Looking for things to do in Reykjavik? Ride up the bell tower of Hallgrímskirkja church, walk the seafront to the Sun Voyager sculpture and the Harpa concert hall, stroll along Laugavegur and around Tjörnin lake, discover Viking history at the National Museum and the Settlement Exhibition, head out whale watching from the Old Harbour and, like the locals, soak in a geothermal pool. Plan 2 days for the city, plus day trips (Golden Circle, south coast, Reykjanes Peninsula). The timing depends on your plans: June to August for long days, September to March for the northern lights.
The northernmost capital of a sovereign state, Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland and the base for most excursions. This guide brings together the highlights, two itineraries, the budget, the neighbourhoods and the month-by-month climate, with a calculation we have not found anywhere else: the number of hours of truly dark night, month by month, to know when to hunt for the aurora.
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Reykjavik at a glance
- Country Iceland (capital), about 140,000 inhabitants
- Language Icelandic; English is spoken everywhere
- Currency Icelandic króna (ISK) · currencies
- Time zone UTC+0 all year, no daylight saving time: same time as London in winter, 1 hour behind in summer; 4 to 5 hours ahead of New York
- Airports Keflavík International (KEF), about 50 km (31 mi) from the city
- Entry Schengen area: no visa for UK citizens for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; US citizens need a passport valid 3 months beyond their stay · US: travel.state.gov · UK: GOV.UK
- Ideal length 2 days in the city, 4 to 5 with day trips
- Budget see our budget section
Things to do in Reykjavik: the highlights
Hallgrímskirkja
The Lutheran church of Hallgrímskirkja, at the top of the hill in the centre, is the city’s most visible landmark. Its façade recalls basalt columns. A lift goes up the bell tower, from where the view takes in the colourful rooftops, the bay and Mount Esja. The very plain interior houses a large organ.
Harpa, the Sun Voyager and the seafront
The Harpa concert hall, whose glass façade was designed with the artist Olafur Eliasson, can be visited freely in its public areas. The seafront promenade leads to the Sun Voyager, a steel ship skeleton facing Mount Esja, especially photogenic at sunset.
Laugavegur, Skólavörðustígur and Tjörnin lake
Laugavegur is the main shopping street, lined with colourful corrugated-iron houses, cafés and shops. Skólavörðustígur, painted in rainbow colours, leads up to Hallgrímskirkja. Further down, Tjörnin lake, home to plenty of birds, is surrounded by the city hall and the old quarter; Austurvöllur square faces the parliament.
Museums: Viking history and nature
The National Museum of Iceland traces the country’s history from the settlement to the present day. The Settlement Exhibition (Reykjavík 871±2) displays the remains of a 10th-century longhouse uncovered right in the centre. Perlan, a glass dome on a wooded hill, has an exhibition on Icelandic nature, a recreated ice cave and a planetarium devoted to the northern lights. The Whales of Iceland exhibition shows life-size models of whales.
The Old Harbour and whale watching
Boat trips to watch whales and dolphins leave from the Old Harbour, as do summer trips to see puffins on small nearby islands. The former shipyard district (Grandi) has been converted into restaurants, museums and shops; the Þúfa mound offers a view over the bay.
Geothermal pools and lagoons
Bathing in a municipal pool heated by geothermal water is a local ritual, all year round and at low cost. According to the City of Reykjavík’s pool rules (reykjavik.is, checked 26 October 2026), all swimmers must shower thoroughly without swimwear before entering the pool. For a more upmarket experience, the Sky Lagoon, by the sea in Kópavogur, and the Blue Lagoon, near the airport, should be booked in advance.
Day trips from Reykjavik
The Golden Circle (Þingvellir National Park, the Haukadalur geysers, Gullfoss waterfall) can be done in a day. The south coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara) takes a long day. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, to the west, and the Reykjanes Peninsula, with its volcanic landscapes, are other options. To link the stops by car, see our tips for a successful road trip and our Iceland travel guide.
