7 Best Places to Visit in Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is where the majority of people will start their adventure in Iceland since it is the only international airport of the country. When travelling to Iceland, I recommend spending a day exploring everything that Reykjavik has to offer. In 2023, I travelled to Iceland for 2 weeks and visited Reykjavik. From the places that I have been to, I have listed below the 7 best places to visit in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Looking for a complete 2 week itinerary in Iceland? Click here to read more.

Table of Contents

• 1. Harpa
• 2. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
• 3. Hallgrimskirkja
• 4. Svarta Kaffið
• 5. Sun Voyager
• 6. Rainbow Street
• 7. Blue Lagoon

1. Harpa

Harpa is a breathtaking concert hall and conference center located in Reykjavik, Iceland. It’s a modern architectural marvel made of glass panels that shimmer like a giant crystal when hit by sunlight, creating a stunning visual spectacle. What’s interesting is that the building’s design is inspired by Iceland’s natural elements, such as the glaciers and basalt columns, reflecting the country’s unique landscape.

When we visited Harpa, we simply walked around inside. It is free to visit on your own. We didn’t buy any tour tickets to learn more in depth about this place. In addition, Harpa sometimes hosts concerts, conferences, and events. However, when we were there, there was a private event going on, so we were not able to enter one of their rooms to see.

Interested in the 10 best places to visit all around Iceland? Click here to read more.

2. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

If you want to go to a cheap place (for Iceland) to eat but also so so delicious, stop by Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. It is a hot dog stand in Reykjavik, and the hot dogs are honestly the best that I have ever had. What makes it amazing is that on top of the regular hot dog, they add the perfect toppings and sauces.

3. Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrimskirkja is a striking and iconic church in Reykjavik, Iceland, known for its unique design and stunning views. The church stands tall as the city’s tallest building, with its impressive tower visible from many parts of Reykjavik. The architecture of Hallgrimskirkja is inspired by Iceland’s natural landscapes, particularly the volcanic basalt formations. Its design resembles the hexagonal columns seen in volcanic rock formations around the country (just like Harpa!).

When we visited Reykjavik, we didn’t visit in depth the inside of Hallgrimskirkja. If you are interested in visiting inside, click here for the rates. You can buy the tickets in person.

4. Svarta Kaffið

Svarta Kaffið is a cozy and unique café located in Reykjavik, Iceland, known for its delicious soups served in bread bowls. They have choices for everyone, with soup options including traditional Icelandic flavors like lamb soup and seafood chowder, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. The bread bowls are made in-house and add a delightful twist to the soup-eating experience.

I honestly loved my experience at Svarta Kaffið. It was such a unique concept. They do only serve these two options (lamb soup or vegetarian soup), so if you are looking for other kinds of food, I would recommend for you to look elsewhere. But I find that very nice that they are focused on their specialty meal and try to perfect it. Also, we didn’t reserve in advance but it does get busy. We were lucky that when we walked in, they had a spot for us.

5. Sun Voyager

Sun Voyager is a sculpture located in Reykjavik along the waterfront near Harpa and the Old Harbor. Shaped like a Viking ship, it is made of stainless steel and appears to be sailing towards the sun. The sculpture is a symbol of adventure, discovery, and the spirit of exploration that has defined Iceland’s history. It represents the idea of heading towards new horizons and embracing the unknown. No fee to come check out the Sun Voyager!

6. Rainbow Street

Rainbow Street, also known as Skólavörðustígur, is a vibrant and colorful street located in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland. What makes Rainbow Street so special is its lively atmosphere and unique shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. The buildings along the street are painted in various bright colors, creating a rainbow-like effect that adds to the street’s cheerful ambiance. Additionally, Rainbow Street is a popular spot for street performers, musicians, and artists, adding to the street’s lively and creative atmosphere.

Rainbow Street is also a great location to photograph Hallgrimskirkja because it is located right in front of it.

7. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland isn’t actually located in Reykjavik, but actually around 30 minutes out of the city. If you spend some time, I definitely recommend for you to visit the Blue Lagoon if you have never been.

The Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal spa located in Iceland, known for its milky blue waters. It’s one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world. The spa also offers various amenities such as silica mud masks, steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation areas with stunning views of the lagoon.

When I visited, I got the simplest ticket, which is the comfort package. This includes access to the Blue Lagoon, a face mask and a drink at their bar. I honestly enjoyed my experience at the Blue Lagoon. Sure, it is overrated and the prices are crazy expensive, but it is always something that I’ve wanted to experience, and I didn’t want to leave Iceland without experiencing this. Would I go again? No. Do I recommend it to people who have never been and that are interested? Yes.

Trick: if you are willing to put in this effort, I recommend checking 2 or 3 days before your booking to see if there are any price differences and changes to the tickets. When in Iceland, I checked a few days before from our booking at the Blue Lagoon and realized that the tickets the day after were 50 CAD cheaper, so I immediately cancelled and booked new tickets to the new day. I’m not sure why the prices change like this, but if you are motivated at checking and okay with being flexible with dates (which I understand not everybody is), then you could check for price changes.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to let me know below!