Reykjavik Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Reykjavik
Harpa showing modern architecture and general coastal views
Reykjavik which includes a city, general coastal views and mountains
Harpa which includes modern architecture and interior views
Reykjavik which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

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

Reykjavik featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Downtown Reykjavik

5/5(281 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja and National Gallery of Iceland are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Reykjavik
Reykjavik featuring fashion and shopping

Laugardalur

4/5(29 area reviews)

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 Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool or Laugavegur.

Laugardalur
Default Image

Háaleiti

4/5(73 area reviews)

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

Háaleiti
Reykjavik Harbour which includes a sunset, a bay or harbour and boating

Vesturbær

4.5/5(100 area reviews)

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.

Vesturbær
Default Image

Hlíðar

4.5/5(164 area reviews)

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

Hlíðar
Default Image

Holt

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Holt and surrounding area, you can visit Reykjavik Harbour and Laugavegur.

Holt
Fosshotel Reykjavik

Fosshotel Reykjavik

4 out of 5
Þórunnartún 1 - Höfðatorg, Reykjavik
The price is £223 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
£223
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Very nice convent hotel"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Fosshotel Reykjavik
CityHub Reykjavik

CityHub Reykjavik

3 out of 5
46 Hverfisgata, Reykjavik, Reykjavíkurborg
Fully refundable
The price is £97 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
£97
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and Hallgrimskirkja ...
9/10 Wonderful! (215 reviews)
"Lovely place and the pods were fun!"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

CityHub Reykjavik
KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik

KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik

2 out of 5
28 Skúlagata, Reykjavik, Capital Region
The price is £99 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
£99
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (652 reviews)
"Bed was great. There was breakfast options great kitchen. Someone was stealing food though."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik
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 Hotel

Reykjavik Residence Hotel

4 out of 5
Vatnsstígur 2, Reykjavik, Capital Region
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,987 reviews)
"Centrally located, great facilities, excellent food basket each day. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Stay Apartments Bolholt

Stay Apartments Bolholt

3 out of 5
Bolholt 6, Reykjavik
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,146 reviews)
"Nice apartment, a bit far to walk to downtown but quick drive"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Stay Apartments Bolholt
Black Pearl Luxury Apartments

Black Pearl Luxury Apartments

4.5 out of 5
Tryggvagata 18A, 102, Reykjavik
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (628 reviews)
Great Place to Stay in Reykjavik
"The Black Pearl was very comfortable and clean. It is located within a short walk of all the major attractions in Reykjavik as well as restaurants and bars but was quiet at night. Our room was well equipped and very modern and up to date. The staff are very accommodating and helpful."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Reykjavik