Top 5 things to do in Reykjavik Iceland

Iceland is a beautiful country, full of outstanding natural beauty, volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. It really captured my heart on my recent trip. With all the beautiful landscape in this stunning country, the capital Reykjavik can often go overlooked, but don't! It has some amazing architecture, vibrant street art, gastronomic delights and interesting museums. 

 This is my post on top things to do in Reykjavik. 

1. Visit Hallgrímskirkj 
Hallgrímskirkj

Hallgrímskirkj, the largest church in Iceland is the main landmark being in an elevated position it can be seen from most places in the city. Designed by Guðjón Samuel in 1937, it's a cool building, the architect was inspired by the shapes of lava when it cools in basalt rock. For a fantastic view over the city, take a life to the top of the church. 

2. Snap a photo of the Sun Voyager
Solfar the Sun Voyager

On Reykjavik's waterfront, is the statue of the Sun Voyager - called Solfar. This striking landmark is a huge steel sculpture by Jon Gunnar Arnason. Thought to resemble a Viking ship, the sculpture is, in fact, a 'dream boat' and ode to the sun. The artist's intention was to give the city something to inspire dreams and hopes.

3. Go to a concert or grab a cocktail at Harpa


Harpa the concert hall

Harpa, the concert hall designed by Olafur Eliasson is a stunning building on Reykjavik's waterfront. Opened in 2011, it's the place to go for concerts as well as cocktails with a view. There are two places to eat in Harpa, a cafe and restaurant on the ground floor called Smurstöðin and Kolabrautin, a modern restaurant focusing on Icelandic food fused with Meditteranean cuisine. The coloured glass windows are inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland.

4. Admire the amazing street art


Iceland is known for its amazing street art, and there is so much of it to see in the city that you could spend half a day just strolling around the centre and taking it all in. Some pieces of artwork are created with permission from private building owners, some are commissioned and some are less formal, but the variety of the artwork is astounding. 

5. Visit one of the many museums

The Settlement exhibition 

From the Punk Museum to the Whales Of Iceland exhibition and the Saga Museum, Reykjavik has a museum for everyone. We visited the Settlement exhibition which explored the life and work of the first settlers and was interesting for an hour. We were given a Reykjavik city card which covered a number of museums and attractions and gave us entry into the Settlement exhibition. Well worth doing if you are staying in the capital for a few days. 

Where we stayed

Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel

We stayed in the city centre at the Skuggi hotel before our drive around the country. We thought this 3-star hotel was good value as it had daily buffet breakfast and was only 5 mins walk from the main shopping street Laugavegur. The rooms were modern, stylish and exceptionally clean.  

When we returned to Reykjavik for one night before our flight home we stayed at the Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel, a stunning and very beautiful boutique hotel, not far from Laugavegur. 

Where we ate
Kopar

We had a tasty meal at Hraðlestin an Indian restaurant not far from Harpa, and Kopar, where we had an outstanding meal for my birthday. The location of Kopar was perfect too, right in the marina, with a great view. We also took a tour with the Reykjavik Food Walk which I would highly recommend for a taste of Icelandic cuisine as well as a humorous tour of the city. 

Pin for later

Tell me would you visit Iceland? What do you think of my suggestions in Reykjavik?

* Settlement Exhibition Flickr CC 
MummyTravels
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44 comments

  1. Ashleigh - www.beingashleigh.com22 April 2017 at 16:25

    Wow, the street are looks really impressive in Iceland. I would love to visit the Blue Lagoon though!

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    1. Mellissa Williams27 April 2017 at 08:06

      The street art is fabulous. Really great and well worth seeing and I have a post about the Blue Lagoon going up soon.

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  2. Kelly22 April 2017 at 16:25

    Reykjavik has been on my travel bucket list for some time. Now I'm even more excited. Will have to see this list for later! Can't wait!

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  3. Unknown22 April 2017 at 16:40

    That Solfar statue is so unique! I love that lots of their architecture follows a similar cohesive theme.

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  4. Side Street Style22 April 2017 at 17:25

    John has been to Iceland but I have never been but really want to go! My father went when I was a child and it seemed like the furtherest place you could be from South Africa where we were living at the time. I love this top 5 guide!

    Laura x

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    1. Mellissa Williams27 April 2017 at 08:08

      You have to go Laura, I fell in love with the country.

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  5. Crystal22 April 2017 at 17:43

    Wow I had no idea that Iceland had such amazing places to visit. Your pictures are wonderful.

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  6. Anonymous22 April 2017 at 19:02

    Iceland has been on my mind a lot lately. Many of the to dos in your post are on my list already. I can't wait to visit and experience them myself!

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    1. Mellissa Williams27 April 2017 at 08:09

      Hope you get the chance to go one day, I highly recommend the country. It is so beautiful and unique.

