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9 Best Things to do in Reykjavík in 2026 (+ Map)

ByJess Inions

Reykjavík might be small, but there’s plenty to do. And because it’s such a walkable city, it’s easy to see everything in a short space of time.

I spent four nights in Reykjavík during my trip to Iceland with my boyfriend, visiting museums, popular landmarks, and eating some seriously good food.

From whale watching tours to geothermal lagoons, this is my guide to the 9 best things to do in Reykjavík.

Best things to do in Reykjavík

1. Hallgrímskirkja Church

Hallgrímskirkja church is the largest church in Iceland, and Reykjavík’s most iconic landmark.

Its design takes inspiration from Iceland’s basalt columns, like the ones you’ll see on Reynisfjara, the country’s most famous black sand beach.

Entrance to the church is free but you should definitely pay the 1,400 ISK/£8 fee to take the elevator to the top for stunning panoramic views over Reykjavík.

Wide-angle view of Hallgrímskirkja, a towering concrete church in Reykjavík, Iceland, at sunset. A statue of explorer Leif Erikson stands in front of the church, with patches of snow covering the ground and golden light breaking through the clouds.

2. Take a walking tour

One of my favourite ways to get to know a new city is by joining a walking tour. It’s an easy way to learn the history and culture from a local, and you often discover places and stories you’d never find just by researching online.

I took this walking tour which is with a small group so it didn’t feel overcrowded. It covers the key sights in Reykjavík, as well as giving you information about Iceland’s history and modern culture.

3. Sun Voyager statue

The Sun Voyager statue was created by the Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason, who wanted to design something to represent the sun, symbolising light and hope.

The statue is located on the waterfront in Reykjavík, with stunning views of the sea and mountains behind it, and is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

The Sun Voyager sculpture, a sleek stainless steel structure resembling a Viking ship, sits along the snowy waterfront in Reykjavík, Iceland. The modern city skyline rises in the background under a cloudy winter sky.

4. Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa Concert Hall opened in 2011 on Reykjavík’s waterfront, and its modern, bright design is quite a contrast against the modular, grey buildings around it.

Exterior view of Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavík, Iceland, showcasing its geometric glass facade with green and blue hues. Snow lines the ground along the waterfront path where pedestrians and a red tour bus are visible.

Its the home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, and there’s daily events, concerts and shows so it’s worth looking at what’s on whilst you’re there.

This is also a great thing to do if it’s raining and you want to hide from the bad weather!

Interior of Harpa Concert Hall featuring an intricate glass and mirror honeycomb ceiling design. Sunlight streams through the patterned glass wall, casting reflections throughout the modern, angular space.

5. Rainbow Street

Rainbow Street, or Skólavörðustígur, is one of Reykjavík’s most photographed spots and a lovely place to take a short stroll. 

The street was first painted in rainbow colours for Reykjavík Pride as a symbol of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community, and it’s since become a permanent part of the city. 

Street-level view of a colorful pedestrian road in Reykjavik, Iceland, painted with rainbow stripes leading toward the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church in the distance. Boutique shops, restaurants like Fish & Chips, and local art galleries line both sides of the vibrant street under a partly cloudy sky.

It runs uphill towards Hallgrímskirkja, which makes for a great photo opportunity, especially on a clear day.

The street is lined with cafés, bars and small independent shops, so make sure you set aside time in your itinerary to explore it.

A person in winter clothing walks down a rainbow-painted street in Reykjavík, Iceland, lined with colorful shops and cafes, including the bright pink MAIKA’i Superfood bar. Snow-dusted benches and planters line the sidewalk under a partly cloudy sky, adding to the cozy, urban winter atmosphere.

8. Eat good food

Reykjavik has a really good food scene, with several Michelin-star restaurants and all types of cuisine, so you don’t have to look far to find a good meal.

I’ve listed my favourite restaurants below:

  • Skál – Modern Icelandic cuisine with great cocktails
  • DEIG – A bakery serving excellent bagels, donuts and sandwiches
  • Le Kock – A burger restaurant, from the same people behind DEIG
  • Brauð & Co – A popular bakery with five locations in Reykjavík
  • La Poblana – Authentic Mexican restaurant serving tacos and cocktails
Two artfully plated dishes are served on a wooden table at a restaurant. The front plate features a creamy white fish fillet with sauce, leafy greens, and what appears to be mashed potatoes with herbs, while the back plate contains a vibrant beet dish topped with crumbled garnish and a red berry sauce.
Dinner at Skál!

