City Guide

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital — a small, colourful, eccentric city of about 200,000 people that serves as the base camp for Iceland's extraordinary natural landscape. The city itself is charming — painted timber houses, great coffee culture, vibrant nightlife, excellent museums — but the real draw is everything around it: the Golden Circle, geothermal pools, glaciers, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights. Reykjavik offers a unique blend of Nordic charm, Viking history, modern design, and unparalleled access to some of Earth's most breathtaking natural wonders.

Best Places to Stay

Luxury Hotels (5-Star): Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura (luxury hotel near the airport with stunning design inspired by Icelandic nature, excellent spa and multiple restaurants), The Reykjavik EDITION (luxury hotel in historic building with incredible design, lovely rooftop bar and exceptional service), Hotel Keflavik Airport (convenient luxury hotel near Keflavik Airport with excellent facilities and free shuttle), Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre (modern luxury hotel in downtown Reykjavik with lovely views and excellent facilities), Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel (luxury hotel in historic building near Parliament with lovely location and excellent service), Fosshotel Baron (luxury hotel near the harbor with excellent facilities and lovely views of Faxaflói bay), Hilton Reykjavik Nordica (luxury hotel near the university with excellent spa and multiple dining options), Icelandic Hotel (lovely boutique hotel with historic charm and excellent location near the harbor), CenterHotel Thingholt (lovely boutique hotel in downtown Reykjavik with excellent design and lovely courtyard), Borg Hotel (luxury hotel with excellent location near the harbor and lovely views of the mountains)
Boutique & Character Hotels (4-Star): Kex Hostel (already mentioned but worth noting for its trendy social atmosphere and excellent bar), Hotel Ódinn (lovely boutique hotel near the harbor with excellent location and helpful staff), 22 Hill Hotel (charming boutique hotel in residential area with lovely views and excellent service), Iloftel Reykjavik (lovely boutique hotel near the university with excellent facilities and lovely rooftop terrace), Alda Hotel Reykjavik (lovely boutique hotel near the harbor with excellent location and lovely atmosphere), Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel (lovely hotel in historic building with excellent service and lovely courtyard), Apotek Hotel (lovely boutique hotel in historic building with excellent location near Laugavegur), Fosshotel Reykjavik (lovely hotel near the city center with excellent facilities and lovely views), Reykjavik Marina Residence (lovely apartment-style hotel near the harbor with excellent views and lovely facilities), Northern Light Inn (lovely hotel near the Blue Lagoon with excellent location and lovely views of the lava fields)
Well-Located Mid-Range (3-4 Star): Fosshotel Reykjavik (already mentioned but worth repeating for its central location and excellent facilities), CenterHotel Arnarhvoll (lovely hotel near the old harbor with excellent location and lovely views of the mountains), CenterHotel Plaza (lovely hotel near the main square with excellent location and lovely facilities), Guesthouse Sunna (lovely guesthouse near the university with excellent location and helpful staff), Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina (lovely hotel near the harbor with excellent location and lovely views of Faxaflói bay), Kea Hotel (lovely hotel near the university with excellent location and lovely rooftop terrace), Cabin Hotel (lovely boutique hotel with excellent location near the city center and lovely courtyard), Hlemmur Square (lovely hotel in the food hall area with excellent location and lively atmosphere), Reykjavik Lights - Curio Collection by Hilton (lovely hotel with excellent design and lovely location near the university), Nordic Light Hotel (lovely hotel near the city center with excellent location and lovely views of the mountains)
Budget-Friendly (Hostels/Guesthouses): Loft Hostel (lovely hostel with excellent location near the city center and lovely common room), Cabin by Guesthouse (lovely budget option with excellent location and helpful staff), Kex Hostel (already mentioned but essential for its social atmosphere and excellent bar), Reykjavik City Hostel (lovely hostel near the city center with excellent facilities and lovely rooftop terrace), Loft HI Hostel (lovely hostel affiliated with Hostelling International with excellent facilities and lovely garden), Reykjavik Downtown Hostel (lovely hostel near Laugavegur with excellent location and lovely common room), Schoolhouse Hostel (lovely hostel in former school building with excellent location and lovely common room), Icelandic Rover Hostel (lovely hostel near the university with excellent location and lovely rooftop terrace), Betri HI Hostel (lovely hostel with excellent location and lovely facilities for groups), Hlemmur Square Hostel (lovely hostel in the food hall area with excellent location and lively atmosphere)

