Things to Do in Reykjavík | Tours, Food, Culture & Day Trips
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Things to do in and around Reykjavík: Activities, Attractions & Local Tips

Reykjavík might be one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to culture, creativity, and things to do. Whether you’ve got a full week or just 24 hours before hitting the Ring Road, the city delivers a mix of art, geothermal relaxation, and nightlife — all with views of the ocean and nearby mountains.

Day Tours & Experiences from Reykjavík

Think of Reykjavík not just as Iceland’s capital, but as your launchpad to a wild variety of one-day adventures. From volcanic ice caves to slow-simmering geothermal pools, these curated tours take you straight from the city streets into the island’s rawest, realest terrain — all in a day’s reach.

Ice Caves & Glacier Adventures

Katla Ice Cave Day Tour from Reykjavik
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5.0
location From Reykjavík
duration 12 hours
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
difficulty Easy to moderate
From
$269
/traveler
South Coast & Glacier Hike
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5.0
location From Reykjavík
duration 12 hours
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
difficulty Easy to moderate
From
$179
/traveler

Golden Circle Tours

Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon
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4.8
location From Reykjavík
duration 11 hours
transportation Included
season All Year
From
$210
/traveler
Golden Circle & Snorkel in Silfra
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5.0
location From Reykjavík
duration 10 hours
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
season All Year
From
$266
/traveler
Golden Circle, Bruarfoss & Kerid Volcanic Crater
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4.8
location From Reykjavík
duration 8 hours
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
season All Year
From
$99
/traveler

Peninsula & Scenic Drives

Snæfellsnes Peninsula
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4.9
location From Reykjavík
duration 12 hours
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
season All Year
From
$135
/traveler
斯奈山半岛一日游
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4.9
location From Reykjavík
duration 12 hours
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
From
$179
/traveler

Activities in Reykjavík

  • Geothermal Spa & Pool Hopping Start with the locals’ favorite pastime: soaking. Visit the iconic Sky Lagoon for oceanfront views, the architectural Blue Lagoon (just outside the city), or go full Reykjavík-style at neighborhood pools like Sundhöllin, Laugardalslaug, or Vesturbæjarlaug — complete with hot pots and steam.
  • City Walking Tours & History Trails Join a walking tour to uncover the city’s history, folklore, and street art. Free walking tours start from Austurvöllur, and themed walks (food, photography, Viking lore) offer a deeper look.
  • Food Tours & Tasting Experiences Sample Icelandic specialties like lamb soup, rye bread ice cream, fermented shark (if you're brave), and fresh seafood. Bookable tours take you across the culinary scene — from fine dining to hot dog stands.
  • Museum Visits & Exhibits Must-visits include:
  • The National Museum of Iceland – for Viking history
  • Perlan – Wonders of Iceland – includes a real ice cave and planetarium
  • Reykjavík Art Museum – three locations, contemporary & classic
  • Árbær Open Air Museum – historic houses & traditional life
  • Whale Watching & Puffin Tours (seasonal) Departing from the Old Harbour, these boat tours get you close to minke whales, dolphins, and in summer, puffins.
  • Reykjavík by Bike or E-Scooter Cover more ground and explore coastal paths, sculpture gardens, and downtown in under a few hours.
  • Live Music, Bars & Comedy The city’s nightlife is bold and intimate — from jazz basements to techno clubs. Check out KEX Hostel, Húrra, or Gaukurinn, or catch local stand-up at English-friendly comedy nights.


Must-See Attractions in Reykjavík

  • Hallgrímskirkja Church Reykjavík’s best-known landmark offers panoramic views from the tower. The design was inspired by Icelandic basalt columns.
  • Harpa Concert Hall A striking glass building by the harbor — attend a show, explore the gift shop, or just enjoy the architecture.
  • Sun Voyager Sculpture This stainless steel sculpture looks out over the ocean and Mt. Esja — a perfect photo stop and sunset spot.
  • Old Harbour & Grandi Area Once industrial, now hip — this area is home to design stores, food halls, and attractions like the Whales of Iceland museum and FlyOver Iceland ride.
  • Tjörnin Pond & City Hall A peaceful place to watch ducks and geese, with walking paths and city art. Stop inside City Hall for exhibitions and a giant topographical map of Iceland.
  • Street Art & Public Murals Reykjavík is covered in large-scale murals — explore areas like Laugavegur and Hverfisgata for hidden gems and photo ops.

