Things to Do in Reykjavik
Discover 22 activities and experiences in Reykjavik, Iceland — from outdoor adventures to cultural events. Curated from real traveler recommendations.
-
Aurora Borealis (Northern lights) watching
Iceland is very favorably located within the aurora belt and chances of observing the beautiful atmospheric phenomenon are rather high between September and March even in the vicinity of the capital; in summer months lack of darkness is the limiting factor. To boost your viewing chances commons sense suggests escaping from the city lights. Due to the tree-free character of the Icelandic countryside only clouds can obstruct your view then. A valuable tool for getting prepared for your observation is the local meteorological office's [http://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/ Aurora site], forecasting both auroral activity and cloudiness. If you don't have a car available, there are plenty of agencies organizing short trips who pick you up at your hotel.
-
Hiking
The immediate vicinity of Reykjavík offers some good hiking opportunities. By far the most popular among these is Esjan, the mountain that dominates the view to the north from much of the capital and is easily accessible by bus nr. 57. It's a relatively easy hike although there is a steep patch early on and at the tops there are some cliffs to climb. You can estimate 4-5 hours to get to the top and back again, although experienced walkers will be quicker. Another popular place to experience nature is [http://www.heidmork.is/ Heiðmörk], a green belt to the southeast of the capital. Heiðmörk mostly flat and there are many paths criss-crossing the area, but getting there may be difficult without a car.
-
Harpa
The new home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and regularly host to other acts as well. Delayed by the economic collapse, this building was under construction for several years before finally opening in May 2011. This marked the end of a long wait for the symphony orchestra, who had been using a cinema as their main venue the last 50 years. Today the symphony plays a concert every Thursday evening from September through June (although often at other times as well), but the building is rarely empty at other times with Iceland's lively music scene having embraced this new location.
-
- Austurbakki 2
-
-
Whale watching
With the exception of Húsavík in the north, Reykjavík is actually one of the very best places to go whale watching in Iceland. Whales frequently come into Faxaflói, the large bay which Reykjavík sits by and on a typical trip of around 3 hours you can almost be guaranteed to see at least some minke whales and possibly even a humpback. The companies offering whale watching mostly occupy a small area in the old harbour called Ægisgarður, close to the whaling ships. All sail out to the same bay but since conditions there change make sure you are on a good ship.
-
- Around 7000-9000 kr, often half price for children
-
-
Gay Pride
Icelanders are proud of their LGBT community, and every August they show it with one of the biggest annual festivals in Reykjavík. Typically a parade will wind its way through the city with floats of varying degrees of outrageousness. It then ends at Arnarhóll with a large outdoors concert. Gay bars and bars that normally don't self-identify as gay alike tend to be very full this evening. In the preceding days there are various events celebrating LGBT culture.
-
- Early August
-
-
Iceland Airwaves
A music festival held in pubs, bars and clubs in downtown Reykjavík. It literally takes over the city for a few days in October. Airwaves prides itself of frequently having artists on the line-up that are just about to make it and become world famous, before you've ever heard of them. They usually have a wide selection of Icelandic and international acts, but keep the "big names" to a minimum. Book early, in 2011 the tickets sold up 5 weeks in advance.
-
- Second weekend in October
-
-
Culture Night
This is the biggest date in the cultural calendar of Reykjavík. What started out in 1996 as only an evening celebration today starts already in the morning with the Reykjavík Marathon. The day progresses with ever more cultural activities, most of them free, in central Reykjavík and culminates in several huge concerts and a fireworks show by the harbour. Attendance is usually around 100,000 or half of the population of the city.
-
- Third Saturday of August
-
-
National Day
It may come as a surprise, but the National Day celebrations on June 17 every year are probably the smallest of the three festivals mentioned here. Nonetheless, it is a public holiday day of festivities in the city where people (especially families with children) celebrate the date Iceland was declared a republic in 1944. The date itself was selected because it is the birthday of the Icelandic independence hero Jón Sigurðsson.
-
Laugardalslaug
The city's largest pool with extensive facilities, situated in Laugardalur Valley east of the city centre. It has two large pools for swimming, several hot-pots, a seawater bath, a steam bath, and water slide. It is a well-used large complex that is starting to show its age a little but it is still the best option in the city. Currently undergoing quite a lot of renovation work, but the pool remains open.
