For any visitor, there’s likely to be one specific question on your mind: what to do in Reykjavik? Here we explain all that makes the city so special, including the top sights to see and some of the active thrills it offers.

While we’re here, we want to introduce you to the Hop-On Hop-Off Reykjavik bus too. One of the best options for city sightseeing in Reykjavik, you can join the tour wherever you are in town.

Why visit Reykjavik?

As the world’s most northerly capital, Iceland’s biggest city is a special and surprising destination. And whatever it is you want from a holiday, Reykjavik has something to offer.

Interested in the outdoors? While Iceland in general is known for its spectacular landscapes, its mighty glaciers, and volcanic peaks, Reykjavik brings some of that magic into town. From the peninsula of Seltjarnarnes to the park of Öskjuhlíð, the city offers natural beauty in bucketloads.

Alternatively, want to learn more about contemporary Icelandic culture? Europe’s furthest outpost can provide something unique. For example, the Harpa concert hall showcases Iceland’s modern architecture at its best, while the Sun Voyager sculpture symbolises the nation’s relationship with the sea and the sun.

As a country where it can be snowy and days can be short, Icelanders know how to stay warm and happy indoors too. Sample our cafe culture and Reykjavik’s nightlife while you’re here, for a full Icelandic experience.

Too many visitors pass over Reykjavik on their way to Iceland’s outdoors sights. But with so much to see and do, you would really be missing out.

How to get to Reykjavik from Keflavík Airport

So, what do you need to know about visiting the city? Before you enjoy the sights and scenery that make Reykjavik such an exceptional capital, you first need to get into town.

Most international visitors arriving in Reykjavik will come through Keflavík airport, Iceland’s busiest travel hub. And it’s easy to reach the city from there. Your best option is the Flybus, the direct transfer downtown from the airport.

While many visitors are tempted to use a private taxi, it’s not a clever option. With a travel time of 45 minutes to an hour, taxis are no quicker than the Flybus—but they cost substantially more. What’s more, the Flybus is synchronised with flight arrivals, meaning that there will be one waiting for you whenever you land.

There’s no option that’s as fast, affordable, and convenient.

Reykjavík on a rainy day

Iceland is no doubt one of the most beautiful countries in the world. But placed right in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, the weather isn’t always as reliable as we might like.

That’s never stopped anyone from having a good time, however—least of all in Reykjavik. With interactive museums, spectacular concert halls and churches, and the city’s famed food and drink culture, you’ll have a holiday to remember, whatever the weather is doing.

Don’t forget, whales aren’t bothered by the rain. If a whale watching tour is on your bucket list, a wet day might be the best option to do it.

• Discover more in our guide to spending a rainy day in Reykjavik.

Top 5 attractions in Reykjavik

So, what to do in Reykjavik? Here are 5 top attractions not to miss on your city sightseeing tour.

1. Harpa

The Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre—better known simply as Harpa—is one of Iceland’s most striking examples of modern architecture. You’ll find this majestic geometric structure in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

Finished in 2011, it really is an impressive sight, as well as an important landmark in the city. The building’s facade is said to be inspired by the basalt forms that you will see across the country. But just as important is what goes on inside, from local festivals to international concerts.

2. Reykjavik Old Harbour

The city of Reykjavik probably wouldn’t exist at all today without its harbour. That makes the coastal port the heart of the historic city, and no trip to Reykjavik is complete without seeing the Old Harbour.

These days, you’ll find fewer fishing vessels than centuries ago and more opportunities aimed at visitors, such as whale watching, for example. Despite these changes, it remains one of the city’s most vibrant areas, with restaurants, bars, and museums scattering the waterfront.

3. Hallgrímskirkja Church

Away from the water, you’ll find Reykjavik’s most iconic sight: the Hallgrímskirkja Church. The tallest church in the country—and probably the most famous building—Hallgrímskirkja is magnificent.

Sometimes known as the “Waterfall Church”, the design of Hallgrímskirkja is inspired by the mysterious geological forms of the Svartifoss waterfall. The waterfall’s basalt columns are transformed into this flowing design that rises high into the air.

Visible from all parts of the city, it’s an incredible viewpoint if you want to climb to the top.

4. Downtown

The harbour aside, Reykjavik’s downtown is the beating heart of the city. Here you’ll find cafes and boutiques, bars and restaurants where Icelanders chill out.

The area is focused on the streets called Laugavegur and Skólavörðurstígur and the square Austurvöllur. Whether for breakfast or for evening entertainment, this is the place to chill out and while away your time in the city.

5. Perlan

A short distance from the heart of the city is Perlan, sat on top of the Öskjuhlíð hill. Aside from being one of Reykjavik’s most recognisable landmarks, Perlan is a stunning museum, with an artificial ice cave and many exhibitions on Iceland’s remarkable natural features.

