Reykjavik Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Harpa showing modern architecture and general coastal views
Unique geographic delights such as the Blue Lagoon, the Northern Lights Mystery Tour and whale spotting opportunities make this Icelandic city truly special.

Join the locals by visiting a thermal pool, or immerse yourself in the tourist experience by boarding a boat tour. However you spend your trip, Reykjavik’s natural beauty will astonish you.

Iceland is one of the main places to see the Northern Lights and tours will regularly depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Enjoy the view out to sea before taking a visit to Reykjavik’s most famous hot dog stand, Baejarins Beztu Pylsur. Order yours with "the works" – ketchup, mustard, raw and fried onions and Icelandic remoulade – for a traditional treat.

Learn about the seafaring ways of Iceland’s ancestors, the Vikings, at Reykjavik 871±2, also known as The Settlement Exhibition. One of the main features of the exhibition is a longhouse which was built in the Viking Age. Interactive exhibits teach visitors about how these buildings were constructed and how archaeologists uncovered these fascinating artefacts.

As well as of museums, Reykjavik is a city of churches. Dómkirkjan, also known as Reykjavik Cathedral, is located next to the national parliament of Iceland in Austurvöllur, one of the main public squares in Reykjavik. Admire the cathedral's white painted exterior and step inside to view the religious artwork.

Hallgrímskirkja is one of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks. Climb to the top of the church’s tower and you’ll be able to get a fantastic photo of the city.

Sea swimming in Iceland might seem like a quick route to frostbite, but the sea at Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach will pleasantly surprise because you it is actually warm! This man-made geothermal beach combines natural and geothermal seawater from the depths of the ocean to raise the water temperature. There’s even a hot tub for anyone who isn’t brave enough to take a dip!

Prefer a pool experience? Visit Sundhöllin, the oldest pool in Reykjavik. Facilities include an indoor pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, a sauna and a cosily heated outdoor hot pool.

Whether you’re an adventurer, a culture lover or a passionate foodie, you’ll find what you’re looking for and more in Reykjavik.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Reykjavik featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Downtown Reykjavik

5/5(281 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja and Reykjavik Free Church are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Reykjavik
Reykjavik featuring fashion and shopping

Laugardalur

4/5(29 area reviews)

Laugardalur is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Laugardalsholl or Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Laugardalur
Reykjavik Harbour which includes a sunset, a bay or harbour and boating

Vesturbær

4.5/5(100 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Vesturbær. A stop by Reykjavik Harbour or Landakotskirkja might round out your trip.

Vesturbær
Default Image

Háaleiti

4/5(73 area reviews)

When in Háaleiti, you can plan a visit to Laugardalsholl and Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Háaleiti
Default Image

Hlíðar

4.5/5(164 area reviews)

Though Hlíðar may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reykjavik Harbour and Perlan.

Hlíðar
Default Image

Holt

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Holt and surrounding area, you can visit Reykjavik Harbour and Laugavegur.

Holt
Center Hotels Plaza
Center Hotels Plaza
3.5 out of 5
Adalstraeti 4, Reykjavik
The price is £105 per night from 22 May to 23 May
£105
per night
22 May - 23 May
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,040 reviews)
"Nice hotel for a four night stay. It was a bit noisy and hard to sleep though. Location is great."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Center Hotels Plaza
Reykjavik Natura - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Reykjavik Natura - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
4 out of 5
Nautholsvegur 52, Reykjavik
The price is £128 per night from 9 May to 10 May
£128
per night
9 May - 10 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Close to the airport. Great restaurant."

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Reykjavik Natura - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
4 out of 5
Laugavegur 66-68, Reykjavik
The price is £165 per night from 16 May to 17 May
£165
per night
16 May - 17 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Nice stay"

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

Alda Hotel Reykjavik
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stay Apartments Bolholt
Stay Apartments Bolholt
3 out of 5
Bolholt 6, Reykjavik
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (913 reviews)
"It was a perfect stay for us."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2024

Stay Apartments Bolholt
Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Reykjavik Residence Hotel
4 out of 5
Hverfisgata 60, Reykjavik
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,497 reviews)
"Room was clean and spacious, the rollaway bed for a teen was very comfy. It was also great to have a kitchenette"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
4.5 out of 5
Tryggvagata 18A, 102, Reykjavik
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (473 reviews)
"Amazing property, so clean and hi-spec modern interior. The staff were excellent, so attentive and communicative. Was a joy to stay in and we will definitely be back and this will be our first choice to stay at."

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2024

Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Reykjavik

Cities near Reykjavik