Best Places to Eat

Fine Dining & Special Occasion: Moss Restaurant (lovely restaurant in a natural geothermal setting with incredible Nordic cuisine and lovely views), Dill (Michelin-starred Icelandic farm-to-table restaurant with incredible tasting menus and lovely setting), Matur og Drykkur (lovely restaurant with incredible modern Icelandic cuisine and lovely setting in a historic fish factory), Fish Market (lovely restaurant near the old harbor with incredible fresh seafood and lovely setting), Grillmarkaðurinn (lovely restaurant with incredible modern Icelandic cuisine and lovely setting near the harbor), Óx (lovely intimate restaurant with incredible tasting menu and lovely setting), Slippbarinn (lovely restaurant in a historic ship repair facility with incredible views and excellent seafood), Íslenski Barinn (lovely restaurant with incredible traditional Icelandic fare and lovely setting near the harbor), Sáevistubúð (lovely restaurant with incredible seafood and lovely setting near the old harbor), Strakur (lovely restaurant with incredible modern Nordic cuisine and lovely setting near the university)
Modern Icelandic & Contemporary: Loki Ramen (lovely ramen bar with incredible Icelandic twist and lovely atmosphere), Brauð & Co (already mentioned but worth highlighting for its incredible bread and lovely bakery), Hlemmur Mathöll (already mentioned but worth repeating for its incredible food hall variety and lovely atmosphere), Kaffi Vinyl (lovely cafe with incredible coffee and lovely setting near the old harbor), Mokka Kaffi (lovely cafe near the university with incredible coffee and lovely atmosphere), Þrír Frakkar (lovely restaurant with incredible traditional Icelandic fare and lovely setting near the harbor), Gjágröð (lovely restaurant with incredible vegetarian and vegan options and lovely setting), Icelandic Street Food (lovely spot with incredible Icelandic street food and lovely setting near the city center), Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (already mentioned but essential for the legendary hot dog experience), Sumac (lovely restaurant with incredible Middle Eastern-Icelandic fusion and lovely setting), Kokos (lovely restaurant with incredible modern Icelandic cuisine and lovely setting near the city center)
Seafood Specialists: Sjávargrillið (lovely seafood restaurant with incredible fresh catch and lovely setting near the old harbor), Sægreifinn (lovely seafood soup bar with incredible lobster soup and lovely setting near the old harbor), Fish Company (lovely restaurant with incredible seafood and lovely setting near the harbor), Kopar (lovely restaurant with incredible Icelandic cuisine and lovely setting right on the waterfront), Vid Bryggju (lovely restaurant with incredible seafood and lovely setting near the old harbor), Garður (lovely restaurant with incredible seafood and lovely setting near the harbor), Fiskmarkaðurinn (lovely fish market with incredible variety and lovely setting near the old harbor), Humarhöfnin (lovely lobster restaurant with incredible fresh lobster and lovely setting near the harbor), Gefjun (lovely restaurant with incredible seafood and lovely setting near the city center), Kröna (lovely restaurant with incredible seafood and lovely setting near the university)
Traditional Icelandic & Cafés: Café Loki (lovely cafe near Hallgrímskirkja with incredible coffee and lovely pastries), Mokka Kaffi (already mentioned but worth returning to for its incredible coffee and lovely atmosphere), Kaffi á Brennu (lovely cafe near the old harbor with incredible coffee and lovely pastries), Te og Kaffi (lovely cafe near the university with incredible coffee and lovely atmosphere), Sumac (already mentioned but worth highlighting for its incredible fusion and lovely atmosphere), Brauð & Co (already mentioned but essential for its incredible bread and lovely pastry selection), Café Paris (lovely cafe near the city center with incredible coffee and lovely pastries), Reykjavik Roasters (lovely coffee roastery with incredible coffee and lovely cafe near the university), Íslenski Barinn (lovely bar with incredible traditional Icelandic fare and lovely setting near the harbor), Íshúsid (lovely ice cream parlor with incredible flavors and lovely setting near the city center)
Hot Dogs & Casual Eats: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (the famous hot dog stand near the old harbour since 1937, lamb hot dog with crispy onions is the order, try it with both sweet mustard and remoulade), Pylsuhusid (lovely hot dog stand near the university with excellent options and lovely atmosphere), Hot Dog Bär (lovely hot dog cart with excellent options and lovely setting near the city center), Grái Kötturin (lovely cafe with incredible soups and sandwiches and lovely setting near the city center), Olís (lovely gas station with incredible hot dogs and lovely setting near the city center), N1 (lovely gas station with incredible hot dogs and lovely setting near the city center), Orkiszowym (lovely spot with incredible Polish-Icelandic fusion and lovely setting), Dukát (lovely spot with incredible Hungarian-Icelandic fusion and lovely setting)

