All citiesReykjavík Things to do and walking itinerary
Iceland Reykjavík travel guide
24 things to do in Reykjavík, where to stay, airport transfers, 2 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Reykjavík
- Harpa Concert Hall — Harbourside concert hall whose honeycomb glass façade plays with the light; free to wander inside. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Perlan — Glass dome on hot-water tanks with a nature exhibition, an artificial ice cave and a 360° viewing deck. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Hallgrímskirkja — church in Reykjavík, Iceland (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Icelandic Phallological Museum — museum in Reykjavík, Iceland (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Museum of Iceland — museum in Reykjavik, Iceland (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Imagine Peace Tower — memorial to John Lennon near Reykjavík (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Landakotskirkja — cathedral of the Catholic Church in Iceland (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Reykjavík Cathedral — Cathedral church in Reykjavík, Iceland (visit ≈ 35 min)
- National Gallery of Iceland — art museum in Reykjavik, Iceland (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Reykjavik Art Museum — largest visual art institution in Iceland (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Theatre of Iceland — theatre in Iceland (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Reykjavík Botanic Garden — botanical garden (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Kópavogskirkja — church in Kópavogur, Iceland (visit ≈ 30 min)
- The Living Art Museum — art museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Austurvöllur — Public square in Reykjavík, Iceland (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Reykjavík Mosque — mosque in Reykjavík, Iceland (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Reykjavík Park and Zoo (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Háteigskirkja — architectural structure (visit ≈ 30 min)
- the Settlement Exhibition (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Landakotsskóli — Icelandic private School (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Einar Jónsson Museum — museum in Reykjavík dedicated to the works of Icelandic sculptor Einar Jónsson (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Klambratún — park in Reykjavík, Iceland (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Reykjavík City Theatre — theatre in Iceland (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Kjarvalsstaðir (visit ≈ 120 min)
2-day Reykjavík walking itinerary
Starting point: Laugavegur / Downtown. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 7.6 km · 10,290 steps · 1 h 42 min on the way): Hallgrímskirkja → Perlan → National Museum of Iceland → Landakotskirkja → National Gallery of Iceland → Reykjavík Cathedral
- Day 2 (≈ 1.9 km · 2,520 steps · 24 min on the way): Icelandic Phallological Museum → Harpa Concert Hall
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Reykjavík
- Geysir Geothermal Area — Steaming field where the Strokkur geyser shoots water metres high every few minutes. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Gullfoss — Powerful two-tier waterfall plunging into a deep canyon on the Hvítá river; the climax of the Golden Circle. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Kerið Crater — A short rim walk around a crater of red volcanic rock with a turquoise lake at its bottom. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Seljalandsfoss — Tall, slender waterfall you can walk behind on a path; the first stop on the south-coast road. (visit ≈ 60 min)
Where to stay in Reykjavík
- Laugavegur / Downtown: The main shopping street; bars and restaurants are here.
- Hallgrímskirkja / Skólavörðustígur: Colourful streets and galleries near the church.
- Old Harbour: Close to whale-watching tours and seafood restaurants.
- Hlemmur: Bus hub; walkable to downtown with slightly lower prices.
- Vesturbær: Quiet local area with a well-loved outdoor pool.
- Laugardalur: Quiet, family-friendly area with parks and a thermal pool.
Getting from the airport to Reykjavík
- Keflavík (KEF): Flybus coach ≈ 45 min
Getting around
The centre is small and walkable; pay for Strætó buses with the Klappið app. Day trips need a tour or a rental car.
Classic places to eat
- Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: Famous Icelandic hot dog since 1937; order "one with everything".
- Sægreifinn: Lobster soup and fish skewers at the harbour.
- Café Loki: Rye bread ice cream and Icelandic platters.
- Brauð & Co: Colourful bakery famous for cinnamon buns.
- Mokka Kaffi: Open since 1958; waffles and coffee.
- Grillmarkaðurinn: Modern Icelandic grill using local produce.
- Fiskmarkaðurinn: Seafood-focused modern Icelandic cuisine.
- Kaffibarinn: Café by day, legendary bar by night.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Dill — 1 MICHELIN star, Icelandic
- ÓX — 1 MICHELIN star, Icelandic
Romantic views
- Grótta Lighthouse (Sunset): Away from city lights, it is a spot for sunsets and the northern lights.
- Sun Voyager (Sólfar) (Sunset): Mount Esja rises behind the steel boat sculpture on the shore.
- Tjörnin Lake (Evening): A calm walk around a lake lined with colourful houses and swans.
Football stadiums in Reykjavík
- KR-völlur: Home of KR Reykjavík
- Víkingsvöllur: Home of Knattspyrnufélagið Víkingur
- Kaplakriki: Home of Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar
- Fylkisvöllur: Home of Fylkir
Day trips
- Thingvellir National Park — 41 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Reykjavík
- Fine: Off-road driving is illegal and heavily fined.
- Fine: F-roads are for 4x4 vehicles only and only when open.
- Warning: Sneaker waves on black-sand beaches like Reynisfjara are deadly; keep well back.
- Warning: Check weather and road conditions on SafeTravel before setting out.
- Warning: Drones are banned or need permits at many nature sites.
- Showering naked with soap before entering public pools is mandatory.
- Emergency: 112
- Plugs: C/F, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is excellent; the sulphur smell of hot water is normal.
- Tipping: Service is included; no tipping expected.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Iceland, SafeTravel Iceland, Wikivoyage — Iceland, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Reykjavík travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Reykjavík?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 4 days for the top 20 places within walking distance. Add extra days for day trips (Thingvellir National Park).
- What are the top things to do in Reykjavík?
- Highlights: Harpa Concert Hall, Perlan, Hallgrímskirkja, Icelandic Phallological Museum and National Museum of Iceland. The map has 24 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Reykjavík?
- Laugavegur / Downtown: The main shopping street; bars and restaurants are here. Other options: Hallgrímskirkja / Skólavörðustígur, Old Harbour, Hlemmur, Vesturbær and Laugardalur.
- How do you get from the airport to Reykjavík city centre?
- Keflavík (KEF): Flybus coach ≈ 45 min
- How do you get around Reykjavík?
- The centre is small and walkable; pay for Strætó buses with the Klappið app. Day trips need a tour or a rental car.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Reykjavík?
- According to the last known data there are 2 starred restaurants: Dill (1 star), ÓX (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Reykjavík?
- Emergency: 112.
- Do you tip in Reykjavík?
- Service is included; no tipping expected.
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