Things to Do in Reykjavik: A Guide to Iceland’s Capital
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Out of all of the countries and cities that I have visited, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed visiting Reykjavik. I was in Iceland for 7 days, but I spent a majority of my time in this amazing city. Since, I was vising in the winter, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would places would be open? Does anyone actually visit Iceland in the winter? I was a little nervous. But honestly, Reykjavik reminded me of a little Christmas village in the winter, and such a hidden gem. It had such a vibrant feel, and even though it is a modern city, you could still see and feel the strong Viking roots and culture in the city.
Whether your trip to Reykjavik is a long layover (which a lot of people do just for a Northern Lights experience), or you are visiting for longer, I will walk you through all of my experiences and recommendations on the best things to do in Reykjavik that I feel like you need to add to your list as well.
Introduction: Things to do in Reykjavik
The first thing I thought about when I begin thinking about visiting Iceland in the winter was “what is there to do besides see the Northern Lights?” I completely forgot about the waterfalls, glaciers, the Blue Lagoon, and just the amazing scenery that Iceland has to offer.
Visiting Reykjavik opened my eyes to the amazing Viking culture and history that I was well-versed in. The city was very welcoming, very walkable, and visiting in November, really put you in the holiday spirit.
In the guide, I will be sharing all of my recommendations on things to do in Reykjavik, including some hidden gems that I found, things that you HAVE to see, and some insider tips that will help you when you plan your trip.
So, let’s dive in!
1. Reykjavik Street Art
My flight landed early in the morning, so after I dropped my bags off, I didn’t have a set plan on what I was going to do that day. And just a tip, I actually never plan things on the day of my arrival just in case I have flight delays/issues. I took this day to really get “lost” in the city, walk around, and just get a feel for the vibe of the town.
I was actually incredibly surprised at how colorful Reykjavik is. There were amazing murals on the buildings, cute ally ways that just popped with color, and even though it was November, and freezing, the city was vibrant and full of energy.
Insider Tip: If you head to Rainbow Street and follow the candy-colored path, it will lead you to the Hallgrimskirkja Church
Walking around really just felt magical. The city was welcoming, and I loved just wandering around, taking it all in: the colors, the murals, the cute coffee shops. Everything about the city was vibrant.
So, if you are anything like me and you love wandering the streets and getting lost in the city, then grab a coffee to go and get lost in the vibrant and colorful city of Reykjavik. You won’t regret it!
2. Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Church
After following the candy-colored path up to Hallgrimskirkja Church, I was literally in awe of how it looked on a snowy November day. When I was planning my trip, I had seen photos of it, but nothing compares to seeing it in person.
I know what you are probably thinking, “if I have seen one church, I’ve seen them all.” Wrong!!! The design of this church was like nothing that I had ever seen. It looks like a rocket in my opinion and feels very futuristic.
Insider Tip: Visit during the day and night for a completely different view. It is lit up beautifully at night.
I spent a lot of time inside, walking around, snapping pic, and just taking it all in. And one of the best parts – you can take an elevator to the top and enjoy breathtaking views!
3. Sky Lagoon
Other than aspect of Iceland that comes to people’s minds, other than the Northern Lights, is most likely, the Blue Lagoon. And don’t get me wrong. It’s great and I took some amazing Instagram pics there. But the lagoon that people forget about, and the one that I think is even better than the overcrowded Blue Lagoon, is the Sky Lagoon.
I actually almost passed on this since I was going to Blue Lagoon, and boy am I glad I didn’t. It was less busy, its right up against the ocean, and the way the infinity pool blends into the sea and sky, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
I spent hours here soaking up all the amazing minerals, enjoying the views, and just melting away. This lagoon is one that you for sure do not want to miss! You will leave feeling refreshed, revitalized, and rejuvenated!
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the 7-step Ritual as it is a very unique experience that will leave you feel super refreshed!
4. Harpa Concert Hall
One of my free afternoons, I decided to stroll along the waterfront, and I am so glad I did! Unexpectedly I stumbled upon the beautiful glass structure that is the Harpa Concert Hall. I could see it from a distance, and it pulled me in due to how the windows caught the daylight. One word – mesmerizing!