Best Sites to Visit

Hallgrímskirkja: This iconic Lutheran church is Reykjavik's most recognizable landmark, standing 74.5 meters tall with a stunning concrete design inspired by basalt lava flows. Take the elevator to the top for incredible 360-degree views over the city, Faxaflói bay, and the surrounding mountains. The church houses a magnificent pipe organ and offers lovely concert experiences. Named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, it took 41 years to build (1945-1986) and is one of the tallest structures in Iceland.

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre: This stunning glass facade building on the waterfront is an architectural masterpiece inspired by Iceland's basalt landscapes. Home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, Harpa offers incredible concerts, conferences, and guided tours. The building's unique geometric facade reflects the harbor and sky in beautiful ways, especially when illuminated at night. Don't miss the lovely views from the upper floors and the wonderful architectural details throughout the building.

Old Harbour (Gamla höfn): Lovely area where you'll find whale watching boats, seafood restaurants, sailing schools, and the less touristy side of the city. The harbor offers incredible views of Mount Esja and lovely walking paths along the waterfront. It's particularly beautiful at sunset when the fishing boats return and the lights begin to sparkle. The area includes the lovely Reykjavik Maritime Museum (housed in a former fish freezing plant) and the charming Saga Museum that brings Iceland's Viking history to life.

Laugavegur: Reykjavik's main shopping street — a lovely mile-long stretch of colorful shops, bars, design stores, cafes, and boutiques. Laugavegur offers incredible shopping for Icelandic design, lovely souvenirs, and fantastic people-watching. The street is particularly beautiful when decorated for holidays and offers lovely cafe culture with outdoor seating. Don't miss the lovely side streets like Skólavörðustígur and Austurstræti that offer incredible hidden gems and lovely local boutiques.

Þingvellir National Park: Where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart — one of the most dramatic geological sites on earth and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Part of the Golden Circle, Þingvellir is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik and offers incredible hiking trails, lovely views of the rift valley, and the fascinating Almannagjá gorge where you can walk between continents. The park also houses the incredible historical site of Iceland's first parliament (Alþingi) established in 930 AD, lovely Oxararfoss waterfall, and incredible diving/snorkeling opportunities in the crystal-clear Silfra fissure.

Sun Voyager sculpture (Sólfar): This lovely Viking-themed steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason sits near city hall on the Sæbraut road, offering a beautiful setting for photos and contemplation. Shaped like a dreamboat or Viking ship staring out to sea, the sculpture captures Iceland's deep connection to exploration and the sea. It's particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the light plays across its stainless steel curves, offering incredible photo opportunities with Mount Esja in the background.