6. Visit a museum

Reykjavík has a lot of different museums, so no matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find one for you.

I visited Whales of Iceland, which unsurprisingly, is all about the whales that live, or pass through, Iceland’s waters.

It’s open from 10am – 5pm, and entry costs £25.

Indoor exhibit featuring life-sized models of marine mammals including an orca, beluga whale, and various dolphin species suspended from the ceiling. The space is lit with cool blue lighting and a vibrant backdrop of swimming fish to simulate an underwater environment.

Other museums include:

  • The National Museum of Iceland – covers the history of the country, from Viking settlers to modern day.
  • The Settlement Exhibition – A small museum built around the remains of a Viking longhouse.
  • Perlan – A modern museum and experience space focused on Iceland’s natural landscapes, glaciers, and volcanoes, with exhibitions and panoramic views over the city.
  • Reykjavík Art Museum – Three locations across the city, showcasing contemporary and modern Icelandic art

If you want to visit the museums, it’s worth getting a Reykjavík City Card, which gives you free entry to a selection of the city’s museums and art galleries, the 8 geothermal swimming pools, and unlimited use of the buses. You very quickly make your money back with this.

7. Go on a whale watching tour

If you’re visiting during the whale watching season, which runs from April to October, then you should absolutely do a whale watching tour.

The tours depart from Reykjavík harbour and last three hours, and if you’re lucky you’ll get to see whales, dolphins, seals and other wildlife.

Although the peak season for spotting whales is April-October, they’re still seen outside of these months, so no matter when you visit, this is a great thing to do in Reykjavík.

8. Relax at one of the lagoons

Geothermal pools are a part of daily life in Iceland, where locals regularly go to bathe, relax, and socialise.

Many of the country’s hot springs are natural, but there are also several man-made lagoons within easy reach of Reykjavík.

They’re obviously not as authentic as Iceland’s natural hot springs, but they’re still a brilliant experience.

A person with wet hair relaxes in a geothermal hot spring surrounded by towering, rugged volcanic rock formations under a soft, overcast sky. The steamy water contrasts with the cool gray cliffs, creating a serene and immersive natural setting.

The most famous is the Blue Lagoon, known for its milky blue water and luxury spa, but it’s located near the airport so it’s more of a full-day excursion from Reykjavík.

If you want to visit the Blue Lagoon, I’d recommend going as soon as you arrive in Iceland, or just before you leave, as it’s only a short detour.

I visited Sky Lagoon, which opened in 2021 and is the newer of the two. It’s much easier to reach from Reykjavík as it’s just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, and if you have the Reykjavík City Card, your bus journey is free.

A tall, modern black sign stands at the entrance of Sky Lagoon Iceland, featuring a white spiral logo and text against a backdrop of turf-covered architecture and a cloudy sky. The coastal road and ocean peek out in the distance, hinting at the lagoon’s scenic seaside location.

The experience is centred around the Skjól ritual, a seven-step journey that includes a cold plunge, sauna with panoramic ocean views, mist room and body scrub.

9. Grandi Food Hall

Grandi Food Hall is located in the Grandi harbour area and is a great spot to stop for food, as there’s several different food stalls with lots of choice.

You’ll find everything from Icelandic street food to pizza, fish and chips, and even a microbrewery.

I always love a food hall when I’m travelling in a group as everyone can get what they want and there’s no arguments!

A cozy food stall named FJÁRHÚSIÐ is nestled inside a modern market or food hall, featuring rustic wood decor, string lights, and a bar with tall stools. Picnic-style tables and benches offer communal seating, while a few patrons are visible in the background.

Reykjavík Google Map

This Google Map has the locations of all the places I’ve mentioned in this post. Click on the rectangle on the right hand side to make it bigger.

Read my other Iceland guides:

Jess is the founder of Where Jess Travels, a travel blog that helps you find the best places to eat, sleep and explore around the world. She's travelled to 36 countries, sharing her adventures with a community of over 220,000 people on her social media channels. She's worked with major brands in travel like Sandals, Radisson, Small Luxury Hotels and TUI, as well as tourism boards like Travel Texas, Visit Greece, Experience Abu Dhabi, & St Kitts.