Things to do in Reykjavík for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAll self-guided activities
Grab a frosty beverage to temper the heat and get ready for an adrenaline rush in Iceland! The Icelandic Lava Show in Reykjavik puts you in the blistering heat of molten lava, minus the danger! This isn't an ordinary show, it's an education interwoven with entertainment, pumping the heart with the excitement of a volcano eruption. Witness the spectacle of molten lava gushing into the showroom, seething at a scorching 1100°C, crashing over a landscape of ice. It's a fiery dance of nature, and a clash between the elements that's like nothing else you'll ever see! Feel the heat that pulses from the red-hot lava, watch it ooze and bubble, hear the sizzle and pop. It's a front-row seat to Mother Nature's pyrotechnic display that you don't want to miss!
The 1200-acre private estate Hvammsvik Hot Springs offers you complete freedom to explore and experience all the natural Icelandic surroundings far away from the city. Immerse yourself in perfectly warm hot springs all year round right on the edge of the ocean. Naturally recharge in eight natural hot springs of varying temperatures, a steam cave, and outdoor relaxation areas.
This captivating in-app audio tour will take you through Reykjavik's vibrant downtown, where the beating heart of Icelandic culture and history comes to life. Begin your exploration at the awe-inspiring Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik's iconic church. As you stroll towards the waterfront, you will pass by Laugavegur, Reykjavik's bustling shopping street, and find yourself before the Harpa Concert Hall where you can marvel at its distinctive glass façade. Continue your journey along the picturesque waterfront to discover the Sun Voyager, a beautiful sculpture that symbolizes the promise of new, unexplored horizons. Climb the Arnarhóll hill to see the statue of the founder of Iceland and wander towards the Old Harbor, where you will hear the tales of seafaring adventures, the evolution of the harbor, and its transformation into a vibrant cultural and culinary destination. On your way, you will also pause by the serene Tjörnin, Reykjavik's beloved city pond. As you meander through the colorful Old town, explore the Reykjavik City Hall, a blend of modern architecture and Icelandic tradition. You will also visit the Austurvöllur square, a popular gathering place for the citizens of Reykjavík. Stroll along the charming walking street Austurstræti and finish the tour in front of the Cabinet House, which was built as a prison and now houses the prime minister offices. Uncover the essence of this enchanting city and create unforgettable memories.
Journey from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and soak up this once-in-a-lifetime experience – it's an essential on every Iceland bucket list. This Blue Lagoon admission ticket gives you return travel from Reykjavik, as well as a couple of extra perks when you arrive. Not only do you get to take a dip in earth's very own hot tub, you'll also get a silica mask, a towel, and a drink of your choice to grab at the in-water bar. Surrounded by a mossy lava field, this natural wonder will blow your mind and melt your muscles into relaxation. If you're wondering where the lagoon gets its milky blue colour, it comes from the high silica content in the water. In fact, the silica forms soft white mud on the bottom of the lake which you can rub on yourself!
About Reykjavík
The best indoor tours in Reykjavík for rainy days are:
The best tours to do in Reykjavík with kids are:
The best walking tours to do in Reykjavík are:
The must-see attractions in Reykjavík for a first visit are:
Insider tips for visiting Reykjavík
Iceland Audio is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2023 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Reykjavík on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Reykjavík.
When I visit Reykjavík for a food-focused day, I usually head straight to Grandi and Vesturbær. Grandi has become one of my favorite corners of Reykjavík for creative seafood, small bakeries, and places where locals linger over coffee after the harbor walk. In Vesturbær, I love the calmer neighborhood feel—good sourdough, excellent ice cream, and casual spots near the old swimming pool. If you’re planning to visit Reykjavík, I’d also spend an evening around Hlemmur and the side streets off Laugavegur, where the city’s best casual bites feel woven into everyday life. In my travel guide Reykjavík, that’s one of the most delicious things to do in Reykjavík.
