Curator’s statement
Iceland is the most beautiful country in the world, in my humble opinion, and Reykjavik is its capital. Whether you’re planning on driving around Ring Road (which I did), or staying in the city and its surrounding area, Reykjavik has much to offer. It’s a very clean, easy-to-get-around city with amazing views of the ocean and mountains. Take a stroll around to experience the vibrant culture and see everything from Hallgrimskirkja to a lava show to the nearby Blue Lagoon, a start to the many wonders of Iceland.
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Things to do in Reykjavik
Rainbow Street: Rainbow Street is a sign of joy and support for diversity, with a rainbow of colors painted down one of the main streets of the city.
Hallgrimskirkja: Right next to the iconic Rainbow Street, this gigantic church is an architectural wonder that will have you staring up into the sky.
Phallological Museum: I’d go ahead and Google the definition of phallological, and, well…it’s a museum of a lot of that. It’s arguably the most popular museum in Iceland.
Sky Lagoon: Just south of downtown Reykjavik, this geothermal spa combines the Icelandic tradition of hot-spring bathing with elements of a contemporary spa experience.
Walk the path east of the city: There’s a walking and biking path that leads to the outskirts of the city, offering a breathtaking view of the sea and mountains, along with the city skyline.
Sun Voyager/Höfði Lighthouse: This metal sculpture of a Viking ship and yellow lighthouse sits on the path leading to the city. It’s a great cultural site to sit by and take in the view.
Lava show: A live re-creation of a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava and pouring it into a showroom, making for a truly unique experience.
Places to eat & drink in Reykjavik
Sjávargrillið: A restaurant that offers lunch and dinner menus with seafood in the spotlight, varying from seafood soups to pan-fried cod, lobster tacos, and more.
Reykjavik Kitchen: A family-owned restaurant in the heart of Reykjavik, with a focus on serving fresh Icelandic fish and meat.
Cafe Loki: A corner cafe right next to Hallgrimskirkja, serving traditional food including fish, meat soup, and rye bread. This is one location in the city where you can try fermented shark, a national dish of Iceland.
Icelandic Street Food: An affordable venue serving traditional Icelandic foods, granting an authentic Iceland experience.
Hoffin: A restaurant located in the harbor serving delicious Icelandic dishes, including seafood and more.
Old Iceland: A laid-back eatery with traditional foods, specializing in seafood and Icelandic lamb.
Ness: A diverse restaurant, located on the northwest of downtown Reykjavik on a golf course and offering beautiful views of the water, as well as great food.
Need to know
If you go during the right time of year for your weather tastes, Reykjavik is an amazing city to explore. From fun activities to diverse food and cultural experiences, there is something for everyone. Some who visit plan to go out farther than the city, whether that be the Golden Circle or the entire Ring Road. If so, this is a perfect place to start your journey, as the roads circle back through the city.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Reykjavik page.
Travel Advisor
Sam Acevedo
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