Reykjavik Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A modern glass building with a unique angular design.
A modern glass building by a waterfront with a bridge in the background.
A coastal town with colorful buildings, a large body of water, and snow-capped mountains in the background.
A modern building with a glass facade and a geometric ceiling design.
A historic stone building with arched windows and a clock tower.

Unique geographic delights such as the Blue Lagoon, the Northern Lights Mystery Tour and whale spotting opportunities make this Icelandic city truly special.

Join the locals by visiting a thermal pool, or immerse yourself in the tourist experience by boarding a boat tour. However you spend your trip, Reykjavik’s natural beauty will astonish you.

Iceland is one of the main places to see the Northern Lights and tours will regularly depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Enjoy the view out to sea before taking a visit to Reykjavik’s most famous hot dog stand, Baejarins Beztu Pylsur. Order yours with "the works" – ketchup, mustard, raw and fried onions and Icelandic remoulade – for a traditional treat.

Learn about the seafaring ways of Iceland’s ancestors, the Vikings, at Reykjavik 871±2, also known as The Settlement Exhibition. One of the main features of the exhibition is a longhouse which was built in the Viking Age. Interactive exhibits teach visitors about how these buildings were constructed and how archaeologists uncovered these fascinating artefacts.

As well as of museums, Reykjavik is a city of churches. Dómkirkjan, also known as Reykjavik Cathedral, is located next to the national parliament of Iceland in Austurvöllur, one of the main public squares in Reykjavik. Admire the cathedral's white painted exterior and step inside to view the religious artwork.

Hallgrímskirkja is one of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks. Climb to the top of the church’s tower and you’ll be able to get a fantastic photo of the city.

Sea swimming in Iceland might seem like a quick route to frostbite, but the sea at Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach will pleasantly surprise because you it is actually warm! This man-made geothermal beach combines natural and geothermal seawater from the depths of the ocean to raise the water temperature. There’s even a hot tub for anyone who isn’t brave enough to take a dip!

Prefer a pool experience? Visit Sundhöllin, the oldest pool in Reykjavik. Facilities include an indoor pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, a sauna and a cosily heated outdoor hot pool.

Whether you’re an adventurer, a culture lover or a passionate foodie, you’ll find what you’re looking for and more in Reykjavik.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Find the best Reykjavik areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Reykjavik
Learn more about Reykjavik

Downtown Reykjavik

If you're spending some time in Downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja and Reykjavik Pond are top sights worth seeing.

Vesturbær

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Vesturbær. A stop by Reykjavik Harbour or Landakotskirkja might round out your trip.

Hlíðar

Though Hlíðar may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reykjavik Harbour and Perlan.

Laugardalur

Laugardalur is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Laugardalsholl or Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Háaleiti

When in Háaleiti, you can plan a visit to Laugardalsholl and Kringlan Shopping Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Hotel Reykjavík Grand

Hotel Reykjavík Grand

4 out of 5
Sigtun 28 Reykjavik
The price is £243 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£243
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Great location, great room service and great hotel!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2026

Hotel Reykjavík Grand
Grandi by Center Hotels

Grandi by Center Hotels

4 out of 5
Seljavegur 2 Reykjavik
The price is £314 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
£314
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,635 reviews)
"Spacious clean rooms, very friendly and helpful staff, excellent spa"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2026

Grandi by Center Hotels
Miðgarður by Center Hotels

Miðgarður by Center Hotels

4 out of 5
Laugavegur 120 Reykjavik
The price is £302 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
£302
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,134 reviews)
"It was a nice hotel with a short walk to city center and on street parking"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2026

Miðgarður by Center Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel

Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel

4 out of 5
Vatnsstígur 2 Reykjavik Capital Region
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (3,344 reviews)
"Vous êtes vraiment au centre ville. Le parking c’est très facile il y’en a partout. Prenez P2 ou P3. Le petit déjeuner est suffisant pour vous assurer de bonnes collations en plus. Le pain est très bon. Il ya des boulangeries autour. La cuisine est complète. J’ai bougé pas mal en Islande pour moi ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2026

Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel
Candlewood Suites Reykjavik by IHG

Candlewood Suites Reykjavik by IHG

3 out of 5
Raudararstigur 27 Reykjavik
Stay at this aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and Laugavegur are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
"The staff was extremely friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2026

Candlewood Suites Reykjavik by IHG
Thingholt Hotel Apartments from Center Hotels

Thingholt Hotel Apartments from Center Hotels

4 out of 5
Þingholtsstræti 2 Reykjavik Capital Region
Stay at this spa apartment in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (337 reviews)
"Good location but the parking cost was high"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026

Thingholt Hotel Apartments from Center Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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