Reykjavik is one of the most famous capital cities in the world. Thousands of tourists visit the city every year because it is Iceland’s capital and most developed city, which has breathtaking nature. With the recent increase in interest in Iceland, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Reykjavik every year. One of the most essential features of Reykjavik is that it is the capital city located in the far north of the world. When you look at the city, with a population of 120,000, it is one of Europe’s smallest capitals. Inhabited since the 9th century, the city was a small fishing town for a long time. Today, it is a very modern, colorful, and tremendous capital with a rich history.
Where to Visit in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a relatively small and not very crowded capital. For this reason, you may think that the places to visit are limited. However, the city has breathtaking nature—an endless blue ocean on one side, gigantic icebergs on the other, and active volcanoes on one side. These are just some of the things you will see when you go to Reykjavik.
Hallgrimskirkja
Hallgrimskirkja is one of the first places that come to mind when Reykjavik is mentioned. This church, which has a different architecture, has a very different façade. However, the architecture or design of the church is not its only excellence. The church’s tower has an excellent 360-degree, uninterrupted view of Reykjavik. You may think that you will have trouble getting to the top of the tower, but Hallgrimskirkja’s tower has an elevator. This way, you can quickly climb to the top and witness a unique view.
Solfar, Sun Voyager
Another iconic landmark of Reykjavik is the Solfar, also known as the Sun Voyager statue. A steel statue, the Sun Voyager, is a tall Viking ship. Sun Voyager is a statue erected in 1990 on the 200th anniversary of Reykjavik. Sun Voyager is the city’s most visited and photographed spot after Hallgrimskirkja. While you’ve visited the seaside statue, you can also visit lesser-known statues like the Partnership on the beach. After a short walk on the beach, you can see the breathtaking view of Mount Ejna.
Harpa
Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Center has eye-catching architecture. A massive steel and glass building, Harpa is located in the city’s old port area. Harpa, which you can reach by walking a few minutes from Solfar, is one of the most interesting structures in the city. When you visit the building, it is possible to tour the inside. You should definitely go if you come across a theater play or a concert in Harpa between your visit dates. There is also a restaurant called La Primavera on the fourth floor of Harpa. The menu consisting of unique seafood in the restaurant is worth trying.
Sky Lagoon
Iceland has many natural wonders. One of the essential features of the country, which has perfect geography, is its hot springs. Being a volcanically active region, Reykjavik also has many hot springs. Pampering yourself, being in the warm water in the cold weather, and relaxing are the most essential things you can do in Sky Lagoon. This is not just a hot spring. With a champagne glass in your hand, you can enjoy the view of Reykjavik from the endless pool across the sea. There are many hot springs in Reykjavik, but Sky Lagoon has one key difference. Here is a ritual you can try. Before entering the hot pools at Sky Lagoon, you dive into the cold water and then enter the sauna and the cold steam room. From the cold steam room to the salty massage, you’ll be taken to the hot steam and hot shower rooms. Finally, you’ll complete the ritual by entering the hot spring in the lagoon. The most important feature of this ritual is that it softens and smooths your skin.
Perlan Science Museum
Located in the city’s heart, the Perlan Science Museum is one of the most visited places by tourists. The museum also has an observation deck on the Öskjuhlíð Hill, 61 meters above sea level. The observation deck has an uninterrupted 360-degree view. Since the city is part of flawless nature, many buildings have such viewpoints. The only feature of the science museum is not its observation deck. The building is made of a breathtaking glass dome over six hot water tanks. There is the largest exhibition of natural wonders from Iceland in the museum.
Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur
One of the things you can do in Reykjavik is wandering around the city center. Tourist spots in the city center are close to each other. Therefore, exploring the city’s center with a short walk is an excellent activity. While doing this, you can shop at local stores or international brands. There are two main streets in the city, named Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur. Laugavegur is the city’s most prominent street and houses world-famous brands. Also, if you want to try Icelandic cuisine in a luxury restaurant, Laugavegur is the place you should go. Skólavörðustígur, known as Rainbow Street, is the second-largest street in the city. This street is slightly smaller than Laugavegur and has more local brands. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants on the street. Skólavörðustígur connects directly to Hallgrimskirkja. The name Rainbow Street comes from the street being covered in rainbow colors.
FlyOver Iceland
One of the things you constantly hear about Iceland is that it has a unique geography in the world. When you go to Reykjavik, you can see some of the stunning and beautiful Icelandic nature. Prepared with state-of-the-art devices, FlyOver Iceland can take you to the whole country with a birds-eye view. In a hall similar to a movie theater, there is much more than just visuality. While traveling over Iceland, you can feel the wind and mist on your face and even smell the air. Massive projections, movable seats, and carefully placed speakers will take you from the hall to the farthest places in Iceland. You can explore all of Iceland with a show lasting around 35 minutes. In addition to the Iceland tour, two other shows, Viking Long House and The Well of Time, are also presented in the hall.
Best Places to Stay in Reykjavik 🏨
In recent years, Reykjavik has become a city that more people visit. It was a trendy city only recently due to its climate and being one of the undiscovered beauties. This results in a limited number of hotels in the city. However, new hotels are starting to come into service as the town is being visited more often. There are few accommodation options in the city yet, but there is a suitable hotel option for everyone. Here you can find the best hotels in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Luxurious Hotels to Stay in Reykjavik 💰💰💰
The city has a vibrant texture with its nature, culture, and history. However, it is only possible to see this wealth in the number of luxury hotels. There are several luxury hotels in the city. Therefore, if you want to stay in a glamorous hotel in the city, you must make your reservation before coming to the town. These are the most luxurious hotels where to stay in Reykjavik, Iceland.
The Reykjavik EDITION🔗
The Reykjavik EDITION is one of the most luxurious hotels where to stay in Iceland, Reykjavik. Located in the city center, the hotel is very close to the must-see attractions of the city. The Solfar statue, Hallgrimskirkja Church, Harpa, and the Old Harbour are all within walking distance of the hotel. The Reykjavik EDITION offers its visitors services such as an a la carte restaurant and a spa center serving local delicacies. You can benefit from the wellness services at the spa center or pleasantly end the day in the sauna. The rooms of the hotel are big enough for families with children.
Midgardur by Center Hotels🔗
Midgardur by Center Hotels is one of the hotels where you can pamper yourself in Reykjavik. Located on Laugavegur, the city’s most significant and busy street, it is possible to walk to major tourist attractions from the hotel. You can choose from vast, well-lit rooms with sea, mountain, or city views. The in-house restaurant serves local Icelandic flavors as well as international cuisine. Midgardur by Center Hotels has the best hotel location in Reykjavik, with its famous restaurant and terrific bar to complete the day.
Exeter Hotel🔗
Another luxury hotel you can stay at in Reykjavik is the Exeter Hotel. The hotel has a spa center, fitness center, restaurant, and bakery shop in the city center. The hotel, where you can experience Icelandic breakfast, offers a glamorous experience. Its rooms, decorated with industrial design, are pretty spacious. You can have an unforgettable vacation within walking distance of Harpa, Old Harbour, Hallgrimskirkja Church, and Laugavegur. The hotel is located in the best area to stay in Reykjavik.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Reykjavik 💰💰
Because Reykjavik is small, it’s not a city with many hotels. However, the existing hotels are of high quality. This includes budget-friendly hotels. You can have a holiday experience far beyond your expectations in budget-friendly hotels where the services we are used to seeing in 5-star hotels are provided. These are the best hotels in Reykjavik, Iceland, to stay in if you want to spend more money exploring the city while cutting your budget.
Located in the Kopavogur area of the city, the hotel offers a very different holiday experience. The hotel has a full fitness room, bar, and restaurant. The 201 Hotel may be small, but it provides very high-quality service. The rooms of the hotel are ideal for two people to stay in. A perfect place to stay a little away from the crowds of Reykjavik but still close to the must-sees.
Center Hotels Plaza🔗
Center Hotels Plaza is located in the best area to stay in Reykjavik if you want to avoid the crowd. Located in Reykjavik’s old town, the hotel has wonderfully designed rooms. The well-lit rooms with modern design furniture are large enough for families with children. Center Hotels Plaza has a breakfast buffet for its visitors. Here you can taste the cultural delicacies of Iceland.
Hotel Fron Reykjavik🔗
Hotel Fron Reykjavik, which has rooms with modern Scandinavian furniture, is one of the hotels that offers quality service at an affordable price. The hotel does not have many amenities, but there is a breakfast buffet where you can experience local delicacies every morning. If you are looking for a place to stay in Reykjavik hotels downtown, Hotel Fron Reykjavik is a decent choice.
Cheap Places to Stay in Reykjavik 💰
You can choose cheap hotels if the hotel is just a place to spend the night and leave your belongings. Affordable hotels, among the indispensables of backpackers, may not stand out with their services. However, it is among the most preferred hotels due to its affordable prices and its location in the city center. These are cheap yet decent hotels in Iceland Reykjavik.
ODDSSON Hotel🔗
The Oddsson Hotel has modern rooms and is located slightly outside the city center. Rooms with cold colors reflect the Scandinavian atmosphere successfully. For this reason, you should take a 10-15 minute walk to the city center. With its affordable prices, breakfast service, and quiet location, ODDSSON Hotel is one of the best places where to stay in Reykjavik.
Skuggi Hotel by KeaHotels🔗
When you look at the services that Skuggi Hotel by KeaHotels offers its visitors, you will see that it is not like a cheap hotel. With its modern architecture and design, it successfully reflects the Scandinavian atmosphere. The hotel is located in the city center, and you can rent a bicycle to tour and explore the city. Skuggi Hotel by KeaHotels is the best place to stay in Reykjavik among cheap hotels.
Hotel Orkin, Reykjavik🔗
Located outside the city center, the hotel has very comfortable and cozy rooms for its visitors. However, the fact that the rooms could be more spacious can be challenging for couples. The hotel serves breakfast in the morning for its visitors. Sadly, this is the only service the hotel offers. If a hotel is more than a place to sleep for you, you can choose Hotel Orkin. It is one of the cheapest hotels where to stay in Reykjavik.