Reykjavík walking tour & city guide
The world's northernmost capital, colorful and creative.
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Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital and home to two thirds of Iceland's people. Its small downtown of corrugated-iron houses painted in bright colors, its harbor and its striking modern buildings make it an easy, friendly city to explore, and the gateway to the island's famous landscapes.
Hallgrímskirkja and downtown
Hallgrímskirkja, the white concrete church whose stepped tower was inspired by basalt columns, stands on a hill above the city. An elevator takes you to the top for a view over the colorful roofs, the bay and Mount Esja.
From the church, Skólavörðustígur, the street painted with a rainbow, leads down to Laugavegur, the main shopping street, lined with design shops, cafés and bars. The small Old Town around Austurvöllur square holds the Parliament, one of the oldest in the world, and the pond Tjörnin with its ducks and swans.
Harpa, the harbor and the Sun Voyager
On the waterfront, Harpa concert hall glitters with a facade of geometric glass panels designed with the artist Olafur Eliasson. A walk along the shore leads to the Sun Voyager, a steel sculpture of a Viking-style ship that looks toward the mountains across the bay.
The Old Harbour has whale-watching boats, fish restaurants and museums, and the Grandi district beyond it has turned old fish factories into food halls and galleries.
Hot pools and practical tips
Bathing in geothermal pools is a daily ritual for Icelanders, and Reykjavík has more than a dozen public pools, from the busy Laugardalslaug to the seaside Sky Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is on the way to the airport.
In midsummer the sun barely sets, while in winter there are only four or five hours of daylight, but a good chance of seeing the northern lights. Tours to the Golden Circle, the south coast and the glaciers leave from the city every day.
Top sights in Reykjavík
- 1
Hallgrímskirkja
The iconic church with a view from its tower.
- 2
Harpa
A glittering glass concert hall on the waterfront.
- 3
Sun Voyager
A steel ship sculpture facing the bay.
- 4
Laugavegur
The main street of shops, cafés and bars.
- 5
Old Harbour
Whale-watching boats and seafood shacks.
- 6
Tjörnin
A city pond next to City Hall.
Food markets & where to eat in Reykjavík
Hlemmur Mathöll
A food hall in a former bus station.
Grandi Mathöll
A food hall in an old fish factory by the harbor.
Old Harbour
Seafood shacks and lobster soup by the boats.
Laugavegur
The main street, lined with cafés and bakeries.
Food to try in Reykjavík
Icelandic hot dog
Lamb-based, with crispy onions and remoulade.
Lobster soup
A creamy soup of langoustine.
Skyr
A thick, high-protein dairy product, eaten like yogurt.
Kjötsúpa
A hearty lamb and vegetable soup.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Reykjavík
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in ReykjavíkCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Reykjavík.
- eSIM for IcelandStay online from the moment you land.
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