Reykjavík City Centre - July 2025
Downtown Reykjavík is the beating heart of Iceland’s capital – a compact hub where culture, history, creativity and nightlife meet against a backdrop of colourful neighbourhoods and scenic views. Whether you're browsing local boutiques, exploring historic sites or sampling world-class cuisine, the city centre offers a rich experience catering to all ages and interests. By day, it’s a lively cultural district; by night, it transforms into a hotspot for music, cocktails and celebration. From museums and churches to street art and hidden cafés, Reykjavík’s centre is where the city’s soul comes to life.
Top attractions
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 and 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.
How to get to Seltjarnarnes
By Bus
To get to Seltjarnarnes and Grótta by bus, you can take bus number 11, which runs between Mjódd bus stop and Seltjarnarnes. The Hofgarður bus stop is closest to Grótta, which is 1 km away from the bus stop.
By Electric Scooter
Electric scooters are available at Seltjarnarnes.
By Car
There are parking lots in the area, for example, at Grótta.