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Reykjavík
The worldâs most northerly capital combines colourful buildings, quirky, creative people, eye-popping design, wild nightlife and a capricious soul.
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Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Reykjavík’s immense white-concrete church (1945–86), star of a thousand postcards, dominates the skyline and is visible from up to 20km away. An elevator…
Reykjavík
Artefacts from settlement to the modern age fill the creative display spaces of Iceland's superb National Museum. Exhibits give an excellent overview of…
Reykjavík
This fascinating archaeological ruin-museum is based around a 10th-century Viking longhouse unearthed here from 2001 to 2002 and other Settlement-Era…
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Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
With its ever-changing facets glistening on the water's edge, Reykjavík’s sparkling Harpa concert hall and cultural centre is a beauty to behold. In…
Icelandic Phallological Museum
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Oh, the jokes are endless here... This unique museum houses a huge collection of penises, and it's actually very well done. From pickled pickles to…
Reykjavík
The excellent Reykjavík Art Museum is split over three superbly curated sites: the large, modern, downtown Hafnarhús, focusing on contemporary art;…
Reykjavík
Largely a service harbour until recently, the Old Harbour and the neighbouring Grandi area have blossomed into tourist hot spots, with key art galleries,…
Reykjavík
The placid lake at the centre of the city is sometimes locally called the Pond. It echoes with the honks and squawks of more than 40 species of visiting…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Website | <a href=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/iceland/"http://www.facebook.com/MainonePhotography">Facebook | <a href=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/iceland/"http://www.flickr.com/Mainone">Flickr" loading="lazy" width="600" height="400" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="max-w-full object-cover rounded relative aspect-square" style="color:transparent" srcSet="https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2019-06/79239787.jpg?auto=format&fit=crop&ar=1:1&q=75&w=640 1x, https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2019-06/79239787.jpg?auto=format&fit=crop&ar=1:1&q=75&w=1200 2x" src="https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2019-06/79239787.jpg?auto=format&fit=crop&ar=1:1&q=75&w=1200"/>
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
With its ever-changing facets glistening on the water's edge, Reykjavík’s sparkling Harpa concert hall and cultural centre is a beauty to behold. In…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Our top pick for a Reykjavík city-centre swim. Sundhöllin reopened in 2017 after a year-long revamp that added an entire outdoor area with hot tubs, sauna…
Reykjavík
This cultural centre fosters connections between Iceland and its Nordic neighbours with a rich program of events, a library, exhibition space and bistro.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Reykjavík’s immense white-concrete church (1945–86), star of a thousand postcards, dominates the skyline and is visible from up to 20km away. An elevator…
Reykjavík
The small sandy arc of Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, on the edge of the Atlantic, gets packed on sunny summer days. During opening hours in summer only,…
Einar Jónsson Sculpture Garden
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
The garden behind the Einar Jónsson Museum contains 26 bronze casts of Iceland's first sculptor, the symbolist Einar Jónsson.
Reykjavík
Within walking distance of the city centre, Vesturbæjarlaug has a 25m pool, steam, sauna, three hot-pots and one cold plunge.
Reykjavík
Ten kilometres southeast of the city centre, slickly designed Árbæjarlaug is known as one of the area's best family pools: it’s half inside and half…
Reykjavík
One of the largest pools in Iceland, with the best facilities: an Olympic-sized indoor pool and several outdoor pools, a string of hot-pots, a saltwater…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Neighborhoods
From a buzzing shopping and museum-filled district to quieter locales with recreation options and vistas aplenty, these are the best neighborhoods in Reykjavík.
Read articleDay Trips
From the southwest corner of Iceland, you have easy access to some of the country's most iconic sights, from glacial caves to steaming lagoons.
Read articleMoney and Costs
From transportation to food to a pass that unlocks discounts on must-sees, here’s how to save cash in Iceland's capital city.
Read articleTransportation
Reykjavík has a population of just 130,000 people, but it spans an area double the size of Paris. Here are the best ways to get around.
Read articleFree Things to Do
The Icelandic capital is often ranked one of Europe’s most expensive cities, but it's not without its bargain side.
Read articleTraveling with Kids
Reykjavík is a major metropolis shrunk to small-town size – perfect for a family-sized city break. Here's how to explore the Icelandic capital with kids.
Read articlePlan with a local
Articles
Latest stories from Reykjavík
Beaches
9 best places to swim in Reykjavík, from luxury pools to the ice-cold AtlanticJul 7, 2022 • 5 min read
Wildlife & NatureReykjavík’s best outdoor spaces – endless landscapes in a single cityJun 19, 2022 • 4 min read
ActivitiesThe 15 best things around Reykjavík from hot springs to nightlifeJun 12, 2022 • 9 min read
Destination PracticalitiesReykjavík’s best neighborhoods for city eats and urban retreatsJun 5, 2022 • 4 min read
Public TransportGetting around Reykjavik is easy, whether it's bustling or oh so quietJun 4, 2022 • 6 min read
Tips & AdviceShower before going to the pool and other tips every Reykjavik local wants you to knowMay 30, 2022 • 5 min read
Family TravelHow to explore Reykjavík with kids: whales, hot pools and ice-cream conesMar 3, 2022 • 6 min read
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