Ten essential activities and places in Reykjavik for first time travelers

Many people are visiting Reykjavik and quite frankly, they are spoiled for choice for all the great places and activities here. Therefore, I decided to attempt to recommend ten essential activities and places in Reykjavik for first-time travelers. I know the FOMO of visiting a new city and figuring out what is vital to do there. However, this was much more difficult than I thought. Honestly, writing an entire book about all the cool things you do in Reykjavik would be much easier! There is a high chance that I missed something essential, but this is my best attempt. And here goes.

Harpa Concert Hall: A modern architectural marvel

Harpa is a stunning glass building by the waterfront, which opened its doors to the delight of music lovers and architecture nerds. It is not just a cultural hub but also a visual delight. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and hosts many great concerts and cultural events.  Harpa hosts many great concerts and other cultural events. If I were you, I would visit the building, admire its unique style, attend a concert there, and try to see something in the beautiful Eldborg main concert hall. It is one of my favorite places in Reykjavik.

The Sun Voyager: A Symbolic Sculpture on the Waterfront

This ship-shaped steel sculpture symbolizes hope and discovery. It’s one of the best spots for photos with the sea and mountains as a backdrop. The Sun Voyager was designed by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason and was unveiled in 1990 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Reykjavik’s founding in 1786. Many people think that the Sun Voyager is based on the design of a Viking ship. This is not true. Jón Gunnar had in mind a “dreamboat” symbolizing hope, freedom, and the promise of undiscovered territories. It is very apt. For me, it represents the history of the brave people who sailed to Iceland, settled it, and survived despite difficult conditions throughout the centuries. I think visiting The Sun Voyager in the twilight is best for getting the best photos.

Hallgrímskirkja Church: Reykjavik’s iconic landmark

Towering above the city, this striking church offers panoramic views of Reykjavik from its observation tower. Its unique architecture is inspired by Icelandic landscapes, making it a must-see. The church is an Evangelical Lutheran church and is a good starting point for a stroll down the streets of Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur, which are packed with bars, design shops, and restaurants. Right next the church is the Einar Jónsson sculpture museum. In the garden of this gothic-looking building are some imposing sculptures. A fun fact: when the Icelandic government decided to fund the museum where Einar and his wife could live, he chose a barren hill far away from the town. There, it loomed, like the castle of some mad scientist in the middle of nowhere.

Take advantage of the viewing platform to see the beauty of Reykjavik and its surroundings.

The church honors Icelandic poet and priest Hallgrímur Pétursson and is an active parish church. Completed between 1945 and 1986, it is Iceland’s largest church and features the country’s largest organ. The 73-meter tower offers panoramic views of Reykjavík, surrounding mountains, and the ocean, making it one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Its tower has a viewing platform that offers a stunning view of Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains. For example, look toward the north, where Mt. Esja dominates the view. Hallgrímskirkja is a hub of local religious and musical activity. Music lovers should check out the schedule of the many concerts performed at the church throughout the year.

Go on the Reykjavik food tour.

The Reykjavik Food Tour, operated by Wake Up Reykjavik, is a top-rated culinary adventure that takes participants through some of the city’s best local eateries. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour introduces guests to traditional Icelandic cuisine with modern twists, from iconic dishes like lamb soup and fresh fish to local specialties like fermented shark and Icelandic hot dogs. Walking through the heart of Reykjavik, you’ll also explore cultural landmarks, making it both a gastronomic and artistic experience, perfect for food lovers. It doesn’t hurt that Wake Up Reykjavik is one of my many partners in the Icelandic travel industry. Sign up for free for my newsletter and receive a discount code for this tour and hundreds more.

The tranquil Reykjavik city pond is one of the ten essential activities and places in Reykjavik for first-time travelers.

Located in the city center, this serene pond is perfect for a relaxing stroll. It’s a picturesque spot for ice skating in winter, and in summer, you can enjoy the birdlife. At the northern end of the pond is Reykjavik’s City Hall. If you start at City Hall and stroll south by Tjarnargata Street, you will come across a memorial dedicated to the atomic bombing of the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Close to that is a grove of Japanese cherry blossom trees. Stroll on, and you will see a sculpture of a man sitting on a park bench. This represents Tómas Jónsson, a poet who paid particular attention to Reykjavik. This was quite innovative, as Icelandic poetry was mainly focused on romanticizing the countryside. Walk further and see an impressive sculpture by Iceland’s legendary sculpturist Einar Jónsson. You can choose the road bridge or head to the Hljómskálagarður park. You will pass the Lutheran Free Church and the National Gallery of Iceland on the other side of the bridge. To save on museum admission fees, consider purchasing the Reykjavik City Card.