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  7. Jenn and Ed Coleman22 April 2017 at 19:58

    I had an idea of what five things to do in Reykjavik. There were some neat and new items on your list I could definitely see myself doing. The Sun Voyager is a really cool statue that does inspire my dreams. I have long heard about how great the food is in Iceland and I can't wait to try it for myself.

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  8. Carolina Esguerra Colborn23 April 2017 at 03:35

    Had everything except this one: Hallgrímskirkj! How I regret skipping it.

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    1. Mellissa Williams27 April 2017 at 08:10

      Maybe you can go back one day Carol. I am returning in August I loved the country so much.

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  9. Indrani23 April 2017 at 04:42

    So many posts on Iceland. This seems to be a hot destination now.
    Saving up this information for a tour there. Hopefully it happens soon.

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    1. Mellissa Williams27 April 2017 at 08:10

      It is such a unique landscape. Check out my other posts on Iceland.

      Delete
  10. Bilyana | Owl Over The World23 April 2017 at 12:04

    The street art in Reykjavik really seems awesome. Iceland is one of the destinations on top of my bucket list. Hope I can visit it soon.

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  11. Sherianne23 April 2017 at 13:53

    Great classic suggestions, I was surprised how much I liked Iceland!

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  12. Rebecca Smith23 April 2017 at 22:41

    Ah you've reignited the want to go to Iceland in me again - we're hopefully going next year x

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  13. Lubka Henry24 April 2017 at 10:36

    The hotel looks pretty cool. I like the quirky furniture.
    I've got friends in Iceland and I need to visit them one day :)

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    Replies
    1. Mellissa Williams27 April 2017 at 08:13

      If I had friends there, I'd be visiting every week :)

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  14. Unknown25 April 2017 at 20:11

    Iceland is on the top of my bucket list. I am happy to discover that apart from the amazing nature it has a lovely capital too. I would love to see the street art too.

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  15. HollyDayz26 April 2017 at 03:26

    I really need to get to Iceland. Hopefully sooner than later. Such a pretty place.

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    1. Mellissa Williams27 April 2017 at 08:13

      The countryside is nothing short of amazing too.

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  16. An Aussie in San Francisco2 May 2017 at 17:55

    I've never been to Iceland (not for lack of trying) and it looks lovely in your photos. I think I'd especially love to check out the Sun Voyager! #citytripping

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    1. Mellissa Williams3 May 2017 at 07:21

      It is a fantastic country. I completely fell in love with it.

      Delete
  17. Baby Loves Travel2 May 2017 at 18:01

    Iceland is on my bucket list - I'll have to make a note of these places for when I visit! #citytripping

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  18. MummyTravels2 May 2017 at 18:21

    I loved Reykjavik - so much seems to have changed since I went (although that's longer ago than I think!). We did a fantastic bike tour of the city which was a great way to explore, all bundled up in thermal suits. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping

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    1. Mellissa Williams3 May 2017 at 07:23

      That must be a great way of exploring the city.

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  19. Ruth3 May 2017 at 02:23

    Stocked to read your post since we are visiting Iceland next week (for the first time. I have not fully processed that. Thanks for your tips. I will take them into consideration for sure. #citytripping

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    1. Mellissa Williams3 May 2017 at 07:22

      Check out more of my Iceland posts here http://www.thediaryofajewellerylover.co.uk/search?q=iceland and on www.flydriveexplore.com the travel blog I write with my husband.

      Delete
  20. California Globetrotter3 May 2017 at 07:26

    Reykjavik is high on my bucket list and I keep saying the next time we fly home to the States we'll make a stop but we never do! Next time! haha #CityTripping (www.caliglobetrotter.com)

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  21. Sarah4 May 2017 at 18:28

    The Sun Voyager is an absolutely gorgeous sculpture. I would love to go to Iceland!

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  22. Corey at fifi + hop5 May 2017 at 01:59

    I'm really hoping to make it to Iceland sometime in the next few years. Seems so different from anything else. I'd love to go to the concert hall, and that viking ship sculpture is great. #citytripping

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  23. Vlad5 May 2017 at 21:50

    I'm visiting Reykjavik in a few weeks, it's always been a dream of mine, I can't wait to see it! I'll make sure to check out all the street art in town :D #citytripping

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  24. Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me)8 May 2017 at 12:39

    I would LOVE to visit Iceland. Such an otherworldly-looking place. The church just sums it up for me. Stunning, strong and very different. #citytripping

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  25. The Sunday Mode15 May 2017 at 13:36

    Loved this and I'll bookmark this for if I ever get the opportunity to visit Iceland. I feel like Iceland has gotten so popular lately it seems like everyone has been there and loves it.

    Julia // The Sunday Mode

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