Iceland
Things to do in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is small enough to walk in a morning, from Hallgrimskirkja church down to the Harpa concert hall and the Old Harbour where whale-watching boats leave. Most visitors use it as a base: the Golden Circle, the south coast waterfalls and the geothermal lagoons are all reachable on day tours.
- Golden Circle day tour
- South Coast waterfalls and black sand beach tour
- Northern lights tour
- Whale watching from the Old Harbour
Experiences in Reykjavik
Top-rated experiences in Reykjavik
Free cancellation on most experiences. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Highlights
- Golden Circle day tour
- South Coast waterfalls and black sand beach tour
- Northern lights tour
- Whale watching from the Old Harbour
- Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon ticket
- Icelandic food walk
Best time to visit
June to August has near-constant daylight and open highland roads. September to early April is northern lights season, but winter days are short, around four to five hours of light in December, and storms can cancel tours.
Getting around
The centre is walkable and served by Straeto buses; most sights outside the city are visited by tour or rental car. Flybus and other airport buses connect Keflavik Airport with Reykjavik in about 45 to 50 minutes.
Local tips
- Check the weather on vedur.is and road conditions on umferdin.is before any self-drive day, as conditions change fast.
- On Reynisfjara beach stay well back from the water: sneaker waves have swept visitors out to sea.
- Tap water is clean and free everywhere, so skip bottled water.
Day trips from Reykjavik
- Golden Circle
- South Coast and Vik
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula
- Blue Lagoon
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Reykjavik?
The most booked experiences in Reykjavik are Golden Circle day tour, South Coast waterfalls and black sand beach tour, Northern lights tour and Whale watching from the Old Harbour.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
June to August has near-constant daylight and open highland roads. September to early April is northern lights season, but winter days are short, around four to five hours of light in December, and storms can cancel tours.
How do I get around Reykjavik?
The centre is walkable and served by Straeto buses; most sights outside the city are visited by tour or rental car. Flybus and other airport buses connect Keflavik Airport with Reykjavik in about 45 to 50 minutes.
Do I need to book tours in Reykjavik in advance?
For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
How many days do I need in Reykjavik?
Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.