A newcomer’s guide to Reykjavík

You might have come across images of Reykjavík’s colorful houses lining the coast, the lively cafes and bars in Reykjavik 101 (the city center), or aerial views of fireworks illuminating the ziggurat of Hallgrímskirkja, cutting through the skyline. Iceland’s capital offers all this and so much more.

Reykjavík buzzes with energy throughout the year. About 60% of the nation’s population resides in the capital region, making the most of the long winters with remarkable arts and crafts, a vibrant live music scene, and top-notch restaurants, alongside humble hot dog stands. And let’s not overlook the inviting hot springs, ideal for relaxing and warming up after a brisk walk.

Enhance your city getaway with a day trip, or more, to discover the volcanoes, waterfalls, and glaciers that spread across this beautiful, welcoming island.

When is the best time to visit Reykjavík?

The streets of Reykjavík come alive from June to August as tourists flock to Iceland for its relatively warm summer, long daylight hours, and the countryside access this season offers. Some of the most rugged mountain roads (known as F roads in Iceland) only open from mid- to late-June and close by the end of August when ice and snow begin to accumulate again. The downside? Prices peak during this time, and securing good accommodations, car rentals, and popular tours requires booking at least six months in advance.

Spring and autumn provide an opportunity to visit when crowds are thinner, allowing you to enjoy these expansive spaces and share the city streets more with locals. The weather can be unpredictable—really, it varies throughout the year—so pack accordingly, but you'll find lower prices and better availability. Much of the country remains accessible during these seasons.

Winter brings darkness and a stark sense of adventure. Daylight hours are minimal—just 3 to 4 hours—but the enchanting sunrises and sunsets provide stunning views, along with the chance to witness the Northern Lights. Many rural hotels and restaurants close or limit their services (especially during the December holidays), yet Reykjavík itself stays open to all visitors. Prices are at their most budget-friendly during this time.

How much time should I spend in Reykjavík?

Honestly, I’d say you could enjoy it forever. But if you need to limit your visit, you can soak up the Reykjavík atmosphere and see its top attractions in just two or three days. During that time, you can savor leisurely coffees with kleinur (twisted donuts) or ástarpungar ('love ball' donut balls with raisins), browse design boutiques, explore art museums and galleries, and snap all the selfies—from the church to the Sun Voyager statue and the Old Harbour.

I’d definitely recommend at least another two days to venture into the countryside or embark on whale watching and other adventures. The activities are breathtaking—ranging from ice climbing, glacier hiking, and snowmobiling to hiking or even viewing puffins from a farm tractor, or simply walking behind a shimmering waterfall.

In winter, you can chase the Northern Lights (check the aurora forecast for guidance), and ice caves form at the edges of glaciers (they are unstable at other times of the year). A short drive will take you to iconic sites like the original parliament location in the rift valley of Þingvellir National Park, or the active fissure volcanoes on the Reykjanes Peninsula (when safe to observe), as well as lagoons, hot springs, and pools. You could easily spend weeks exploring the countryside—but that’s a topic for another article, or maybe two or three.

Is it easy to get to and navigate around Reykjavík?

Reykjavík serves as Iceland's main international hub, with Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 49km southwest of the city, continuously expanding. There are also some flights from Greenland and the Faroe Islands that arrive at Reykjavík Domestic Airport. Generally, Icelandic transport is efficient and accessible. If you're not renting a car for immediate exploration outside Reykjavík, the Flybus and Airport Direct services run frequently to the city center and are more economical than taxis, or you can take public bus 55 for 2300kr.

The city center is pleasantly walkable, featuring well-maintained straight streets with plenty to see, all within a compact area around Lake Tjörnin. The bus system (Strætó, along with its useful app Klappið) operates effectively for reaching the outskirts. A car isn't necessary for those staying in the capital unless mobility issues arise.

For exploring the countryside and road tripping, you can either rent a car or camper or participate in one of the numerous tours that offer pickup in Reykjavík. Public bus routes outside the capital primarily serve Icelandic towns and villages, and some services are reduced or eliminated during winter months.

Must-see activities in Reykjavík

One of the best parts of Reykjavík is wandering through its compact city center. Enjoy a coffee (Icelanders are passionate about their brew) paired with a tasty pastry from places like Sandholt or Brauð & Co, then indulge in some window-shopping on pedestrian streets like Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur. This could easily lead you to visit Hallgrímskirkja or the various branches of the Reykjavík Art Museum and the nearby Photography Museum.

You can also meander through the Old Reykjavik district for a dose of history, checking out some of the earliest structures, including a Viking longhouse at the Aðalstræti Settlement Exhibition. From there, head south along Lake Tjörnin to visit the National Museum.

