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Reykjavik, Iceland • Europe

Reykjavik

The world's northernmost capital - a colourful, creative city and the perfect base for waterfalls, geysers and the Northern Lights.

#Northern Lights#Waterfalls#Geothermal#Nature#Road TripsCouplesFriendsAdventureNaturePhotography
7 Attractions
5 Restaurants
5 Hotels
1 Itineraries

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Quick facts

Best time to visit

June to August brings mild weather, the midnight sun and the best access for road trips and hiking, but also peak crowds and prices. September to March is Northern Lights season, cold and dark but magical, with ice caves and the lowest prices in winter. May and September are excellent shoulder months with fewer people.

Daily budget
$290
Time zone
GMT+0 (GMT all year)
Language
Icelandic (English almost universally spoken)
Currency
ISK (Icelandic Krona (ISK))
Emergency
112
Power
Type C & F · 230V

About Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the small, spirited capital of a country that feels like another planet. Brightly painted houses, quirky cafes and a buzzing music and design scene fill a compact, walkable centre, all watched over by the soaring Hallgrimskirkja church and ringed by snow-capped mountains and the cold North Atlantic. It is the gateway to Iceland's extraordinary nature, and a fine, fun place to warm up between adventures. Most of the magic lies just beyond the city. Within easy day trips are the geysers, waterfalls and tectonic rift of the Golden Circle, the thundering falls and black-sand beaches of the South Coast, and the steaming geothermal lagoons where you soak in milky-blue water under an open sky. In the dark half of the year, the Northern Lights dance overhead; in summer, the midnight sun barely sets and the whole country glows green. Summer brings mild, endless days ideal for road trips and hiking, while winter offers the aurora, ice caves and cosy charm (and the lowest prices, though short daylight). Pack for fierce, fast-changing weather, embrace the geothermal pools, and use Reykjavik as your launchpad into the land of fire and ice.

Photo Gallery

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Things to Do in Reykjavik

7
The Golden CircleNature

The Golden Circle

Iceland's classic day-trip loop, taking in the erupting Strokkur geyser, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and the tectonic rift valley of Thingvellir.

Full day Free (tours from ISK)4.8(180,000)
Northern LightsNature

Northern Lights

The aurora borealis, dancing green and purple across the winter sky - one of nature's greatest spectacles, best seen on clear, dark nights away from the city.

2-4 hours Tours from ISK4.7(120,000)
HallgrimskirkjaReligious

Hallgrimskirkja

Reykjavik's soaring, rocket-shaped Lutheran church, inspired by Iceland's basalt columns, with a tower lift for the best view over the colourful city.

45 min Church free, tower from ISK 14004.6(90,000)
South Coast WaterfallsNature

South Coast Waterfalls

A day of dramatic sights along the south coast - the falls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss and the black-sand beach and basalt stacks of Reynisfjara.

Full day Free (tours available)4.8(110,000)
Whale WatchingNature

Whale Watching

A boat trip from Reykjavik's old harbour into Faxafloi Bay to spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins and puffins (in summer).

3 hours Tours from ISK4.5(60,000)
Sky LagoonNature

Sky Lagoon

A stunning geothermal lagoon on the edge of Reykjavik with an infinity edge over the ocean and a traditional seven-step bathing ritual.

2-3 hours From ISK 129904.7(70,000)
Harpa Concert HallCulture

Harpa Concert Hall

A dazzling waterfront concert hall and conference centre wrapped in a honeycomb of coloured glass that glows beautifully at night.

45 min Free entry4.6(40,000)

Where to Eat in Reykjavik

5
Dill

Dill

New Nordic / Fine Dining $$$$4.7(8,000)

Iceland's pioneering Michelin-starred restaurant, with an inventive New Nordic tasting menu built on foraged and local ingredients.

Baejarins Beztu Pylsur

Baejarins Beztu Pylsur

Icelandic / Street Food $4.6(25,000)

A legendary little hot-dog stand since 1937, serving Iceland's favourite lamb-based pylsa with the works. Order it eina med ollu.

Saegreifinn

Saegreifinn

Seafood / Icelandic $$4.6(18,000)

A cosy, rustic harbour shack famous for its rich lobster soup and skewers of fresh fish, served at communal tables.

Braud & Co

Braud & Co

Bakery / Cafe $4.6(14,000)

A colourful artisan bakery beloved for its warm cinnamon buns and sourdough, the perfect fuel before a day of sightseeing.

Cafe Loki

Cafe Loki

Icelandic / Traditional $$4.4(12,000)

A homely cafe across from the church, a great place to try traditional Icelandic dishes like rye-bread ice cream and, if you dare, fermented shark.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

5
The Reykjavik EDITION

The Reykjavik EDITION

Luxury $$$$4.7(2,000)

A sleek waterfront luxury hotel next to Harpa, with stylish rooms, a spa, a destination restaurant and harbour and mountain views.

Hotel Borg

Hotel Borg

Luxury $$$$4.6(2,500)

An elegant Art Deco landmark hotel on the central square since 1930, full of period character with a spa and refined rooms.

Kvosin Downtown Hotel

Kvosin Downtown Hotel

Boutique $$$4.6(2,200)

A characterful boutique hotel with spacious apartment-style rooms in a historic building, superbly central by the cathedral.

Center Hotels Plaza

Center Hotels Plaza

Mid-Range $$$4.4(3,500)

A comfortable, reliable hotel right on the old town square, well placed for the harbour, restaurants and tour pick-ups.

Loft - HI Hostel

Loft - HI Hostel

Hostel $$4.4(4,000)

A bright, sociable hostel on the main street with a buzzing rooftop bar and lounge, offering private and dorm rooms in a prime location.

Reykjavik Itineraries

1
4-day trip

Classic 4 Days in Reykjavik & the South

easy EUR 700 - 1,200

A nature-packed loop from colourful Reykjavik to the Golden Circle and South Coast waterfalls, a geothermal soak and a Northern Lights hunt.

View day-by-day plan

Reykjavik Budget Guide

CategoryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Flights$400 - $1,000$400 - $1,000$400 - $1,000
Accommodation$60/night$180/night$500/night
Food$35/day$70/day-
Activities$80/day$80/day$80/day
Local Transport$15/day$15/day$15/day
Daily Average$130$290$720

Local currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK)

Reykjavik Travel FAQ

Everything you need to know before you go: best time to visit, visas, getting around, safety and more.

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