Reykjavík isn’t just a capital; it’s a compact city that you can easily explore on foot, a city with a big heart.
If you are one who likes to immerse yourself in nature and culture, this city is your go-to vacation spot. Its streets are colourful, with painted houses, murals, and warm cafés, evidence that the city has a lot to offer despite its size. Reykjavík is a city pulsating with creativity and art, with an individual rhythm that combines generation-old traditions with cutting-edge design. The best time to explore is either in the long summer evenings when the midnight sun appears or in the dark of December when twinkling lights lead the way.
These two extremes transform the city into something magical, highlighting Reykjavík’s enchanting appeal. For a taste of the local vibe, grab a coffee from the much-loved Reykjavík Roasters, a perfect first port of call to immerse yourself in the arty, chilled-out essence of the city.
Reykjavík’s iconic landmarks that define the skyline
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and the world’s northernmost capital. Most Iceland visitors focus on nature, but the capital offers a unique urban experience.
Here are the key landmarks you can easily visit on foot or by bike during your Reykjavík city tour:
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Iceland and one of the country’s tallest structures. Named after the poet Hallgrímur Pétursson, the church’s unique architectural design is meant to resemble the basalt columns that naturally form in Iceland when lava cools, a stunning tribute to Icelandic nature.
The church’s tower is open to the public, featuring an observation deck that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains. In front of the church stands the majestic statue of the explorer Leif Eiríksson.
Harpa Concert Hall
Just steps from the old harbour stands the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural jewel that sparkles with Icelandic innovation. Opened in 2011, Harpa is a collaboration between Henning Larsen Architects and Icelandic-Danish artist Ólafur Elíasson.
The building’s translucent honeycomb façade is made of thousands of tessellated glass modules that reflect the sky and the sea. By day, it shimmers with the colours of the North Atlantic; by night, it dances with light. Home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, Harpa is a cultural venue and a symbol of Reykjavík’s resilience. Even if you don’t have a ticket, its dynamic interior light play is a feast for the eyes.
The creative soul of the city: art and design
Reykjavík is one of the smallest European capitals, yet its creativity is boundless. The city itself feels like a canvas where streets, walls, and shores tell their own stories. Public art is a true reflection of the city: bold, vibrant, and deeply bound to its human spirit and natural surroundings.
A prime example of this artistic spirit is the Grandi Harbour Area. Once an industrial centre of fish warehouses, it is now one of the city’s freshest cultural districts. Here, you’ll find numerous murals covering walls, many of which depict Icelandic ancestry, lore, and abstract nature scenes through the eyes of contemporary creators. The area also hosts studios, seafood restaurants, and microbreweries.
Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main shopping street, and its backstreets are another quarry for art. From intricate graffiti to registered artwork on inconspicuous entrances, the art here is ever-changing. This creative mix of tradition and innovation is what makes Reykjavík one of the most unique cities to wander around.
The Sun Voyager (Sólfar)
The Sun Voyager (Sólfar) is Reykjavík’s most iconic sculpture, standing out as the point where creativity and emotion fuse together. Created by Jón Gunnar Árnason, this stainless steel structure resembles a Viking ship, but represents a “dream vessel”, a metaphor for the human spirit always looking beyond the horizon. Its mirrored fins capture the curves of the countryside and the Atlantic Ocean. Positioned against the backdrop of Mount Esja, Sólfar translates into different tones, subtly shifting between golden daybreak and silvery northern lights sightings, making it a powerful symbol of art and the natural world.
Diving into the Reykjavík’s culture and history
For a deeper look into Icelandic culture and heritage, the capital offers excellent museums that trace the country’s fascinating past.
The National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands) tells the story of Iceland’s history, from the early Viking settlement (around the 9th century) to the present day. Its comprehensive exhibition covers crucial periods, artifacts, and the creation of Iceland’s unique language and cultural independence.
The Perlan Museum, the big dome building on the hill that translates to ‘pearl’, is one of the most inventive spaces. Built atop old water tanks, the museum features a real indoor ice cave, a planetarium, and immersive exhibitions about glaciers, volcanoes, and the Aurora Borealis. Be sure to visit the panoramic viewing platform for stunning views of Reykjavík and the bay.
Close to the old harbour, you can also find the Alþingi (the Icelandic parliament building). While the original parliament was founded in Thingvellir (a UNESCO site), the building in Reykjavík maintains this profound historical link, surrounded by cafés where locals, writers, and politicians mingle. Looking for the right time to check them out? Read about the best time to visit Iceland.
Food, fun, and local life
Food is an integral part of any culture, and Reykjavík’s dining scene is vibrant. The streets Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur are the main shopping and nightlife streets. Brightly coloured buildings hide trendy little shops, great cafés, and welcoming bars.
For a true local experience, head to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand, a popular spot in operation for decades. Order “ein með öllu” to have it the authentic local way. For a modern taste of Icelandic favourites and craft beer, the Hlemmur Mathöll food hall is highly recommended. Not sure what to try in Iceland? Check out a few of the many examples of the best Icelandic foods to try.
Beyond dining, experience Reykjavík like a local by visiting the geothermal pools (Sundlaug). These are not luxury spas, but public spaces where Icelanders socialize while soaking in waters up to 38°C. Laugardalslaug is the largest, but smaller, local pools like Vesturbæjarlaug offer a more authentic neighbourhood feel, perfect for experiencing the Icelandic way of life, even when it’s snowing outside.
Experience Reykjavík like a local
Reykjavík is the essential first stop on any trip to Iceland. It offers centuries of Viking history, a modern art scene, and a unique lifestyle marked by design and music, all against a backdrop of raw nature.
Explore our group travel itineraries for Iceland, and see more than just the top spots in Reykjavík! You’ll come across those Hallgrímskirkja opening hours with fewer visitor lines or even hidden haunts for live music nights, only an insider would know. Travelling from Reykjavík for day trips is a lot easier when you do so with fellow travellers and knowledgeable leaders to guide the way, especially considering how unpredictable the weather can be in Iceland!
