📋 Contents of this guide
🌍 Why is Everyone Talking About Reykjavik?
Reykjavik is no ordinary capital. It is the smallest capital in Europe, the northernmost city in the world with more than 100,000 inhabitants, and possibly the most surprising. With brightly colored houses, geothermal steam rising from the sidewalks, music on every corner and direct access to wild nature — it is a city unlike any other.
In recent years, searches for "things to do in Reykjavik" have skyrocketed, and for good reason: Iceland is trending, and its capital is the gateway to glaciers, northern lights, geysers and experiences you won't find anywhere else on the planet.
📍 Map of Reykjavik — Explore the city
From iconic monuments to geothermal pools, Reykjavik has more than meets the eye. Here are the must-sees:
Hallgrímskirkja
The most iconic church in the country. At nearly 75 meters tall, it dominates the city skyline. Climb the tower for panoramic views. Tower entrance: ~1,200 ISK (≈€8)
Sun Voyager Sculpture
The most photographed sculpture in Iceland, located on the waterfront promenade. It represents a Viking ship gazing toward the horizon. Free admission.
Perlan Museum
A glass sphere on hilltops with 360° views. Inside: an artificial ice cave, planetarium and exhibition about Icelandic nature. Highly recommended.
Sky Lagoon
Just 10 minutes from the center, this geothermal lagoon features an infinity pool with Atlantic Ocean views. 7-step spa ritual included. One of the most popular experiences in Reykjavik.
The Settlement Exhibition
Museum built around actual Viking ruins. With holograms you are transported to what Iceland looked like in 871 AD. Impressive!
Höfði House
This art nouveau building made history: here Reagan and Gorbachev met in 1986 to negotiate the end of the Cold War. A must-photograph.
Harpa Concert Hall
Concert hall with spectacular glass architecture, overlooking the harbor. Even without going inside, the photos are worth the trip. Frequent music and opera events.
Public Geothermal Pools
There are 18 geothermal pools in the city. Locals visit daily. They are an essential part of Icelandic culture. Price: ~1,000 ISK (≈€7)
Grótta Lighthouse
Ideal for northern lights in winter and magical sunsets in summer. There's a geothermal foot pool (Kvika Foot Bath) to warm your feet while you wait. Free.
Eating in Reykjavik can be expensive if you don't know where to go, but the food is extraordinary. Lamb, fresh fish, lobster and dishes you won't try anywhere else.
🌟 Recommended restaurants
Sægreifinn – The Sea Baron
Legendary in Reykjavik. Famous for its lobster soup and fresh fish skewers you choose yourself from the counter. Fisherman's cabin atmosphere. No reservations — arrive early.
Dill Restaurant
Iceland's first and only Michelin-starred restaurant. Contemporary Nordic cuisine with 100% local and seasonal ingredients. A gastronomic experience to remember for a lifetime.
Lamb Street Food
Fresh and delicious Icelandic lamb wraps and bowls. Perfect for eating well without spending much. Vegetarian options available.
Hlemmur Mathöll – Food Market
Covered food market with multiple fusion and innovative stalls. The perfect spot to sample variety for around €20 without drinks. Young and vibrant atmosphere.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – The Famous Hot Dog
Since 1937, this street stall is legendary. Its Icelandic lamb hot dogs have been devoured by celebrities and presidents. A classic that costs less than €3. Unmissable!
Matur og Drykkur
Its name means "Food and Drink." A modern reinterpretation of Icelandic recipes from the last century. Cozy atmosphere, honest cooking full of character.
🧊 Typical foods you must try
- 🐑 Icelandic lamb — The most tender in Europe, raised free-range
- 🐟 Cod and herring — The backbone of traditional cuisine
- 🦞 Lobster soup — A must on the coast
- 🍦 Skyr — High-protein yogurt, a national symbol
- 🦈 Hákarl — Fermented shark, the ultimate food challenge
- 🌭 Pylsa — The iconic lamb hot dog
- 🍞 Lava bread — Baked underground with geothermal heat
- ☕ Icelandic coffee — They are genuine lovers of filter coffee
Let's be honest: Reykjavik is quite expensive. But with good planning you can manage it. Here are the approximate prices, though they vary greatly depending on high and low season:
| Category | Prices from (€) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🛏️ Hostel / shared dorm | €40–80 / night | Most budget option |
| 🏨 Budget hotel (double room) | €80–150 / night | City center area |
| 🏨 Mid-range hotel | €150–280 / night | Good quality |
| 🌟 Luxury hotel | €280–500+ / night | Edition, Borg, etc. |
| 🌭 Street food / fast food | €5–15 | Pylsa, Hlemmur |
| 🍽️ Budget restaurant | €20–30 per person | Main + drink |
| 🍽️ Mid-range restaurant | €40–70 per person | Full dinner |
| ☕ Coffee | €4–6 | — |
| 🍺 Beer at a bar | €8–12 | Yes, it's expensive |
| ♨️ Public geothermal pool | €6–8 | Best value for money |
| 🌊 Sky Lagoon | €45–85 | Depending on ritual |
| 🚖 Airport taxi – city center | ~€100 | Flybus is cheaper (~€35) |
| 🚌 City bus | ~€4 / ride | — |
Backpacker
Hostel + cooking + free activities: €60–90/day not including flights or tours
Standard traveler
Hotel + restaurants + activities: €150–250/day per person
Premium trip
Luxury hotel + experiences: easily €350+/day per person
Iceland being expensive doesn't mean everything costs money. There's plenty to explore for free:
- ⛵ Sun Voyager — The most iconic sculpture, 100% free
- 🚶 Free Walking Tour — Daily walking tours (voluntary donation)
- 🎨 Public art — Over 200 works around the city (free app)
- 🏖️ Nauthólsvík Beach — Geothermal beach in the city
- 🌅 Grótta Lighthouse — Sunsets and northern lights, at no cost
- 🎵 Harpa Concert Hall — The exterior and lobby are free
- 🌿 Einar Jónsson Sculpture Garden — Free outdoor art
- 🦢 Tjörnin Pond — The iconic central lake, free
- 🛍️ Laugavegur — Window shopping alone is worth the walk
- 🌊 Waterfront promenade — Ocean views, always open
📍 Best shopping areas
Laugavegur
Reykjavik's most important shopping street. Fashion boutiques, souvenirs, jewelry, food and local stores. The perfect starting point.
