TL;DR:
Discover Reykjavik’s top attractions, including walking tours, geothermal pools, museums, and vibrant food and drink scenes. Explore the city’s culture and history while enjoying its unique natural features and culinary delights.
- Experience the city through walking tours
- Relax in geothermal pools and spas
- Visit museums for Icelandic culture and history
- Enjoy diverse food and drink options
We’re not exaggerating when we say Reykjavik is the center of activity of Iceland.
It’s by far the most populated city in our country (in fact, about two-thirds of all Icelanders live in the metro area) and the center of Icelandic culture, business, and government. If you’re looking for things to do in Iceland, Reykjavik is the best place to find cultural experiences, entertainment, food, and so much more.
Visitors who rent our dependable, safe, and comfortable campers often ask where to start and what they need to see while they’re in our capital city.
Looking for suggestions on things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland? Where should you start, and what do you absolutely need to see? Keep reading to find our top suggestions for your trip to Reykjavik!
1. Experience the City Up Close and In Person
If you’re looking for things to do in Reykjavik, a walk around the city is one of the best ways to experience the local culture. You’re sure to come across restaurants, shops, bakeries, cultural sites, parks, and other attractions that catch your fancy. Two must-see sites are architectural based; a full 360 walk around Hallgrimskirkja church will make you feel like you’ve just seen an epic monument and even if you won’t be able to see our symphony in person, you must at least walk by the shimmering Harpa!
Even though we’re in the business of renting campers, we won’t ignore how easy and fun it is to stroll around the city (at least when you’re visiting outside of the winter season!). The city center itself is just 1.4 square miles, and there are plenty of walkable neighborhoods.
You can easily find a path yourself and enjoy the surprises along the way. Or, find a local walking tour where a knowledgeable guide can share the rich history and culture of our capital while you take in the sights.
2. Enjoy the Geothermal Pools, Spas, and Beaches
Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice for a reason: The many volcanoes that dot our landscape create some truly stunning sights. These volcanoes also generate plenty of heat, which in turn warms many natural lagoons, hot springs, and geothermal swimming pools across the country.
There are no less than 18 geothermal swimming pools, spas, lagoons, and beaches in Reykjavik! That means there’s something for everyone, from the Árbæjarlaug pool with its slides, hot tubs, and many other amenities to the natural beauty and majesty of the Sky Lagoon.
Visit Reykjavik maintains a full list of all active geothermal pools, lagoons, and similar attractions in and around the city. Choose from the many options to find the location that offers what you’re looking for and get ready to relax and enjoy.
3. Engage with Iceland at the Many Museums
Reykjavik was founded in 874, so there’s plenty of history and local culture to enjoy. Here are a few museums we suggest visiting, along with a review of what to expect at each:
- The National Museum of Iceland. Dedicated to the history and culture of Iceland, the National Museum offers a wide range of events and exhibits related to our past, present, and future. Through preserving and managing Iceland’s cultural heritage, it helps locals and visitors alike immerse themselves in Iceland.
- Perlan. This nature and natural history museum features a planetarium, ice cave, glacier exhibit, water exhibition, and so much more. The distinctive building, set high atop Öskjuhlíð hill, offers incredible view of the city and its surroundings.
- Reykjavik Maritime Museum. Learn Reykjavik’s seafaring and fishing history and how the ocean continues to play a major role in our culture and economy. The Reykjavik Maritime Museum is part of the larger Reykjavik City Museum, which offers a variety of rich learning experiences for locals and visitors.
- The National Gallery of Iceland. Located right in front of Tjornin, the central lake in Reykjavik, this gallery features famous Icelandic artists you’ll see the work of many Icelandic artists. The breadth of materials and styles may surprise even the most avid art lover.
4. Eat, Drink & Be Merry!
Reykjavik is packed with restaurants (from the famous Icelandic hot dog to Michelin-star dining), bars, clubs, and many more opportunities to taste the local culture. Iceland’s food scene has greatly expanded in recent decades, and it’s full of opportunities to enjoy new flavors enjoy something that brings everyone together: a delicious meal.
Enjoy a meal at one of Reykjavik’s best restaurants, as listed by Visit Iceland, then stop by a quiet pub or even party into the early morning hours at a club!
Make The Most of Your Trip to Iceland with Cozy Campers!
Reykjavik is an incredible city, but it’s only part of what our country has to offer. Cozy Campers makes it easy to enjoy all of Iceland, from Reykjavik to the Ring Road, our country has something for everyone.
Cozy Campers makes it easy to travel across Iceland in comfort and safety! Travel with the Coziest Camper Rental in Iceland.
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