Things to do and places to wander
City Icons
Reykjavík’s city centre is filled with landmarks that offer a perfect blend of architecture, art and atmosphere, each telling its own story of Iceland’s identity. Towering above the city is Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland’s most recognisable building. Inspired by basalt columns and lava flows, the church offers sweeping views from its tower and serves as a compass point for navigating the city. A short walk downhill leads to 'Rainbow Street', which gives way to Laugavegur, downtown's main street. By the harbour, the shimmering Harpa Concert Hall draws visitors with its glass facade, designed to reflect Iceland’s light and landscape. Along the waterfront path stands The Sun Voyager, a striking steel sculpture shaped like a Viking ship. It faces the sea with the mountain Esja in the background, and has become one of the city’s most photographed spots.
Culture & Curiosity
Culture lovers will find plenty to explore in downtown Reykjavík. Highlights include the National Museum of Iceland, tracing the nation’s story from settlement to present day; the Reykjavík Art Museum with its three branches including Hafnarhús, dedicated to contemporary art; and the charming Reykjavík City Museum, which incorporates exhibitions on daily life and archaeology. Don’t miss the Icelandic Phallological Museum, housing the world's largest collections of, er, penises, or The Settlement Exhibition, where you can walk through the ruins of a Viking longhouse. Together, these institutions offer a deep and often quirky dive into Iceland’s rich cultural heritage.
Tastes of the City
Reykjavík’s dining scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself, from iconic street food to fine-dining fare. No visit is complete without a stop at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Reykjavík’s legendary hotdog stand. At the other end of the scale are Michelin-recognised restaurants where seasonal ingredients and Nordic techniques meet magically on the plate. Reykjavík’s food halls have become popular gathering spots, offering a variety of flavours in vibrant, no-bookings-needed settings. Coffee culture and artisan bakeries also thrive here, alongside cosy pubs, vegan cafés, and seafood-focused bistros. Come hungry!
The Perfect Souvenir
Reykjavík’s city centre is a fabulous place to shop, with a creative mix of local design and international fashion. The main shopping streets are Laugavegur, Skólavörðustígur and Hverfisgata, and they're filled with independent boutiques, bookstores, design studios, and artisan gift shops. You’ll find everything from hand-knitted lopapeysur (Icelandic wool sweaters) to high-end homeware and minimalist Nordic fashion. Many stores focus on sustainable materials and Icelandic-made products, giving visitors the chance to bring home a piece of Iceland. Whether you're treasure-hunting or window-shopping, the downtown retail scene is lively, walkable, and full of surprises.
What to see, where to eat and stay
CityHub
Þingholt Apartments from Center Hotels
Reykjavík Art Museum - Kjarvalsstaðir
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Fosshotel Lind
Geiri Smart
Fischersund
Reykjavík Konsulat Hotel
Miðgarður by Center Hotels
Tapas Bar
Austurvöllur square and public park
Vesturbæjarlaug pool
Sun Voyager
Hafnartorg Gallery
The pond and Hljómskálagarðurinn park
Mink Viking Experience
Sundhöll Reykjavíkur pool
Grái Kötturinn
Sand Hotel
Hallgrímskirkja church
Center Hotels Plaza
Potturinn og pannan
Iceland Parliament Hotel
Klambratún park
Terroir Reykjavík Wine Bar
Apótek Kitchen + Bar
OTO
City Hall
SKÝ Lounge & Bar
Hotel Reykjavík Centrum
Center Hotels Klöpp
Fjallkonan
Höfði House
The National Museum of Iceland
Reykjavík Art Museum - Hafnarhús
The Icelandic Phallological Museum
Alda Hotel Reykjavík
Fosshotel Reykjavík
Center Hotels Arnarhvoll
Ísafold Spa
Apotek Hotel
Turf House Food Truck
Konsúlat Wine Room
World in Words
Miðgarður Spa
Aðalstræti - The Settlement Exhibition
National Gallery of Iceland
Center Hotels Laugavegur
Center Hotels Skjaldbreið
Sushi Social
Alþingi - Parliament House
Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar
Magic Ice - Ice Gallery & Bar
Fishmarket Restaurant
Hotel Klettur
Canopy by Hilton
Jómfrúin
Saga VR
The Volcano Express
Fosshotel Rauðará
Hjá Jóni
Hotel Reykjavík Saga
Kaffibrennslan
Hotel Borg
Tres Locos
Radisson RED
The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum
The House of Collections
Storm Hotel
Fröken Reykjavík
Hallargarðurinn public park
Re Argentina Alfajores
Lóa Restaurant
Fosshotel Baron
Hallgrímskirkja Church Tower
Sæta Svínið
Reykjavík Museum of Photography
Parliament Spa
Radisson Blu 1919
Alþingisgarðurinn parliament park
Þingholt by Center Hotels
Ísafold Lounge & Bar
Skuggi Hotel
Tipsý Bar & Lounge
Bryggjuhúsið
How to get to Reykjavík City Centre
By Bus
Numerous Strætó bus routes run through the city centre. Most routes operate every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes outside peak hours. Night buses are also available on weekends, with four routes running from the city centre to the suburbs.
Reykjavík City Card offers hassle-free, unlimited travel on public buses within the capital area. Choose between 24, 48 or 72 consecutive hours from the moment you activate your card.
By Electric Scooter
Electric scooters are available in Reykjavík City Centre.
By Car
In the city centre, there are around 5,900 parking spaces, including approximately 2,000 spaces in seven parking garages, which are open daily from 07:00 to 24:00. In addition, there are about 1,160 parking spaces in underground garages at Hafnartorg and Harpa.
Tiptoe Top tips
Reykjavík City Card
Step into museums and galleries, dive into any city pool, ride every bus across the capital area. Save on tours, shops, and services too. That's right, for a small one-off fee Reykjavík City Card gives you free access to 17 museums, 8 geothermal pools, Strætó bus network, and much more.
Swim, ride, see in Reykjavík