Kolaportið Market
Only open Saturdays and Sundays (10:30–17:00). Vintage clothing, books, local crafts, fermented shark and Icelandic wool. Authentic atmosphere and lower prices.
Kringlan Shopping Center
More than 150 stores under one roof. Ideal for rainy days (and in Iceland there are plenty!). From global brands to exclusive Icelandic stores.
🎁 What to buy as a souvenir
- 🧶 Lopapeysa — The traditional Icelandic wool sweater. Authentic warm clothing and a national symbol
- 💎 Lava jewelry — Unique in the world, made from Icelandic volcanic lava
- 🥛 Skyr — To take home in dry format or as snacks
- 📚 Icelandic Sagas — Ancient Viking literature in illustrated editions
- 🎵 Icelandic music — At Lucky Records, the country's largest vinyl store (50,000 items)
- 🧴 Volcanic cosmetics — Geothermal-origin salts and creams
- 🍬 Icelandic licorice — Intense and addictive flavor, only for the brave
Don't be fooled by the size of the city. Reykjavik has a legendary nightlife scene, especially on weekends. Icelanders go out late (after 11 PM) and in summer with daylight until 2 AM — a unique experience!
🍺 Bars and craft beers
Skúli Craft Bar
Excellent selection of local and international craft beers. Relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
MicroBar
Specialized in Icelandic craft beer. Ideal for discovering the local beer culture that has exploded in recent years.
Kaffibarinn
Café-bar with alternative vibes and indie music. Mixed clientele of locals and tourists. Famous for its intimate and authentic atmosphere.
🎵 Live music and clubs
Gaukurinn
The best place for live bands. Rock, metal, indie, alternative. The most beloved concert venue among locals.
Húrra
Live jazz, unique décor, intellectual atmosphere. Perfect if you prefer something more laid-back but with lots of personality.
Austur
Reykjavik's largest and oldest nightclub. Two bars, large dance floor and VIP tables. The meeting point for those who want to dance until dawn.
🌌 Northern Lights in Reykjavik
One of the main reasons people travel to Iceland. And although Reykjavik has light pollution, with high solar activity you can see them from the city.
📅 When to see them?
- Season: Late August through mid-April
- Best period: December, January and February (up to 20 hours of darkness)
- Best time: Between 9:00 PM and 2:00 AM
- Key condition: Clear skies and no full moon
📍 Best spot from Reykjavik
- Grótta Lighthouse — The darkest accessible spot by bus
- Sun Voyager Sculpture — Iconic photo if there are auroras
- Perlan — Hills outside the center, less light pollution
- With a tour — A guide takes you where the forecast is best
Icelandic is a North Germanic language, a direct descendant of the Old Norse spoken by the Vikings who arrived on the island in the 9th and 10th centuries. Surprisingly, it is pronounced quite similarly to how it is written. Learning just a few words always brings a huge smile to the locals.
One of the most fascinating facts about Icelandic is that it has barely changed in a thousand years. A modern Icelander can read the original Viking Sagas from the 13th century with little difficulty — something impossible for any English speaker trying to read medieval Old English texts.
Another peculiarity: Iceland has no traditional family surnames. Children take as their surname their father's first name followed by -son (son) or -dóttir (daughter). That's why in the phone book Icelanders are listed by first name — not by surname!