A walk around the Old Harbour is a favorite of mine, with the shimmering Harpa concert hall in view. Be sure to stop for a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants, ranging from the upscale Matur og Drykkur to the relaxed atmosphere of Grandi Mathöll (food hall), and enjoy craft beer at either Bryggjan Brugghús or Lady Brewery. The Grandi area is also packed with activities, from whale and puffin watching boat tours to family-friendly spots like the Saga Museum, Whales of Iceland, and the Omnom chocolate factory.

And don't forget to catch some live local music while you're in town; the locals know how to put on a great show. Warm up at Kaffibarinn or check out some fantastic brewpubs in the center, such as Kaldi, Micro Bar, and Skúli.

My top activity in Reykjavík

Regardless of the season, I absolutely adore soaking in Iceland's thermal waters. Each town boasts at least one pool or geothermal hot spring, and in the capital, I’m particularly fond of the charming vintage Sundhöllin, which features several hot tubs, a cold plunge, sauna, and steam room. Fun fact: it was designed in the 1930s by the same architect responsible for Hallgrímskirkja.

You can also venture to the breezy Seltjarnarnes neighbourhood to stroll around the lighthouse followed by a soak at its pool. East of the center lies the fantastic Laugardalur pool complex, complete with twisting water slides, adjacent to the botanic garden, more art, a sculpture museum, and serves as a gateway to the serene Viðey Island.

Etiquette reminder: shower before entering a pool or hot spring

In Iceland, it's a strict rule that anyone planning to swim or soak must shower thoroughly with soap (without their swimsuit) and wash their hair in the designated changing/shower area. This practice is essential for Icelandic hygiene and helps keep the pools free from chlorine or chemicals.

What’s the budget I need for Reykjavík?

Iceland isn't known for being budget-friendly, and Reykjavík ranks as one of the pricier spots in the country, particularly when it comes to accommodations (boutique double rooms range from 36,000 to 51,500kr). To snag the best rates, consider booking in advance (guesthouse double rooms with shared bathrooms go for 22,000 to 29,000kr) or plan your visit outside the peak summer season.

Dining out can be expensive too, with bars charging between 1,050 and 1,700kr for beer and restaurants serving warm soup and homemade bread for 1,700 to 2,500kr—comparable to the price of a full meal in southern Europe. I often mix dining out (a hot dog for 300-600kr, a cafe meal for 2,500-5,500kr, or a main course at a top restaurant for 4,500-7,000kr) with self-catering (I typically rent a small studio apartment). While groceries aren't cheap, they do help you save a bit. A great tip for budgeting? Buy alcohol at the duty-free shop in the airport upon arrival for significant savings.

Despite the costs, a trip here is worth every króna. Iceland is an extraordinary place, and no matter how long you can stay, the experience will create memories that last a lifetime. The quality of your stay is usually high, ensuring you enjoy clean, well-maintained accommodations and delicious local cuisine. You can save further by opting for hostels (dorm beds from 5,000 to 7,000kr), camping (1,500 to 2,500kr), or renting a camper van to stay at designated campgrounds in various towns.

Pack plenty of layers, regardless of the season.

The weather in Reykjavík is notoriously unpredictable. A sunny, pleasant day (around 60°F/16°C) can quickly shift to storms and overcast skies due to the island's position in the Atlantic. Always bring layers with you, especially when hiking. Ideally, wear a warm wool (or quick-drying synthetic) base layer underneath a waterproof outer layer.

Is it necessary to know Icelandic?

The majority of Icelanders speak excellent English, making it easy for travelers who can communicate in English. However, some older residents may not, so learning a few phrases like takk fyrir (thank you) is not only courteous but also adds to the enjoyment of your trip.

What are some ways to be a responsible traveler in and around Reykjavík?

Iceland offers excellent online resources with a variety of websites and apps to ensure safe travel if you venture beyond the capital. Notable sites include Visit Iceland and Visit Reykjavík for ideas and details. For mobility equipment rentals and lists of accessible hotels, restaurants, and transport, check out Sjalfsbjorg.is.

Reykjavík Grapevine serves as a fantastic English-language newspaper and website featuring current cultural events. To get into the Icelandic spirit, listen to engaging podcasts like All Things Iceland and Stories of Iceland.

While Reykjavík buzzes with summer festivities, it’s crucial to remain considerate of local residents. Even though it may be bustling, this is still their home, and issues like overtourism and rising rental prices are significant. When a handful of Icelanders consume whale, shark, or puffin, it can be sustainable, but when a million tourists do, that’s a different story.

When venturing outside the capital, stick to marked roads and protect the pristine nature—you don’t want to be the one who damages it. Only camp in designated areas and use proper toilets for your breaks. Always check weather and road conditions before setting out. If you plan to hike, register with Safe Travel and familiarize yourself with safety tips; they also have useful apps.