-
- Sundlaugarveg
-
- Weekdays: 6:30AM - 10:30PM, Weekends: 8AM - 10PM
-
- 500 kr
-
-
Árbæjarlaug
A brand new complex on the outskirts of the city, it has nice views over the city centre and is a nice place to watch the sunset. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, a waterslide, several hot-pots and a steam bath. This is a favourite with families and is perhaps the nicest of the city's pools. Buses run here from central Reykjavik.
-
- Fylkisvegur
-
- Weekdays: 6:30AM - 10:30PM, Weekends summer: 8AM - 10PM, winter: 8AM - 8:30PM
-
- 350 kr
-
-
Reykjavík International Film Festival
Several days of excellent cinema. Screenings of most Icelandic productions of the last year, short and feature length as well as documentaries, and the best of what's happening around the world. The main prize, the Golden Puffin, is awarded in a category called "New Visions" which is limited to directors' first or second films.
-
- Late September
-
-
Puffin Safaris
The same companies that offer whale watching, also offer puffin safaris, about one to one and a half hours in length. A little boat takes you next to islands some 15 minutes out where puffins nest, swim around and catch fish. They have binoculars onboard to borrow so you can get a good look of the birds.
-
- about 5000 kr
-
-
Nautholsvík Thermal Beach
Here you can swim in the Atlantic, because they pipe hot water into the ocean. A beach of golden sand has been created and a “pool” has been enclosed nearby, where the water temperature is about 20°C. There are several hot-pots. Refreshments and various services are available at the beach.
-
- 15May-15 Sep 10:00-20:00
-
-
Reykjavík Domestic Animal Zoo
This small zoo, in the middle of Reykjavík, is a place where city children can come and get in touch with some of the farming heritage of the country, with most species of domestic animals found in Iceland represented. They also have some non-domestic animals including reindeer and seals.
-
- Hafrafell v/ Engjaveg
-
- Admission: Adults (12 years +): 450 kr, children (Under 4 years): free, children (4 - 12): 350 kr
-
-
Islenski Hesturinn
Operated by a small group of friends and family, Islenski Hesturinn offers excellent service and tours with hotel pickup. Riders of all skills are welcome and matched to horses of their ability and personality, and various tours are available through Icelandic lava fields.
-
Vesturport
This experimental theatre group has toured the world and won many prizes for its daring productions which include Romeo and Juliet, Woyczek and others. They have also made films including the acclaimed Children and Parents, in 2006 and 2007 respectively.
-
- Tjarnarbíó, Tjarnargata 12
-
-
Nordic House
A cultural centre located in Vatnsmýri designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, just south of the city centre. Art exhibitions, concerts, poetry readings and other cultural events frequently take place here.
-
- Sturlugata 5
-
- exhibition space open Tue-Sun 12-17, irregular opening hours for other events but the building is generally open during office hours
-
-
Sundhöllin
The city's oldest and only indoor pool (with outdoor hot-pots), located in the city centre. Has a more municipal feel than the other pools, but has a very central location.
-
- Baronsstígur, 101 Reykjavik
-
- Weekdays: 6:30AM - 9PM, Weekends: 8AM - 7PM
-
-
National Theatre of Iceland
A theatre in the centre of Reykjavík, in many ways the focal point of Icelandic theatre. The repertoire is a mix of Icelandic and international plays, both new and old.
-
- Hverfisgata 19
-
-
Inside the Volcano
Descend into the magma chamber of the Thrihnukagigur volcano. Transport provided from the city for the 30 minute drive to the starting point, or you can drive yourself.
-
- 08:00-17:00, every hour
-
- 39 000 kr
-
-
Reykjavík City Theatre
Like the national theatre, the city theatre puts on a mix of new Icelandic plays and highlights of international theatre.
-
- Listabraut 3
-
-
Vesturbæjarlaug
The city's oldest outdoor pool. Located in a residential area but within a walking distance of the city centre.
-
- Hofsvallagata, 107 Reykjavik
-
- M-F 06:30-22:00, Sa-Su 08:00-20:00
-
Exploring Reykjavik: A Traveler's Guide to Activities
Reykjavik rewards curious travelers with an exceptional range of experiences. Whether you have a weekend or several weeks, the city's 22 documented activities cover the full spectrum — architectural landmarks and world-class museums at one end, local neighborhood festivals and underground cultural scenes at the other. The activities listed on this page come from Wikivoyage contributors who have personally explored Reykjavik and written detailed, practical descriptions to help you plan your visit.
