Destination guideReykjavík · Iceland
32 Things to Do in Reykjavík (2026)
Reykjavík, the northernmost capital of a sovereign state, was established as a permanent Norse settlement circa 874 AD by Ingólfur Arnarson. The name translates to "Smoky Bay," a reference to the geothermal steam observed by early settlers. The location remained a collection of farmsteads until the 18th century, when the Danish King donated the estate to the Innréttingar corporation to establish wool workshops, initiating its transition into a trading hub. The architectural landscape of the city consists of several distinct phases. Early structures utilized turf and stone due to a lack of native timber.
Updated September 1, 2026 · 32 places verified against live place data
- 32 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched September 2026
- 24 sources
The short answer
- Start with Hallgrimskirkja (Hallgrímstorg), Kringlan (Háaleiti og Bústaðir) and Fischersund, the places the research led with.
- For food, Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew) and Rúgbrauð (Thunder Bread) lead the must-try list; the full list of places to eat is on the Reykjavík food guide.
- The best time to visit Reykjavík is from June to August for mild weather and the midnight sun, or between September and March for the best chance to see the Northern Lights.
32 places worth your time in Reykjavík
Things to see and do
Hallgrimskirkja
Standing as Reykjavík's most recognizable landmark, this Lutheran parish church was designed by State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson to mimic the hexagonal basalt columns of Iceland's landscape.
- HallgrimskirkjaStanding as Reykjavík's most recognizable landmark, this Lutheran parish church was designed by State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson to mimic the hexagonal basalt columns of Iceland's landscape. Completed in 1986, it reaches 74.
Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Kringlan
The largest and most established shopping mall in Reykjavík proper, Kringlan serves as the city's primary modern retail hub.
- KringlanThe largest and most established shopping mall in Reykjavík proper, Kringlan serves as the city's primary modern retail hub.
Kringlan 4-12, 103 Reykjavík, Iceland
Fischersund
A high-end artisan perfumery and art collective founded by Jónsi of the band Sigur Rós and his siblings.
- FischersundA high-end artisan perfumery and art collective founded by Jónsi of the band Sigur Rós and his siblings. Tucked away in a historic building downtown.
Fischersund, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Perlan
Originally a cluster of six geothermal water storage tanks, this landmark was transformed by architect Ingimundur Sveinsson into a futuristic glass-domed complex.
- PerlanOriginally a cluster of six geothermal water storage tanks, this landmark was transformed by architect Ingimundur Sveinsson into a futuristic glass-domed complex.
Varmahlíð 1, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
The Marshall House
Located in the trendy Grandi harbor district, this 1948 former herring factory was revitalized by Kurtogpí Architects into a vibrant center for contemporary art.
- The Marshall HouseLocated in the trendy Grandi harbor district, this 1948 former herring factory was revitalized by Kurtogpí Architects into a vibrant center for contemporary art.
Grandagarður 20, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Grótta Island Lighthouse
Situated at the westernmost tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, this picturesque lighthouse is a premier spot for capturing the Aurora Borealis in winter or the Midnight Sun in summer.
- Grótta Island LighthouseSituated at the westernmost tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, this picturesque lighthouse is a premier spot for capturing the Aurora Borealis in winter or the Midnight Sun in summer.
Gróttuviti, Seltjarnarnes, Iceland
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
An award-winning architectural masterpiece on the waterfront, Harpa features a distinctive glass honeycomb facade designed by artist Ólafur Elíasson and Henning Larsen Architects.
- Harpa Concert Hall and Conference CentreAn award-winning architectural masterpiece on the waterfront, Harpa features a distinctive glass honeycomb facade designed by artist Ólafur Elíasson and Henning Larsen Architects.
Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
An absolute institution since 1937, this humble hot dog stand serves what locals call the Icelandic national dish.
- Bæjarins Beztu PylsurAn absolute institution since 1937, this humble hot dog stand serves what locals call the Icelandic national dish.
Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Vesturbæjarlaug
To experience Reykjavik like a true local, skip the luxury lagoons and head to this community pool in the West End.
- VesturbæjarlaugTo experience Reykjavik like a true local, skip the luxury lagoons and head to this community pool in the West End.
Hofsvallagata 107, 107 Reykjavík, Iceland
The Settlement Exhibition
This archaeological museum is built directly around the excavated remains of a 10th-century Viking longhouse, discovered in 2001.
- The Settlement ExhibitionThis archaeological museum is built directly around the excavated remains of a 10th-century Viking longhouse, discovered in 2001.
Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Housed in a former fish freezing plant at the Old Harbour, this museum chronicles Iceland's survival through its relationship with the sea.
- Reykjavík Maritime MuseumHoused in a former fish freezing plant at the Old Harbour, this museum chronicles Iceland's survival through its relationship with the sea.
