Hallgrímskirkja Church
- 📍 Where
- Miðborg, Skólavörðustígur
- 🕑 Best time
- Early morning for empty grounds
Mubboo’s tip: Free entry; the tower costs $10 but the best view is from the street below.
Things to Do in Reykjavik
Free–$7,240 per activity
Reykjavik is absurdly expensive, but its greatest hits are free: soaking in local hot pots, gawking at Hallgrímskirkja, and walking the waterfront under the midnight sun. Splurge on exactly one private tour—a glacier hike or a northern lights photographer—and skip the overhyped Blue Lagoon. This isn't a city for long bucket lists; pick three experiences and immerse fully.
July: Hike to the Reykjadalur hot springs · Crowds: Very High
Mubboo Verdict: Independent travelers thrive here; skip big-bus tours and self-drive or book private guides. The Blue Lagoon is a costly Instagram trap—local pools deliver the real geothermal culture for a fraction.
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How M decides what’s worth it
M's approach: free first—walk everywhere, use the city’s 12 public geothermal pools (entry under $10). Then allocate a $200–$400 budget for a day tour like the Golden Circle or South Coast if you don't rent a car. If the Aurora is a must, book a single private tour with a cancellation policy. Avoid multi-activity packages; they rush you through. For families, the pool and a whale-watching combo outrank any museum.
Free First
Free things to do in Reykjavik
Start here. These cost nothing and are genuinely worth your time — no booking required.
Sun Voyager and Seaside Walk
- 📍 Where
- Sæbraut waterfront
- 🕑 Best time
- Sunset for golden light
Mubboo’s tip: Walk north to the Old Harbour for a 2-mile scenic loop with Mount Esja backdrop.
Harpa Concert Hall
- 📍 Where
- Austurbakki 2, Miðborg
- 🕑 Best time
- Any time; open daily
Mubboo’s tip: The glass honeycomb facade is best photographed from the harbor side at dusk.
Austurvöllur Square
- 📍 Where
- Between Parliament and Cathedral
- 🕑 Best time
- Summer evenings when locals picnic
Mubboo’s tip: Grab a hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu and people-watch on the benches.
Reykjavik's Street Art and Murals
- 📍 Where
- Downtown alleys and Grandi
- 🕑 Best time
- Daylight for colors
Mubboo’s tip: Pick up a free map at the tourist office; over 40 works by local artists.
Tours & experiences worth paying for in Reykjavik
Iceland’s big-ticket tours aren't cheap, but a handful deliver unforgettable moments. Choose experiences you can't DIY: snorkeling between tectonic plates, glacier hikes with expert guides, or a private northern lights chase with a pro photographer. Skip anything you can replicate on your own—like the Golden Circle by car.
Private Silfra Snorkeling 6 p. group - Meet on Location - with Underwater Photos
5.0170 reviews⏱ 2h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: The clearest water imaginable between two continents—but it's genuinely cold. Do it once if you can stomach a drysuit.
Best for: Adventure seekers and photographers
From $899Book Now
Reykjavík All In One Food Tour - Eat, Drink & Explore with Locals
5.0104 reviews⏱ 4 hours
Mubboo Verdict: A fun, filling intro to Icelandic cooking; the fermented shark is a challenge, but the craft beer pairing saves the day.
Best for: Food-focused first-timers
From $207Book Now
Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
5.088 reviews⏱ 4h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: A hands-on glacier hike with a private guide who keeps you safe on shifting ice; beats any crowded group tour.
Best for: Active travelers and small groups
From $385Book Now
Reykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
5.084 reviews⏱ 3-4 hours
Mubboo Verdict: The only northern lights tour that gives you published-quality photos and a guide who actually chases the lights, not just a parking lot.
Best for: Couples and photographers
From $1645Book Now
South Coast Summer Day Tour in Small-Group from Reykjavik
5.048 reviews⏱ 10 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Efficient coverage of waterfalls and black sand beaches; the small bus feels less rushed than the mega-coaches.
Best for: Solo travelers and first-timers without a car
From $180Book Now
Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
5.0160 reviews⏱ 48 hours
Mubboo Verdict: The ultimate overnight escape: icebergs, ice caves, and empty beaches. Book it if money is no object and you want the deep south.
Best for: Luxury seekers and photographers with time
From $7240Book Now
What to skip & what to know in Reykjavik
Skip these
- Skip the Blue Lagoon: it’s a $100+ man-made spa with long lines. Local pools like Vesturbæjarlaug cost $5 and have hot pots, sauna, and slides.
- Skip big-bus Golden Circle tours: you’ll spend as much time picking up passengers as seeing sights. Rent a car or take a small-group super jeep.
- Skip the Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park: it’s underwhelming and expensive for what it is; visit the free Botanical Gardens next door instead.
Know before you go
- Know that weather changes fast: layers are non-negotiable, so pack a waterproof shell even if the sun is shining.
- Know that tap water is pure Icelandic spring water—safe, delicious, and free; buying bottles is a pointless expense.
- Know that September and October offer a sweet spot: fewer tourists, fiery fall colors, and a decent chance of northern lights without the bitter cold.
