Best Things To Do in Reykjavik, Iceland

Things to do in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a small city so it’s best to explore the city on foot. There is also a normal city bus that can take you around the city.

Eat at the best bakery in Reykjavik

The best thing to do in Reykjavik before 9 AM? Go get one of the famous cinnamon buns over to Braud & Co. They have sourdough bread as well as buttery pastries, all locally made. Due to its crazy colorful exterior, most visitors have a look inside and will be positively surprised with what’s inside the building.

The Hallgrímskirkja

Situated on a hill in the center of Reykjavik is Iceland’s most famous church: the Hallgrímskirkja. The church is unique, modern and high, which gives you a great view of the whole city and its surroundings.

Art & Colored houses in Reykjavik

Iceland’s art scene has been growing over the last decade. Loads of small art galleries opened up and loads of parts in the city have street art. The residents of Reykjavik are allowed to paint their house in any color, which gives Reykjavik some super colorful streets. Wandering through the streets of this city is highly recommended!

Eating & Shopping

The food scene in Reykjavik is diverse, you won’t get bored as a real foodie. Mexican, Sushi, local fish, beers. It’s all in Reykjavik!

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Shopping can be done best on Laugavegur street. You will find a mix of branded shops, restaurants and cafes.

Things to do around Reykjavik

If you’re in Reykjavik and don’t have any time to follow a route through Iceland you should also discover the area around the city. Iceland is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world and you have to see this with your own eyes.

Blue Lagoon

From Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is just 40 minutes away and cannot be missed. It is one of the best hot springs in Iceland. The milky water is a relaxing 38 degrees and they say it is medicinal as well.

Day-trip: Thingvellir National Park

In a day you can easily organize a small road trip tour where you visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, the Gullfoss waterfall and our number one natural hot spring in Iceland: Hrunalaug. The total round trip is just over 3 hours of driving (over a full day).

Day-trip: Waterfalls

If you leave very early you can also admire the spectacular south coast with the waterfalls Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, the cliff at Dyrhólaey and widely stretched black beaches. The total drive is 5.5 hours.

If you think this is too much, consider to camp in your car.

Useful Tips for Reykjavik

Affordable hotels in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers a wide range of hotels, unfortunately, prices are about 4 to 5 times higher than camping in Iceland. If you have a campervan, camp at Camper Resort! Just 8 minutes out of town. The most affordable hotels are:

• Base hotel
• Atlantic Apartments
• Guesthouse Pavi

The best option is to stay in an apartment.

Rent a campervan in Reykjavik

Iceland is best to explore by campervan or car. Happy Campers has a perfect campervan that you can take on your route through Iceland.

Best time to travel to Reykjavik

June until September is usually seen as the best travel time. On the other side, in the low season, everything is a little bit cheaper and the number of tourists is pleasantly low.