Reykjavik

Travel Guide

Reykjavik
Harpa showing general coastal views and modern architecture
Reykjavik featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and mountains
Harpa which includes modern architecture and interior views
Reykjavik featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

The world's most northerly capital, Reykjavik is a dynamic city with a renowned nightlife scene and some stunning vistas that are visible from the city centre.

A city like few others, Reykjavik's position in the middle of the Atlantic means that it feels different from other European capitals. With a culture that is outward-looking, child-friendly and modern, the city's population are nonetheless proud of their Norse heritage which dates back to when Iceland was first settled in the ninth century. Well known as a city break destination from where the mysterious Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, can be readily seen, Reykjavik has much more to offer than just its natural beauty.

Easy to get to by public transport, the Hellisheidi Power Plant is a great example of Reykjavik's man-made tourist attractions, and is located about a 15-kilometre (9-mile) trip from the city centre. It offers a state-of-the-art exhibition that shows how Iceland's engineers have effectively harnessed geothermal energy. Elsewhere, among the oldest shopping streets in the city is Laugavegur, in which you can find all sorts of boutiques and comfortable restaurants serving an array of food. Take a stroll here during the weekend when it is not uncommon to find the street filled up with people enjoying its bars, especially in the summer when the sun barely sets.

Located in the heart of the city is the Harpa Concert and Conference Centre, one of Reykjavik's most recognisable landmarks. Here, you will find the Iceland Expo Pavilion, a unique 360-degree audio and visual experience that presents all of the country's wonders in a short movie presentation. Having attracted millions of guests since it opened in 2011, Harpa is also home to Reykjavik's high cultural scene with both the national opera and country's leading orchestra based here, in Iceland’s foremost performance arena.

Finally, it is worth mentioning Whales of Iceland, a relatively new attraction that first opened to the public in February 2015. Situated in the heart of Reykjavik's Old Harbour area, close to the city centre, it affords an exhilarating experience that will submerge you into the underwater world of these fascinating creatures. Coupled with many more great sites and excellent quality accommodation, there is every reason to plan a visit to Iceland's most exciting city.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Reykjavik featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Downtown Reykjavik

5/5(281 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja and Reykjavik Free Church are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Reykjavik
Default Image

Háaleiti

4/5(73 area reviews)

When in Háaleiti, you can plan a visit to Kringlan Shopping Mall and Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Háaleiti
Reykjavik featuring fashion and shopping

Laugardalur

4/5(29 area reviews)

Laugardalur is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool or Laugavegur.

Laugardalur
Reykjavik Harbour which includes a sunset, a bay or harbour and boating

Vesturbær

4.5/5(100 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Vesturbær. A stop by Reykjavik Harbour or Landakotskirkja might round out your trip.

Vesturbær
Default Image

Hlíðar

4.5/5(164 area reviews)

Though Hlíðar may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reykjavik Harbour and Perlan.

Hlíðar
Reykjavik featuring fashion and shopping

Tún

If you're spending some time in Tún, Laugavegur and Hofdi House are top sights worth seeing.

Tún
Fosshotel Reykjavik
Fosshotel Reykjavik
4 out of 5
Þórunnartún 1 - Höfðatorg, Reykjavik
The price is €301 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
€301
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Two night stsy
"Very nice, large hotel. Friendly, helpful staff. Excellent breakfast buffet. Our room needed blackout shades or curtains since it was mid-summer. The toilet ran after flushing at times."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Fosshotel Reykjavik
CityHub Reykjavik
CityHub Reykjavik
3 out of 5
46 Hverfisgata, Reykjavik, Reykjavíkurborg
The price is €127 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
€127
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and Hallgrimskirkja ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (162 reviews)
"This was a very unique experience. The hub was super fun and I slept like a baby. The hot tub was perfect.. clean, hot and a wonderful way to end the night."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

CityHub Reykjavik
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
4 out of 5
Laugavegur 66-68, Reykjavik
The price is €413 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
€413
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"You couldn't find a better or more central hotel than Alda which feels like walking distance to just about everything. Friendly staff,.quick check in, great rooms and a delightful bar/restaurant downstairs made it a perfect place for our brief stay in Reykjavik."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Alda Hotel Reykjavik
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Reykjavik Residence Hotel
4 out of 5
Vatnsstígur 2, Reykjavik, Capital Region
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,948 reviews)
"Great location, walking distance to bars and restaurants. The rooms are clean and well maintained. Finding parking can be challenging, especially on weekends."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Stay Apartments Bolholt
Stay Apartments Bolholt
3 out of 5
Bolholt 6, Reykjavik
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,123 reviews)
"Ample parking . Property is okay ."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Stay Apartments Bolholt
Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
4.5 out of 5
Tryggvagata 18A, 102, Reykjavik
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (612 reviews)
"Apartment is very nice and comfortable. Staffs are very friendly and helpful. Salute to Ms. Rita."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do