Reykjavik

Written by Elsa Holm, Julien Lambert
02/09/2025
Aerial view of Reykjavik, Iceland, showcasing colorful houses and a stunning sunset.
Stephen Leonardi, Pexels

Reykjavik, Iceland's vibrant capital, offers a unique blend of rich local culture and easy access to breathtaking natural wonders. It serves as an ideal base for experiencing everything from geothermal spas to the dramatic landscapes of the Golden Circle, while also providing a lively urban environment to explore.

When seeking to connect with others, the 101 District, encompassing Downtown Reykjavik (Miðbær) and the famous Laugavegur street, is the central hub. This area thrives with cafes, bars, and shops, making it a perfect spot for socialising. Beyond the main streets, places like Kex Hostel, Kaldi Bar/Café, and the local geothermal swimming pools offer relaxed settings to interact with both fellow travellers and locals.

Top 7 Things to do in Reykjavik

The city and surrounding region offer a variety of experiences, from architectural marvels and cultural museums to relaxing geothermal baths and adventurous nature excursions.

1. Hallgrímskirkja Church

This iconic Lutheran parish church dominates Reykjavik's skyline with its distinctive, basalt-inspired architecture. Visiting the interior is a serene experience, and ascending its 73-meter tower provides unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of Reykjavik, the surrounding mountains, and the ocean. It is particularly striking when illuminated at night.

Cost: Entrance to the church is free. Accessing the tower costs approximately ISK 1,400 for adults and ISK 200 for children (7-16 years old). Tickets are available at the church's gift shop.

Transport: Located centrally in downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrímskirkja is easily accessible by walking from most central accommodations.

2. Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Harpa stands as a modern architectural masterpiece on the waterfront, recognized for its striking glass facade composed of honeycombed panels that reflect light in dynamic ways. It serves as a significant cultural hub, hosting concerts, operas, and various events. Even without attending a show, visitors can explore its public areas to appreciate the design and harbor views. Guided tours offer a deeper insight into its construction and history.

Cost: Exploring the public areas of Harpa is free. Guided tours, which delve into the building's architecture and hidden corners, typically last 45-60 minutes and prices vary, with some tours costing around 45 USD as part of a hop-on-hop-off bus package.

Transport: Harpa is located at the Old Harbour, well within walking distance of downtown Reykjavik.

3. Perlan Museum - Wonders of Iceland

Set atop Öskjuhlíð Hill in a unique glass dome, Perlan offers an interactive museum experience dedicated to Iceland's natural wonders. Visitors can explore a man-made ice cave, learn about glaciers and volcanoes, and experience a state-of-the-art Northern Lights planetarium show. The 360-degree observation deck provides expansive views of Reykjavik and its surroundings.

Cost: Admission to Perlan's exhibitions, the observation deck, and the Northern Lights planetarium show costs approximately 5,990 ISK (around 48-49 USD) for adults online. On-site prices may be slightly higher. Children aged 0-5 years enter free.

Transport: Perlan is a short drive (5-10 minutes) from downtown Reykjavik. Public bus number 18 stops near the hill, or it is about a 30-minute walk from Laugavegur in the city center. Free parking is available.

4. Geothermal Lagoon Experience (Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon)

Immerse in Iceland's rich bathing culture at a geothermal spa. The Blue Lagoon, a world-renowned geothermal spa, offers mineral-rich waters for relaxation and rejuvenation, including silica mud masks and an in-water bar. The newer Sky Lagoon, closer to Reykjavik, provides an infinity pool with stunning North Atlantic ocean views and a unique 7-step spa ritual, designed to awaken and revitalize the senses.

Cost: Costs vary significantly based on the package and time of visit. For the Blue Lagoon, comfort packages with transfers from Reykjavik start around 140-200 USD, including admission, a silica mask, and a drink. For the Sky Lagoon, admission with the 7-step ritual and transfers can start from approximately 143-180 USD.

Transport: The Blue Lagoon is located between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik, approximately 45-50 km from the city. Round-trip bus transfers are widely available from Reykjavik's BSI Bus Terminal or select pickup points, costing around 50-70 USD for the transfer alone. Driving takes about 41 minutes, with car rental being an option. The Sky Lagoon is much closer to Reykjavik, about a 10-minute drive. A taxi from downtown costs around 3,500 ISK (approx. 25 USD). Public bus line 8 offers a cheaper alternative, taking about 5 minutes from Gamla Hringbraut to the Sky Lagoon stop, costing 2-4 USD.

5. Golden Circle Tour

Embark on a classic day trip to experience Iceland's most famous natural attractions. This route typically includes the Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet; the powerful Gullfoss waterfall; and the geothermal area of Haukadalur, home to the Geysir hot spring and the active Strokkur geyser. It offers a comprehensive introduction to Iceland's dramatic geological features.

Cost: Guided bus tours from Reykjavik often cost between 85-150 USD per person. Self-driving is also a popular option, allowing flexibility. Renting a car for a day would be an additional cost, but entrance to the sites themselves is generally free.

Transport: Tours depart from central Reykjavik bus terminals or offer hotel pickups. For self-drive, a rental car is necessary, and the drive is straightforward from Reykjavik.

6. Northern Lights Tour

From late September to late April, chasing the Aurora Borealis is a magical and sought-after experience. These tours take visitors away from city lights to dark, remote locations, maximizing the chances of witnessing the mesmerizing dance of green, pink, and purple across the night sky. Success is dependent on weather conditions and solar activity.

Cost: Bus tours are a popular and budget-friendly option, typically costing around 70-115 USD per person. More specialized tours, such as Super Jeep tours, can cost around 174-196 USD. Many tours offer a free re-try if the lights are not seen on the initial attempt.

Transport: Tours generally depart from central Reykjavik, offering hotel pickups or designated meeting points. Transport is included in the tour price.

7. Whale Watching Tour

Departing from Reykjavik's Old Harbour, whale watching tours offer the chance to observe marine wildlife in Faxaflói Bay. Common sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. During summer months, puffins can also be spotted. Tours provide an opportunity to connect with Iceland's diverse marine ecosystem.

Cost: Standard whale watching boat tours typically cost around 115-140 USD per person for a 2.5-3.5 hour excursion. RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tours, which offer a faster and closer experience, can be more expensive, around 190 USD.

Transport: Tours depart directly from the Old Harbour, which is a walkable area from downtown Reykjavik.

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