by Andreas Blome / CC BY-SA 3.0
A Vibrant Capital Surrounded by Natural Wonders
Table of Contents
A. About Reykjavik
Nickname: Smokey BayReykjavik is a modern, colorful, pedestrian-friendly capital with several interesting things to see. But Reykjavik's strengths lie in the exceptional landscapes and natural sights surrounding it.
Several of Iceland’s highlights can easily be visited via day trips from its capital. In fact, Reykjavik is one of the very few cities on our list, where the four best things to do in 3 days are exclusive excursions.
Take the Golden Circle tour which includes a visit to the Gullfoss Waterfall, the Pingvellir National Park, and the Strokkur geyser. Or visit the famous Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations.
➕ The Good:
Reykjavik provides a scenic setting, and is exceptionally clean and safe, while offering a surprisingly vibrant nightlife for such a small town.
Furthermore, Icelanders are known to be very friendly.
➖ The Not-So-Good:
Iceland's capital is exceedingly small, full of tourists, and one of the most expensive cities in the world. Especially prices for food may be the highest worldwide.
In addition, the weather is normally cold, rainy, and windy.
B. Best Things to Do in Reykjavik in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count more than ten sights in Reykjavik. The following sights and attractions contribute to a score of 6.15/10 in this most important category:
# Harpa 6
Inaugurated in 2011, Harpa is an eye-catching and award-winning modern concert hall and conference center, situated by the old harbor of Reykjavík.
At night don't miss the fascinating LED light show on the façade, a moving artwork by Ólafur Elíasson.
by KBat44 / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Hallgrímskirkja 6
Visible from every angle of the city this eye-catching church towers from a hill over the center of Reykjavík.
Take the elevator to the top at 74.5 m to enjoy 360-degree views of the city, though only through tiny windows with bars.
by Andreas Tille / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Arbaer Open Air Museum (Árbærjarsafn) 5
Opened in 1957, this lively open-air museum features twenty fully furnished historic buildings, brought together from across the country.
by Ymblanter / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Perlan 5
Standing upon Reykjavík's highest hill, this domed building offers a stunning 360° view of the city from the rotating observation deck on the fourth floor. Furthermore, Perlan features the Wonders of Iceland exhibition including a real (100-meter long) ice cave.
Viewing Platform | Modern Architecture
by Ainars Brūvelis / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Solfar Sculpture 4
Nestled along the seaside close to Harpa Concert Hall, this outdoor stainless-steel sculpture created by Jon Gunnar Arnason in 1990 resembles a Viking boat.
by frytheonly / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Víkin – Reykjavík Maritime Museum 3
This museum, dedicated to the maritime history of Iceland, features a real Coast Guard ship.
# Hafnarhús (Listasafn Reykjavíkur) 3
Housed in a former warehouse this small museum houses temporary contemporary art exhibitions and installations alongside the works of Icelandic pop-artist Erró (born 1932).
# National Gallery of Iceland 3
Spread over four exhibition rooms this small museum highlights works by Icelandic & international artists from the 19th & 20th centuries.
by Geraldshields11 / CC BY-SA 4.0
#10 | Reykjavik Old Town 3
Reykjavík's colorful and charming old town lies between the sea and Lake Tjörnin.
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Reykjavik
Gullfoss Waterfall 8
This majestic waterfall on three layers ranks among the best in the world.
Waterfall Distance from Reykjavik: 113 km
by Andreas Tille / CC BY-SA 4.0
The Blue Lagoon 7
Situated 45 minutes away from Reykjavik, this world-famous spa complex features a vast outdoor lagoon with warm geothermal milky-blue water and otherworldly landscapes all around.
Spa Distance from Reykjavik: 53 km southwest | ⚠️ Prebooking advised
by McKay Savage / CC BY-SA 4.0
ÞINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK 7
Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO site where tectonic plates meet and Iceland’s first parliament was held in 930 AD.
National Park 🌍 Distance from Reykjavik: 44 km east
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Reykjavik (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Reykjavik for at least two entire days.
Unlike most other cities on our list, the four best things to do in or near Reykjavik are all excursions. Therefore, Reykjavik can be seen more as a hub city.