The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Reykjavík
Travelling solo is an adventure in self-discovery, and Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, is the perfect place to embark on this journey. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning landscapes or rich cultural scene, this charming city invites you to explore without limits. One of the best things about Reykjavík is you never feel out of place. The city’s inclusive atmosphere makes it easy for solo travellers to feel welcome, whether wandering through the colourful streets, soaking in a geothermal pool, or enjoying a quiet moment by the harbour. In this guide, we’ll cover the best things to do alone in Reykjavík, how to make the most of the Reykjavík City Card, and why this city is a haven for solo travellers.
Why Travel Alone in Reykjavík?
Solo travel isn’t just about seeing a new place, it’s about proving to yourself that you don’t need a travel companion to have an incredible experience. Solo travel isn't just about seeing a new place, it's about having complete control over your own travel experience and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Reykjavík is a city where you can move at your own pace and follow your own interests.
Here’s why it’s such an excellent destination for solo travellers:
A Warm, Inclusive Culture
Icelanders are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. You’ll never feel out of place, whether dining alone, visiting a museum, or striking up a conversation at a hot tub in one of the city’s geothermal pools.
Easy to Navigate
Reykjavík is small but packed with experiences. You can walk nearly everywhere, and public transportation is efficient if you want to explore further outside the city centre.
Pro Tip - With the Reykjavik City Card you get limitless access to public transportation with Strætó.
Countless Solo-Friendly Activities
From visiting well-curated museums to exploring nature just minutes from downtown, there’s no shortage of things to do on your own.
Things to do on your own in Reykjavík
Explore the Capital City’s Landmarks
Start your solo adventure by exploring Reykjavík’s most famous sights:
Hallgrímskirkja Church: Explore the unique architecture and go to the top of this iconic church for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Harpa Concert Hall: Even if you don’t attend a concert, the architecture alone is worth seeing. The glass panels are so striking to see.
Sun Voyager: A stunning steel sculpture by the waterfront is perfect for a quiet moment of reflection or an amazing Instagram pic.
Visit Museums & Galleries
Take yourself on a cultural tour through some of Reykjavík’s best museums:
The National Museum of Iceland offers a deep dive into Iceland’s history.
Reykjavík Art Museum showcases contemporary and eclectic Icelandic art.
The Saga Museum in Reykjavík brings Iceland’s Viking history to life with lifelike silicone figures and immersive exhibits based on the island’s most famous sagas.
Pro-tip - The Reykjavík City Card gives you free access or discount to many of the city's museums. With the City Card you also get free use of public transportation, which can e.g. take you to Gerðarsafn Art Museum, the only museum in Iceland founded in honour af a female artist.
Enjoy Reykjavík’s Café Culture
Reykjavík is full of cosy cafés where you can sit with a book, journal, or just watch the world go by.
Some great solo-friendly spots include:
Reykjavík Röst is a charming café with divine beverages, a warm atmosphere and a gorgeous view of the harbour.
Kaffi-Ó-le is one of the best places for specialty coffee lovers.
Grái Kötturinn is a cosy café where you can enjoy a coffee and have a delicious breakfast.
Relax in a Geothermal Pool
Local geothermal pools are the place to experience an integral part of Icelandic culture. While they’re great for relaxing, they’re also social hubs where you can mix with the locals.
Some must-visit pools close to the city centre include:
Laugardalslaug – The largest and most popular pool in Reykjavík.
Sundhöll Reykjavíkur – A centrally located historic pool.
Vesturbæjarlaug – A local favourite and perfect for a quiet dip.
Seltjarnarneslaug—This pool is filled with seawater, which is good for your skin. It is also close to the iconic Grótta lighthouse.
Local Tip - If you want to meet people, head to the hot tubs—they’re the best places for casual conversation!
Take a Day Trip Into Nature
Reykjavík’s location makes it easy to escape into nature, even on a solo trip.
A couple of great options include:
Mount Esja – A stunning hiking spot just 30 minutes from the city.
Elliðaárdalur is a vast green space renowned for its diverse landscapes, including rivers, and waterfalls.
Grótta lighthouse is an iconic viewing point offering a panoramic view of the city with the fresh, brisk sea breeze on your face.
Here is a good tip for those who like outdoor activities: Reykjavík is a favoured spot for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. A handy guide for mapped trails and outdoor areas that are free of charge to explore can be found at https://utumallt.is/en. Some of these areas are maybe a bit harder to get to, like Helgufoss - the beautiful waterfall in Mosfellsbær City Area - but they are totally worth it!
Safety & Inclusivity in Reykjavík
While many cities can feel overwhelming for solo travellers, Reykjavík is different. Its small size, friendly locals, and strong sense of community make it easy to navigate and feel at home. Reykjavík is also an incredibly inclusive city. Whether you're a solo female traveller, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or just someone who enjoys exploring alone, you’ll find that the city embraces people from all walks of life. Reykjavík is a city that proves you don’t need a travel partner to have an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and discover what you can do—on your own.