17 best places to visit in Reykjavik: the best of Iceland’s capital

With an exciting fusion of impressive geological formations, interactive exhibitions, exhilarating day trips, and architectural monuments, Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, really has it all. Stroll by the stunning Sun Voyager Sculpture and watch the sunrise on the horizon. Wander the rainbow-painted main shopping street, Laugavegur, and pick up a unique souvenir in a boutique gift store. Or simply relax in the geothermally heated waters of the Blue and Sky Lagoons. What better way to end the day than by climbing the clock tower of Hallgrimskirkja for panoramic views of colorful rooftops? Whatever your travel style, whether you’re a couple, a solo traveler, with friends, or a family, discover the best places to visit in Reykjavik.

Reykjavik’s top places to visit at a glance

The top sights in Reykjavik: Laugavegur, Hallgrimskirkja, Sun Voyager Sculpture, Harpa Concert Hall

The best attractions in Reykjavik for history: Grotta Island, Perlan, National Museum of Iceland, Settlement Museum

The best sights in Reykjavik for art: National Gallery of Iceland, Reykjavik Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir, Living Art Museum

The best places in Reykjavik for culture: Blue Lagoon, Whales of Iceland Museum, Restaurants, Sky Lagoon

The top attractions in Reykjavik for adventure: FlyOver Iceland, the Northern Lights

Top sights in Reykjavik

1. Laugavegur Street

Step foot into the heart of the city and walk down one of Reykjavik’s oldest streets, Laugavegur. A popular hub of boutique shops, cozy restaurants, and lively bars, this is the main street in Iceland’s capital and one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik to orient yourself in the city.

Highlights

Stroll down this famous street, which leads to the impressive Hallgrimskirkja, stopping to snap a picture on the iconic rainbow-painted road, a symbol of the LGBTQ+ alliance.

Address

Laugavegur, Reykjavík, Iceland.

2. Hallgrimskirkja

A distinctive Lutheran church that is recognizable by its distinctive curved spire and side wings, Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest church in Iceland and one of the most renowned monuments in Reykjavik.

Best time to go

Time your visit with sunset and climb the 75-meter-tall clock tower to see the sun sink behind the skyline and the city lights start to twinkle.

Address and opening hours

Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 09:00 AM-8:00 PM.

3. Sun Voyager Sculpture

Set on a seafront promenade with a mountainous backdrop, the Sun Voyager Sculpture is a stunning piece of public art and one of the most famous landmarks in Reykjavik. Based on a Viking longboat and crafted from stainless steel by Jón Gunnar Árnason, the sculpture symbolizes freedom, discovery, and hope.

Insider tip

This spot may be popular with photographers throughout the day, but it’s also one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik at night to see the Northern Lights as the promenade faces north towards clear skies.

Address

Sæbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

4. Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa is not only a beautiful concert hall but also a cultural hub, home to concerts, events, festivals, shops, and a restaurant. Its striking, colored glass facade, inspired by Iceland’s basalt landscape, has earned it the status of an award-winning piece of contemporary architecture.

Highlights

Book tickets for a concert and enjoy an evening of world-class entertainment in one of the best concert halls in the world.

Address and opening hours

Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavik. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Sunday-Tuesday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Wednesday-Saturday.

Best places to visit in Reykjavik for history

5. Grotta Island Lighthouse

Nestled on a small island at the end of a peninsula just outside the city, Grotta Island Lighthouse is a charming historic landmark and one of the top sights in Reykjavik. While this lighthouse was built in the 1940s, a lighthouse has been present on the island for over 100 years.

Best time to go

Winter is the best time to visit, as the reserve can be closed for the nesting of native seabirds in the summer months.

Address

Grótta Island Lighthouse, Seltjarnarnes, Iceland.

6. Perlan

Explore ice caves, volcanoes, and more at the Perlan Museum, which is one of the top attractions in Reykjavik. With a focus on Iceland’s natural history, Perlan is one of the best museums in Reykjavik and fun for all ages.

Highlights

Don’t miss the Icelandic Museum of Natural History's exhibition on water and its vital importance to the country’s geography, culture, and society.

Address and opening hours

105 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM.

7. National Museum of Iceland

Discover Iceland’s rich past on a trip through the ages at the National Museum of Iceland. Home to over 2000 objects of cultural and historical significance, this museum is one of the top museums in Reykjavik and is a great place to learn more about the country’s heritage and traditions.

Insider tip

Explore the “Making of a Nation” exhibition and see artifacts from the Settlement Age to the present day that give insight into Reykjavik’s culture and history.

Address and opening hours

Suðurgata, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

8. The Settlement Exhibition

Created by Reykjavik City Museum, The Settlement Exhibition is based on the archeological excavation of the ruins of one of Iceland’s first houses. A modern, interactive museum, The Settlement Exhibition is one of the best family-friendly activities in Reykjavik.

Highlights

A blend of archaeology and technology, multimedia displays a wraparound panorama allows you to see for yourself how the 10-century Viking longhouse would have looked at the time of inhabitance.

Address and opening hours

The Settlement Exhibition, Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Best places to visit in Reykjavik for art

9. National Gallery of Iceland

Featuring art exhibitions across three floors, the National Gallery of Iceland is one of the top attractions in Reykjavik if you love art. The museum owns the most valuable collection of Icelandic art in the country, with over 11,000 artworks, and is one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik for art lovers.

Highlights

Most artworks are 19th and 20th-century pieces from Iceland, but there are some international pieces on display, too, including works by Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, and Richard Serra.