I wasn’t able to catch a show this time, but honestly, I would plan ahead and make sure that you do! If you can’t make a show, you can thoroughly enjoy the beauty of this concert hall and take in the energy and observe how the light literally dances through the building. I felt like I was watching a light show.
Tip: This little hidden gem is free to visit inside even if you don’t have a show ticket.
5. Icelandic Hot Dog
Ok, I know what you are thinking on this one, but hear me out. I am honestly not even a hot dog fan, but I kept hearing that these Icelandic hot dogs were a must, so of course, I did give it a try. And, OMG, they were amazing! I actually wasn’t the biggest fan of most of the food I ate in Iceland, so I pretty much lived on the hot dogs, and I have no regrets!
One of my favorites was of course Barjarins Beztu Pylsure, which is one of the most famous hot dog stands in Reykjavik (actually maybe the world). They are also open until 1am, so if you need a late-night snack, this is the spot for you!
Tip: Order your hot dog here with the works, you won’t regret it!
Also, another fun fact, which I didn’t know until I was there. But Bill Clinton actually had hot dogs there, soooo if he had them, then you know they have to be spectacular!
6. Wander Through Reykjavik’s Museums
Since I visited Iceland in the winter, and since I am an AZ native and anything below 70 degrees is freezing for me. I decided to wander into some of the museums in Reykjavik in order to learn more about the Icelandic and Viking history (I knew nothing about the history).
I was able to visit 3 museums while I was there, and I would honestly recommend all 3 of them depending on what you are interested in or wanting to learn more about. Each of the museums I went to were different in their own way and really told a great story about Icelands history.
If you are into Viking history or you just want to learn more about the Vikings in general, then I highly recommend you visit The National Museum of Iceland. I honestly felt like I got lost for hours in there.
If interaction, science, and the Northern Lights are more your vibe, then you absolutely need to visit the Aurora Reykjavik. Since I didn’t see the Northern Lights at all the entire time I was in Iceland, this museum helped ease my frustration with Mother Nature.
I am not even sure how I would describe The Icelandic Phallological Museum. It’s hard to describe other than odd, but I would for sure recommend it if you are you into “weird”. Do your research on what this museum entails BEFORE you go. I did not do that, and I was shocked to say the least.
7. Northern Lights Tour (in Winter!)
Ok, so this was my MAIN reason honestly for coming to Iceland. I had wanted to see the Northern Lights for YEARS, and I was super excited for my trip and that I would finally see them. FAIL!
I took a few different Northern Light tours in hopes we would find them. We download the Northern Lights app, and Mother Nature just did not cooperate the entire 7 days that I was there. You can’t see them normally in the city due to the city lights, and you really need a tour or someone to take you out of the city in order to get the best views and have the best chance of seeing them.
Even though I was unable to see the Northern Lights on my attempts, I would still recommend booking a Northern Lights tour, because they are really the ones that know where to find them and to get you the best views. But just know, there is NEVER a guarantee, and you just need to hope for the best!
8. Enjoy Reykjavik’s Café Culture
One of my many unexpected surprises and gems that I found in Reykjavik were all of the adorable coffee shops that the city has (probably due to the weather). Every day that I was there, I found a new cute coffee shop to sit at, people watch and just take a moment to soak in the city (something I never have time to do at home these days).
Three of my favorite coffee shops to visit were: Reykjavik Roasters (best latte ever), Kaffibrennslan (great people watching spot), and Mokka Kaffi (super charming).
There’s nothing like take time out of a busy day to just sit down in a cute coffee shop on a chilly morning, and thoroughly enjoy your coffee, the atmosphere, and just take in the vibe of the city. Some of my most favorite parts of my trip, were doing just this!
Conclusion: Things to do in Reykjavik
Even though Reykjavik may be a smaller capital city, it’s full of color, energy, and culture. This city has something for everyone, year-round. Where else can you try and chase down the Northern Lights, learn of the Vikings, and eat the most amazing hot dog of your life all in one day??
I truly hope this guide helps inspire you to visit Reykjavik and enjoy all of the amazing things that this city and the country of Iceland has to offer. For me personally, I know I can’t wait to return!
If you have questions, need help planning your trip, or need more recs, don’t hesitate to reach out to me anytime!
