Reykjavik
THE QUICK VERDICT
Choose Reykjavik if you want the Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights chasing, Golden Circle geysers, glacier walks, and a Nordic capital smaller than most suburbs.
- Best for
- the easiest aurora base in the world, hot-spring weekends, and a Ring Road within day-trip range
- Best months
- Feb–Mar · Jun–Sep
- Budget anchor
- $275/day mid-range
- Skip if
- a small budget is non-negotiable — Iceland will quietly empty your wallet
The world's northernmost capital is a tiny, colorful city that punches way above its weight. Reykjavik is the base for Iceland's otherworldly landscapes — the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, northern lights, and glacier hikes are all accessible as day trips. The city itself has excellent restaurants, a lively bar scene, and that unmistakable Nordic cool.
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Tours & Experiences
Bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Reykjavik
Where to Stay
Compare hotels and rentals in Reykjavik
📍 Points of Interest
At a Glance
- Pop.
- 140K (city)
- Timezone
- Reykjavik
- Dial
- +354
- Emergency
- 112
Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital city, sitting just below the Arctic Circle at 64°N
Iceland runs almost entirely on renewable energy — geothermal and hydroelectric power heat homes and generate electricity
There are no McDonald's in Iceland — the last one closed in 2009 and the final burger is preserved in a museum
Icelanders believe in elves (huldufólk) — construction projects have been rerouted to avoid disturbing elf habitats
Iceland has more books published per capita than any other country — one in ten Icelanders will publish a book
The Icelandic language has barely changed since Viking times — modern Icelanders can read 800-year-old sagas
Top Sights
Hallgrimskirkja
🗼Iceland's iconic church with a striking basalt-column-inspired facade. Take the elevator to the top of the 73m tower for panoramic views over the colorful tin rooftops of downtown Reykjavik.
Harpa Concert Hall
🗼A stunning glass building on the waterfront designed by Olafur Eliasson. The geometric facade changes color with the light. Hosts concerts, conferences, and the Iceland Airwaves music festival.
Blue Lagoon
♨️Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, set in a lava field 45 minutes from Reykjavik. The milky-blue water is rich in silica and minerals. Book well in advance — it sells out months ahead.
Golden Circle
🌿The classic day trip covering Thingvellir National Park (tectonic plate boundary), Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Doable self-drive or with a tour in 6-8 hours.
Sun Voyager (Solfar)
🎨A striking stainless steel sculpture on the waterfront resembling a Viking ship. One of Reykjavik's most photographed landmarks, especially at sunset with the mountains behind.
National Museum of Iceland
🏛️The best overview of Icelandic history from Viking settlement to modern times. Well-curated with multimedia exhibits. Covers the saga era, medieval period, and road to independence.
Perlan
🏛️A glass dome atop hot water storage tanks offering 360-degree views, a planetarium, and an indoor ice cave. The Wonders of Iceland exhibition is excellent for understanding the country's geology.
Off the Beaten Path
Grandi Matholl (Food Hall)
A former fish factory turned food hall in the harbour district. Local vendors serving everything from lamb soup to fish and chips to Icelandic craft beer. More authentic than the tourist-trap restaurants downtown.
Where locals actually eat lunch — great quality at (relatively) reasonable Icelandic prices.
Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach
A man-made beach with geothermally heated seawater where locals swim and sunbathe even in cool weather. Hot pots on the beach. Free to visit and far fewer tourists than the Blue Lagoon.
A free geothermal swimming experience that locals love — no booking needed.
Reykjavik Flea Market (Kolaportid)
Weekend flea market in a harbour warehouse selling secondhand wool sweaters, vintage vinyl, books, and fermented shark (hakarl). Open Saturdays and Sundays 11am-5pm.
The best place to find affordable Icelandic wool sweaters and try hakarl if you dare.
Secret Solstice (June)
A music festival held during the summer solstice when the sun never sets. Bands play under 24-hour daylight. Previous acts include Radiohead, Die Antwoord, and Icelandic artists.
The only major music festival where you can party in perpetual daylight.
Climate & Best Time to Go
Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable — "if you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes." Mild for its latitude thanks to the Gulf Stream, but wind and rain are constant companions. Layering is essential.
Spring
Apr–May36–50°F
2–10°C
Days lengthening rapidly. Puffins arrive in May. Roads opening up but highland interior still closed. Good shoulder season deals.
Summer
Jun–Aug46–59°F
8–15°C
Midnight sun (24-hour daylight in June). Best weather, all roads open, Highland F-roads accessible. Peak tourist season — book everything in advance.
Autumn
Sep–Oct36–50°F
2–10°C
Northern lights season begins. Fall colors in Thingvellir. Fewer crowds, lower prices. Weather becoming unpredictable.
Winter
Nov–Mar27–37°F
-3–3°C
Short daylight hours (4-5 hours in December). Northern lights, ice caves, and snowy landscapes. Many highland roads closed. Magical but demanding.
Best Time to Visit
June-August for midnight sun and best weather; September-March for northern lights. Each season offers a completely different experience.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Crowds: Peak season — very crowded. Book accommodation and rental cars months in advance.Midnight sun, all roads open, puffins nesting, the highland interior accessible. Warmest temperatures and longest days.
