Best things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland

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Advisor - Kiara Brown
Curated By

Kiara Brown

  • Iceland

  • Reykjavik

  • Adventure Travel

  • International Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Glaciers

  • Outdoors

  • Sightseeing

Rainbow road in Reykjavík, Iceland
Curator’s statement

Reykjavík, Iceland with my friends was a vibe. So, I put together a list of some of the best things to do and spots to eat & drink from my time there.

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Where to stay in Reykjavík, Iceland

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Things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik, Iceland

Phallological Museum: Or as Icelanders call it: The Penis Museum; an ode to the aforementioned body part. If you want to have some good laughs, see some cool animal skeletons and the parts of mythical beings, then this museum is a must. 

The Reykjavik Food Walk: We got to try all the popular Icelandic foods under the guide of a local. Along the way, we learned some cool food history.

Sun Voyager: A sculpture near the harbor which is absolutely stunning. It pays homage to the viking ships of yesteryear, and the symbolism of how the boats represented hopes, progress and freedom. 

Rainbow Street: Cool rainbow street that used to be painted annually for gay pride month, but then the prime minister decided that it should be up at all times.

Hallgrimskirkja Church: That cool Game of Thrones looking church that took over 40 years to build. In front of the church is a statue of Leif Erikson.

Harpa Concert Hall: So beautiful. It's surround by mountains and the harbor, and, on a sunny day, the glass of the building projects a colorful mosaic on the ground.  

Perlan Museum: Not just beautiful to look at, the Perlan is very interactive and you can go inside ice caves and hang out with virtual puffins.

Day Trips from Reykjavik

Secret Lagoon: A small geothermal pool with a bar and eating area. Also, overlooking the lagoon are three little elf houses.

Black Sand Beach: Absolutely beautiful. The sand is black due to volcanic ash and made for some really cool pictures with everyone wearing our bright raincoats. Also, those beautiful basalt columns are on the beach, as well as a few grottos.

Geyser: How can you go to Iceland and not see the geysers? Very cool, also very funny to watch other people's reactions to when the eruption happens. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Frideheimar: A hydroponic tomato farm! You can sit among the tomatoes and eat foods and drinks made with the tomatoes. I love tomatoes so this was an absolute requirement for me. Side note: some of the tours that take you on the tomato farm don't allow you to order off the menu, and you can only get soup or salad.

Places to eat & drink in Reykjavík, Iceland

Aerial view of drinks and bowl of lemons on a wooden table in Reykjavik, Iceland

Breakfast in Reykjavik

Bastard Brew & Food: 2-hour all-you-can-eat brunch, with food options for all diets. Make reservations; there was a line outside before they were open. 

Braud & Co.: Quaint, takeaway coffee shop with a small menu and the best ham and cheese croissant I have ever had in my entire life. It has to be the Icelandic butter.

Emilie and the Cool Kids: Another coffee shop, which had these amazing glazed raspberry rolls. Lots of options for food and drinks.

The Laundromat Cafe: A very tasty breakfast spot. So cute and colorful in the inside. Try the Elvis pancakes!

Lunch, Dinner & Dessert in Reykjavik

American Bar: Because as an American, why not? A kitschy bar decorated in football helmets and funny American quotes. 

Sushi Social: Delicious sushi. Iceland has its own wasabi. Also, some of the sushi boards are the shape of Iceland.

Fish and Chips Wagon: Small food truck with fish rolls, fish & chips and curry fries. The fish rolls stole the show.

Flatety Pizza: Delicious Neopolitan-style pizza. They have multiple locations and deliver.

Big Lebowski Bar: Cool interior and delicious cocktails. I had a banana white Russian that was heavenly. They even have a white Russian with coco puffs on top.

OmNom Ice Cream: Very cool Icelandic-themed ice cream. Side note: if you watched Down to Earth with Zac Efron, this is the same company as the chocolate bar factory he was at, and you can also purchase chocolate bars at the shop.

Advisor - Kiara Brown

Travel Advisor

Kiara Brown

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