A guide to things to do in Reykjavik
You’re spending time in the world’s northernmost capital city, where Nordic legends and modern style are mixed to create a unique cultural character. Reykjavik is a favourite among those choosing a package holiday to Iceland, or for those looking for a unique city break. It’s a destination that shows off a fascinating history and culture, mixing everything from vikings to penguins and museums to geothermal pools, with plenty more surprises as well.
There are nearly 200 museums and plenty of opportunities to admire impressive artwork and sculptures, so you’re never far away from interesting things to do in Reykjavik.
Top things to do in Reykjavik
Take a dip in the legendary Blue Lagoon
A natural pool right in the middle of an ancient lava field? How enticing could that be? It turns out the answer is remarkably enticing indeed – the Blue Lagoon, less than an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, is one of the most famous and visited spots in the country.
Iceland’s mastery of carbon neutral energy is partly owed to its geothermal power plants, and the water produced by one such plant has created a beautiful hot mineral-rich pool as immense as it is inviting. No trip to Iceland is complete without a dip in this rejuvenating water. There’s a variety of treatments available to you too, including an In-water massage, but just a day visit to experience this wonder is more than enough.
Catch the Northern Lights
Being the world’s northernmost capital city, there’s plenty of spots to catch the Northern Lights in Reykjavik. It’s a spectacular phenomenon that’s probably on most people’s bucket lists, and for good reason.
Your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are highest between September and April and in locations away from the big city lights. Weather conditions can impact your chances too, so hope for clear skies during your trip! If you’re looking for someone who knows their stuff to help you catch this wonder, there are plenty of guided tours available to you, unless you fancy hunting for yourself.
Hit the nightlife
Reykjavik has a close-knit community feel, but they’re certainly not afraid to let their hair down. That’s especially true of the nightlife, which has become well-known across Europe for its variety as much as its welcoming party spirit.
What makes the city a great nightlife destination is that the bars and clubs are all located close together, yet each offer their own spin on your night out. Clubbing holidays in Reykjavik offer something for everyone, for example, Rosenburg is a zesty venue well known for its live jazz music, whereas Prikid is all about hip-hop tunes and busting a move. B5 is the club you go to suited and booted, while those looking for a taste of home fit right in at The English Pub, where all the favourites are waiting on tap.
Top things to do with kids in Reykjavik
Join in the fun at Gerouberg Cultural Centre
Make your way to Gerouberg Cultural Centre for interactive events and activities that celebrate and explain the local history, culture and all things Icelandic. The great thing here is that it’s designed to appeal to all age groups, so it’s one of the ebst things to do with kids in Reykjavik as they can really get involved and learn about this fascinating country and culture.
There’s often a full programme of events and activities throughout the year and is also the ideal place to see some of the best of Iceland’s latest creative talent.
Explore the museums
Located on the site of what was a genuine farm, at Arbaer Open Air Museum you’ll get a real sense of traditional Icelandic life as you walk around this life-sized recreation of a local village. Most of the buildings are authentic, re-located from central Reykyavik and arranged around a town square setting. There are several exhibitions and events held throughout the year and in the summer you can see the domestic animals in the area that still operates as a working farm. It’s great for all the family being able to wander around outside and feel immersed into old time Icelandic life.
The Reykjavik Art Museum has three separate buildings located across the city, the Asmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum, Harbour House – known as Hafnarhus – and Kjarvalsstaoir. The sites display modern and contemporary art including paintings, sculptures and installations in various mediums by both local and international artists. There’s a whole variety of incredible sights, engaging nad captivating for all the family.
Hop on a wildlife tour
Beyond the bright lights and cosmopolitan charm of Reykjavik, the great sprawl of Iceland’s untamed wilderness is ready to invigorate you. Wildlife tours on both land and sea are plentiful to choose from allowing you to see some incredible animals in their natural habitats. Spend the morning whale watching out on the ocean and then head out into the back country to meet plucky little penguins after lunch. Puffins are abundant in Iceland too, specifically in the summer months, in fact, it’s thought that Iceland is home to around 60% of the world’s Atlantic Puffins.
For the true romantics among you, treks across the wilderness on horseback are another incredible experience.
Top things to do for free in Reykjavik
Enjoy the sights at the Reykjavik Botanical Garden
Reykjavik Botanical Garden was opened in 1961 and has been designed as a centre for the conservation of plants native to the northern temperate zone. You can explore the grounds to admire and learn about over 5,000 species of plants and flowers.
In the summer season there are a range of events where you can join in the fun and group receptions are hosted throughout the year. In Cafe Flora you can enjoy tasty treats handmade with ingredients grown on site in the garden. It offers a different side to Reykjavik, away from the tourist crowds, allowing you to mix up your holiday itinerary and see everything this wonder has to offer.
Check out the local goods
There are two parts of town you simply have to visit to check out the local goods, impressive craftsmanship and local bargains. The first is the Laugavegur shopping district in downtown Reykjavik, where contemporary European fashion houses have set up shop beside electronics boutiques, cute street-side cafes and a roster of other retail retreats.
When you’re ready to bask in tradition, head instead to Reykjavik’s flea market, where tarot cards and dream catchers line the stalls besides baskets, cheese, cakes and woolly jumpers. Markets are a must do on any holiday, and Reykjavik is no different!
How about the beach?
The beach and Iceland don’t immediately seem like they make sense – you’re probably thinking that Iceland’s climate would make a trip to the seaside a bit miserable, but don’t be so ready to dismiss the idea. In fact, Reykjavik’s own man made, geothermal Nautholsvik Beach is free for you to enjoy and a wonder all year round.
Enjoy access to seawater that reaches an inviting 17°C in the summer, plus changing facilities and showers, steam baths and even hot tubs. Swimming in cold water is thought to have many benefits for your immune system, so even if you’re visiting in the winter, maybe a dip is on the cards?