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 a church or cathedral, interior views and religious aspects

Downtown Reykjavik

5/5(281 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja and National Gallery of Iceland are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Reykjavik
Reykjavik featuring shopping and fashion

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
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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 Harbour showing a bay or harbour, boating and general coastal views

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
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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
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Holt

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Holt and surrounding area, you can visit Reykjavik Harbour and Laugavegur.

Holt
Fosshotel Reykjavik

Fosshotel Reykjavik

4 out of 5
Þórunnartún 1 - Höfðatorg, Reykjavik
The price is €257 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€257
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (1,005 reviews)
"A very good place to stay in Reykjavik."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Fosshotel Reykjavik
Hotel Reykjavík Grand

Hotel Reykjavík Grand

4 out of 5
Sigtun 28, Reykjavik
The price is €354 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€354
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"Rooms were very spacious, clean and beds very comfortable."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Hotel Reykjavík Grand
CityHub Reykjavik

CityHub Reykjavik

3 out of 5
46 Hverfisgata, Reykjavik, Reykjavíkurborg
The price is €145 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
€145
9 Sept - 10 Sept
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (246 reviews)
"The room is a bit small. Other than that, it's great place to stay at. Great staff, easy to talk with and very helpful. The place located in the middle of the Reykjavík's old city. So comfortable. Super recommended."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

CityHub 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! (3,001 reviews)
"Great for a family vacation with a kitchen available. Close to center city, easy access to shopping and restaurants."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 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! (1,157 reviews)
"I loved the access to attractions in the city. 30 minute walk tops! Would stay here again. They don’t clean your room while you stay unless you pay a fee. I wasn’t aware of that. It would be advantageous for Stay to provide a broom and dustpan for guests who do not want to pay the extra fee. Our ..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Stay Apartments Bolholt
Máni Apartments

Máni Apartments

4 out of 5
Laugavegur 18, Reykjavik
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,871 reviews)
"The location was excellent, and the Mani Apartment team was very responsive, helpful and sorted out questions fast and friendly. The apartment was clean, great view, great setup. While we were not used to the main street noise and night life, it gave us a great flavor of Reykjavik's bustling day ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Máni 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.

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