Reykjavik, on the coast of Iceland, is the country's capital and largest city. It's home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history. The striking concrete Hallgrimskirkja church and rotating Perlan glass dome offer sweeping views of the sea and nearby hills. Exemplifying the island’s volcanic activity is the geothermal Blue Lagoon spa, near the village of Grindavik. ― Google
June to August: Midnight sun, festivals, whale watching, and mild weather.
September to October: Fall colors and fewer tourists; good chance to spot Northern Lights.
November to March: Cold and snowy — best for Northern Lights and cozy winter vibes.
April to May: Spring shoulder season with longer days and lower prices.
Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), ~45 minutes from the city.
Airport transfer: Flybus, private shuttle, or rental car.
Public transport: Reykjavík has buses but is also very walkable and bike-friendly.
Hallgrímskirkja: Iconic modern church offering panoramic views from the tower.
Harpa Concert Hall: Striking glass building on the harbor, a hub for music and design.
Sun Voyager (Sólfar): A sleek Viking-inspired sculpture by the sea.
Perlan: A futuristic dome with a viewing platform, planetarium, and glacier exhibit.
Old Harbor District: Charming area with seafood restaurants, whale-watching tours, and museums.
National Museum & Saga Museum: Learn about Iceland’s history, Norse roots, and settlement era.
Soak in a geothermal spa — either Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, or local pools like Laugardalslaug.
Chase the Northern Lights in winter or take a guided tour from town.
Join a Golden Circle day trip (Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir) — easily done from Reykjavík.
Go whale watching or puffin spotting in summer from the harbor.
Explore Reykjavík’s street art, bookstores, and indie shops in the city center.
Enjoy local music — Reykjavík has an incredibly vibrant live scene and festivals.
Chic boutique hotels and cozy guesthouses in the city center.
Budget hostels and Airbnbs for solo travelers and longer stays.
Reykjavík is compact — stay near the downtown core to be close to everything.
Icelandic cuisine is fresh, creative, and heavily seafood-based.
Must-try dishes:
Plokkfiskur (fish stew)
Lamb soup
Skyr (Icelandic yogurt)
Hot dogs from Bæjarins Beztu — a Reykjavík classic
Bold eaters can try: fermented shark or sheep’s head, if you're curious about tradition.
Great coffee culture, craft beers, and stylish Nordic restaurants.
Icelanders are friendly, creative, and highly literate — books, music, and design are central to life.
The city has clean air, safe streets, and a very relaxed vibe.
Don’t be surprised by quirky humor, casual dress, or people casually soaking in a hot spring year-round.
English is widely spoken, and tipping is not expected.
Weather changes fast — always pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes.
Tap water is pure and delicious — no need to buy bottled.
Most places accept cards — cash is rarely needed.
Alcohol is expensive — buy from duty-free or enjoy happy hour deals in town.
Northern Lights tours are weather-dependent — stay flexible if visiting in winter.