Pros
- + 24-hour daylight
- + Best weather
- + All roads and trails open
- + Puffin season
Cons
- − Most expensive
- − Very crowded at popular sites
- − No northern lights
- − Accommodation books out
Shoulder (Apr-May, Sep-Oct)
Crowds: Moderate. Fewer tourists than summer but popular sites still busy.Shoulder season offers lower prices and fewer crowds. September-October is prime northern lights season with reasonable daylight.
Pros
- + Lower prices
- + Northern lights possible (Sep-Oct)
- + Fewer crowds
- + Fall colors (Sep)
Cons
- − Some highland roads closed
- − Unpredictable weather
- − Shorter days (Oct)
Winter (Nov-Mar)
Crowds: Low except Christmas/New Year. Hotels cheaper.Dark but magical. Northern lights, ice caves inside glaciers, snowy landscapes, and Christmas markets. Only 4-5 hours of daylight in December.
Pros
- + Northern lights
- + Ice caves open
- + Lowest prices
- + Snowy landscapes
Cons
- − Very short days
- − Many roads closed
- − Harsh driving conditions
- − Some attractions closed
🎉 Festivals & Events
Iceland Airwaves
NovemberIceland's premier music festival showcasing Icelandic and international artists across Reykjavik's venues.
Thorri (Thorrablot)
January-FebruaryTraditional midwinter feast featuring fermented shark, ram testicles, and other old Icelandic delicacies.
Secret Solstice
JuneMusic festival during the summer solstice with 24-hour daylight. International and Icelandic acts.
Safety Breakdown
Very Safe
out of 100
Iceland is consistently ranked one of the safest countries in the world. There is virtually no violent crime. The main safety concerns are weather-related — sudden storms, icy roads, and rogue waves on beaches. Police don't carry guns.
Things to Know
- •Rogue waves at Reynisfjara black sand beach have killed tourists — never turn your back on the ocean and stay well back from the water line
- •Highland F-roads require a 4x4 vehicle — regular rental cars are not insured for these roads
- •Weather changes rapidly — always check vedur.is (Icelandic Met Office) and safetravel.is before heading out
- •River crossings in the highlands can be extremely dangerous — never cross without experience and a proper 4x4
- •Geothermal areas can have dangerously hot ground — stay on marked paths
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Emergency (all services)
112
ICE-SAR (Search & Rescue)
112
Health Helpline
1770
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayBackpacker = hostel dorm + street food + public transit. Mid-range = 3-star hotel + neighbourhood restaurants + transit cards. Luxury = 4/5-star + fine dining + taxis. How we calibrate these numbers →
Quick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$100-150/day
Hostels or camping, grocery store meals and hot dogs, bus travel, free attractions like churches and geothermal pools.
mid-range
$200-350/day
Guesthouses, mix of restaurant and self-catering meals, rental car (split with travel partner), 1-2 paid attractions per day.
luxury
$500+/day
Boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours, helicopter excursions, Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa.
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| FoodPylsur (famous hot dog) | 590 ISK | $4.20 |
| FoodRestaurant main course | 3,500-6,000 ISK | $25-43 |
| FoodBeer at a bar | 1,400-1,800 ISK | $10-13 |
| TransportFlybus airport transfer | 3,499 ISK | $25 |
| AttractionBlue Lagoon Comfort package | 12,990 ISK | $93 |
| AttractionGolden Circle day tour | 10,000-14,000 ISK | $72-100 |
| AttractionMunicipal swimming pool | 1,100 ISK | $8 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Buy alcohol at the duty-free shop at Keflavik airport — bars and the state liquor store (Vinbudin) are extremely expensive
- •Shop at Bonus (the pig logo) supermarket — Iceland's cheapest grocery chain
- •Municipal geothermal pools are 10x cheaper than Blue Lagoon and equally relaxing
- •Camp or stay in hostels — Iceland has excellent camping infrastructure (summer only)
- •Cook your own meals — Airbnb with kitchen access can save hundreds
- •Visit free attractions: Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa exterior, Sun Voyager, geothermal areas
Icelandic Krona (ISK)
Code: ISK
Iceland is essentially cashless — credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere, even for tiny amounts. Some places don't even accept cash. ATMs are available but rarely needed.
Payment Methods
Cards accepted everywhere — even hot dog stands and rural gas stations. Contactless payment is standard. Cash is almost never needed. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) universally accepted.
Tipping Guide
Tipping is not expected or customary in Iceland. Service charge is included in the price.
No tipping expected. Round up if you like but it's not necessary.
Tipping is not expected at hotels.
Not expected but appreciated for exceptional service. ISK 1,000-2,000 per person is generous.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Keflavik International Airport(KEF)
50 km southwest (45-50 min)Flybus to BSI terminal: 3,499 ISK (~$25), 45 min. Airport Direct to hotels: 4,499 ISK (~$32). Rental car pickup is at the airport. No public bus.
