Curator’s statement
Reykjavik is an amazing Scandinavian capital by itself, but it's also a great starting ground for your Ring Road Trip around Iceland. Amazing culinary, cultural and spa options to spend a fabulous weekend! With direct flights from Icelandair (and their stopover option) this makes Reykjavik a perfect weekend getaway — or stopover to your European destination.
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Where to stay in Reykjavik
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Things to do in Reykjavik
Sightseeing:
You can explore all of Reykjavik on foot in 1–2 days.
Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavik’s most iconic landmark, gorgeous church named after the Icelandic poet Hallgrímur Pétursson.
Harpa Concert Hall is an architectural masterpiece by the waterfront (close to Hallgrímskirkja).
Stroll along the Old Harbor.
Spa:
Blue Lagoon: World-renowned for a reason, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Do not forget to buy your passes well in advance!
Sky Lagoon: A much closer, but as awe-inspiring option.
Shopping:
Laugavegur is the main shopping street with a lot of local and international shopping options (lava salts make for amazing souvenirs!)
Fischersund is an amazing fragrance brand in the heart of Reykjavik with creative designs and unique scents.
Blue Lagoon has a store in case you couldn't make it up to the Blue Lagoon itself to shop for incredible products.
Gorgeous unique jewelry at Aurum by Guðbjörg Jewlery.
Museums:
National Museum of Iceland: Paintings, background and other artifacts from Iceland’s centuries of history.
The National Gallery of Iceland: Variety of 19th-, 20th- and 21st-century works from Icelandic culture, as well as a large variety of international art.
Other options: Whale watching tours, Perlan for Wonders of Iceland exhibit.
Day Trips:
Golden Circle: A perfect day trip along the Golden Circle route, visiting Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
Blue Lagoon: 45-minute drive from Reykjavik with a unique geothermal spa experience. Pre-booking is mandatory.
Places to eat & drink in Reykjavik
Dinner:
The Dill is Reykjavik's Michelin-starred restaurant focused on New Nordic cuisine with an incredible tasting menu.
Grillmarkaðurinn offers a modern twist on traditional Icelandic cuisine.
Fish Market (Fiskmarkaðurinn) offers super fresh and local food options with a focus on seafood.
Breakfast/Lunch:
Breakfast at Reykjavik Edition is a must.
Bryggian Steakhouse serves traditional Langoustine soup with great beers from their brewery.
Saeta Svinid Gastropub for traditional Icelandic food.
Drinks:
The Roof at Edition has an amazing mixology program with great views.
Prikið is very cozy and one of the oldest bars at Reykjavik.
Misc:
Omnom Chocolate is worth the extra walk to taste their creative chocolates!
Need to know
Bear in mind that days are very short in winter, but if you venture outside the capital, you have a chance to see Northern Lights!
Travel Advisor
Asli Kayaalp
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Iceland. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Lauren Rosenbloom's guide, Discovering the Soul of Reykjavik, Iceland.