The most rewarding way to experience Reykjavik's activities is with company. Solo travelers who arrive without plans often find that meeting a fellow traveler at a hostel, cafe, or through the Nomax app opens up entirely new itineraries — a museum visit becomes a half-day exploration, a street food crawl turns into an evening of discovery, a day trip to a nearby site becomes an adventure. Reykjavik has an active traveler community, and the city is designed to reward those who explore it with open curiosity.
When planning what to do in Reykjavik, consider mixing well-known attractions with neighborhood-level experiences. The city's most photographed sights are popular for good reason, but Reykjavik's character lives in its quieter corners too — the local markets, the parks where residents spend their weekends, the small performance venues where the next generation of artists and musicians are finding their voice. The 22 activities on this page include both categories, ordered by the richness of their traveler-written descriptions.
How to Get the Most from Reykjavik's Activities
Timing matters in Reykjavik. Many of the city's best attractions have shorter queues and better atmospheres on weekday mornings. Major cultural sites — museums, galleries, historic monuments — often run free admission windows on certain days or evenings; check before booking. Outdoor activities and walking tours are best enjoyed in the morning before the city heats up or fills with tour groups.
Budget-conscious travelers will find that Reykjavik has a strong free-to-access layer. Public parks, open-air markets, architectural walking routes, and many community events cost nothing. The price information included with activities on this page (where available) helps you plan a realistic daily budget. A mix of free and paid activities across a week in Reykjavik is entirely feasible for most traveler budgets.
For travelers who want to do more than just sightseeing, Reykjavik offers organized activities through local guides, tour companies, and traveler apps like Nomax. Group activities — cooking classes, cycling tours, kayaking excursions, photography walks — are a natural way to meet people while experiencing the city. Many travelers who use Nomax in Reykjavik coordinate these types of group experiences together, splitting costs and building memories that last beyond the trip itself.
Activities for Different Travel Styles
Not every traveler wants the same experience. History enthusiasts will gravitate toward Reykjavik's museums, heritage sites, and guided historical walks that reveal the layers of the city's past. Outdoor and adventure travelers will focus on the parks, cycling routes, climbing areas, and day trips to surrounding natural areas. Food travelers will treat Reykjavik's markets, restaurants, and food tours as the primary activities of each day. Culture seekers will fill evenings with concerts, theater, gallery openings, and street performances.
The 22 activities documented on this page span all these categories. Use the numbered list above to browse in order of description quality — longer descriptions generally mean more detailed, firsthand traveler knowledge. For each activity, the address and opening hours (where available) give you everything you need to plan your visit without needing to search elsewhere.
Connecting with Travelers in Reykjavik
One of the best things about traveling to Reykjavik is the community of international travelers already there. Backpackers, digital nomads, long-term expats, and short-trip tourists all share the same city at any given moment. Nomax makes it easy to find who is in Reykjavik right now, see what activities they are joining, and coordinate plans. Whether you want a hiking companion, someone to split museum entry with, or a group for an evening out — the app connects you to people with the same itinerary in minutes.
Download Nomax before your trip to Reykjavik to set your travel dates and start discovering who else will be there at the same time. The app is free, requires no subscription, and works across all the major traveler destinations worldwide — meaning the community you build in Reykjavik often extends to your next destination too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
Reykjavik offers 22+ activities and experiences for travelers. Top highlights include Aurora Borealis (Northern lights) watching, Hiking, Harpa, and much more. This page lists every documented activity in order of description quality, so you can find both the major attractions and the hidden gems.
Are there free things to do in Reykjavik?
Yes — Reykjavik has a strong selection of free activities. Public parks, open-air markets, walking routes through historic neighborhoods, and many cultural institutions offer free admission on specific days. Scroll through the list above and look for activities marked with free or no price information — these are often the city's most authentic experiences.
How do I meet other travelers while exploring Reykjavik?
Download Nomax — a free travel companion app that shows you other solo travelers currently in Reykjavik. You can join group activities, chat with travelers at the same spots, and plan outings together. Many travelers in Reykjavik use Nomax to find companions for day trips, museum visits, and evening activities.
What activities can I do with travel companions I meet in Reykjavik?
Reykjavik has activities for every interest — guided tours, food experiences, outdoor adventures, cultural events, and nightlife. Use Nomax to coordinate with other travelers: join a group for a walking tour, split a day-trip cost, or simply explore the city together. The app makes spontaneous plans easy.
Explore Reykjavik with fellow travelers
Download Nomax — find travel companions, join group activities, and chat with solo travelers in Reykjavik right now. Free forever.
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Content may have been updated since publication.