Where to spend your time in Reykjavik
Miðborg (Downtown)
🚇 Central – walk everywhereHallgrímskirkja, Laugavegur street shops, Harpa, Parliament
Top pick: Join a free walking tour from Austurvöllur Square
Grandi & Old Harbour
🚇 10-minute walk from city centerWhale watching tours, FlyOver Iceland, Marshall House art center
Top pick: Watch the boats and sip coffee at Grandi Mathöll food hall
Vesturbær
🚇 15-minute walkVesturbæjarlaug pool, local bakeries, views of the bay
Top pick: Grab a pastry from Brauð & Co. and soak in the neighborhood pool
Laugardalur
🚇 10-minute drive/busLaugardalslaug pool, Reykjavik Botanical Garden, ice rink
Top pick: Swim laps next to Olympic hopefuls in the 50m outdoor pool
Seltjarnarnes Peninsula
🚇 15-minute driveGrótta Lighthouse, coastal trail, birdwatching
Top pick: Walk the causeway at low tide to the lighthouse for night sky views
Browse by category
When to visit Reykjavik, month by month
JulyThis monthVery High crowds
Hike to the Reykjadalur hot springs
JanuaryLow crowds
Northern Lights hunt by super jeep
FebruaryLow crowds
Explore ice caves in Vatnajökull
MarchMedium crowds
Guided snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier
AprilMedium crowds
Golden Circle with fewer buses
MayMedium crowds
Puffin watching from Reykjavik harbour
JuneHigh crowds
Midnight Sun whale watching
AugustVery High crowds
Thórsmörk super jeep tour
SeptemberMedium crowds
Northern Lights and hiking combo
OctoberLow crowds
Enjoy empty hot springs and aurora
NovemberLow crowds
Indoor culture: museums and cozy cafes
DecemberMedium crowds
Christmas markets and ice skating in Ingólfstorg
Need to get there first? Search flights:
Not sure where to start?
First-timer with 2 days
Maximize your short stay: a private Golden Circle tour plus a local food walk.
Explore toursSolo budget traveler
See the South Coast on a shared minibus, then soak in a city pool for $5.
Explore toursFamily with kids under 10
Start with a whale-watching trip, then spend an afternoon at Laugardalslaug pool's slides.
Explore toursCouple chasing the Aurora
Book one private northern lights tour with a pro photographer for the night of your stay.
Explore toursWhat travelers are saying
“We did the Golden Circle ourselves in a rental and stopped for hours at each spot—way better than a 6-hour bus tour.”
“The local pool cost $7 and had hot tubs, a sauna, and a cold plunge—I could’ve skipped the Blue Lagoon completely.”
“The weather forecast changed hourly; we drove south in a blizzard but it cleared to sunshine at the glacier lagoon.”
Frequently asked questions
Is Reykjavik expensive for tourists?
Yes, Iceland is one of the priciest destinations in Europe. A budget meal costs $20, a beer $12, and a simple day tour $180. Save by using public pools, self-catering, and sipping tap water.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
June-August for midnight sun and easiest road access; September-October for northern lights, fewer crowds, and still-mild weather. Winter is dark and cheaper but limit outdoor plans to 4-5 hours of daylight.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik?
Yes, but light pollution reduces visibility. You might catch faint bands from the city edge, but for a real show, join a private chase or drive 30 minutes out. No tour guarantees a sighting, so check the forecast.
Is the Golden Circle worth it?
Only if you have limited time. It’s iconic but overcrowded. Self-drive at dawn to avoid crowds, or skip Þingvellir and do a longer South Coast tour instead.
What is there to do in Reykjavik with kids?
Kids love the city pools (all have slides and hot tubs), the whales of Faxaflói Bay, and the hands-on exhibits at the Volcano House. The Reykjavik Zoo is small, but the adjacent family park has rides.
How can I save money in Reykjavik?
Stay in a hostel or Airbnb with kitchen, buy groceries at Bónus, walk everywhere, and skip the Blue Lagoon. A Reykjavik City Card gives free pool entry and bus travel.
What are the best free things to do in Reykjavik?
Admire Hallgrímskirkja’s architecture, stroll the Sun Voyager waterfront, explore Harpa’s lobby, and join a free walking tour from Austurvöllur. In summer, hike to the Elliðaárdalur valley for waterfalls and salmon runs.
Plan the rest of your Reykjavik trip
FlightsDirect flights from Boston and New York take under 6 hours; from the East Coast, you can leave in the morning and be in Reykjavik by evening. Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is 50 minutes from the city by airport bus.HotelsBase yourself in Miðborg for walking access to sights, or in Vesturbær for a quieter local vibe near the pool. Budget options are scarce; book months ahead for summer, and consider guesthouses or Airbnb.City guideFor a complete Reykjavik itinerary, including where to eat and hidden hot springs, visit our full Reykjavik destination guide.
Things to do in other cities
New YorkThe city that never sleeps, packed with world-famous sights and Broadway shows.Los AngelesEndless sunshine, beaches, and Hollywood glam.MiamiLatin rhythms and Art Deco cool on Florida's southern tip.LondonRoyal palaces, exceptional museums, and a pub on every corner.ParisRomantic boulevards, Michelin stars, and the iconic Eiffel Tower.San FranciscoHilly streets, the Golden Gate Bridge, and tech-driven energy.
Before you go
- esimStay connected with an Iceland eSIM from Airalo, with data plans from 1GB to 20GB—activate in minutes before you land.
- insuranceTravel insurance is a must: emergency medical care in Iceland is excellent but pricey; ensure your policy covers outdoor activities and road trips.
- transferBook a shared or private airport transfer from Keflavík to Reykjavik in advance; the Flybus leaves every 35 minutes and costs from $30.
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