Things to Do in Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, and home to about 140,000 people, which actually makes up two-thirds of Iceland’s entire population! One thing that immediately stood out to us about Reykjavík was how kind and peaceful the people are. By far, some of the sweetest and most welcoming people we’ve ever met while traveling.
A couple of fun (and surprising) facts: most Icelanders don’t have traditional last names, which can make things interesting when partnering up, if you know what I mean! And heat is incredibly abundant here thanks to geothermal energy. Most locals leave their windows open all day, even while the heat is cranking. Coming from America, we’d never think to “waste” heat like that, so it was shocking to us! We even had a heated towel rack in our bathroom, which felt like pure luxury.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
You might be wondering where to stay when visiting Iceland. Reykjavík is one of the most popular options because it’s the capital and has everything you might need, shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and plenty of attractions. Some of Iceland’s smaller villages are stunning but much quieter and more remote.
If it’s your first time in Iceland, I definitely recommend staying in Reykjavík. It’s beautiful, walkable, and full of character. If you prefer privacy and peaceful views, you can also find cozy Airbnbs scattered throughout Iceland’s countryside, perfect for soaking in nature and the Northern Lights. I’d love to do this next time we visit, but keep in mind you’ll be a bit more on your own when it comes to food and activities.
We stayed at the Alexandrine Suite in Reykjavík, and it was incredible! The space felt royal, spacious, elegant, and comfortable. We had our own kitchenette, a small living room, a big soaking bathtub, and I even had a vanity to get ready at. Every morning, the hotel staff dropped off a breakfast basket with fruit, pastries, hard-boiled eggs, and cheese. I would 100% recommend staying here. The location is perfect, right near Rainbow Street!
Rainbow Street
One of the most iconic spots in Reykjavík is Rainbow Street, known for its bright rainbow pathway symbolizing joy and diversity. It’s lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants, perfect for strolling, shopping, and snapping a few colorful photos.
Our favorite café in Reykjavík, Mokka, is just off Rainbow Street. It’s small, warm, and cozy, with amazing coffee and baked goods. I highly recommend their waffles, they’re delicious!
Skólavörðuholt
At the very end of Rainbow Street, you’ll find one of Reykjavík’s most famous landmarks, the Hallgrímskirkja Church, located on Skólavörðuholt hill. This stunning structure is a must-see, known for its unique design inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava columns. You can enter the church for free, and for a small fee, you can also take an elevator to the top for one of the best panoramic views of Reykjavík.
Coastline Saebraut
Take a scenic walk along Reykjavík’s coastline, the main road is called Sæbraut, but there’s a pedestrian trail that runs right along the ocean. The views are incredible, with snow-capped mountains in the distance and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks.
Along the way, you’ll pass the yellow Höfði Lighthouse, a few monuments, and even the Sun Voyager sculpture, a stunning steel artwork that represents a dreamboat and the promise of exploration.
It’s a peaceful way to start your trip and take in the city’s natural beauty. Just make sure to bundle up, the wind along the coast can be strong (and chilly)!
Try Icelandic Hot Dogs
Iceland is famous for its hot dogs, lamb, and beer, and trust me, they live up to the hype! The hot dogs here are usually made with a mix of lamb, pork, and beef, giving them a unique flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
We went to Íslenski Barinn (The Icelandic Bar) a few times during our stay and absolutely loved it. The food was delicious, and the ambiance felt warm and authentically Icelandic, cozy wood interiors, friendly staff, and that classic local vibe.
If you’re exploring Reykjavík, also stop by Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the city’s most famous hot dog stand. It’s a must-try! Order it “with everything” (all the toppings: ketchup, mustard, remoulade, raw onions, and crispy fried onions) for the full Icelandic experience.
Magic Ice Bar
What better place to visit an ice bar than Iceland? If you’ve never been to one before, it’s such a fun experience. Magic Ice provides parkas and gloves at the door, and inside, everything is made of ice, from the bar itself to the drink glasses. You’ll find beautiful ice sculptures lit with colorful lights, and you’re greeted with a welcome drink served in a glass made of ice.
We stayed for about 30 minutes before we started to freeze, but it was totally worth it, a unique and memorable experience you should definitely check out in Reykjavík!
Icelandic Phallological Museum
Also known as the Penis Museum, yes, really! This quirky museum is surprisingly educational and definitely one of the most unique attractions in Reykjavík. It houses over 200 specimens from nearly all of Iceland’s land and sea mammals.
I went alone and was so glad I did, it was fascinating to learn about different species and their mating habits (way more interesting than it sounds!). Whether you go out of curiosity or humor, it’s worth a quick stop for the story alone.
Reykjavík is such an incredible city to explore. The best thing you can do is simply walk around and discover hidden gems, pop into cafés, browse local shops, and enjoy the city’s creative energy. Reykjavík has so much character, charm, and liveliness, with plenty to see and do at every turn.
What truly stood out to me, though, is how safe and welcoming it feels. It’s honestly the safest city I’ve ever been in, and that peaceful atmosphere makes exploring even more enjoyable. You really can’t go wrong in Reykjavík.