Grandagarður 8, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
A man-made golden sand beach where warm geothermal water is pumped into a walled lagoon, mixing with the cold Atlantic to create comfortable swimming temperatures.
- Nauthólsvík Geothermal BeachA man-made golden sand beach where warm geothermal water is pumped into a walled lagoon, mixing with the cold Atlantic to create comfortable swimming temperatures.
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
Heiðmörk
The largest nature reserve in the capital area, encompassing over 3,000 hectares of forest, lava fields, and the striking red pseudo-craters of Rauðhólar.
- HeiðmörkThe largest nature reserve in the capital area, encompassing over 3,000 hectares of forest, lava fields, and the striking red pseudo-craters of Rauðhólar.
367M+XWV, 161 Kopavogur, Iceland
Elliðaárdalur
A lush valley in the heart of the city featuring the Elliðaár salmon river, winding forest paths, and small waterfalls.
- ElliðaárdalurA lush valley in the heart of the city featuring the Elliðaár salmon river, winding forest paths, and small waterfalls.
4595+8QH, 109 Reykjavík, Iceland
Þúfa
5338+QF4, Norðurslóð, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Höfði House
A historic wooden villa built in 1909, originally for the French consul, Höfði is internationally renowned as the site of the 1986 summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev.
Félagstún 1, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík Art Museum
Located in a former harbor warehouse, Hafnarhús is the city's leading venue for contemporary art. It houses the permanent collection of Erró, one of Iceland's most famous pop artists.
Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
National Museum of Iceland
As the country's flagship historical institution, this museum offers a comprehensive chronological journey through Icelandic history.
Suðurgata 41, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
Árbæjar Museum
This living history museum consists of more than 20 traditional Icelandic buildings relocated to form a historical town square and farmstead.
459J+77, Kistuhylur 110, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland
Where to eat
See the full Reykjavík food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Kolaportið Market
Located near the harbor, this bustling weekend flea market is where locals go to hunt for vintage lopapeysa (Icelandic wool sweaters), rare vinyl, and eccentric antiques.
- Kolaportið MarketLocated near the harbor, this bustling weekend flea market is where locals go to hunt for vintage lopapeysa (Icelandic wool sweaters), rare vinyl, and eccentric antiques.
Tryggvagötu, Old Harbour, Grófin 19, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Brauð & Co
An iconic artisanal bakery known for its vibrant, graffiti-covered exterior and the best sourdough in the city. Locals flock here for the warm 'snúður' (cinnamon rolls) and flaky croissants.
- Brauð & CoAn iconic artisanal bakery known for its vibrant, graffiti-covered exterior and the best sourdough in the city. Locals flock here for the warm 'snúður' (cinnamon rolls) and flaky croissants.
Try: Snúður (Cinnamon Bun)
Frakkastígur 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Sandholt
A fourth-generation family bakery that remains a gold standard for breakfast and brunch. While famous for its artisanal chocolates and sourdough.
- SandholtA fourth-generation family bakery that remains a gold standard for breakfast and brunch. While famous for its artisanal chocolates and sourdough.
Laugavegur 36, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hosiló
A small, unassuming gem that locals consider one of the city's best-kept secrets. With a rotating weekly menu of only a few dishes, the focus is entirely on seasonal quality and intimate service.
- HosilóA small, unassuming gem that locals consider one of the city's best-kept secrets. With a rotating weekly menu of only a few dishes, the focus is entirely on seasonal quality and intimate service.
Hverfisgata 12, 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Matur og Drykkur
Situated in a converted salt fish factory by the harbor, this restaurant takes inspiration from ancient Icelandic cookbooks.
- Matur og DrykkurSituated in a converted salt fish factory by the harbor, this restaurant takes inspiration from ancient Icelandic cookbooks.
Mýrargata 31, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Café Loki
Known for: Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Café LokiKnown for: Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew)
Lokastígur 28, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Fish Company
Known for: Humar (Icelandic Langoustine). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Fish CompanyKnown for: Humar (Icelandic Langoustine). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Humar (Icelandic Langoustine)
Vesturgata 2a, Grófartorg, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Messinn
Known for: Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- MessinnKnown for: Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew)
Lækjargata 6, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Grillmarkaðurinn
Known for: Icelandic Lamb Steak. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- GrillmarkaðurinnKnown for: Icelandic Lamb Steak. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Icelandic Lamb Steak
Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Seabaron
Known for: Humar (Icelandic Langoustine). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- SeabaronKnown for: Humar (Icelandic Langoustine). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Humar (Icelandic Langoustine)
Geirsgata 4a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Pósthús Food Hall & Bar
Pósthússtræti 5 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Skál!
Njálsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
BakaBaka
Bankastræti 2 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Researched by Varedelo
Planning notes for Reykjavík
Must-try foods in Reykjavík
- Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew)A comforting, thick mash of flaked white fish (usually cod or haddock) and boiled potatoes folded into a creamy white béchamel sauce. Often topped with melted cheese and served with dark rye bread, it has evolved from a humble way to use leftovers into a gourmet staple at modern spots like Messinn and Café Loki.
