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
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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 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 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
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 HK$2,578 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
HK$2,578
HK$2,913 total
27 Aug - 28 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! (1,010 reviews)
"No laundry service on weekends."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Fosshotel Reykjavik
CityHub Reykjavik

CityHub Reykjavik

3 out of 5
46 Hverfisgata, Reykjavik, Reykjavíkurborg
The price is HK$1,096 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
HK$1,096
HK$1,285 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (193 reviews)
"Exceeded my expectations if I am ever back in Iceland I’m coming back here!"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

CityHub Reykjavik
Alda Hotel Reykjavik

Alda Hotel Reykjavik

4 out of 5
Laugavegur 66-68, Reykjavik
The price is HK$2,499 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
HK$2,499
HK$2,825 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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)
"A great overnight stay in Iceland. Service a food excellent."

Reviewed on 27 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! (2,968 reviews)
"Beautiful recently remodeled room with kitchenette. Outstanding location downtown. Absolutely beautiful."

Reviewed on 26 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! (1,135 reviews)
"The self checkin worked well. No issues."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Stay Apartments Bolholt
Day Dream Vesturgata 17

Day Dream Vesturgata 17

2 out of 5
17 Vesturgata, Reykjavik
Stay at this aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and Harpa are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (76 reviews)
"Location is superb! ,Hosts great to work with. TV is your personal home services.4pm check in a pain. and no lift for 3 flights of luggage,but location cannot be beat"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Day Dream Vesturgata 17
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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