The best way to explore Iceland’s capital city.
If I asked you to guess a city that was famous for its hot dogs and penis museum, would you guess it was in Iceland? No, me either. But those are just two examples of the unique activities that make Reykjavik so special.
The capital city of Iceland is known for a lot of quirky activities; in addition to the historical, informative, and cultural activities around every corner. Find everything you don’t want to miss below!
Visit Hallgrimskirkja and Climb the Bell Tower
Hallgrimskirkja is one of the largest buildings in Iceland. It is also a functioning church!
The building stands tall on top of Skólavörðuholt hill, towering over the city. It was designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson to represent the country’s landscape, and has become a symbol of Icelandic national identity.
The texture built into the church’s exterior represents basalt columns that are found around Iceland, most famously on Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.
The curvature of the church’s walls, with the columns climbing upwards, are representative of Iceland’s mountains and glaciers.
Do you see the resemblance?
When you visit Hallgrimskirkja, you don’t want to miss the views from the top. The tower reaches 74.5 meters (244 feet) tall and is the perfect place for 360-degree views of Reykjavik. Access the tower by purchasing a ticket from the church gift shop and riding the elevator to the top, where you will find (and maybe hear!) the church bells.
Details for the overthinkers:
- When services are not being held, the bells ring every 15 minutes:
- Monday-Friday: 9 am to 9 pm
- Weekends/Holidays: noon to 9 pm
- The bells are very loud. If you or anyone in your party has sensory issues due to sudden or loud noises, be aware!
- Entrance to the church is free.
- As of 2026, tickets to the top cost 1500 ISK (~$12 USD) for adults and 200 ISK (~$2 USD) for children.
- Check the official website for seasonal hours and updates.
Sculpture Walk Along the Waterfront
If the weather is nice, a scenic walk along the Reykjavik waterfront is the perfect way to spend an afternoon! There is a wide, paved path along the Kollafjörður fjord which passes by sculptures, lighthouses, and other artist installations.
Starting downtown, you will walk eastward along the path, first passing Harpa Concert Hall – a vision unto itself! Along the walk, you will see:
- Statue of Icelandic cellist Erling Blöndal Bengtsson
- “Sun Voyager” sculpture
- “Íslandsvarðan” sculpture
- “The Shore Piece” sculpture and installation
- The Partnership Statue
- Höfði Lighthouse
The Sun Voyager is the most popular of the installations along this shore walk. It is a symbol of Iceland’s Viking heritage and the hope and exploration which are foundational to Icelandic culture today.
The Rainbow Street in Reykjavik
Skólavörðustígur, or Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street, might be the happiest street in the city!
This street is a bold celebration of equality and inclusion – which Iceland takes very seriously. Originally installed as part of a Pride celebration in 1999, the rainbow road was so popular that it became a permanent feature of the city, and a permanent part of the annual Reykjavik Pride Parade.
You can shop and dine along Rainbow Street, although expect the prices to reflect that this is one of the most popular streets for tourists to visit.
Eat Icelandic Cuisine
Iceland has local cuisine that is truly unique. Popular food sheds light on the country’s history and culture. Some of the most interesting food opportunities you can find in Reykjavik include:
- Hákarl, or fermented shark. This delicacy is most commonly served with Brennivín, a locally made schnapps nicknamed “Black Death”
- Pylsur, the Icelandic hot dog. It is made mostly of lamb and traditionally topped with crispy onions, raw onions, sweet mustard, Icelandic ketchup, and remoulade.
- Fresh sea food, especially cod, haddock, salmon, and langoustine (and the best fish and chips I’ve ever had!)
Reykjavik is also home to Kattakaffihusid, the country’s first and only cat cafe! Adoptable cats roam freely around the cafe, while guests enjoy fun lattes and pastroes.
FlyOver Iceland Experience
FlyOver Iceland is an activity I personally recommend to anyone who does not experience motion sickness. This is a really fun, interactive activity that I can only equate to a ride at Disneyland.
How it works: you strap into a chair like a rollercoaster, then they slowly drop the floor from under your feet, leaving you suspended in the air. An enormous screen plays breathtaking drone footage from around Iceland, while your seat moves in sync and artificial wind blows over you.
All of this combine makes you feel like you are flying through canyons, over glaciers, and past waterfalls.
Details for the overthinkers:
- If you get motion sickness, this might be worth sitting out.
- As of 2026, tickets cost 5950 ISK (~$48 USD) for adults and 3950 ISK (~$32 USD) for children, or cheaper if you buy online ahead of time. Check the FlyOver Iceland website for the most updated hours and pricing.
Go on a Walking Tour
Any new city I visit, the first thing I look for is a walking tour. It is so helpful to orient yourself to your surroundings. It also immediately gets you chatting with someone local, who can share advice about the area.
In Reykjavik specifically, consider taking a foodie walking tour to try the interesting flavors of Iceland, or a folklore walking tour to learn about the mythical history of the country including elves, trolls, and thirteen iterations of Santa Claus.
Or choose the budget friendly option and find a free walking tour which will cover all the basics and hot spots.
Museums in Reykjavik
For the museum lovers, Reykjavik has quite a line up! If you have a niche interest be sure to search for a specific museum in Reykjavik.
Otherwise, consider spending time looking and learning at one of these museums:
Aurora Reykjavik – learn about the Northern Lights. This museum also offers tours to see the Northern Lights, but they book far in advance so plan this ahead of time.
Whales of Iceland – the largest whale museum in Europe with 23 life-sized models of whales found around Iceland. You can also book whale watching excursions through the museum.
National Museum of Iceland – for the history buffs!
The Icelandic Punk Museum – so punk, they don’t have a website. Learn about the history of punk in Iceland in a former underground public toilet.
Lava Show – a live recreation of a volcanic eruption. You sit in a room where real molten lava is flowing. No, really.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum – self described as “dedicated to collecting, studying and presenting actual phalluses and all things phallic.” Hot tip: You can enter the gift shop for free, if you are looking for a quirky souvenir but don’t have the time to do the full museum experience.
Relax at a Geothermal Pool or Spa
There are numerous geothermal pools located around Reykjavik, including 18 public pools, a geothermal beach, and a geothermal spa.
Most visitors immediately think of Blue Lagoon – which is world-famous for a reason. What many don’t know, however, is that Blue Lagoon is nearly an hour outside of Reykjavik.
If you want to spend less time commuting and more time soaking, you should visit Sky Lagoon instead.
Sky Lagoon is a few minutes from the city center and on the coast of the ocean. It is so coastal, in fact, that you can enjoy the geothermal infinity pool overlooking the North Atlantic, as if you are swimming in the sea. And also in paradise.
There is a bar so you can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail while you soak in the warm, nutrient-rich lagoon. The spa offers a 7-step Skjól ritual which includes a cold plunge, sauna, and salt scrub. I highly recommend it.
Reykjavik, Iceland: Final Thoughts
Reykjavik is such a special city. I would consider a weekend jaunt just to get lost in the museums downtown. And enjoy some fresh seafood as a treat.
The city’s surroundings are beautiful, and the streets are walkable. The people in Reykjavik are kind and helpful. The food is unique, and a reflection of the country’s history and culture. What’s not to love!