The Settlement Museum

This is a personal favorite of mine. It is in the town center, next to the Parliament House, the old cathedral, and the Austurvöllur field. Across the street from it is Skúli Craft Bar, one of the most excellent bars in the city. Right in front of the bar is a square that used to be the site of Reykjavik’s first church and graveyard. Construction work in the area has revealed remains of the people of Reykjavik, so just be aware when you walk on the square, you are trampling on old bones. Looking closely at the walls there, you will see old headstones.

Telling the story of resourceful settlers

But I digress. The Settlement Museum is centered around a Viking-age hall discovered when the hotel above it was being constructed. It was a surprising find indeed. The archaeological remains are now on display underground and are highly visual and interactive. It tells a compelling story about the fantastic people who settled in the Reykjavik area and their resourcefulness. An excellent recent addition to the museum is an exhibition that tells the story of Reykjavik from the settlement to the modern era. My cousin created an excellent model of Reykjavik’s appearance in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is indeed a must-visit for history and archeology buffs.

National Museum of Iceland: A journey through time

This museum offers a comprehensive look at Icelandic history, from the Viking Age to modern times. It’s a great place to get context on the culture you’re experiencing. The museum is arranged in chronological order. You start in the settlement era, then head into the middle ages. After that, you are brought into the modern era.

There are two segments of the museum that I find both intriguing and moving. One is a part where farm artifacts were buried after the 1104 eruption of the Hekla volcano. Volcanic activity has often caused immense suffering; think about the holocaust caused by the eruptions, the hardship at the end of the 18th century, and the disaster that erupted at Askja in 1875. The second is the graves of people from the settlement area. This includes the grave of a child, which always makes me wonder how people felt about losing a child in an era where infant and child mortality rates were high.

The old harbor and the Grandi area have essential activities and places in Reykjavik for first-time travelers.

The old harbor

This area bustles with life, from cozy cafés to whale-watching tours. Stroll, grab a coffee, and book a marine wildlife excursion. This is also where Hamborgarabúllan operates. While I always want to encourage visitors to sample Icelandic lamb and fish, I cannot honestly recommend this burger joint. Whale watching in the Faxaflói Bay is a must if you visit Reykjavik. Two of my partners operate whale-watching tours from the old harbor; these are the top-rated whale-watching companies Elding and Special Tours.

The Grandi area

Close to the old harbor is the Grandi District. This has evolved from a former industrial area into one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.  Grandi is home to art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants. This district combines the best of Reykjavik’s creative energy and maritime heritage, making it a must-visit destination for both culture and food lovers. Visitors can explore local seafood, stop by the Marshall House Art Museum, or enjoy a coffee while overlooking the bustling Old Harbour. I also want to recommend that you grab a delicious gelato at Valdís. The Grandi food hall is also great.

Save on essential exhibitions in the Grandi area.

Several of my partners operate in the Grandi area. Like all my partners, they are highly rated on TripAdvisor. The Lava Show is a unique exhibition where you will see lava flow indoors (!); FlyOver Iceland, which gives you the chance to an immersive flight over Icelandic natural wonders; Whales of Iceland shows you whales that roam around Iceland in their majesty, and Aurora Reykjavik which focuses on the northern lights. All of this exhibition are my partners. Sign up for my free newsletter to instantly receive discount codes for admission tickets.

Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur Streets: The fear of Reykjavik’s Shopping and dining Scene

Reykjavik’s main street, Laugavegur, and the adjacent street, Skólavörðustígur, a vibrant hub of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, souvenir shopping, or sampling Icelandic cuisine. At the top of Laugavegur is the Hlemmur food hall. I recommend two restaurants there: the Mexcian Fuego and the Fjárhúsið (Sheep-house), where you can get excellent lamb burgers. If you want lovely Icelandic jewelry, I recommend AURUM: beautiful design and good value for money.

Go swimming

Travel guides to Reykjavik are only complete with advising travelers to visit the city’s many geothermal sites. It is where Icelanders gather to get exercise, relax in the hot tubs, and talk about daily affairs and politics. Just to let you know, there are strict rules about showering thoroughly. If you don’t, well, you will get a telling-off. If you want something more upmarket, you should visit the Sky Lagoon in the neighboring town of Kópavogur.

As I said, teasing the Ten essential activities and places in Reykjavik takes work. Check out my rich collection of articles about Reykjavik and all the cool things to do and see there. Have fun.