Head up here to learn about what makes the geology and wildlife of the country so special, or just come for a stroll in the park nearby.

Top 5 activities in Reykjavík

After a day of city sightseeing in Reykjavik, it might be time for a more active adventure. Unlike other cities, Iceland’s capital is not just museums and things to see. There are plenty of things to do in town too, from high-octane thrills to unforgettable experiences.

Here are 5 favourite activities across town.

1. See the northern lights

As the world’s most northerly capital city, Reykjavik and its surroundings are known as one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. And they won’t disappoint. Come during the winter months and you’ll have the chance to see the aurora borealis on clear nights throughout the season.

There are many ways that you can make the experience even more special. Take a northern lights boat tour, for example, or witness the spectacular display from one of Reykjavik’s local spas. It will be completely mesmerising.

• Explore our northern lights tours to find out more.

2. Go whale watching

Iceland is home to about 20 cetaceans—the family that includes whales and dolphins—throughout the year, making the country one of the best places to witness the awesome majesty of these creatures.

There are opportunities for whale watching all around Iceland, but there’s nowhere that’s as convenient as Reykjavik. From a short distance out of the Old Harbour, you can see orca, humpbacks, and minke whales—and many more species if you’re lucky too.

• See these beautiful animals for yourself on a whale watching tour from Reykjavik

3. Unwind in local lagoons & geothermal pools

After a busy day watching whales or visiting the city’s top sights, why not relax in one of Reykjavik’s spas? As you might know, geothermal activity powers Iceland’s hot water, making it the perfect location for a spa or hot spring experience.

You have options just a short distance from Reykjavik. For example, the Blue Lagoon, with its famed milky-blue waters, is an exceptionally tranquil and therapeutic experience. Or, there’s the Sky Lagoon, with its views over the North Atlantic Ocean.

Laugardalur, to the east of the city, is one of the most popular geothermal areas among locals. With its open-air baths and hiking trails, it’s a great way to forget you’re even in the city at all.

• Find out more in our guide to hot springs and geothermal pools in Iceland

4. Take to the air above Reykjavik

If you’ve done enough relaxing already, take to the skies above Reykjavik. It’s simply one of the most thrilling things you can do in town.

You have two options. Firstly, you can experience the country’s incredible landscapes from above with FlyOver Iceland. Located in Reykjavik’s harbour district, this experience simulates the feeling of flight and takes you on a tour of Iceland’s natural world. (Of course, with FlyOver, you won’t actually leave the ground.)

However, the Reykjavik Summit Helicopter Tour does literally take you into Iceland’s skies. Departing from the city’s domestic airport, just five minutes from downtown, you’ll take a helicopter tour into the skies and land on a nearby mountain. It’s an exciting way to get a different perspective on the city.

5. Eat, drink, and be merry

You may have heard about Iceland’s infamous cuisine already. But when you get here you’ll see that it offers so much more than its reputation suggests. In Reykjavik, you’ll find everything from the traditional to the contemporary, from the local to the international, and we recommend you try a little bit of everything.

One of the top ways to sample the best of Iceland is on a food and drink tour of Reykjavik. Led by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic expert guide, you’ll learn about Iceland’s culinary traditions while enjoying the unique flavours yourselves.

Join our Reykjavik food walk or our Reykjavik beer and booze tour to learn why Icelandic food deserves much more recognition.

Top things to see and do in Reykjavik

As you’ll have read so far, there really is so much to see and do in Reykjavik. But we haven’t covered all of it.

Are you brave enough to take a dip in the ocean, for example? At Nauthólsvík, you can do exactly that (nicely, an ocean pool is heated to 19°C (66°F), to make it a little easier).

Alternatively, history buffs can visit Höfði house, the unassuming location where Mikhail Gorbachev met Ronald Reagan in 1986 to end the Cold War. Or, for a beautiful walk, visit the Grótta lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula.

• Find out more: Things to do in Reykjavik: Your guide to the main attractions and activities

Hop-on Hop-off Reykjavik City Sightseeing

Now you know what to do in Reykjavik, let’s talk about practicalities. What’s the best way to get around the city? With the Reykjavik Hop-on Hop-off bus.

You might have seen Hop-on Hop-off buses in other cities across the world. The idea is simple: with a day ticket, you can travel on the bus from sight to sight for as long as you want. If you want to get off to explore an attraction further, you can just jump onto the next bus that passes to continue your journey.

We have our very own Hop-on Hop-off buses for Reykjavik city sightseeing. Starting from Harpa on the Old Harbour, there are 16 stops in total across the city, including the Hallgrímskirkja, spas such as Laugardalur, and Perlan.

