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I’ve visited Reykjavík three times now — and every time, I discover something new. From amazing food to breathtaking mountain views, Iceland’s capital truly has it all. It’s a small city, but it’s packed with charm, culture, and character.
Even if you’re not basing your entire Iceland trip here, I highly recommend spending at least a day or two in Reykjavík. I’ve explored it both as part of longer Iceland trips and during layovers on my way back from the U.S. — and every time, it’s been worth it.
In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite things to do in Reykjavík, based on real experiences. Whether you’re into great coffee, love exploring local food, or enjoy scenic walks, there’s something here for you.
Best Things to do Reykjavik
Reykjavík may be small, but it’s packed with incredible experiences—from stunning views and local hot springs to great food and unique cultural spots. Here are my top favorite things to do in this vibrant city.
Visit Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrímskirkja is, without a doubt, the most impressive building in all of Iceland. It took over 40 years to build — and honestly, it was worth every minute. You can see it from almost anywhere in Reykjavík!
One of the best things about visiting is the view from the top. From the tower, you get a full view over the city, the Capital Region, and even Mount Esja in the distance. It’s my personal favorite viewpoint in Reykjavík.
Just a heads-up: the church bells ring every 15 minutes, and they are very loud — so be prepared!
Don’t skip the inside either. The interior is simple but beautiful, with a peaceful vibe that’s worth experiencing. The church is right in the center of Reykjavík, and if you want to go up the tower, you’ll need to buy tickets on the same day — no advance bookings.
Recharge at the Sky Lagoon
One of the best things to do near Reykjavík is visit the Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur. It only opened in 2021, and surprisingly, I didn’t even know about it until my most recent trip in 2025. But I’m so glad we went — it instantly became a favorite!
Just a 10–15 minute drive from the city, the Sky Lagoon offers incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect place to unwind for an afternoon. I especially loved the hot waterfall and just messing around in the warm water — it’s a lot of fun.
There are a few different ticket packages to choose from, and yes — there’s a bar right in the spa, which makes the whole experience even better.
If you’re feeling brave, try switching between the cold and hot pools — a true Viking-style plunge! We did this here and also in Helsinki in 2023… Let’s just say my Finnish girlfriend handled it way better than I did .
You’ll need to book a time slot in advance, so check what tickets are available before you go.
Reykjavík’s Old Harbor
Reykjavík’s Old Harbor is one of my favorite places in the city for photography. The colorful aqua-painted houses, the nearby mountains, and the view of the Harpa Concert Hall make it a beautiful spot to walk around and take in the scenery.
It’s also a nice area to grab a bite to eat — there are a few good restaurants here. Höfnin is my personal favorite.
If you’re planning to go whale watching, most of the tours leave from this harbor too, so it’s a great place to explore before or after your trip.
Enjoy Reykjavík’s Local Hot Springs
One thing locals in Reykjavík love? Relaxing in hot springs. It’s a big part of everyday life here, and visiting one is a great way to experience the local culture.
I recommend Laugardalslaug, which I visited in June 2019. It has steam baths, outdoor pools for both adults and kids, and several other facilities — a perfect spot to unwind.
Here’s a quick look at the ticket prices:
Adults: 1,380 ISK
Youth (16–17 years): 210 ISK
Children (15 and under): Free
Tickets can be bought at the front desk.
Walk Along the Waterfront at Sunset
It’s hard to walk along Sæbraut without being completely taken in by the view — the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a stunning mountain backdrop on the other. I’ve done this walk in winter, summer, and even in April, and it never gets old. I’ll keep doing it every time I’m in Reykjavík.
One of the highlights along the way is the Sun Voyager statue, a striking piece of art that looks especially beautiful at sunset. Keep going and you’ll reach the Harpa Concert Hall, another must-see.
You can also cycle this route, though be prepared — it can get very windy! But on a calm day, I honestly don’t think there’s a better thing to do in the city.
Walk Around Tjörnin
Tjörnin is the main lake in Reykjavík, right in the center of town. It’s a calm, beautiful spot that sometimes freezes over in winter and is home to birds like swans and the Arctic Tern. With the mountains in the background and the city skyline reflected in the water, the view here honestly feels Alpine.
One of my favorite details is the Lutheran Free Church on the lake’s edge — a small, picturesque building that adds to the charm.
You’ll also find some interesting statues around the lake. One of them, a businessperson with a rock for a head, actually inspired me to quit a job I hated back in 2018 and chase my own dreams. So this spot has personal meaning for me — you’re walking through a little piece of my history, too.
Tjörnin is easy to reach and doesn’t take long to walk around. But I really recommend just sitting down for a while and taking it all in. It’s especially peaceful at sunrise, when you can enjoy the calm, get great photos, and avoid the crowds.
In winter, the lake usually freezes, and if you’re lucky — like we were in January 2025 — you might even catch the Northern Lights here. That said, your chances are better outside the city, where there’s less light pollution.
Go Whale-Watching
Whale watching is one of my favorite things to do Reykjavík. Tours leave from the Old Harbor, and the waters around the capital are home to species like humpback whales and harbor porpoises.
These tours run all year, but the best time to go is between April and October for a higher chance of sightings. I did a tour in December 2018, and while you’re never guaranteed to see a whale, the views from the boat are amazing either way.
I took a regular boat tour, but there are also smaller, more intimate boats available if you prefer a different experience.