- Rúgbrauð (Thunder Bread)A dense, dark, and cake-like rye bread traditionally baked in the ground using geothermal heat. It is naturally sweet without added sugar due to the long, slow baking process. In Reykjavík, it is frequently served as a side for fish and soup, or even as a base for 'Rúgbrauðsís' (rye bread ice cream), a popular dessert at Café Loki.
- Humar (Icelandic Langoustine)Known as 'Icelandic lobster,' these small, sweet, and tender langoustines are a luxury delicacy. While Höfn is the capital of humar, Reykjavík’s top kitchens like Fiskfélagið and Sea Baron (Sægreifinn) serve them in rich, creamy soups or grilled with garlic butter, making them a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.
- Skyr with BilberriesA thick, high-protein dairy product that technically qualifies as a soft cheese but is eaten like yogurt. While available in supermarkets, the 'real' experience involves thick, traditional skyr topped with cream and hand-picked Icelandic bilberries. Modern restaurants like Dill often incorporate it into sophisticated New Nordic desserts.
- Harðfiskur (Dried Fish)The Icelandic equivalent of beef jerky, typically made from wind-dried cod, haddog, or wolffish. It is incredibly high in protein and has a tough, papery texture. Locals eat it as a healthy snack, almost always slathered with a thick layer of creamy Icelandic butter to balance the saltiness and dryness.
- Brennivín and HákarlThe 'bravery test' of Icelandic cuisine. Hákarl is Greenland shark that has been fermented and hung to dry for months to neutralize toxins, resulting in a pungent ammonia aroma. It is traditionally chased with a shot of Brennivín ('Black Death'), a potent unsweetened schnapps flavored with caraway seeds.
Where to eat in Reykjavík: the dishes and their linked places.
When to visit Reykjavík
- The best time to visit Reykjavík is from June to August for mild weather and the midnight sun, or between September and March for the best chance to see the Northern Lights. Summer offers the most stable conditions and long daylight hours, while winter brings unpredictable snow, wind, and limited daylight but a unique, festive atmosphere. Peak season occurs in the summer months when prices and crowds are highest; visiting during the shoulder months of May or September provides a practical balance of lower costs and manageable crowds.
Getting around Reykjavík
- Airport Shuttle (Flybus/Gray Line) These reliable coaches transfer passengers from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík's BSI Terminal or specific hotels in approximately 45–50 minutes, with schedules timed to match all arriving flights.
- Public Bus (Strætó) The Strætó network, including Route 55 from the airport, provides affordable transit throughout the capital region; tickets can be purchased via the Klapp app or with contactless credit cards on board.
- Walking and E-Scooters Reykjavík's compact city center is highly pedestrian-friendly, allowing visitors to reach most major landmarks on foot or by using app-based electric scooters like Hopp for quick, short-distance travel.
Things to know before you go
- Shower thoroughly with soap and without a swimsuit before entering any public swimming pool or lagoon to respect local hygiene standards.
- Drink the tap water instead of buying bottled water, as Icelandic tap water is among the cleanest and highest quality in the world.
- Always remove your shoes when entering a private home or specific indoor spaces where you see shoes gathered near the entrance.
- Check the official weather and road condition websites daily, as conditions can change rapidly and wind speeds can be strong enough to damage car doors.
Research receipt
How this Reykjavík guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched September 2026. A newer build for Reykjavík replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What is Reykjavík known for?
Reykjavík, the northernmost capital of a sovereign state, was established as a permanent Norse settlement circa 874 AD by Ingólfur Arnarson. The name translates to "Smoky Bay," a reference to the geothermal steam observed by early settlers.
What should I eat in Reykjavík?
Start with Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew), Rúgbrauð (Thunder Bread), Humar (Icelandic Langoustine), and Skyr with Bilberries. Each dish on this page lists the places known for it.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavík?
The best time to visit Reykjavík is from June to August for mild weather and the midnight sun, or between September and March for the best chance to see the Northern Lights. Summer offers the most stable conditions and long daylight hours, while winter brings unpredictable snow, wind, and limited daylight but a unique, festive atmosphere.
How do I get around Reykjavík?
These reliable coaches transfer passengers from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík's BSI Terminal or specific hotels in approximately 45–50 minutes, with schedules timed to match all arriving flights. Airport Shuttle (Flybus/Gray Line); Public Bus (Strætó); Walking and E-Scooters.
How many places are on this Reykjavík map?
32 places, each with an address, hours where known, and a line on why it was picked. The map in the app shows them by status so you can walk to the nearest one.
How was this Reykjavík guide researched?
Live web research across 14 research areas, cross-checked against real place data, citing 24 sources. Researched September 2026.