Reykjavík Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Reykjavik? Look no further. Our comprehensive guide includes all the information you need to plan your trip, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to do.


Introduction to Reykjavík

Reykjavík, the capital and largest city of Iceland, lies on the southwest coast of the country. It is known for its dramatic landscape of geysers, hot springs, glaciers, and waterfalls. With a population of over 120,000 people, Reykjavík is Iceland’s cultural and commercial hub. The city offers diverse experiences ranging from natural wonders and local culture to nightlife and shopping.

List of Places to Visit in Reykjavík

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Museum of Iceland
  • Reykjavik Art Museum
  • The Settlement Exhibition
  • Árbær Open Air Museum
  • The Icelandic Phallological Museum

Natural Attractions of Reykjavík: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hallgrimskirkja Church
  • Reykjavik Harbour
  • Perlan Museum
  • Solfar Sun Voyager
  • Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach

Hiking/Biking Routes of Reykjavík

  • Heidmork Nature Reserve
  • Fimmvörðuháls Pass
  • Esja Mountain
  • The Reykjavik Runt
  • Laugavegur Trail

Best Things to Do in Reykjavík: Activities and Tours

  • Golden Circle Tour
  • Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour
  • Reykjavik Food Tour
  • Blue Lagoon Spa
  • Northern Lights Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Reykjavík

Day Destination
1 Arrive in Reykjavik, take a walking tour of the city
2 Visit the National Museum, The Settlement Exhibition, and the Reykjavik Art Museum
3 Take a Golden Circle Tour
4 Travel to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and explore
5 Relax at the Blue Lagoon Spa
6 Take a Northern Lights Tour
7 Departure day, visit any sites missed or shop for souvenirs

Food and Drink Scene of Reykjavík

Must-Try Dishes

  • Plokkfiskur (Icelandic Fish Stew)
  • Grilled Lamb
  • Rye Bread
  • Skyr (Icelandic Yogurt)
  • Harðfiskur (Dried Fish)

Local Beverages

  • Brennivín (Icelandic Schnapps)
  • Microbreweries and Craft Beer
  • Tap Water, free and drinkable from any tap.

Where to Stay in Reykjavík: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Borg
  • Reykjavík Lights by Keahotels
  • KEX Hostel
  • Reykjavík Downtown Hostel
  • Black Pearl Apartments

What to Buy in Reykjavík: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Woolen Sweaters and Clothing
  • Iceland Licorice
  • Lopapeysa (Traditional Icelandic Sweater)
  • Skyr (Icelandic Yogurt)
  • Icelandic Sea Salt

Local Culture and Customs of Reykjavík

  • Tipping is not customary in Iceland.
  • Visitors should not be surprised if stores, churches or other attractions are closed in the middle of the day or closed altogether.
  • Attire tends to be casual, even for business events.

Best Time to Visit Reykjavík

The best time to visit Reykjavík is during the summer months from June to August when the days are long and the weather is mild. A number of festivals like the Icelandic Beer Festival and the Reykjavik Arts Festival are held during this time. For the Northern Lights, September to March is ideal

Do’s and Don’ts of Reykjavík

Do:

  • Dress appropriately for the weather
  • Try local Icelandic cuisine
  • Take a dip in one of the geothermal pools or hot springs.

Don’t:

  • Approach wildlife, including sheep and horses.
  • Drive off-road without proper permits
  • Litter in nature or around lakes or rivers.

Safety and Health

Safety in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a safe city, with a low crime rate. Visitors should, however, beware of pickpockets and keep an eye on their belongings when in crowded tourist areas or on public transport.

Health in Reykjavík

Reykjavík has excellent medical facilities, with both private and public hospitals available. Mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects are not common in Iceland.

Getting to Reykjavík: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Reykjavík

The Keflavik International airport is the main airport, located 50 km from Reykjavík. There is a public bus service (Flybus) and private airport shuttle to city center.

Bus Stations Near Reykjavík

Reykjavik Bus Terminal or BSÍ is the main bus station. The majority of domestic and international buses make their way here.

Other Options

Ferries can be used to enter the country from Scandinavia, while cruises are also common and arrive at the Old Harbor.

How to Get Around in Reykjavík

The city is relatively small and easy to navigate on foot. For those looking to travel farther, there is an excellent public transportation system, taxis, car rental agencies, and biking services.

Where to Go Next from Reykjavík: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Akureyri
  • The Westfjords
  • Golden Circle
  • The Ring Road
  • Blue Lagoon

Conclusion

Reykjavík offers an abundance of activities and sights to see, both natural and cultural, making it a desirable travel destination. By considering the information provided in this guide itinerary, deciding where to stay, what to eat, and what to do should be a breeze, and your trip to this beautiful coastal city will be one to remember.

Lake Tjörnin, with the city hall, is in the centre of Reykjavík Lake Tjörnin, with the city hall, is in the centre of Reykjavík Most passenger flights to and from Keflavik are operated by Icelandair Most passenger flights to and from Keflavik are operated by Icelandair BSI terminal at the southern edge of Reykjavik downtown BSI terminal at the southern edge of Reykjavik downtown Boats in Reykjavik harbour Boats in Reykjavik harbour One of the yellow public Strætó buses at Lækjargata, central Reykjavik One of the yellow public Strætó buses at Lækjargata, central Reykjavik Tjörnin (the Pond) Tjörnin (the Pond) Alþingi Alþingi Reykjavik cathedral Reykjavik cathedral Inside the National Museum Inside the National Museum Archeological exhibits at the 871 +/-2 museum Archeological exhibits at the 871 +/-2 museum Tour operator booths at the pier Tour operator booths at the pier Laugardalslaug geothermal pool Laugardalslaug geothermal pool Puffin souvenirs, anybody? Puffin souvenirs, anybody? At Laugavegur there are a lot of small shops At Laugavegur there are a lot of small shops Food truck selling boiling hot lamb soup outside Hallgrimskirkja Food truck selling boiling hot lamb soup outside Hallgrimskirkja Bæjarins beztu pylsur in the port is somewhat of a local celebrity Bæjarins beztu pylsur in the port is somewhat of a local celebrity The whaling ships in Reykjavík harbour. The whaling ships in Reykjavík harbour. Night in Reykjavik Night in Reykjavik Yes, you can get Viking beer in Iceland Yes, you can get Viking beer in Iceland Full moon over Reykjavik Full moon over Reykjavik Radisson 1919, a white landmark in the harbour Radisson 1919, a white landmark in the harbour Bankastræti, Bank Street Bankastræti, Bank Street