When I’m on my own in Reykjavík, I recommend starting with a slow walk from Hallgrímskirkja down Skólavörðustígur to the old harbor. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Reykjavík because you can dip into small design shops, grab a cinnamon bun, and still feel the city’s rhythm without planning much. Around the harbor, I usually stop for coffee and watch boats come in before wandering into Grandi, where some of the most interesting attractions in Reykjavík feel local rather than staged. For solo visitors wondering what to see in Reykjavík, this area is ideal, and it often beats most organized tours in Reykjavík for atmosphere.
When I want quieter attractions in Reykjavík, I usually slip away from the main streets and head to Ægisíða in Vesturbær. The shoreline there gives you open sea views, local dog walkers, and one of my favorite sunset walks in Reykjavík. I also recommend the little paths around Tjörnin on the residential side, especially near the old colorful houses where locals feed ducks year-round. For what to see in Reykjavík beyond the obvious, I like Höfði’s surrounding shoreline for its peaceful mood more than the building itself. Many visitors book tours in Reykjavík, but these smaller corners often show the city’s real character better.
In my travel guide Reykjavík, I usually tell people to come in late June for long bright evenings or early September for softer light and fewer crowds. When I visit Reykjavík in June, I love how the city stays awake after dinner—you can walk the harbor at 10 pm and still see families out by the water. If you want to visit Reykjavík with a more local pace, September is my pick: cafés feel calmer, the air is crisp, and many of the best things to do in Reykjavík, like neighborhood walks, hot pools, and seaside paths, are still easy to enjoy.
If I plan to visit Reykjavík around a big local celebration, I usually choose Culture Night in August or Iceland Airwaves in November. Culture Night shows Reykjavík at its most alive: swimming pools fill early, families drift downtown, and the evening ends with fireworks over the harbor. Airwaves feels different—smaller venues, packed bars, and the chance to hear new Icelandic artists before they get international attention. In my travel guide Reykjavík, I also rate Menningarnótt higher than many winter events because it spills naturally into neighborhood streets. For seasonal things to do in Reykjavík, these are the moments when Reykjavík feels most like itself.
On a first trip to Reykjavík, I recommend keeping your first day simple: walk from Hallgrímskirkja down Skólavörðustígur, circle Tjörnin, then continue to the old harbor and Grandi. That route connects some of the best things to do in Reykjavík without feeling rushed, and it lets you notice small details like public art, bakery windows, and how the light changes over the water. In Reykjavík, I always tell first-timers to stop at a local pool as well—Vesturbæjarlaug gives you a real neighborhood feel. For what to see in Reykjavík, that mix beats many formal tours in Reykjavík, and it covers some of the most memorable attractions in Reykjavík naturally.
When I want to show someone the most rewarding parts of Reykjavík, I usually combine Vesturbær, Grandi, and the older streets around Þingholt. Vesturbær gives you a quieter side of Reykjavík: the sea wall at Ægisíða, neighborhood cafés, and Vesturbæjarlaug, where locals actually linger. Grandi has some of the most interesting attractions in Reykjavík now, but I go for the mix of harbor views, studios, and good casual food rather than the obvious stops. Þingholt is where I slow down and look at the houses, gardens, and side streets near Hallgrímskirkja. For what to see in Reykjavík, these areas feel more personal than most tours in Reykjavík.
In my travel guide Reykjavík, I usually suggest Þingholt for a first stay. It sits just behind the busiest downtown streets, so you’re close to cafés, the church, and many of the classic things to do in Reykjavík, but nights tend to feel quieter than right on Laugavegur. When I visit Reykjavík, I also like Vesturbær if I want a more local rhythm—morning walks by Ægisíða, easy access to the old harbor, and the neighborhood pool nearby. If you plan to visit Reykjavík without a car, both areas work well, but Þingholt gives you the best balance of atmosphere, walkability, and everyday Reykjavík character.