Reykjavik

Travel Guide

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

The most northerly capital city in the world combines amazing natural wonders with the exciting buzz of a thriving, creative metropolis.

Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, is small, but has many great things to do. The city features a world-renowned music scene, eclectic architecture, Viking history, geothermal swimming pools and some of the friendliest and safest streets in Europe. Reykjavík also makes the perfect base for experiencing Iceland’s incredible natural beauty, which you can enjoy through leisurely daytrips or action-packed multi-day adventures.

Reykjavík’s weather is highly changeable, so pack accordingly. When the sun shines, take a boat tour at Reykjavík Harbour to see puffins and whales. Then join the throngs of locals and enjoy the city’s downtown parks, Tjörnin Lake and markets. Climb the bell tower of Iceland’s largest church, Hallgrimskirkja, for panoramic views across Old Town’s colored rooftops to the spectacular mountains and glaciers beyond.

If you’re visiting between October and March, don’t miss Mother Nature’s greatest lightshow, the aurora borealis (northern lights). On dark, clear nights, wrap up and head to Grótta lighthouse, Miklatún or Hljómskálagarður parks, or Öskjuhlíð Hill for the city’s best vantage points.

When the icy winds pick up, seek shelter in Reykjavík’s many museums. Visit the 871±2 Settlement Exhibition at Reykjavík City Museum to see the oldest archeological ruins in Iceland, then follow the country’s journey to nationhood at The National Museum of Iceland. Stop by the Saga Museum, unusually located in one of six water tanks at Perlan. Here, waxwork figures recall key moments in Iceland’s past.

For a small city, Reykjavík has made its presence known on the world’s cultural and creative stages. Explore the city’s galleries, bookshops and quirky boutiques before heading off to discover the next Sigur Rós or Björk in the city’s acclaimed bars and live music venues.

After exploring Reykjavík’s streets, dance floors and countryside, join locals in one of the city’s seven natural geothermal springs, such as Arbaejarlaug and Laugardalslaug.

It’s best to plan your visit based on the seasons and your preferred activities. By mid-June, Reykjavík experiences 21 hours of sunlight per day, giving you plenty of daylight to discover all the delights this stunning metropolis has to offer.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

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

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 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
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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 boating, a sunset and a bay or harbour

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 HK$2,165 per night from 6 Oct to 7 Oct
HK$2,165
HK$2,454 total
6 Oct - 7 Oct
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! (1,009 reviews)
"Hotel is walkable but it’s just on the edge of the city centre. So it was alot of walking to get down to harbour or shopping areas but doable. For the price point was worth the extra steps. Beds were very firm. Bus stop for tours right outside the hotel. Good breakfast buffet."

Reviewed on 9 Sep 2025

Fosshotel Reykjavik
Hotel Reykjavík Grand

Hotel Reykjavík Grand

4 out of 5
Sigtun 28, Reykjavik
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$1,998 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
HK$1,998
HK$2,269 total
14 Oct - 15 Oct
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Nice clean room. Enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 10 Sep 2025

Hotel Reykjavík Grand
Alda Hotel Reykjavik

Alda Hotel Reykjavik

4 out of 5
Laugavegur 66-68, Reykjavik
The price is HK$1,870 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
HK$1,870
HK$2,169 total
8 Oct - 9 Oct
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)
"We were mostly satisfied with the Alda hotel, and we were extremely happy with their included breakfast. The only problem is the amenities in the bathroom were not refilled when needed."

Reviewed on 7 Sep 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 family-friendly aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (3,032 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay we were close to everything within walking distance and were pleased with communication with the front desk. Very convenient and incredible trip to Iceland!"

Reviewed on 9 Sep 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! (1,181 reviews)
Very Good
"Very good Flybus stops at door Room comfortable"

Reviewed on 9 Sep 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! (654 reviews)
"the suites were beautiful and spacious. The staff were friendly, professional and helpful. The location is perfect for visiting downtown Reykjavik."

Reviewed on 9 Sep 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.

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