16 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik
Publié le 9 sept. 2026 · 9 min de lecture · 16 choses à faire
Iceland’s compact capital combines striking subarctic scenery with modern Scandinavian design, making it a comfortable town to explore on foot. Whether you are arriving after visiting quiet European corners like the Åland Islands, Andorra, or Albania, Reykjavik offers a uniquely cosy blend of geothermal bathing, rich folklore, and contemporary art. The city serves equally well as a self-contained weekend break or as a scenic jumping-off point for wider island road trips. This guide outlines sixteen essential sights and experiences to help you structure your time in the capital.
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1. Hallgrímskirkja Church
Standing at the top of Skólavörðustígur, this iconic Lutheran church dominates the city skyline with its basalt-column-inspired concrete facade. Visitors can step inside to view its vast 5,275-pipe organ or take the lift up the bell tower. From the top viewing platform, you enjoy panoramic 360-degree views across Reykjavik's colourful rooftops and surrounding ocean bays.
Pourquoi y aller: It offers the single best vantage point over the city centre and surrounding mountains.
Conseil: Arrive early in the morning to avoid elevator queues for the tower and to experience quieter light in the nave.
HistoireActivités en extérieur2. Harpa Concert Hall
Situated directly on the old harbour waterfront, Harpa is a striking piece of modern glass architecture designed by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects. The building features a multi-faceted geometric facade that reflects the surrounding water and changing northern daylight throughout the day. Visitors can freely wander the cavernous interior halls, visit design shops, or attend classical music performances.
Pourquoi y aller: Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the dramatic play of light inside one of Scandinavia's boldest structures.
Conseil: Visit around dusk when the glass facade panels illuminate with subtle light displays.
HistoirePetit budget3. Sun Voyager Sculpture (Sólfar)
Positioned along the waterfront path, the Sun Voyager is a sleek stainless-steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason that resembles a stylized Viking ship. It was conceived as an ode to the sun, symbolizing light, hope, and uncharted territory. Walkers frequently pause here to take photos of the artwork frame against Mount Esja across Faxaflói Bay.
Pourquoi y aller: It is an accessible and iconic outdoor art installation set against a sweeping coastal backdrop.
Conseil: Dress warmly in layers, as sea breezes along the coastal promenade can be strong even on bright days.
Activités en extérieurPetit budget4. Perlan Wonders of Iceland
Perlan is a prominent glass dome built atop six massive geothermal water tanks on Öskjuhlíð hill. Inside, interactive exhibitions cover Iceland’s geology, featuring a real indoor ice cave constructed from tons of snow alongside a high-tech northern lights planetarium show. The top floor features a 360-degree outdoor observation deck and a revolving restaurant.
Pourquoi y aller: Ideal for families and first-time visitors looking to learn about Iceland's natural wonders indoors.
Conseil: Set aside at least two hours if you plan to explore the ice cave exhibition and planetarium show.
Pour toute la familleNature5. Laugavegur Shopping Street
Laugavegur is Reykjavik’s main commercial avenue, lined with independent design shops, outdoor outfitters, cosy coffee houses, and vibrant bars. Strolling down this street and its side roads reveals colourful murals, bakeries selling fresh cardamom buns, and boutiques stocking local woollen goods. In the evening, the street transitions into the core of the city's nightlife.
Pourquoi y aller: Perfect for soaking up the capital's relaxed urban energy while browsing local fashion and crafts.
Conseil: Detour onto Skólavörðustígur street for quieter cafes and traditional wool workshops.
ShoppingGastronomie6. National Museum of Iceland
This main historical museum guides visitors through Icelandic history from the settlement era to modern times. The permanent exhibition displays thousands of artefacts, including ancient chieftain swords, medieval wooden carvings, and traditional silver jewellery. Clear audio guides provide rich contextual detail on how early islanders adapted to harsh northern environments.
Pourquoi y aller: It provides essential cultural context before you explore the country's rural historical sites.
Conseil: Pick up an audio headset at the front desk to hear the full backstory behind key archaeological finds.
HistoirePour toute la famille7. Sky Lagoon
Located a short drive south of downtown in Kópavogur, Sky Lagoon is a geothermal oceanfront spa featuring an infinity edge that appears to merge with the Atlantic Ocean. Guests soak in warm, mineral-rich waters framed by dramatic turf-wall architecture and natural lava rock. The venue also offers a signature seven-step bathing ritual that includes cold plunges, saunas, and body scrubs.
Pourquoi y aller: Delivers a high-end geothermal soaking experience within quick reach of the capital centre.
Conseil: Book your entry slot well in advance, especially for late afternoon slots around sunset.
LuxeActivités en extérieurNature8. The Settlement Exhibition
Built around an active underground archaeological site, this museum preserves the excavated ruins of a 10th-century Viking longhouse. Interactive digital displays explain how early inhabitants constructed turf walls, managed livestock, and cleared land in central Reykjavik. Touchscreens allow visitors to examine unearthed iron tools, loom weights, and personal ornaments in detail.
Pourquoi y aller: It lets you stand inches away from the oldest man-made structures discovered in the capital area.
Conseil: Inquire about multi-museum combination tickets if you plan to visit other city historical sites.
HistoirePetit budget9. Reykjavik Old Harbour (Grandagarður)
The city's historic working harbour has transformed into a dynamic neighbourhood filled with maritime workshops, modern dining halls, and art studios. Whale watching tours, puffin cruises, and sea angling trips leave regularly from the wooden docks. The adjacent Grandi area is famous for artisanal ice cream parlours, microbreweries, and fresh seafood bistros.
