Best things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland’s buzzing capital is quirky, cosmopolitan and conveniently compact, with no shortage of discoveries.

Iceland is having a moment. Nudging the Arctic Circle, this wild country of lava-spewing volcanoes and ancient ice, of huldufólk (elves), horses with extra gaits and bubbling hot pools is borderline magical. 

The gateway to all this natural splendour is pocket-size Reykjavik; quirky, cosmopolitan, conveniently compact and whose postcode is eerily (for this story) 101.

Best arrival

The best arrival is by sea, and it’s one you’ll want to be on the top deck for. Black volcanic cliffs, wildlife sightings and the swirling North Atlantic offer an atmospheric introduction to Reykjavik. Most cruise ships dock at Skarfabakki Terminal, a quick 3.5km from Reykjavik’s centre, making this a blissfully seamless port stop.

Best pastime

This is a walking town. Reykjavik is overflowing with discoveries, and a 10-minute stroll takes you from the quaint old town to the atmospheric docks. The 18th-century alleyways and main streets of Laugavegur, Bankastræti and Austurstræti are lined with gaily coloured galleries, cafes and shops. Pick up some stylish (and high quality) outerwear from local brands Cintamani and 66°North, which are hard to source outside of Iceland.

Some would argue the top photo op is by the landmark concrete Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran church, with its soaring spire.

Best Insta spot

Hello Rainbow Street. Some would argue the top photo op is by the landmark concrete Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran church, with its soaring spire. But leading from the church to the main shopping street of Laugavegur is Skólavörðustígur Street, painted like a vivid rainbow runway. Reykjavik is also rich in street art, with murals adorning many walls so be sure to look up.

Best value

Hot diggity dog, it’s the lamb hot dog at the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur stand. At 600 krona ($6) it’s the cheapest item in all of Iceland and has garnered a cult following. Dang, they’re so delicious you might even have two. Tip: go before noon when the queue starts to form.

If your baggage is delayed, Arctic-grade wear is available in abundance but will cost gold bars.

Best hotel

Conveniently, it’s right next door to the hot dog stand. The stately Reykjavik Konsúlat is all about prime location and gives vibes of luxe hygge (cosiness). Bonus points for the staff who will literally lend you the jacket off their backs (for a spontaneous hot dog dash).

Best museum

There’s a few: the small-but-filled Saga Museum (about Iceland’s first settlers) is Viking-tastic, but to fully understand how Iceland nation was shaped by the ocean, dive into the Reykjavik Maritime Museum. The collection of seafaring heritage is housed in a former fish-freezing plant by the harbour with an excellent view of the glass cube Harpa concert hall opposite, the latest jewel in Reykjavík’s crown.

The blue-hued silica waters of the Blue Lagoon are 45 minutes away.

Best side trip

If you have time for just one tour, the Golden Circle takes in stunning geysers, waterfalls, hot springs and a World Heritage Site (the world’s oldest parliament and tectonic plates at Thingvellir). But there’s an equally fascinating side trip – a tour of the geothermal Hellisheiði Power Plant. Among multiple uses it fuels greenhouses, which means locals can eat bananas midwinter. The food process in Iceland is fascinating – trust me.

Best hot spring

All that geothermal activity translates into excellent lagoon-ing. While the blue-hued silica waters of the Blue Lagoon are 45 minutes away, stay local by visiting new ’goon on the block, Sky Lagoon. Perched on the ocean-side with an architectural design, it’s also fed by 37C-40C waters. For a really local experience, follow residents to the quiet neighbourhood complex of Vesturbæjarlaug.

Originally published as Best things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland