Overview
Reykjavík is Iceland’s capital and the usual starting point for a trip around the country. It combines a walkable center, harbor views, public geothermal pools, museums, restaurants, music venues, and easy access to day trips.
Why Go
Use Reykjavík to settle into Iceland before longer drives. The city is compact but culturally busy, with strong food, design, nightlife, and art scenes for its size.
Best Time To Visit
Reykjavík works year-round. Summer brings long evenings and festivals, while winter suits museums, pools, restaurants, and northern lights trips outside the city.
Getting Around
The center is manageable on foot, with buses and taxis for longer hops. Most countryside day tours pick up in the capital area.
Things To Do
Walk the old harbor, visit Hallgrímskirkja, explore galleries and museums, and leave time for the city’s pools. Use Reykjavík as a base for the Golden Circle, Reykjanes Peninsula, South Coast day trips, whale watching, and winter northern lights tours.
Food And Drink
Look for seafood, bakeries, coffee, food halls, casual hot dogs, and modern Icelandic cooking. Prices are high, so mix restaurants with simpler cafe and bakery stops.
Good To Know
Reykjavík is not where Keflavík International Airport is located. Allow time for the airport transfer, especially in poor weather.
Our recommended hotels
Hotel Borg
Photo by TommyBee on Wikimedia Commons · Public domainHotel Borg is a historic hotel beside Austurvöllur in central Reykjavík, near the parliament and Reykjavík Cathedral. It suits travellers who want an established hotel in the city's older centre.
The property offers spa facilities and a setting convenient for cultural outings and restaurants. Nearby parking is paid and separate from the hotel experience, so plan car arrangements before arrival.
Hotel Cabin
Hotel Cabin is a budget-oriented hotel on Borgartún, east of Reykjavík's historic centre. It suits travellers who accept compact accommodation in exchange for a simpler stay.
Some lower-priced rooms have no external window, while larger categories offer more space. Read the room description carefully. The location is better suited to visitors comfortable with a longer walk or local transport into the downtown core.
Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, Reykjavík
Photo by Ypsilon from Finland on Wikimedia Commons · CC0Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, Reykjavík occupies a historic building on Pósthússtræti in the city centre. It suits visitors who want a comfortable city-hotel base within easy reach of the harbour and downtown streets.
The building's character distinguishes it from newer hotels farther from the centre. Compare room categories for the space you need, particularly on a longer stay with outdoor equipment and luggage.