Pourquoi y aller: An ideal destination for sampling fresh catch and booking marine wildlife excursions.
Conseil: Visit around lunchtime to try local fish soup before boarding an afternoon boat tour.
GastronomieActivités en extérieur10. Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool
Soaking in geothermally heated public pools is a staple of Icelandic daily life, and Laugardalslaug is the capital's largest complex. The facility features a 50-metre outdoor pool, steam baths, a saltwater pool, and multiple hot tubs set at varying temperatures. Local residents gather here year-round to exercise, relax, and chat regardless of the winter cold.
Pourquoi y aller: Offers an authentic taste of local community life at an affordable public admission rate.
Conseil: Note that pool hygiene rules strictly require showering thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering the water.
Petit budgetActivités en extérieurPour toute la famille11. Tjörnin (The Pond)
Tjörnin is a peaceful freshwater lake set in central Reykjavik, bordered by historic timber houses and the modern City Hall. The lake provides a habitat for dozens of bird species, including swans, ducks, and terns, making it a favourite spot for gentle strolls. In deep winter, the shallow lake occasionally freezes over to allow ice skating.
Pourquoi y aller: A tranquil green space ideal for an easy walk right next to the town centre.
Conseil: Walk along the western shoreline for photogenic angles of City Hall resting on the water.
NaturePetit budgetPour toute la famille12. Whales of Iceland Museum
Located in the Grandi district, this large museum houses 23 life-sized, hand-painted models of whale species found in northern waters. Visitors can walk beneath massive blue whales, humpbacks, and killer whales while listening to ambient underwater sounds. Interactive exhibits educate guests on marine mammal ecology and ocean conservation efforts.
Pourquoi y aller: A great indoor option for families that provides an impression of ocean life scale.
Conseil: Download the museum's smartphone app to use their free audio guide during your walk.
Pour toute la familleNature13. FlyOver Iceland
FlyOver Iceland is a flight simulation attraction that uses a large spherical motion screen, wind effects, and scents to recreate flying over the country. Riders hang suspended before scenes of remote fjords, glaciers, tumbling waterfalls, and active volcanic landscapes. Pre-show exhibits explore island mythology and geological forces before the flight experience.
Pourquoi y aller: Provides a thrilling perspective on remote parts of the country that are hard to reach in person.
Conseil: Reserve your time slot online ahead of arrival during summer peak travel months.
Pour toute la familleActivités en extérieur14. Viðey Island
A short ferry ride from the mainland harbour brings you to Viðey Island, which blends scenic walking trails with historic stone buildings and modern art. The island features Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower, which projects a column of light into the sky on specific dates throughout the year. Visitors can explore old ruins, view bird sanctuaries, and visit one of Iceland's oldest stone churches.
Pourquoi y aller: Provides a peaceful retreat into nature and outdoor art just minutes from the city.
Conseil: Check the seasonal ferry schedule in advance, as sailings are less frequent during autumn and winter.
NatureActivités en extérieurHistoire15. Reykjavik Art Museum Hafnarhús
Housed in a converted 1930s harbour warehouse, Hafnarhús is the city's main home for contemporary art. It regularly exhibits works by Erró, a leading Icelandic pop artist, alongside temporary installations by local and international creators. The spacious, industrial gallery layouts accommodate large multimedia pieces, sculptures, and conceptual art.
Pourquoi y aller: A essential stop for modern art fans interested in contemporary Nordic creative work.
Conseil: Your admission ticket grants entry to all three Reykjavik Art Museum sites on the same day.
HistoirePetit budget16. Kolaportið Flea Market
Open on weekends near the old harbour, Kolaportið is Reykjavik's primary indoor flea market. Stalls sell everything from vintage books, secondhand clothing, and hand-knitted woollen sweaters (lopapeysa) to antique collectibles. The dedicated food section offers samples of traditional Icelandic treats, including dried stockfish and fermented shark.
Pourquoi y aller: The best weekend venue for hunting out vintage treasures and traditional wool garments.
Conseil: While card payments are widely accepted, carry small amounts of cash for minor vendor purchases.
ShoppingGastronomiePetit budget
Questions fréquemment posées
How many days should I spend in Reykjavik?
Two to three days is ideal for seeing Reykjavik's main sights, visiting museums, and enjoying its food scene. If you plan to use the city as a base for day trips along the Golden Circle or South Coast, allocate four to five days in total.
What is the best way to get around Reykjavik?
Central Reykjavik is compact and best explored on foot, as most major attractions sit within walking distance of each other. For destinations further out, such as Sky Lagoon or Laugardalslaug, the reliable public bus system (Strætó) or taxis are easy options.
Is Reykjavik expensive for tourists?
Reykjavik has higher average costs for dining out, transport, and lodging than many continental European cities. However, you can manage your budget by making use of free self-guided walking routes, visiting public thermal pools instead of luxury spas, and dining at food halls.
When is the best time of year to visit Reykjavik?
Summer brings long daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and outdoor festivals, making it easy to sightsee late into the evening. Winter offers shorter days, snowy landscapes, and chances to see the northern lights, alongside cosy indoor museum culture.
Can you see the Northern Lights from downtown Reykjavik?
While bright city streetlights make northern lights sightings difficult in the downtown core, strong displays remain visible from darker coastal spots. Walking out to the Grótta Lighthouse point or Öskjuhlíð hill improves your chances significantly without leaving town.
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