15 of the best things to do in and around Reykjavík

09.10.2024 - 15:53 / lonelyplanet.com / Yoko Ono / Richard Serra

Oct 8, 2024 • 6 min read

Reykjavík and its surrounds are a natural theme park of beauty and adventure. The city itself offers incredible fresh flavors, vibrant culture, sensational shopping and nightlife as long as the summer nights. Just outside the capital are geologic wonders found no place else, from hot springs to volcanoes to pristine coastlines. Then throw in lava fields, soaring mountains, brilliant hiking, horseback riding, adventure sports and more – these are days out you hope will never end.

Experience the best of Iceland's capital with these top things to do in Reykjavík and its surrounds.

Coffee isn't just a means to warm up and/or perk up in Reykjavík, it's the basis for an entire culture. People gather throughout the day at idiosyncratic little cafes to share gossip, conduct business or just enjoy the act of being. There are barely any chains to be found, rather you'll delight in discovering scores of clever cafes such as the artful Mokka Kaffi and harborside Reykjavík Röst. Bonus points: pair your coffee with a tasty fresh-baked treat at places like Brauð & Co.

There's nary an international chain in sight on Reykjavík's top shopping strip, Laugavegur St, where Iceland's best designers display their wares at alluring boutiques. Head to the Frakkastígur and Vitastígur end for top fashion.

Planning tip: Get the Icelandic sweater of your wooly dreams Friday through Sunday at the indoor Kolaportið flea market, where the prices are some of the best in the country.

You'll find magnificent public art across Reykjavík. The largest of which is not only one of the city's top sights but is also an entire building: Hallgrímskirkja, the soaring concrete church that's a modern (1945–86) work of art. Another highlight is Hljómskálagarðurinn, a public park featuring statues by female artists.

Detour: A short ferry ride from Reykjavík, uninhabited Viðey Island is known for historic buildings, sweet silence and modern art, including sculptures by Richard Serra and Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower.

You have a great chance of seeing any of the nearly two dozen whales found right off Iceland's coast on a whale-watching tour from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. Tours are offered year-round, though April to September are the best months, given the longer days and decent temperatures.

Planning tip: Although specific puffin-watching tours are offered, it's not uncommon to see them as part of whale-watching tours.

Iceland bubbles over with naturally hot water that's famous worldwide and you needn't travel far into the countryside to experience its enveloping pleasure. Sundhöllin is a whole complex right in the city center. Besides indoor pools and a hot tub, there are saunas and outdoor tubs with fabulous city views. To