Address and opening hours

Fríkirkjuvegur 7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

10. Reykjavik Art Museum Kjarvalsstadir

Home to a large collection of paintings and sculptures, Reykjavik Art Museum Kjarvalsstadir focuses on modern art made by well-known Icelandic artists and is a great place to learn more about Reykjavik’s thriving art scene.

Highlights

Don’t miss the works by one of Iceland’s most influential artists, Jóhannes S. Kjarval.

Address and opening hours

Flókagata 24, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

11. The Living Art Museum

A nonprofit art museum, The Living Art Museum is free to visit and is one of the best art museums in Reykjavik. This contemporary art museum is operated by artists and features modern and experimental artworks, including collations that span from the 1960s to the present day.

Insider tip

Many of the exhibitions change frequently, but you can check the schedule on The Living Art Museum website before you go to see what’s on.

Address and opening hours

Grandagarður 20, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 12:00 PM-6:00 PM.

Best places to visit in Reykjavik for culture

12. Blue Lagoon

Relax in the geothermally heated, milky blue waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and immerse in an authentic Icelandic bathing ritual. Apply a nourishing silica mask, enjoy a drink from the swim-up bar, and book a massage for a truly tranquil experience.

Best time to go

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most fun things to do in Reykjavik. Book the first or last slot of the day to avoid the crowds.

Address and opening hours

Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland. Open daily, 7:00 AM-12:00 AM.

13. Whales of Iceland Museum

Whale watching is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik in Summer, but there’s no need to miss out if you’re visiting in another season. Learn more about the country’s whale population at the Whales of Iceland Museum. Featuring impressive life-size models of over 20 types of whales, Whales of Iceland is the largest exhibition on whales in the world.

Highlights

Explore interactive exhibits, gain a deeper insight into the role whales play in nature, and hear about local conservation efforts to protect them.

Address and opening hours

Fiskislóð 23-25, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

14. Reykjavik’s Restaurants

What better way to discover local culture than to eat your way around the city? Reykjavik is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, serving everything from local delights to international cuisine. Sample a variety of Icelandic dishes, including local meats, soups, cheeses, and homemade ice cream, as you taste the best of Reykjavik’s street food.

Insider tip

Don’t miss trying authentic skyr and lobster soup – they’re some of the best foods to try in Reykjavik.

15. Sky Lagoon

A quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon is one of the best places in Reykjavik to connect with Icelandic bathing culture. Pamper your body, mind, and spirit with a seven-step spa ritual and enjoy a panoramic coastal vista from the geothermally heated infinity pool.

Insider tip

Booking a spa experience for two is one of the most romantic things to do in Reykjavik and a great way to celebrate a special occasion.

Address and opening hours

Vesturvör 44-48 200, 200 Kópavogur, Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM.

Best places to visit in Reykjavik for adventure

16. FlyOver Iceland

Undertake a thrilling journey across Iceland’s vast landscape from the comfort of your own seat at FlyOver Iceland. Hang suspended over a spherical screen and experience the special effects of wind, mist, and scents as you soar over a simulation of Iceland’s impressive scenery.

Insider tip

While FlyOver Iceland is a great family-friendly attraction in Reykjavik, it is only suitable for children over 102 cm in height.

Address and opening hours

Fiskislóð 43, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 9:30 AM-7:00 PM.

17. Northern Lights Viewing Spots

For any traveler visiting Reykjavik in winter, spotting the Aurora Borealis is a must. A colorful display of swirling, dancing light, the Northern Lights are not only a stunning natural phenomenon but also feature in many Icelandic myths and legends.

Insider tip

While the Aurora can be seen from the city center, the best place to visit in Reykjavik to see the Northern Lights is away from the light pollution of the city.

FAQs

1. What are the must-see attractions in Reykjavik?

The top sights to see in Reykjavik include Hallgrimskirkja, the Sun Voyager Sculpture, Harpa Concert Hall, and Rainbow Street, Laugavegur. Other top attractions include art galleries like the Living Art Museum and Reykjavik Art Museum Kjarvalsstadir, the interactive FlyOver experience, and the Whales of Iceland Museum.

2. How many days should I spend in Reykjavik to see all the top sights?

There is so much to see and do in Reykjavik. It’s common for visitors to travel to Iceland for a long weekend and see the top sights. But, to make the most of your visit, it’s generally recommended to spend at least 5 days in the capital, and there is more than enough to keep you busy for a week or longer.

3. What is the best time of year to visit Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a great destination to visit all year round. The summer months offer maximum daylight hours thanks to the midnight sun and pleasant weather. Winter is a popular time to visit Reykjavik as travelers hope to glimpse a stunning display of the Northern Lights. While Spring and Fall are quieter and cheaper.

4. What is the best way to get around the sights in Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is easy to get around, even if you don’t have a car. Explore the city center on foot, hop on a sightseeing bus, or take advantage of the affordable public transport system.

5. What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Reykjavik?

Laugardalur, also known as Hot Spring Valley, is home to geothermal baths and lush green spaces and is great for family days out. Vesturbær is one of the main cultural hubs and boasts beautiful Icelandic architecture, lively bars, and upmarket restaurants. Downtown Reykjavik is great for first-timers to Iceland, being super central and close to all the main attractions.

6. What are the best places to go shopping in Reykjavik?

Laugavegur is Reykjavik's main shopping street, featuring clothes shops, souvenir stores, restaurants, bars, cafes, and bookshops. Kringlan Mall is also one of the best places in Reykjavik to go shopping and offers more than 150 different shops.