Perlan Museum (Wonders of Iceland): This incredible glass dome museum on Öskjuhlíð hill offers incredible views over the city and fantastic exhibits on Iceland's natural wonders. Highlights include the incredible ice cave exhibit (a 100-meter long man-made ice cave), the incredible planetarium show featuring the Northern Lights, lovely water exhibits showcasing Iceland's incredible marine life, and the incredible glacier exhibit showing the power and beauty of Iceland's ice caps. The museum also houses a lovely observation deck with 360-degree views and a lovely restaurant with incredible views.

Geothermal Pools (Swimming Pools): Reykjavik is famous for its incredible geothermal swimming pools — every neighborhood has one, and they're a vital part of Icelandic social life. The most famous is the legendary Blue Lagoon geothermal spa (about 40 minutes from the city), but don't overlook the lovely local pools like Laugardalslaug (the city's largest pool with incredible facilities, lovely waterslide, and excellent spa), Vesturbæjarlaug (lovely ocean-side pool with incredible views and lovely atmosphere), Sundhöllin (the oldest pool in Reykjavik with incredible history and lovely traditional feel), and Álftaneslaug (lovely pool in the lovely Álftanes area with incredible views and lovely family-friendly facilities). These pools offer incredible relaxation, lovely social atmospheres, and are perfect for experiencing Iceland's unique pool culture.

National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands): This incredible museum offers incredible insight into Iceland's history from settlement to present day. Highlights include the incredible Viking exhibits with incredible artifacts from the settlement era, lovely medieval exhibits showcasing Iceland's unique church history, and the incredible modern history exhibits showing Iceland's journey to independence and beyond. The museum houses incredible collections of clothing, jewelry, tools, and houses, plus lovely temporary exhibitions that showcase different aspects of Icelandic culture and history.

Reykjavik Art Museum (Listasafn Reykjavíkur): This lovely museum spans three incredible locations: Hafnarhús (downtown by the harbor with incredible contemporary art and lovely views of Faxaflói bay), Kjarvalsstaðir (lovely park setting with incredible works by Icelandic painter Jóhannes Kjarval), and Ásmundarsafn (lovely sculpture garden with incredible works by sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson). The museum offers incredible insight into Icelandic art history, lovely temporary exhibitions featuring international and Icelandic artists, and lovely educational programs for all ages.

Viðey Island: Just a short ferry ride from Reykjavik's old harbor, this lovely island offers incredible peace and tranquility away from the city bustle. Highlights include the incredible Imagine Peace Tower (Yoko Ono's incredible tribute to John Lennon that shines powerful light beams into the sky each year from October 9th to December 8th), lovely walking trails with incredible views of the bay and lovely birdlife, the lovely Viðey Church (one of Iceland's oldest stone churches dating back to the 12th century), and the lovely Fischer House (a lovely 18th-century building that now houses a lovely cafe). The island offers incredible hiking, lovely picnic spots, and is perfect for escaping the city for a few hours.

The Settlement Exhibition (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands - 871±2): Located in the heart of Reykjavik downtown, this incredible museum is built around the incredible remains of a Viking longhouse from the settlement era (around 871 AD). The exhibition offers incredible insight into Iceland's first inhabitants, lovely artifacts from the Viking age, and fascinating information about how Iceland was settled. The museum uses incredible technology to bring the longhouse to life and offers lovely guided tours that explain the incredible stories behind what you're seeing.

Hallgrímskirkja Viewing Tower: Already mentioned above but worth repeating for its incredible significance. The viewing tower at the top of Hallgrímskirkja offers absolutely incredible 360-degree views over Reykjavik, Faxaflói bay, Mount Esja, and on clear days, even the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier in the distance. It's one of the best ways to get oriented in the city and offers lovely photo opportunities in all directions. The tower is accessible by elevator and is open during church hours.

Northern Lights Center: Located in the lovely Grandi area near the old harbor, this incredible educational center offers incredible insight into the Aurora Borealis through lovely interactive exhibits, lovely planetarium shows, and incredible science explanations. Learn about the incredible science behind the Northern Lights, lovely folklore from different cultures, and incredible photography tips for capturing this incredible phenomenon. The center offers lovely guided tours and is perfect for preparing for your Northern Lights hunt.