Reykjavik

Travel Guide

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

The most northerly capital city in the world combines amazing natural wonders with the exciting buzz of a thriving, creative metropolis.

Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, is small, but has many great things to do. The city features a world-renowned music scene, eclectic architecture, Viking history, geothermal swimming pools and some of the friendliest and safest streets in Europe. Reykjavík also makes the perfect base for experiencing Iceland’s incredible natural beauty, which you can enjoy through leisurely daytrips or action-packed multi-day adventures. 

Reykjavík’s weather is highly changeable, so pack accordingly. When the sun shines, take a boat tour at Reykjavík Harbour to see puffins and whales. Then join the throngs of locals and enjoy the city’s downtown parks, Tjörnin Lake and markets. Climb the bell tower of Iceland’s largest church, Hallgrimskirkja, for panoramic views across Old Town’s colored rooftops to the spectacular mountains and glaciers beyond.

If you’re visiting between October and March, don’t miss Mother Nature’s greatest lightshow, the aurora borealis (northern lights). On dark, clear nights, wrap up and head to Grótta lighthouse, Miklatún or Hljómskálagarður parks, or Öskjuhlíð Hill for the city’s best vantage points. 

When the icy winds pick up, seek shelter in Reykjavík’s many museums. Visit the 871±2 Settlement Exhibition at Reykjavík City Museum to see the oldest archeological ruins in Iceland, then follow the country’s journey to nationhood at The National Museum of Iceland. Stop by the Saga Museum, unusually located in one of six water tanks at Perlan. Here, waxwork figures recall key moments in Iceland’s past.

For a small city, Reykjavík has made its presence known on the world’s cultural and creative stages. Explore the city’s galleries, bookshops and quirky boutiques before heading off to discover the next Sigur Rós or Björk in the city’s acclaimed bars and live music venues. 

After exploring Reykjavík’s streets, dance floors and countryside, join locals in one of the city’s seven natural geothermal springs, such as Arbaejarlaug and Laugardalslaug. 

It’s best to plan your visit based on the seasons and your preferred activities. By mid-June, Reykjavík experiences 21 hours of sunlight per day, giving you plenty of daylight to discover all the delights this stunning metropolis has to offer.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Reykjavik which includes interior views, religious elements and a church or cathedral

Downtown Reykjavik

5/5(183 area reviews)

Home to Iceland's national parliament and vibrant nightlife, Reykjavík City Center boasts landmarks like Tjörnin pond, Hallgrímskirkja, and lively Austurstræti and Bankastræti streets.

Downtown Reykjavik
Assa getting in shape 👍🏻😍😍 I am super happy how well she is doing, I think she will be released very very soon 😊👍🏻

Háaleiti

4/5(61 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Háaleiti, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kringlan Shopping Mall and Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Háaleiti
Reykjavik showing fashion and shopping

Laugardalur

4/5(34 area reviews)

Just east of Reykjavík's city center, Laugardalur offers various recreational facilities, including the main stadium. Known as "hot spring valley," it's perfect for travelers seeking leisure activities.

Laugardalur
Reykjavik Harbour showing general coastal views, a sunset and a bay or harbor

Vesturbær

4.5/5(232 area reviews)

Mostly residential with a touch of commercial activity at Grandi harbor, this district boasts the University of Iceland and the community-centered Vesturbæjarlaug swimming pool.

Vesturbær
Black sand beach in Iceland

Hlíðar

4.5/5(123 area reviews)

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

Hlíðar
I was really surprised at how much graffiti there is in Reykjavik.  Some of it is really artful, some not so much.  This is just off Laugavegur, the main street through the downtown party district.

Holt

While Holt isn't home to many top sights, Reykjavik Harbour and Laugavegur are some notable places to visit nearby.

Holt
Fosshotel Reykjavik

Fosshotel Reykjavik

4 out of 5
Þórunnartún 1 - Höfðatorg, Reykjavik
The price is NT$6,748 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
NT$6,748
per night
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,036 reviews)
"Good location, nice hotel, good restaurants"

Reviewed on 2025/9/20

Fosshotel Reykjavik
Alda Hotel Reykjavik

Alda Hotel Reykjavik

4 out of 5
Laugavegur 66-68, Reykjavik
The price is NT$7,032 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
NT$7,032
per night
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,025 reviews)
"street noise from partiers late at night quite considerable. walls are very thin, same from above - you can hear every step they take, also, when room neighbors' close their doors hard, the walls shake noticeably bathroom quite small with ridiculously small sink. great location - parking is on street, ..."

Reviewed on 2025/9/22

Alda Hotel Reykjavik
Hotel Reykjavík Grand

Hotel Reykjavík Grand

4 out of 5
Sigtun 28, Reykjavik
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$6,477 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
NT$6,477
per night
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
Grand by name, Grand by nature
"Great start to our week in Iceland. The Breakfast buffet was memorable, and everything in our room was sparkingly clean"

Reviewed on 2025/9/24

Hotel Reykjavík Grand
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 family-friendly aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (3,050 reviews)
"Room was clean, area was safe. Room was close to everything but far enough away to be quiet."

Reviewed on 2025/9/23

Reykjavik Residence Hotel
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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (662 reviews)
"I definitely recommend Black Pearl if you are staying at downtown Reykjavik. It's walkable to food, shopping and Bus Stop #4 for tour pickups. The rooms are clean, the beds are very comfortable1 All the staff people are awesome! It will be my place to stay whenever I come back to Iceland in the future ..."

Reviewed on 2025/9/22

Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
Rey Apartments

Rey Apartments

3 out of 5
Grettisgata 2a, Front Door At Klapparstígur, Reykjavik
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,036 reviews)
"Was great, tucked in the city, making it easy to walk anywhere in downtown."

Reviewed on 2025/9/8

Rey 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.

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