Reykjavik Things To Do

Sightseeing
Austurvllur square in the Old Town is home to the Althingishús, the world's oldest functioning parliament. The weirdly wonderful, 20th century Hallgrímskirkja church has superb city views from its landmark tower. The Lutheran cathedral dates from the 18th century. The fabulous Perlan (Pearl) exhibition and entertainment centre on Öskjuhlíd Hill enjoys great views, features spectacular hot water fountains, and has an astonishing revolving restaurant under a glass dome. The charming streets of the Old Town are a delight.

Nightlife
Start the evening in one of the city’s trendy cafes and bars and move on to a good choice of surprisingly classy Reykjavik restaurants or cheaper ethnic and take-out food. Reykjavik has a superb reputation for live music that takes in everything from pop, rock and indie to blues, jazz, classical, opera and even country! Reykjavik nightlife has achieved legendary status in a remarkably short time! Follow the crowds in the central streets to find the trendiest places. Pubs get busy towards midnight and many clubs go on until well into the morning.

Thermal Baths & Spas
Reykjavik thermal pools and spas are the perfect way to relax after a big night out, and a great way to observe an essential part of Icelandic social life. The pools feature “hot pots” with varying water temperatures. There are at least 6 pools in the city. Laugardalslaug has the largest pool, plus slide, hot pots and a steam bath. Outside the city, the Blue Lagoon spa is set in a weird lava field and offers massage, beauty treatments and a restaurant.

Museums & Galleries
The National Museum has an engrossing collection of folk and religious relics from Iceland’s early history to the present day. Great lake views from the café. The Pearl building contains the Saga Museum, an entertaining account of Icelandic history from the island’s settlement in the 9th century. Reykjavik Maritime Museum is housed in a converted freezing plant in the atmospheric harbour. The National Gallery of Iceland and the Reykjavik Art Museum have collections of 19th and 20th century paintings and sculptures. The latter features the Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum, the Harbour House exhibition halls and the Kjarvalsstadethir Gallery. The Árbaer Open-Air Folk Museum has over 30 buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, craft workshops, exhibitions and musical entertainment. Also visit the Magnússon Institute, the Sigurjon Olafsson Museum and Reykjavik museums devoted to architecture and natural history.

Excursions & Activities
With such extraordinary scenery so close to the city, many Reykjavik city break visitors are tempted by an array of exciting excursions. The Hafnarfjorður suburb is a fascinating harbour area with a sculpture garden, lighthouse, museums and yet more thermal heated pools. Popular longer Reykjavik excursions include the Blue Lagoon and the so-called Golden Circle, featuring the Gulfoss waterfall, hot springs and geysers. Ask at the tourist office for details of scenic short walks, golf, winter skating, horse riding, snowmobiles, bird watching, whale watching and skiing at Bláfjöll, Akureyri and Hlíðarfjall.

Reykjavik City Breaks  Getting Around Reykjavik

Things To Do In Reykjavik  Reykjavik Weather