Things to do in Reykjavik

Reykjavik · 2.4km from downtown

The Icelandic Phallological Museum

7.9

4.5/5

26 reviews

The Icelandic Phallological Museum is located in the center of Reykjavik. It is one of the few museums in the world dedicated to specimens of reproductive organs, founded by Sigurður Hjartarson. This seemingly bizarre museum actually combines biological research with cultural interest, making it one of Iceland's unique popular science attractions. The collection covers hundreds of specimens from over a hundred mammal species, ranging from cetaceans, walruses, seals, and polar bears to native species like Icelandic horses and reindeer. A sperm whale specimen over one m long exudes an imposing presence, while the bone of a hamster's reproductive organ is only millimeters in size and requires a magnifying glass to see clearly. The specimens are systematically preserved in formaldehyde jars or mounted on walls. Human specimens are another highlight: the museum waited years for a suitable donated human specimen, and this story was even documented in a film; a set of silver sculptures modeled after Iceland's national handball team, which won silver at the Beijing Olympics, is also often talked about.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Iceland

Reykjavik Whale Watching

7.7

Reykjavik · 3km from downtown

12 reviews

Participate in the Reykjavik whale watching activity and sail on one of Iceland's whale watching boats. Our large and sturdy whale watching boat Andrea offers you extra comfort, fantastic interiors and rest areas, large outdoor viewing decks, a safe family-friendly environment, and an onboard café and souvenir shop. Our professional guide and friendly crew will welcome you aboard, share interesting information about the different types of whales and seabirds you may hope to see during your trip, and teach you how to spot whales in the bay. With whale teeth, bones, baleen, plankton nets, and microscopes on display, this tour is also a floating whale watching classroom with educational and interactive significance.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Iceland

Perlan

7.6

4.7/5

86 reviews

Perlan in Reykjavik is an iconic landmark in Iceland's capital, blending natural wonders with modern technology to create a comprehensive attraction that combines sightseeing, education, and entertainment. Located atop Öskjuhlíð Hill, Perlan captivates visitors from around the world with its distinctive dome design and breathtaking panoramic views. The heart of the structure features six massive hot water storage tanks covered by a glass dome, housing an observation deck, exhibition space, and restaurant. Visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city and surrounding natural scenery from the observation deck, overlooking Reykjavik's urban area, coastline, and distant mountains. The view becomes particularly unforgettable at night when the aurora borealis and city lights create a mesmerizing interplay. The natural museum and ice cave exhibition at Perlan offer a rich educational experience, showcasing Iceland's geological wonders and natural history. Interactive exhibits and multimedia displays allow visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of Iceland's volcanic activity, glacier formation, and ecosystem. Perlan in Reykjavik is not just a sightseeing spot but also a place that sparks curiosity and learning. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family of visitors, or someone seeking unique experiences, it offers rich knowledge and unforgettable memories, making it an ideal destination to explore Iceland's nature and culture.

Reykjavik · 1.3km from downtown

No. 4 of Night Attractions in Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja

7.2

Reykjavik · 1.7km from downtown

198 reviews

Hallgrimskirkja sits on a hill in the capital of Iceland and is named after the 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson. The church was designed by Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson, with a design inspired by the natural forms of Iceland's basalt columns, featuring hexagonal pillars reaching upward. The tapering wings on both sides of the tower resemble a giant pipe organ standing on the city skyline when viewed from a distance. Construction began in 1945 and was completed in 1986, spanning over 40 years. The tower is approx. 73m high and is a prominent landmark on the Reykjavik skyline. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck at the top of the tower to overlook the city's colorful rooftops and the bay and mountains in the distance. The interior of the church is towering and minimalist, with a large pipe organ featuring over 5,000 pipes spanning above the entrance. It is one of the largest pipe organs in Iceland, making the church an important music venue in Reykjavik that regularly hosts organ concerts.

No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Iceland

Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center

Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center

7.1

Reykjavik · 3.3km from downtown

49 reviews

Aurora Reykjavik, located in the old port of Reykjavik, was founded by four local young people with big brains. Their original intention was to popularize the aurora for tourists who came from the original way. Knowledge, stories and legends, understand the science behind Aurora, and learn how to take better aurora photos. The center also exhibits aurora works by excellent photographers in Iceland and around the world. At the same time, a projection hall is also set up in the center, which plays the high-definition time-lapse impression of the aurora in a loop, accompanied by the graceful music, sit in front of the screen and feel the charm of the aurora.

No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Iceland

Golden Circle

7.1

Blaskogabyggd · 79.6km from Reykjavik

25 reviews

Golden Circleis a classic, iconic tourist route in Iceland that connects three natural and historical landmarks northeast of Reykjavik into a small loop that most travelers can complete in one day. Thingvellir National Park is situated on the rift valley at the boundary of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, serving as both the site of Iceland's ancient parliament and a place where you can walk along trails between the fissures to intuitively experience the geological wonder of the two plates slowly drifting apart; in the Haukadalur geothermal valley, Geysir is the source of the English word "geyser," while its neighbor, Strokkur, is more active today, sending scalding columns of water into the air every few minutes; and Gullfoss waterfall concludes the itinerary with its majestic two-tiered cascade and canyon scenery. Each of the three stops offers something unique, allowing you to take in geology, geothermal activity, and water features all in one day, making it the perfect introductory route for experiencing the essence of Iceland's nature and history.

