Is Reykjavik Worth It? What’s Special, What Disappoints and How to Make It Work

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is worth it for a trip built around a walkable center, big views and day trips out of town. Hallgrímskirkja is one of the most visited places by tourists in Iceland, and Harpa has drawn millions of guests since it opened in May 2011, so plan those stops first.

At a glance

• Verdict: yes for a city-center stay with sights within walking distance
• Top things to see: Perlan, Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa
• Where to stay: the City Center, around the “101” district
• Day trip: the main South Coast waterfalls in one long day

What makes Reykjavik worth visiting?

Perlan stands at Öskjuhlíð on Reykjavik’s highest hill, close to the center. The observation deck around its dome gives a 360° view over the city. Harpa sits on the waterfront at the old harbour and looks out over Faxaflói Bay and the Esjan mountain range. Hallgrímskirkja, at Hallgrímstorg, is one of the most visited places in Iceland.

The walk up Skólavörðustígur to the church is easy to enjoy. It’s one of the city’s liveliest streets, with cafés, shops and galleries. The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum and garden is at the southwest corner of the church square. Reykjavík City Museum includes five museums and exhibitions. For birdlife, the Reykjavík Botanic Garden and Viðey Island are easily reached. The city has 14 distinct areas across six municipalities, so there’s more to see than the center.

What disappoints in Reykjavik?

Harpa has attracted millions of guests since it opened in May 2011.

The city also hosts a remarkable number of festivals and seasonal events all year.

Who is Reykjavik best for?

Reykjavik suits people who want to stay central and walk. For first-time visitors, the City Center is the best area to stay, within walking distance of major sights, restaurants and tour pickup points.

• First-timers: yes · the City Center puts sights, restaurants and tour pickups within walking distance
• Shoppers and café fans: yes · the “101” district around Laugavegur, the Old Harbour and Austurvöllur Square is the main area, and Storm Hotel is within walking distance of Laugavegur
• Families: yes · Hilton Reykjavík is near Laugardalur’s recreational areas, and many families meet on Culture Night
• Quiet seekers: yes · Fosshotel Rauðará is a short walk from Laugavegur, in a peaceful neighborhood
• Luxury travelers: yes · Sand Hotel is a luxury property in the heart of downtown
• Water and history fans: yes · Radisson RED is on the oceanfront, Hotel Reykjavík Saga is near Lake Tjörnin, and Reykjavík Konsulat Hotel is in the oldest part of the city

When should you visit Reykjavik to enjoy it?

Events run all year, so there’s no empty season to wait for.

Culture Night is a city center festival that draws a wide range of people. Join it for the atmosphere. Skip it if you want the center calm.

Is one day in Reykjavik enough?

A second or third day can go to the South Coast, since its main waterfall highlights fit in one long day from Reykjavík.

• One day: Perlan’s 360° view, Skólavörðustígur up to Hallgrímskirkja, then Harpa on the waterfront · for first-timers
• One long day out: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, a few hundred meters away, then Skógafoss, a 25-minute drive east · for waterfall fans
• South Coast extras: Svartifoss is a 1-mile (1.5 km) uphill hike from the visitor center, and Rauðárfoss is a five-minute walk from a small parking area near the Systrastapi rock · for walkers
• Two to three days: the city plus a day trip, or the Reykjadalur walk above Hveragerði, about 1.5 to 2 hours to the hot stream, with parking at the top of Ölfusdal · for hot-spring fans
• Easy walk: Heilsuhringurinn, a 1.6 or 2.5 mile (2.6 or 4 km) route with exercise stations, starting and ending at Sundlaugin Laugaskarði · for a short stroll