What to do and see in Reykjavik, Capital Region: The Best Free Things to do

November 15, 2021 Viva Honore

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. Heidmork Nature Reserve

Heidmerkurvegur Road, Reykjavik 110 Iceland http://heidmork.is/
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Heidmork Nature Reserve

Reviewed By Trav_LN_now - Crystal Lake, United States

The red cliffs at Heidmork Nature Reserve are amazing! The colors of the volcanic remains are just beautiful. Be careful of the horse droppings though, because they are everywhere due to the horse rental tours down the road. A great place to stop and take a hike though without driving too far out of Reykjavik. No charge to enter

2. Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrimstorgi 1, Reykjavik 101 Iceland +354 510 1000 [email protected] http://hallgrimskirkja.is/
Excellent
50%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21,971 reviews

Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrimskirkja is the largest church in the country, and towers over the centre of Reykjavik. Its 73-metre-high tower provides a wonderful 360° view over all Reykjavik, the mountains around and the ocean streaching west to Greenland and the Americas. Because of this, the tower is among the most visited tourist destinations in Reykjavik. Tower admission Adults: ISK 1000 Children: ISK 100 (ages 7-16) Tickets are sold in the church shop. Access to the tower is only by lift. At the top there are a few steps to the open-air viewing platform. Winter (October – April): 09:00 – 17:00. Tower closes 16:30. Summer (May – September): 09:00 – 21:00. Tower closes 20:30. The tower is closed on Sundays from 10:30 – 12:15 during mass at 11:00. Hallgrimskirkja is an active, working church and sometimes we may close the church without notice, especially due to weddings or funerals. Everyone is welcome to join services and concerts, but we ask visitors to stay the whole time to avoid disturbance.

Reviewed By 10Raindrops - Uralla, Australia

This beautiful church stands out in the middle of Rejkavic and is definitely worth a visit.A beautiful Scandinavian interior is matched by a breath taking soaring ceiling and the whole experience is breathtaking.

3. Icelandic Opera (Islenska Operan)

Ingolfsstraeti, Reykjavik 101 Iceland +354 551 1475 [email protected] http://www.opera.is/EN/
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 204 reviews

Icelandic Opera (Islenska Operan)

4. Perlan

Varmahlid 1 Oskjuhlid, Reykjavik 105 Iceland +354 566 9000 [email protected] http://www.perlan.is/
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,446 reviews

Perlan

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

5. Sun Voyager

Saebraut 101, Reykjavik 105 Iceland +354 551 5789 [email protected] http://sunvoyager.is
Excellent
51%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,656 reviews

Sun Voyager

Reviewed By cazrichardson70 - Bedfordshire, United Kingdom

A Stunning sculpture in fabulous location, definitely worth a visit and a great photo opportunity with the sea and mountains in the background.

6. Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Austurbakki 2, Reykjavik 101 Iceland +354 528 5050 [email protected] http://en.harpa.is/
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,671 reviews

Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at the heart of Reykjavik is an award-winning building situated at the old harbour. Harpa opened its doors in 2011 and boasts a wide variety of hosted events where all musical genres play a part. Harpa won the Mies van der Rohe Award in 2013 for architecture. Harpa was designed by Olafur Eliasson, Henning Larssen architects and Batteri architects. Harpa is the residency of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, The Icelandic Opera and the Reykjavik Big Band. Harpa is a state of the art conference centre. Harpa was awarded the prestigious MICE Report award for best conference centre in Northern Europe. Harpa is also the home of several regular shows: - How to become Icelandic in 60 minutes - Pearls of Icelandic Songs - Icelandic Sagas: The Greatest Hits - Reykjavík Classics - Mulinn Jazz Club - The Tin Drum Series - Bowie: The Session - The Icelandic Emigration Center's Exhibit

Reviewed By FrenchTraveller001 - Paris, France

This is THE place to visit in Reykjavík. The fascinating modern architecture is filled with astonishing surprises and offers outstanding photographic opportunities.

7. Reykjavik City Library

Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 101 Iceland +354 411 6100 [email protected] http://www.borgarbokasafn.is
Excellent
44%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 116 reviews

Reykjavik City Library

Does the Reykjavik City Library have anything to offer you? Come for a visit and find out. The library has six culture houses throughout Reykjavík where you can read books and magazines, browse the internet, meet people, take part in events, view exhibitions, relax and enjoy yourself. We offer computer use, internet access, printing and scanning for a reasonable fee. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all culture houses. You will need a library card to borrow books and other materials, and library cards are limited to long-term residents.

8. Grotta Lighthouse

Seltjarnarnes, Reykjavik 170 Iceland
Excellent
50%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 531 reviews

Grotta Lighthouse

Reviewed By Kylie24 - Shipley, United Kingdom

We walked to the lighthouse from Radisson Blu Saga in Reykjavik- it took about one hour. It was a lovely, although very cold, walk along the coastal road. We crossed over on to the beach for part of it where we were able to spot many types of birds and clamber over large rocks. We arrived at the lighthouse at low tide (check online before you set off) so we were able to easily walk across to the lighthouse. There is nothing except the lighthouse there (no toilets/coffee shops) but it’s really picturesque and peaceful. We walked back to Reykjavík- in total the full trip was around two and a half hours.

9. Laugavegur

Reykjavik Iceland +354 551 3600 http://www.rvk.is
Excellent
46%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,681 reviews

Laugavegur

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.

10. The Nordic House

Saemundargoetu 11, Reykjavik 101 Iceland +354 551 7030 [email protected] http://nordichouse.is/en/
Excellent
59%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

The Nordic House

The Nordic House is an icon of aesthetics, a cultural institution and an architectural gem situated in a bird sanctuary, only a 10-minute walk from the Reykjavik city centre. The Nordic House has exhibition areas showcasing Nordic art, a beautiful Nordic library with a children's library and a playing area for families, an auditorium and a restaurant (29.08.2019 Sorry the restaurant is closed until further notice). Whether you fancy a nice lunch with a great view ore want to enjoy quality events, architecture or Nordic design, The Nordic House is definitely a place to visit. An informative and educating Audioguide is available for all guest, free of cost.

Reviewed By InexpensiveEater - Saint Louis, United States

This was hands down the best museum/exhibit/indoor activity we visited in Iceland. It has a completely free 30 min audioguide tour, a photography exhibit, a beautiful library, an art library with museum quality pieces, and even a postcard writing station where they will mail a postcard for you free of charge. It is conected to a nice little restaurant and has a lovely giftshop. Don't forget to take the gold elevator to the basement for another exhibit, when we were there it was a children's build your own story exhibit which was very well done. There were no children with us, but we still had a great time looking around. In a city as expensive as Reykjavik we were amazed to find such a delightful little museum with so much culture and enrichment for no charge. I cannot recommend this place enough. We were astonished there were not more people there. It is a little ways outside the main tourist area, but the walk was not bad. Completely worth it!

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