Best Things to Do in Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik's Old Harbour (Gamla Höfnin) is one of Iceland's most popular whale watching departure points. Tours typically last 3 hours and give a strong chance of sighting minke and humpback whales, as well as harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins. Tours operate year-round; summer offers the calmest seas and longest daylight.

The Golden Circle is Iceland's most famous day trip from Reykjavik — covering Þingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet), the Geysir geothermal area (home to the erupting Strokkur geyser), and Gullfoss waterfall. Most tours depart from Reykjavik and last 8–10 hours.

Reykjavik has a dense concentration of museums relative to its population. Key institutions include the National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands), the Settlement Exhibition (Landnámssýningin 871±2), the Reykjavik Art Museum, and the Whales of Iceland exhibition at the Old Harbour. Most are accessible on foot from the city centre.

Reykjavik's food scene has grown significantly in recent years. Hlemmur Mathöll (food hall) in the city centre offers a range of Icelandic and international options. For traditional Icelandic food, look for lamb soup (kjötsúpa), skyr, fresh fish, and local seafood. Fine dining is concentrated around Laugavegur and the Old Harbour area.

Reykjavik has several public geothermal swimming pools (sundlaugar) — heated by Iceland's natural geothermal energy. Laugardalslaug is the largest public pool in Reykjavik. The Blue Lagoon is located 45 minutes from the city near Keflavik Airport and requires advance booking. Local pools typically cost under ISK 1,200.

Reykjavik and the surrounding Capital Region offer exceptional photography opportunities — colourful Nyhavn-style harbour buildings, Hallgrímskirkja church, coastal mountain backdrops, and accessible Northern Lights viewing in winter. Guided photography tours depart from the city and target optimal shooting locations and conditions.

What is Reykjavik best known for?

Reykjavik is Iceland's capital and the world's northernmost capital city. It is known for its colourful houses, whale watching tours, proximity to the Golden Circle, geothermal pools, vibrant food scene, and as the main gateway to Iceland's natural attractions.

How many days do I need in Reykjavik?

Most travellers spend 2–3 days in Reykjavik itself, combining city exploration with day tours to the Golden Circle, South Coast, or whale watching. A full week allows time for the city plus day trips to multiple Iceland regions.

What day tours can I do from Reykjavik?

From Reykjavik you can reach the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss), the South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Jökulsárlón), the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and whale watching at the Old Harbour — all within a single day.

Is Reykjavik expensive?

Iceland is one of the more expensive travel destinations in Europe. Reykjavik has options across all budgets — from street food at Hlemmur Mathöll to fine dining restaurants. Planning meals and tours in advance helps manage costs.