Things to Do in Reykjavik

Things to Do in Reykjavik, Iceland - Reykjavik Attractions

Things to Do in Reykjavik

Natural wonders abound in the Golden Circle. Relax at the Blue Lagoon, take a day trip to Gulfoss waterfall, or spot the Northern Lights on a nighttime excursion.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Reykjavik.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Reykjavik

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.








*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • jrapeter
    Bude, UK841 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The church exterior is austere, graphic and impressive. Allegedly looking like the basalt pillars seen at the coast.

    Interior is equally plain although the new organ pipes are impressive.

    The real deal here, however, is the trip up the Tower to the bell tower and enclosed viewing platform with incredible 360 degree views over. Reykjavik and it’s surrounding bay and interior.

    It is circa £8 per person. there is a lift up to the top (8th floor).

    The bells chime (loudly) every 15 minutes and you are a few feet away from them.

    As I say, the views are faultless (we had a lucky break in the dreary weather!) and I think worth the money.
    Written March 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kathie D
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    On a short stay in Iceland this is a must do! Great views, great for kids and wonderful dining experience!

    I wasn’t able to see everything in Iceland but our visit to the Perlan helped us fall in love with your beautiful country 🇮🇸
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • whatifwefly
    16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The place is great to photograph the Northern Lights during winter time! When the forecast is good, several photographers gather at this place to make the best shots. Although, there is still enough space to set up the own camera. It is recommended to bring a tripod, but there are also stairs and stones to stabilize the camera when using a remote shutter release. It is also nice to exchange with the other people there about e.g. the forecast or the cameras. The Sun Voyager is lighted at night, but good photos are possible. You also have a great view of the mountains.
    Written March 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DrCDB
    Chile533 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quite pretty building with impressive exterior and interior. We visited during winter time so getting inside this building was not great just because of the view but because of how warm was in side…a good stoping point not to get extremely cold.
    Written March 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mike S
    Maryland11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum is a real hidden gem in Reykjavik if you love history. The archaeological exhibit of the original settlement that was unearthed is still situated in its original form below ground level, and you can walk 360 degrees around it. There is lots of information about life and early history of Iceland's settlement on the walls. After you leave the settlement site, you go through another section of the museum that tells the history of Reykjavik from the earliest settlers up to the modern era.

    I'm the type of person who reads every placard and display, and it took me about 2 hours to tour the whole museum. If you're not reading the history, you could probably tour it in 30 minutes.
    Written March 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BrakiWorldTraveler
    Belgrade, Serbia17,760 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Driving the Iceland's Ring Road or Route Nr. 1 is the best adventure you can do on your own to fully admire this amazing island.
    Like its name says likewise in many cities worldwide Ring Road runs all around, but instead around the city it goes all around the island.

    Here, I will give future travelers some tips I gathered during my two months research for our trip, which perfectly matched with our experience on ground.

    - The very first advice in order to do it is to rent a car,
    - I strongly advise 'Blue Car Rental' or their subsidiary 'Zero Car'. They're a local car rental company and you've probably never heard about them like me. But, after I did from our hotel's email recommendation, I canceled my booking at a major car rental company and booked with them. I checked their online reviews and never have seen such ratings for a car rental (4,5 to 4,9). I totally agree and rated them likewise.
    - When renting (with any company) choose 'Full protection' coverage (at Zero Car it is mandatory). Iceland is a very unique and specific country - volcano ash, gravels and driving on unpaved roads could damage your rental which leads to orbit charges in one of the world's most expensive countries if you don't purchase Full protection,
    - We rented from 'Zero Car' for several reasons. Everything is online - full prepayment (don't worry, you can cancel any time if plans change). Full insurance included at a slightly lower price than at 'Blue Car' and best of all - NO wait time. You get emailed your key box code, go directly for the keys in a key locker and then straight to your car. We were in our car after 5 min, while at the 'Blue Car' counter was a 10+ people line.
    - Plan AT LEAST six days for a Ring Road drive. While the 1.300 km (800 mi) length could be comfortably driven in two days, you'd be a fool doing that and seeing nothing. Plan your lodging approximately every 200-300 km in order to have enough time to explore the area of that day. Beware, some attractions (ice caves, glaciers walks,...) you CANNOT do on your own, but with a tour, so plan accordingly. Start your day early, before sunrise to get most of it, specially in autumn/winter.
    - Obey speed limits - fines are high and there's absolutely no reason to drive fast. Likewise most of Europe in residential area is 30 km/h, through town is 50 km/h, but on open road (ONE lane only in both directions throughout entire island) is 90 km/h. I must emphasize I rarely reached that 90 km/h and let others bypass me, as the scenery all around is so spectacular you're missing much if you drive fast.
    - Refuel often, don't fall below half a tank - in some areas gas stations are rare and beware you could be stuck somewhere due to snow or strong winds with your engine running for heating. Fuel is very expensive (around 2,20 Euros per liter) - 'Zero Car' gives you a token with car keys valid for a discount at 'Olis' gas stations to save some money,
    - Decide beforehand if you'd like to drive further inland on F-roads (unpaved) in order to rent an appropriate car. In that case you must rent a 4x4 (heavy fines if you don't and drive there with a normal car) and extend your journey to 7-8 days. We didn't do that, but had a Kia sport wagon driving only the paved roads.
    - Watch for wildlife on the road. Animals are mostly fenced just by the roadside and you can park and approach to pet them, they're very friendly and people used. However, we saw them crossing the road once and apart from car damage and trip ruin you could face a law suite from the animal owner. When parking along the road do that with caution parking with your entire vehicle aside the driving lane.
    - Unusually, many car parks by nature attractions in the middle of nowhere ARE paying. There's a paying machine and you'll be fined if you don't pay parking no matter how silly it looks. Parking is also pretty expensive (mostly around 900 ISK, 7 Euros flat rate no matter you stay one hour or half a day). Luckily, all the natural attractions are free so this is the only expense.
    - Restaurants are very expensive, so you might opt for self catering apartments to prepare your own food. 'Bonus' and 'Kronan' are two huge food store chains present in every bigger town to stock yourself. Beware, you cannot buy alcohol here (only 2% low alcohol beer). For real stuff you must find a liquor store ('Vinbudin" is widely present) and be prepared for skyrocket prices.
    TIP: Buy alcohol when you land at Keflavik airport. There's a free shop at arrival (you pass through it). Still expensive, it is around 20% cheaper than elsewhere.
    - Weather can change within minutes. Have layers of clothes to act accordingly - waterproof clothes are must, as well hiking boots, gloves,...