No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Iceland

Lava Show

6.9

4.7/5

25 reviews

The Lava Show in Reykjavik is an educational and entertaining performance that offers visitors a breathtaking visual experience. The show takes place in a pitch-black exhibition hall where audiences can witness rocks being heated to extreme temperatures until they melt into honey-like magma. During the performance, massive amounts of lava pour from an inclined channel into a reservoir at the end, while a live host provides commentary, sharing facts about volcanoes, lava, and eruptions to help viewers better understand lava's properties and volcanic processes. Additionally, visitors have the unique opportunity to feel the intense heat and observe the flowing state of lava up close. Beyond the spectacular show, the Lava Show also features a behind-the-scenes viewing session, allowing guests to delve deeper into the stories and production process behind the performance. Whether for adventure-seeking visitors or those fascinated by natural science, the Lava Show is a must-visit attraction in Reykjavik.

Reykjavik · 3.3km from downtown

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Western Region

Route 1

6.3

4.8/5

57 reviews

Route 1is Iceland's national main road, also known as the Ring Road because it circles the entire island. Completed in 1974, it has a total length of over 1,300 km and connects major towns such as the capital, Reykjavik, and the Capital of the North, Akureyri. It also connects most natural scenic spots, excluding the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes, making it a classic route for a self-drive tour around the island. Most sections of this road are two-way paved roads with good road conditions. Summer days are long, making it suitable for first-time visitors to plan an itinerary of about one week around the island. In winter, there is a chance to encounter the aurora along the way, but be aware of potential temporary road closures due to icy and snowy weather.

Olfus · 20.5km from Reykjavik

No. 20 of Best Things to Do in Iceland

Lake Tjornin

6

Reykjavik · 2.4km from downtown

50 reviews

Lake Tjorninis a shallow lake in the center of Reykjavik. Its Icelandic name literally means the pond, and many people simply call it the duck pond. Whooper swans, greylag geese, eider ducks, mallards, and various types of seagulls gather on the lake year-round. The return of the Arctic terns every summer is seen by locals as a signal that summer has arrived. Feeding the birds by the lake is a long-standing tradition, and because so much bread is tossed in, the lake has even earned the nickname bread soup. In winter, the lake surface usually freezes solid, and locals still walk or skate on the ice. Only the corner of the lake near the City Hall, where geothermal warm water is injected, remains unfrozen. The overwintering waterfowl gather in this area, creating a particularly lively scene on the lake in the depths of winter.

No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

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From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour

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Experience glacier hiking, highland off-road safari, whale watching and Blue Lagoon spa in one trip. Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. | Two well-located accommodations in Iceland avoid frequent luggage transfers. Centrally-located Danish hotels offer convenient transport, comfort and Nordic design for a restful stay. | Private groups of any size are available. The displayed price is based on 2 travelers, with better rates for groups of 4–6. One vehicle throughout.

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Experiences you can't miss in Reykjavik

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Iceland Golden Circle one-day tour|Contains crater lake|Northern Lights Night Tour can be added

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· 24 reviews· 615 booked

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Iceland northern lights Chinese/English tour 1-day tour | Free retry if not seen | Daily departures/Optional photography transfer

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Iceland Golden Circle Grand Tour + Blue Lagoon 1-day tour|Comfortable minibus city transfer|Optional admission tickets

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Iceland south coast 1-day tour: waterfalls, glacier and Reynisfjara Beach | optional add-on Blue Lagoon

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Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon - With Transfer

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Northern lights night tour in Reykjavik, Iceland | Free retry if no aurora sighting

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Featured Culture & history in Reykjavik

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Reykjavík City Card

4.6/5

· 201 reviews

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Small group Golden Circle tour with Kerið crater and Friðheimar farm

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Saga Museum: Entry Ticket

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· 1 review

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Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center: Entry Ticket

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Reykjavik: City Walking tour in a Small Group with Local Guide

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Reykjavik Imagine Peace Tower night tour | Round-trip ferry + naturalist guide + hot chocolate

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Featured Food & drink in Reykjavik

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Dill Restaurant in Reykjavik, Iceland - Restaurant Reservation Service

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Reykjavik, Iceland Matur og Drykkur popular restaurant reservation service

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Reykjavik: food walking tour led by a local, including 6 tasting activities (small group of up to 14 people)

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Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour - Traditional Icelandic Food

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Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour (Reykjavik Flea Market stop)

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The Icelandic Sweet Tooth Tour

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Featured Outdoor & sports in Reykjavik

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Iceland Katla volcano ice cave experience [Reykjavik city transfer + English guide]

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2-Hr Reykjavik Twin Peaks ATV Tour

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2-hour ATV tour to Twin Peaks

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Iceland Langjokull Glacier snowmobile riding tour: includes equipment/optional meeting point/city transfer

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Solheimajokull glacier hiking or ice climbing experience [self-drive or optional Reykjavik pickup]

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Reykjavik, Iceland · Skaftafell Glacier 2-hour guided hike | Glacier exploration with equipment included

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Private Tours in Reykjavik

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6D5N • Custom Private Iceland Trip: Blue Lagoon accommodation, timeless scenic spots and unspoiled natural landscapes, flexible bespoke itineraries

EnglishGuaranteed departureDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Soak in Blue Lagoon's sapphire silica pools, trek ancient glaciers and watch whales surface with sweeping tails. · Enjoy a premium stay at Silica Hotel for a cozy trip. · Itinerary duration, activities, hotels, and vehicle upgrades can all be customized prior to booking.