Reykjavík Photo Gallery: Explore Iceland’s Capital in Pictures


Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a trip to Reykjavík? Find answers to the most common questions about things to do in Reykjavík, the best time to visit, where to eat, and how to explore Iceland’s capital. From day tours to local tips — everything you need to know before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reykjavík is the launchpad for several of Iceland’s top-rated day tours. You can head out to the Golden Circle, Katla Ice Cave, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon, or South Coast & Glacier Hike — all reachable within a day. Most tours include pick-up from downtown accommodations.

Absolutely. Many ice cave and glacier hiking tours include roundtrip transfers from Reykjavík. Katla Ice Cave and Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike are among the most accessible options for car-free travelers.

Yes — very. The city center is compact, pedestrian-friendly, and packed with cafés, museums, boutiques, and landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, and the Old Harbour. If you enjoy walking tours, try the VIP Reykjavík Walking Tour or the Reykjavík Food Walk.

Ice caves, Northern Lights, snowmobiling, and super jeep adventures.

  • Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours, mild temps, perfect for outdoor tours, festivals, and whale watching.
  • Winter (Nov–March): Northern lights, ice caves, snowy landscapes, and a cozy city vibe. Reykjavík is a year-round destination — your travel goals should guide your timing.

The Blue Lagoon is the most famous and just under an hour away — often visited as a standalone trip or part of a combo tour. For a more local vibe, consider Sky Lagoon, located right in the capital area.

Yes. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Reykjavík. Most Golden Circle tours include stops at Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, often with extras like Brúarfoss, Kerið Crater, or a dip in the Blue Lagoon.

Think local, fresh, and a little bold — from Icelandic lamb and Arctic char to rye bread ice cream. For a taste of it all, the Reykjavík Food Walk is a top choice. Bonus: many spots also cater to vegan and gluten-free diets.

Sometimes! You’ll need cold, clear skies and minimal light pollution. For better odds, consider a Northern Lights tour that takes you just outside the city — many offer last-minute alerts and free re-bookings if conditions aren’t right.

Yes, select tours are available in languages like German, French, Chinese, and Spanish. Be sure to check the language section when booking. For example, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour is offered in both English and Mandarin.

Got More Questions?

Our team of Iceland experts is just a message away. Whether you’re curious about tour details, weather prep, or which adventure suits you best, we’re here to help. Chat with us or Contact our support team and let’s plan your perfect Iceland experience.



Featured Reykjavík Adventures (Watch & Explore)


Beyond Skaftafell: Vík Adventures Await

Katla Volcano Ice Cave
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4.9
location Vik
duration 3 Hours
difficulty Easy
season All Year
From
$189
/traveler
Private
Katla Volcano Ice Cave
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4.5
location Vik
transportation Super jeep from Meeting Point
difficulty Easy
duration 3 Hours
From
$2,150
/group
Lava Show - Vík
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5.0
location Vik
duration 1 Hour
transportation Not Included
season All Year
From
$52
/traveler

Multi-day trips

6 Days Around Iceland
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4.9
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
hotels Included: 5 Nights & Breakfast
season Summer
duration 6 Days
From
$2,279
/traveler
8 Days Around Iceland
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4.8
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
hotels Included: 7 Nights & Breakfast
season Winter
duration 8 Days
From
$2,688
/traveler
8 Days Around Iceland
IconIconIconIconIcon
4.7
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
hotels Included: 7 Nights & Breakfast
season Summer
duration 8 Days
From
$2,890
/traveler
6 Days Around Iceland
IconIconIconIconIcon
4.9
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
hotels Included: 5 Nights & Breakfast
season Winter
duration 6 Days
From
$2,284
/traveler