    Please remember these are only my tips and advices to prepare you, not to scare you. Following them you'll have a terrific time in this amazing country. We had absolutely no problems and brought back lifetime memories.
    Enjoy to the fullest the Land of Fire and Ice.
    Written November 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ričards Edijs
    Latvia105 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Despite not having high expectations, the museum truly surprised me since many of the buildings were open and not only the facades but also the interior and everyday objects could be seen. Some of them I saw for the first time in my life! A very insightful and educative place to visit, in addition, some of the bigger buildings also have exhibitions about how everyday life changed for Icelanders throughout time.
    Written October 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pablo V
    Santiago, Chile30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great soups and great shopping stores
    The area is really nice to walk... if the weather is good, but we were lucky and we walked all the downtonw
    Written March 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Doug W
    Wembley, UK977 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Aurora building at the top of the Old Harbour is a nice little attraction that give a great insight to the Aurora Borealis, or as it is more commonly known, the Northern Lights. Inside there are small displays explaining the phenomenon and how it happens, a small cinema where you can sit for 20 or 30 minutes or so seeing images of the lights from locations all over the island and then in the small shop and coffee bar you can sit down for the final treat. A virtual reality headset with about 3 minutes of the Borealis crashing all over the sky. That bit is great, as your head swings from side to side and up and down trying to follow it all over the sky as it happens before your eyes.
    It is quite small exhibition and can be visited in an hour or less which is great if like us for instance, you need to fill a little time before going out on a boat or something.
    There is an entrance fee which is ok, but beware if, like us you have booked with an excursion such as a Northern Lights sightseeing tour that promised a free admission the Aurora Centre on the day of the tour. We went along on that assumption, only to find that the Centre had no knowledge of the promised ticket and so, being at a loose end we opted to pay for admission (for which the visit was, I think, good value). Expecting to claim the fee back from the tour company. When we tried later to do just that, the company denied that they offered such a deal and claimed that we must have seen that offer on some other firms website. I am pretty sure that we did not, but when trying to get more information from the main Icelandic booking website who we booked through, we got nowhere.
    So be warned, the promise of free entry may not always be honoured, but don't let that stop you from visiting the Aurora, Northern Lights Centre, it really is a very good experience.
    Written January 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jrapeter
    Bude, UK841 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Due to unforeseen circumstances - bloody huge volcanic eruptions☹️, the Blue Lagoon was closed and thus the other Lagoons were quickly booked up.

    However, apart from any views, surroundings etc one would maybe question why pay all that money when there are facilities like this at a minimal cost.

    £7.50 each including locker - Olympic warm water outdoor swimming pool, other pools (including great kids slides etc), an indoor pool, varying hot tubs up to 44 deg C, a cold tub area (7 deg C 🥶), a large steam room, a saltwater heated spa pool and the list goes on.

    We had a great 2 hours even though it rained a couple of times - when you are wet you are wet and the water you are in is warm anyway!
    Written March 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Howard G
    New York City, NY201 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are interested in sculpture, especially history of sculpture, then this building is well worth your time. It is located right outside the Hallgrimskirkja Church. Jonssonar is famous in Iceland, but not as well known elsewhere. His style is complex, old and new. We didn't see the gardens due to the cold and darkness, but there is plenty to see inside. They also present a few pieces by local modern sculptors that we found provacative.
    Written December 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tattooed-oik
    London, UK184 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I really enjoyed this. Lots of films, displays, interactive business and games. Good history in short bursts. Nicely laid out and a very reasonable price. Good fun for all ages
    Written February 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reykjavik




The most popular things to do in Reykjavik with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all kid friendly things to do in Reykjavik on Tripadvisor