same spots 100 years ago, so you can see better how live was around 1900 and how fast all changes have been in Reykjavik. We start at Harpa and stroll around the city for about two hours. Then your guide goes with you to Borgartun 1, to The Tin Can Factory, and you relax and enjoy the excellent view and eat our very good Icelandic lamb-soup and drink Icelandic beer. In the end you get warm Icelandic pancakes with homemade Icelandic jam and cream and the opportunity to make your own, using a 40, 60 or 80 years old pancake-pan. Perfect way of finishing your day or starting your fun in the evening. Language, culture, history, food and fun!
3. Reykjavik Music Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
A one and half hour tour focuses on Iceland's pop and rock history and the landmark sites that have contributed to it's remarkable success abroad. The walk is guided by Arnar Eggert, Iceland's foremost popular music historian and journalist. Arnar can answer any questions about the fertile Icelandic music scene. The tour is free of charge and relies solely on contribution from partakers.
4. Thorsmork
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By wilhelmm-norway - Fornebu, Norway
If you have the vehicle to take you there, this a trip that cannot be missed! Possible day trip from Reykjavik. However, you will need a good 4x4 vehicle, preferably with a snorkel as you will be traversing ca 10 rivers of varying sizes and depths along this Icelandic F-road to get to Thorsmork. However, with the right vehicle, the driving tour is half the fun of going there! And when you arrive in Thorsmork, 30 km after having turned off the main road at Seljandefoss, what a location you have come to: A most beautiful valley situated rundt under the Eyafelljokular (the volcano that popped in 2009 that halted all European air traffic for a month), and in the bottom, Myrdalsjokulen which is much larger and hides the enormous Katla volcano that is 60 years overdue for its next eruption. Great vantage point for hiking. We stayed at the Basar camping site which is as far as you can drive in Thorsmork.
5. Perlan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,446 reviews
Perlan is a must-visit landmark and Nature Exploratorium. In our Wonders of Iceland exhibitions, you learn all about Icelandic nature in interactive and fun ways. Natural wonders come alive at your fingertips – volcanoes, northern lights, glaciers, ocean-life, seabirds, and so much more. You explore a real ice cave, sit back in a first-class Planetarium, have fun with interactive displays, and enjoy views all over Reykjavík city. You can catch our Áróra Planetarium show on the half hour in the English language and on the full hour in Icelandic from 10:30 AM until 5:30 PM, every day! On Perlan’s top floor, there is a café and fantastic views. (Free parking).
Reviewed By 539BarbaraS539
Visited on a free evening in Reykjavik, great planetarium show, also interesting exhibitions about Icelandic flora and fauna, geology and an ice cave, estaurant and bar at the top of the dome giving great views over the city, restaurant revolves so get a 360 degree view, worth visiting, interesting for children, lots of engaging activities
6. Laugavegur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,681 reviews
Reviewed By X5484EJdons
A great street to walk and visit all of the shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Many souvenir shops, but also grocery stores and there is a great hardware store if that is of interest.
7. Geothermal area krysuvik
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By MaartenvdD - London, United Kingdom
This place really exceeded our expectations! Partly due to the effect of the new Covid19 quarantine rules that made visitors to Iceland cancel their visit. So only 10 cars on the otherwise large parking lot. We had ample time to see and walk an take pictures without many people around. This place is a must see!
8. Thufa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By Welshtyke01 - Blackwood, United Kingdom
We saw the mound from the other side of the harbour and wanted to see what it was. It didn't dissapoint, the Icelanders are well known for their weird art but thus was just cute. Much bigger when you get up close , you can follow the path up to the top where there is a fish drying cage. Some excellent views to be had from the top and a great photo opportunity.
9. The Statue of Leif Eiriksson
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 746 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
The statue in front of the Hallgrimskirkja church represents Leif Eriksson. For centuries it was recognized that Christopher Columbus and his people were the first Europeans in America. But the Italian traveler was late, by 492 years and three days. Leif Ericson is recognized as the explorer who got to America before Christopher Columbus.This statue was designed by the American sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder in 1929 and gifted to Iceland in 1930. It is the gift of America to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the Icelandic Parliament . This has a prime position in front of the Hallgrimskirkja. So, it is easy to find and also allows some excellent photographic opportunities. Great, proud and strong Viking statue. Beautiful .
10. Austurvollur Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By 152brentd - Atlanta, United States
Public square in the center of Old Reykjavik. Great people watching, relaxing, meeting place with several sidewalk cafes surrounding it.
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