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10D9N • Iceland Fantasy Tour + Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Exploration + Black Sand Beach Stroll + Blue Lagoon Hot Springs + Whale Watching Adventure

English/MandarinGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Choose hotels conveniently located in sightseeing towns. Selected properties offer well-equipped rooms and geothermal hot springs for a comfortable Iceland stay. · Hotels situated in sightseeing towns with easy transport. Well-furnished rooms and geothermal hot-springs at selected hotels ensure a comfortable stay in Iceland. · We offer private groups of any size. The price shown is per traveler based on a 2-person group, with better rates available for groups of 4–6. One vehicle throughout.

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11D9N • Iceland Fantasy Tour + Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Exploration + Black Sand Beach Stroll + Blue Lagoon Hot Springs + Whale Watching Adventure

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8D7N • Customize your trip: Norway + Iceland: Reykjavik Whale Watching Cruise + Akershus Fortress + Diamond Beach + Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon + Seljalandsfoss

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Visit Norway and Iceland. Explore fjords, ride the Flam Railway, see Black Sand Beach, Golden Circle and enjoy whale watching. · Optional 4-star hotels with underfloor heating, breakfast and full amenities. Well-located along the route with good reviews for your selection. · We offer private groups of any size. The price shown is per traveler based on a 2-person group, with better rates available for groups of 4-6.

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5D4N • Customize your trip: Iceland: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall + Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach + Gullfoss Waterfall + Strokkur Geysir + Þingvellir National Park + Whale Watching from Reykjavík

English/MandarinGuaranteed departureDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Admire Iceland's waterfalls, volcanic shores, geothermal views and rift-valley landforms. Sail North-Atlantic to meet sea giants and enjoy Iceland's raw land-and-ocean charm. · Well-selected 4-star accommodation with a great location and full facilities. Thoughtful service, spacious tidy rooms and cozy decor grant you a rest-assured pleasant stay. · Private groups for all sizes. Listed price is per person for 2 guests. Larger groups enjoy better rates. One vehicle throughout.

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8D7N • Customize your trip: Iceland: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall + Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach + Vik + Gullfoss Waterfall + Strokkur Geysir + Þingvellir National Park + Whale Watching from Reykjavík

EnglishGuaranteed departureDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Tour Iceland's five classic routes, visiting volcanoes, glaciers, and a plane wreck. Enjoy ample time for sunrise-to-sunset photography at well-known filming sites. · Hotels are well located in the towns on your tour, with convenient transportation. Fully furnished rooms and geothermal facilities ensure a comfortable, reliable stay throughout your Iceland trip. · Choose a private tour for any group size. The listed price is per person based on 2 guests, and larger groups enjoy better rates, with the same vehicle used throughout the trip.

From USD 5,718

2D1N • Reykjavík: Golden Circle & South Coast 2-Day Tour

English/Arabic/SpanishPrivate Tours

Discover the South Coast’s black sand beaches and dramatic landscapes · Explore the famous geothermal area of Geysir and see the Strokkur geyser · Marvel at the powerful flow of Skógafoss and its frequent rainbows

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9D7N • Iceland: Volcano Inside Exploration + Blue Lagoon + ATV across Plane Wreckage + Jokulsarlon Boat Tour + Blue Ice Cave Safari

English/MandarinGuaranteed departureMultiple car types availableOptional transferPrivate Tours

Experience Iceland's iconic fire-and-ice wonders: scenic spots, glacier hiking, Blue Lagoon and whale-watching in one tour. · Carefully selected quality hotels in Reykjavik and near attractions with prime locations to cut commutes. Comfortable tidy rooms with daily hearty breakfast for relaxing after outdoor adventures. · We offer private groups of any size. The price shown is per traveler based on a 2-person group, with better rates available for groups of 4-6.One vehicle throughout.

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Reykjavik Today's weatherMostly cloudy -3-0℃

Reykjavik weather for the next 2 days11/14: -7--1℃, 11/15: -7--4℃

Free things to do in Reykjavik

Hallgrimskirkja

7.2

Reykjavik · 1.7km from downtown

198 reviews

Golden Circle

7.1

Blaskogabyggd · 79.6km from Reykjavik

25 reviews

Route 1

6.3

4.8/5

57 reviews

Olfus · 20.5km from Reykjavik

Lake Tjornin

6

Reykjavik · 2.4km from downtown

50 reviews

Sun Voyager

5.7