by Andreas Blome / CC BY-SA 3.0

A Vibrant Capital Surrounded by Natural Wonders

A. About Reykjavik

Nickname: Smokey Bay

Reykjavik 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.

Best Things to do in Reykjavik

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 2024 (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 3.2 out of 5 stars

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.

Concert Hall

by KBat44 / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Hallgrímskirkja 6 3.2 out of 5 stars

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.

Church | Viewing Platform

by Andreas Tille / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Arbaer Open Air Museum (Árbærjarsafn) 5.5 2.8 out of 5 stars

Opened in 1957, this lively open-air museum features twenty fully furnished historic buildings, brought together from across the country.

Open Air Museum

Best Things to do in Reykjavik | Best Cities | No. 64: Reykjavik | Árbæjarsafn

by Ymblanter / CC BY-SA 3.0

# National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafn) 5.5 2.8 out of 5 stars

This museum’s permanent exhibition explores the history and heritage of Iceland from the nation´s earliest settlement through to the modern-day.

Museum

by Ypsilon from Finland / Public Domain 

# Perlan 5.5 2.8 out of 5 stars

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.

Museum with Viewing Platform | Modern Architecture

Best Things to do in Reykjavik | Best Cities | No. 64: Reykjavik | Perlan

by Ainars Brūvelis / CC BY-SA 3.0 

# Solfar Sculpture 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

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.

Sculpture

Best Things to do in Reykjavik | Best Cities | No. 64: Reykjavik | Solfar

by frytheonly / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Víkin - Reykjavík Maritime Museum 4.5  2.3 out of 5 stars

This museum, dedicated to the maritime history of Iceland, features a real Coast Guard ship.

Maritime Museum

Best Things to do in Reykjavik | Best Cities | No. 64: Reykjavik | Víkin Maritime Museum

by Szilas / Public Domain 

# Hafnarhús (Listasafn Reykjavíkur) 4.5 2.3 out of 5 stars

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).

Modern Art Museum

Best Things to do in Reykjavik | Best Cities | No. 64: Reykjavik | Listasafn Reykjavikur

by TommyBee / Public Domain 

# National Gallery of Iceland 4.5 2.3 out of 5 stars

Spread over four exhibition rooms this small museum highlights works by Icelandic & international artists from the 19th & 20th centuries.

Art Museum

Best Things to do in Reykjavik | Best Cities | No. 64: Reykjavik | National Gallery of Iceland

by Geraldshields11 / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Reykjavik Old Town 4.5 2.3 out of 5 stars

Reykjavík's colorful and charming old town lies between the sea and Lake Tjörnin.

City District

Best Things to do in Reykjavik | Best Cities | No. 64: Reykjavik | Old Town

by Szilas / Public Domain

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

= World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Reykjavik

    • City Hall and Tourist Information Center 4
    • Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Reykjavik

 Gullfoss Waterfall (113 km from Reykjavik) 8 4.1 out of 5 stars

This majestic waterfall on three layers ranks among the best in the world.

Waterfall

Best Things to do in Reykjavik | Best Cities | No. 64: Reykjavik | Gullfoss

by Andreas Tille / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

 The Blue Lagoon 7 3.6 out of 5 stars

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 Prebooking advised Distance from Reykjavik: 53 km southwest

Best Things to do in Reykjavik | Best Cities | No. 64: Reykjavik | Blue Lagoon

by McKay Savage / CC BY-SA 4.0

Geysir 7 3.6 out of 5 stars

The main attraction at the Haukadalur geothermal area is the Strokkur geyser, which regularly erupts every 10 minutes.

Geyser Distance from Reykjavik: 99 km

ÞINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK 7 3.6 out of 5 stars

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.

  Gullfoss Waterfall (113 km away) 8

  Geysir (99 km away) 7

  The Blue Lagoon (outdoor spa, 53 km away) 7

  ÞINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK (44 km away) 7

 Harpa (concert hall) 6

Hallgrímskirkja 6

National Museum of Iceland 5.5

Arbaer Open Air Museum 5.5

Perlan (museum) 5.5

Solfar Sculpture 5