Reykjavík
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Reykjavík - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Guido van Helten Murals
VesturbærThe most impressive murals in Reykjavík are the work of Australia-born artist Guido van Helten, who carried out a series of commissions on buildings throughout Iceland between 2013 and 2014. His most noted works are those painted on the walls of an old theater building in the hip Grandi Harbor area of the city, featuring characters from a 1961 staging of Sartre’s No Exit. Guido frequently uses old photographs to guide his work; those used for this epic mural were sourced from the Reykjavík Museum of Photography.
Seljavegur 2, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 107, Iceland -
2. Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center
MiðbærThe shimmering queen of the country's performing arts scene and home of both the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, this venue is an amazing modern labyrinth of stunning concert halls, event spaces, and places to dine or purchase designer souvenirs. Many of the city's most popular annual events, such as Airwaves, Sónar, and the Reykjavík Fashion Festival, are now hosted inside these glorious glass-paneled walls. Eldborg, the main hall, is a marvel of visual and acoustic design that wouldn't be out of place in a Star Wars movie.
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3. Laugardalur Park
LaugardalurActually several parks in one large area, Laugardalur Park has one of the best swimming pools in the city as well as a recreational expanse that includes picnic and barbecue areas. There's also an amusement park and a botanic garden with an extensive outdoor collection of native and exotic plants.
View Tours and ActivitiesLaugardalur, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 104, Iceland354-411–8650Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
4. Alþingishús
MiðbærBuilt in 1880–81, this is one of the country's oldest stone buildings. Iceland's Alþingi (Parliament) held its first session in AD 930 and therefore can lay claim to being the oldest representative parliament in the world. You can view its modern-day proceedings from the visitor's gallery here. Depending on the urgency of the agenda, any number of Iceland's 63 members of parliament, from five political parties, may be present.
Austurvöllur Sq., Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland354-563–0500Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends -
5. Grasagarður Botanic Garden
LaugardalurThis free botanic garden in Laugardalur Park has an extensive outdoor collection of native and exotic plants. Coffee, cakes, and other snacks are sold at the cozy Flóran Café, which is open only in summer and on weekends in December.
Laugardalur, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 104, Iceland354-411–8650Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Háskóli Íslands
VesturbærThe University of Iceland is the country's oldest and largest institution of higher education. The campus is known for a statue of Sæmundur Fróði, a symbol of learning. Legend has it that after studying abroad, Sæmundur made a pact with the devil to get himself home, promising his soul if he arrived without getting wet. The devil changed into a seal to carry him home. Just as they arrived, Sæmundur hit the seal on the head with his Psalter, got his coattails wet, and escaped with soul intact.
Sæmundargötu 2, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 107, Iceland354-525–4000Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
7. Höfði
HlíðarThis historic house stands out for both its architectural and historical importance. It was here, in 1986, that President Ronald Reagan and President Mikhail Gorbachev met and officially marked the end of the Cold War. The house is not open to visitors, but it's worth spending some time exploring the exterior.
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8. i8 Gallery
MiðbærBoth Icelandic and international artists display their work at this gallery near the harbor. Exhibitions rotate constantly, and there are often events held at this location featuring local artists.
Tryggvagata 16, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland354-551–3666Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Sun. and Mon. -
9. Lækjartorg
MiðbærNow a focal point in Reykjavík's otherwise rambling city center, this square opens onto Austurstræti, a semi-pedestrian shopping street. A brook, now underground, drains Tjörnin Pond into the sea (hence the street's name).
View Tours and ActivitiesLækjartorg, Reykjavík, Capital Region, IS-101, IcelandSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
10. Mt. Esja
One of Reykjavík’s most recognizable landmarks, Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh) stars in just about every promotional shot or picture postcard of the city. It holds a special place in the hearts of locals, who often take a day trip there to ramble along its network of winding trails. However great it looks from the city, the view from the top of this mountain—not actually a single mountain but a range of many peaks—is even better. Information on transport and trails is available at the tourist information center on Aðalstræti 2 or from Esjustofa, the visitor center and café located at the base of the mountain.
Esjustofa–við Mógilsá, Mosfellsbær, Capital Region, 116, Iceland354-565–3200 -
11. Nýló
VesturbærAlso known as the Living Art Museum, Nýló is located inside the Marshall House and displays some of the more experimental works by local artists. Media range from paint and plant-flavored ice cream to video and sculpture.
Grandagarður 20, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 107, Iceland354-551–4350Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
12. Ráðhús
MiðbærModern architecture and nature converge at Reykjavík's city hall, a building overlooking Tjörnin Pond. Inside is a visitor information desk and coffee bar with Internet access. A three-dimensional model of Iceland, over 819 square feet in size, is usually on display in the gallery, which often hosts various temporary exhibitions.
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13. Sun Voyager Sculpture
MiðbærThis steel sculpture resembling a Viking ship is hard to miss as you drive along the water in Reykjavík. If you're traveling on Sæbraut, you'll see it on the water right before you hit the Harpa Concert Hall (when traveling east to west). The Sun Voyager was created by local sculptor Jón Gunnar Árnason. The original intention was to create a dreamlike boat that appears to float off into the sun. If you visit during sunset, you'll feel immediately transported.
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14. Tjörnin Pond
MiðbærThis natural pond by the City Hall is popular among ice-skaters in winter and attracts birds (and bird lovers) year-round. Visitors are discouraged from feeding the birds during nesting season, as it attracts seagulls who like to feast on young waterfowl.
Between Fríkirkjvegur and Tjarnagata, Reykjavík, Capital Region, IS-101, IcelandSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
15. Tollhúsið
MiðbærThe city's Customs House—a bureaucratic necessity, especially for an island nation—is decorated with an impressive mosaic mural. The piece of art depicts scenes from the local harbor and was designed by Gerð Helgadóttir. There isn't a ton to see inside, but the mural is worth a visit in itself.
Tryggvagata 19, Reykjavík, Capital Region, IS-101, Iceland
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