Basic vocabulary
| Icelandic | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Halló | Hello | Jah-lo |
| Bless | Goodbye | Bles |
| Já / Nei | Yes / No | Yow / Nay |
| Góðan dag | Good morning | Goh-dan dag |
| Góðan daginn | Good afternoon | Goh-dan dah-inn |
| Góða nótt | Good night | Goh-tha noht |
| Takk | Thank you | Tahk |
| Fyrirgefðu | Excuse me / Sorry | Fir-ir-gev-thu |
| Kloseti | Bathroom | Klo-seh-tee |
| Strætó | Bus | Stray-toh |
| Vík | Bay | Veek |
| Sól | Sun | Soul |
| Reykja | Smoke / steam | Ray-kya |
| Ísland er fallegt | Iceland is beautiful | Ees-land er fah-legt |
Useful phrases
| Eg heiti… | My name is… (yeg hay-tee) |
| Ég er frá… | I am from… (yeg er frow) |
| Má ég fá vatn? | Can I have some water? (mow yeg fow vatn) |
| Viltu símanúmerið mitt? | Do you want my number? 😄 |
Food in Icelandic
📋 Essential Practical Information
Emergencies
112
Police, fire department and medical services. Available in Icelandic and English.
Supermarkets
Bónus (cheapest)
Krónan
Netto
Hagkaup (24h)
Pharmacy
Look for Apótek pharmacies. You'll find them in the city center and in shopping malls.
Alcohol
Only at Vínbúðin stores (state-run) or at bars and restaurants. Minimum age: 20 years.
🌅 Recommendations for Your First Day in Reykjavik
- 🧥 Dress in layers: even in summer the weather can change in minutes
- 🌧️ Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes
- 🧤 Always have handy: thin gloves, a hat or ear warmers
- 🔋 Portable charger — you'll be taking photos all day long
- 💧 Always carry water: Icelandic tap water is pure, refill your bottle
- ☕ Take the chance to try a local coffee or hot chocolate
- 📸 Take photos and videos, upload and share them on our social media
- 📞 Local guide: Jessika Cifuentes +354 888 8086
Good news: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime is almost nonexistent, there are no dangerous animals and healthcare is excellent. But that doesn't mean there are no real risks — they're just of a different kind: Icelandic nature demands respect.
City Safety
Reykjavik has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Violent robberies are extremely rare. You can walk alone at night with confidence. Still, use common sense: don't leave valuables visible in your car.
Volcanoes and Earthquakes
Iceland has constant seismic and volcanic activity. Authorities monitor 24/7 and issue alerts in advance. The Reykjanes Peninsula area has had recent eruptions — always check conditions before visiting.
Black Sand Beaches
Black sand beaches like Reynisfjara are spectacular but deadly dangerous. "Sleeper waves" arrive without warning and can drag people into the sea. Never turn your back to the ocean or approach the shoreline if there are waves.
Geothermal Areas
Water in fumaroles can exceed 100°C and the surrounding ground is unstable. Never leave the marked paths in areas like Geysir or Landmannalaugar. One wrong step can cause severe burns.
Extreme and Unpredictable Weather
The weather can change from sunshine to storm in 15 minutes. Wind can be so strong it prevents car doors from opening. Hypothermia and frostbite are real risks if you're not properly equipped. Always check the forecast before heading out.
Glaciers and Ice Caves
Ice caves are dynamic — they change with the weather and can collapse. Never enter an ice cave without a certified guide. In summer, glaciers are more unstable. Organized tours are the safe option.
SafeTravel.is — The App That Could Save Your Life
The official Icelandic government website safetravel.is provides real-time alerts on storms, road closures, volcanic activity and dangerous conditions. You can also register your itinerary so rescue teams know where to look if something goes wrong. Always use it whenever you leave the city.
- Let someone know your route and expected return time
- Check safetravel.is and the weather forecast
- Keep your phone charged and with signal (or satellite)
- Bring extra warm clothing even if it's sunny
- 112 — Emergencies: police, fire, medical
- +354 570 2222 — Road conditions and traffic
- safetravel.is — Alerts and itinerary registration
- vedur.is — Official weather forecast
Avoiding these mistakes can save your trip, your wallet and in some cases even prevent you from getting a fine:
Driving off marked tracks is strictly prohibited and can destroy ecosystems that take centuries to recover. Fines are enormous and actively enforced.
Iceland protects its livestock. Raw meat, fresh eggs and unpasteurized dairy are completely prohibited at customs. This includes salami, cured ham and similar products.
Since 2015, wild camping has been prohibited in Iceland. You must sleep at official campsites or designated areas. Outside of that, a fine is guaranteed.
Black volcanic moss takes more than 100 years to grow. Stepping on it damages a unique ecosystem. Always follow the marked paths.
The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20 (not 18 as in many countries). And it can only be purchased at official Vínbúðin stores.
Prohibited on public transport, in restaurants, bars and public buildings. Only in designated outdoor areas.
Sleeper waves on Iceland's black sand beaches are extremely dangerous. Never approach the shoreline if the sea is rough. The weather changes in minutes: always bring layers and waterproof clothing.
Icelanders are very respectful of privacy. Always ask permission before photographing someone. Also be careful when photographing geothermal pools with bathers.
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