It’s a really convenient way to see Reykjavik. And if a 24-hour ticket isn’t enough, you can try the 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off tour. It’s the perfect way to get around over a couple of days in Reykjavik.

• Find out more on our guide for Hop-on Hop-off tours

Hop-on Hop-off during summer and winter

If you’re interested in joining the Hop-on Hop-off tour, there’s some crucial information to know. Most importantly, the service runs on a slightly different schedule throughout the summer and winter.

For example, during the summer, the tour departs from Harpa every 30 minutes from 8:30 to 16:30. But during the winter, it starts a little later and ends earlier—from 9:30 to 16:15—and only runs every 45 minutes.

There’s another thing to bear in mind too. During the summer, the tour goes as far as Höfði lighthouse and Starfabakki harbour. However, in the winter months, the service stops at Laugardalur.

Things to do in Reykjavík at night

While Reykjavik is best known for its stunning location and northern lights, there’s something else that should be in that list: nightlife.

Whether in the months of the midnight sun or the season when nights are dark and long, Reykjavik’s always busy. From the city’s vibing food scene to its bars and clubs, there’s plenty to keep you entertained once the sun’s gone down.

For those of you who prefer some evening culture, you’ll find concerts and sporting events to keep you entertained. Harpa is a great place to try for the bigger musical events, but you’ll find live music across the city.

Frequently asked questions about Reykjavík City Sightseeing

Want to know more about sightseeing in Reykjavik? Find answers to common questions below.

Does Reykjavik have Hop-on Hop-off?

Like most major cities in the world, Reykjavik has Hop-on Hop-Off buses. They’ll take you to all of the major sights in the city, from Harpa to Laugardalur, no matter the season.

Is Reykjavik worth visiting?

There are so many reasons why Reykjavik is an incredible place to visit. From its whale-watching opportunities to the chance to see the northern lights, it’s a city that offers incredible natural thrills. Combine that with a friendly local population, incredible nightlife, and impressive architecture, and you have an experience you’ll never forget.

What is Reykjavik best known for?

Reykjavik is probably best known as the most northerly capital city in the world, offering sunlight throughout the night in the summer and shorter days in the winter.

In terms of culture, the city is known for its intriguing mix of traditional northern European architecture and stunning contemporary buildings, all adapted to the country’s harsh conditions.

What else? Unique, exquisite cuisine, exceptional landscapes, and a heating system that’s fueled by the power of the earth.

Is 2 days in Reykjavik enough?

2 days in Reykjavik is enough for most travellers before they head on to explore the wild landscapes of Iceland’s south coast and beyond. But the city can entertain you for a lot longer than that.

One popular option for visitors is to stay in the city and make daily excursions out into the surrounding area. For example, day tours from Reykjavik run as far as the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Vatnajökull National Park. Or you can stay closer to town and explore the Golden Circle.

Ultimately, with its rich culture and varied sights, Reykjavik can reward as much time as you can give it.

What is downtown Reykjavik called?

Downtown Reykjavik is known by Icelanders as Miðbær, which simply means city centre. Reykjavik’s downtown area is centred around the streets of Laugavegur and Skólavörðurstígur.

How can I spend a day in Reykjavik?

There are many different ways you can spend a day in Reykjavik.

For example, you could enjoy a whale watching tour in the morning before taking the Hop-on Hop-off bus to see sights such as Hallgrímskirkja and Perlan in the afternoon. Then, when evening comes, why not unwind in one of the local spas, before heading downtown for some food and drink.

Alternatively, explore the Seltjarnarnes peninsula before taking a helicopter tour, or searching for the northern lights in the evening.

What is the best time to visit Reykjavík?

There’s no such thing as the best time to visit Reykjavik—only the best time for you. At any time of year, you’ll find a city full of fun, friendly faces, and beautiful landscapes too.

For example, in Iceland in summer, the midnight sun makes evenings long, while the warmer temperatures let you enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. Meanwhile, there are more whales in Icelandic waters and you can enjoy a dip in the ocean yourself.

In the winter, take the chance to see the northern lights and witness Iceland beneath a blanket of snow. Christmas in Iceland is a particularly special time, when the streets are full of light and festive cheer. Whenever you come, it will be an experience to remember forever.

• Read more: The best time to visit Iceland

Explore Reykjavik with Reykjavik Excursions

From iconic churches and concert halls to spas and coastal scenery, there’s so much to see when you come to Iceland’s capital. And for any visitor interested in city sightseeing, there’s no better option than Reykjavik’s Hop-on Hop-off buses.

Throughout the year, the city buses will take you from sight to sight with complete flexibility, all on a single ticket. It’s the convenient, affordable, and reliable way to see the best bits of Reykjavik.

Explore our Hop-on Hop-off Reykjavik tours to book your tickets.