✈️ Search flights to KEFReykjavik Domestic Airport(RKV)
In the city centerWalking distance to downtown. Domestic flights to Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Westman Islands.
✈️ Search flights to RKV🚌 Bus Terminals
BSI Bus Terminal
Main bus terminal for Flybus airport shuttles and long-distance buses (Straeto, SBA-Nordurleio). Tours to Golden Circle, South Coast, and highlands depart from here.
Getting Around
Reykjavik is very walkable — the downtown core is compact. There's a bus system (Straeto) but most visitors rent a car to explore beyond the city. There are no trains in Iceland.
Straeto City Buses
490 ISK (~$3.50)The public bus system covers greater Reykjavik. Limited routes and frequencies. Buy a Klappid card or use the Straeto app. Buses run roughly 6am-11pm.
Best for: Getting around greater Reykjavik if you don't have a car
Rental Car
$60-150/day depending on vehicle and seasonEssential for exploring Iceland beyond Reykjavik. Ring Road (Route 1) is paved. 4x4 needed for F-roads and winter. Book well ahead in summer. Drive on the right.
Best for: Golden Circle, South Coast, Ring Road, and all self-guided exploration
Walking
FreeDowntown Reykjavik is extremely walkable — Hallgrimskirkja to the harbour is about 15 minutes on foot. Most central attractions, restaurants, and shops are within a 1km radius.
Best for: Exploring the city center
Taxis
2,000-5,000 ISK for city trips (~$14-35)Available but very expensive by international standards. No Uber in Iceland. Hreyfill (588-5522) is the main taxi company. Pre-booking recommended for airport transfers.
Best for: Late night, airport if not renting a car
Walkability
Downtown Reykjavik is very walkable and compact. Beyond the city center you'll need a car or bus.
Travel Connections
Vik
Black sand beach (Reynisfjara), basalt columns, and dramatic sea stacks. A key stop on the South Coast and gateway to Skaftafell glacier.
Akureyri
Iceland's second city and gateway to whale watching in Husavik, Myvatn's volcanic landscapes, and the Diamond Circle route.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Called "Iceland in miniature" — Kirkjufell mountain, lava fields, black churches, fishing villages, and Snaefellsjokull glacier-volcano. Perfect 2-day trip.
London
Frequent direct flights make London a natural connection. Icelandair offers free stopovers in Iceland on transatlantic routes.
Copenhagen
The closest Scandinavian capital with year-round direct flights. Good connection hub for onward travel in Europe.
Entry Requirements
Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU/EEA, US, Canada, UK, Australia, and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US/Canada/UK/Australia | Visa-free | 90 days | Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure. Part of Schengen 90/180 day rule. |
| EU/EEA citizens | Visa-free | Unlimited | National ID card sufficient for entry. No passport required. |
| Indian/Chinese/Nigerian citizens | Yes | 90 days | Schengen visa required. Apply at the Icelandic embassy or VFS Global. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •Iceland charges no departure tax
- •Customs allows 1L of spirits, 1L of wine, and 6L of beer duty-free
- •Raw meat, dairy products, and uncooked eggs cannot be brought into Iceland
- •The airport departure hall has a large duty-free shop — buy alcohol here for massive savings
Shopping
Shopping in Reykjavik is concentrated on Laugavegur, the main shopping street. Icelandic design is minimalist and high-quality. Everything is expensive but the lopapeysa (wool sweater) is the quintessential Icelandic souvenir.
Laugavegur
Main shopping streetThe heart of Reykjavik shopping — boutiques, design stores, bookshops, and souvenir shops stretching from Hlemmur to the city center.
Known for: Icelandic design, wool shops, boutiques
Skolavordustigur
Art & designThe street leading up to Hallgrimskirkja is lined with galleries, ceramic shops, and artisan boutiques. Less commercial than Laugavegur.
Known for: Art galleries, handmade crafts
Kringlan Mall
Shopping centerIceland's largest shopping center with international and local brands. Good for practical shopping and rainy days.
Known for: Mixed retail, tax-free shopping
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Lopapeysa (traditional Icelandic wool sweater)
- •Omnom chocolate (Icelandic craft chocolate)
- •Icelandic sea salt and lava salt
- •Brennivin (Icelandic caraway schnapps — "Black Death")
- •Blue Lagoon skincare products
- •Viking-inspired jewelry
Language & Phrases
Nearly all Icelanders speak excellent English. Icelandic is notoriously difficult but locals appreciate any effort.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hallo / Halló | HAH-lo |
| Thank you | Takk (fyrir) | TAHK (FIR-ir) |
| Yes / No | Já / Nei | YOW / NAY |
| Please | Vinsamlegast | VIN-sahm-le-gast |
| Excuse me | Afsakið | AF-sah-kith |
| Do you speak English? | Talarðu ensku? | TAH-lar-thu EN-sku |
| Goodbye | Bless | BLESS |
| Cheers! | Skál! | SKOWL |
| How much? | Hvað kostar? | KVATH KO-star |
| Beautiful | Fallegt | FAHT-lekt |
| Where is...? | Hvar er...? | KVAR air |
| Help! | Hjálp! | HYOWLP |
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