Itinerary: Reykjavik in 2 days (and more)
- Day 1, morning: Hallgrímskirkja and its bell tower, Skólavörðustígur, Laugavegur
- Day 1, afternoon: Tjörnin lake, Austurvöllur, the Settlement Exhibition, Harpa and the Sun Voyager at sunset
- Day 2, morning: Old Harbour, whale watching (or the National Museum in bad weather)
- Day 2, afternoon: Perlan, then a geothermal pool or the Sky Lagoon; in winter, a northern lights outing in the evening if the sky is clear
- Days 3 to 5: the Golden Circle; the south coast; Snæfellsnes or Reykjanes
Northern lights and midnight sun: light in figures
At 64° north, day length in Reykjavik changes dramatically. To see the aurora, you need a truly dark sky. For the night of the 15th of each month, we calculated the day length and the number of hours when the sun is more than 12° below the horizon, the threshold at which the sky is dark enough for the northern lights.
| Month | Day length in Reykjavik | Sunset | Hours of dark night |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5 h 25 | 16:19 | about 14 h 10 |
| February | 8 h 38 | 18:00 | about 11 h 45 |
| March | 11 h 42 | 19:27 | about 8 h 45 |
| April | 15 h 05 | 21:00 | about 4 h 10 |
| May | 18 h 24 | 22:36 | none |
| June | 21 h 03 | 23:59 | none |
| July | 19 h 44 | 23:25 | none |
| August | 16 h 25 | 21:44 | about 0 h 40 |
| September | 13 h 04 | 19:54 | about 7 h 20 |
| October | 9 h 50 | 18:08 | about 10 h 45 |
| November | 6 h 31 | 16:27 | about 13 h 30 |
| December | 4 h 13 | 15:29 | about 14 h 55 |
- From May to July, there is not a single hour of dark night: even when present, the aurora is invisible. This is the season of light nights, with 21 h 03 of daylight in mid-June.
- From September to March, dark night lasts from 7 h 20 (September) to nearly 15 hours (December): this is the aurora window, provided the sky is clear.
- The best compromise: September-October and February-March, when nights are long enough for the aurora and days still long enough (11 h 42 in mid-March) for excursions.
- In practice: check the cloud cover and aurora forecasts from the Icelandic Met Office, and get away from the city lights.
When to go to Reykjavik
For long days and excursions, go from June to August: this is the mildest season (an average maximum of 14.9 °C, or 59 °F, in July) and the driest (43 mm, or 1.7 in, in June), but also the most expensive and the busiest. For the northern lights, go from September to March. Winter is not that cold (minimums around −2 °C, or 28 °F) but windy and wet, and the days are very short: about 4 hours of daylight in December. May and September are good compromises.
| Month | Max | Min | Precip. | Dark night | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.2 °C (38 °F) | −1.7 °C (29 °F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 14 h 10 | Low | Medium | ⚠️ Very short days, aurora possible |
| February | 3.3 °C (38 °F) | −1.9 °C (29 °F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 11 h 45 | Medium | Medium | ⚠️ Cold and windy, aurora |
| March | 4.2 °C (40 °F) | −1.3 °C (30 °F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 8 h 45 | Medium | Medium | ⚠️ Aurora, lengthening days |
| April | 6.9 °C (44 °F) | 1.0 °C (34 °F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 4 h 10 | Low | Low to medium | ⚠️ Transition, few visitors |
| May | 10.1 °C (50 °F) | 4.0 °C (39 °F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | — | Medium | Medium | ✅ Bright, few visitors |
| June | 13.0 °C (55 °F) | 7.2 °C (45 °F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | — | High | High | ✅ Driest, light nights |
| July | 14.9 °C (59 °F) | 9.1 °C (48 °F) | 50 mm (2.0 in) | — | Very high | Very high | ✅ Mildest |
| August | 14.1 °C (57 °F) | 8.6 °C (47 °F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 0 h 40 | Very high | Very high | ✅ Mild, festivals |
| September | 11.4 °C (53 °F) | 6.2 °C (43 °F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 7 h 20 | Medium | Medium | ✅ Aurora and excursions |
| October | 7.6 °C (46 °F) | 2.7 °C (37 °F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 10 h 45 | Low | Medium | ⚠️ Rain and wind, aurora |
| November | 4.6 °C (40 °F) | −0.1 °C (32 °F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 13 h 30 | Low | Low | ⚠️ Short days, Iceland Airwaves |
| December | 3.3 °C (38 °F) | −1.6 °C (29 °F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 14 h 55 | Medium | Medium to high | ❌ About 4 h of daylight, storms |
For the rest of the island (Highlands, north, south coast), see the best time to visit Iceland. Other northern lights destinations: Norway and Finland. Whatever the season, pack a windproof jacket and warm clothes: see what to pack.
Budget for visiting Reykjavik
| Item (per person per day) | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (based on a shared double room) | roughly ISK 7,000 to 11,000 (hostel, guesthouse) | roughly ISK 18,000 to 30,000 (central hotel) |
| Meals | roughly ISK 5,000 to 7,000 (supermarket, soups, hot dogs) | roughly ISK 11,000 to 16,000 |
| Transport | roughly ISK 1,500 to 2,000 (bus, airport shuttle spread over the stay) | roughly ISK 3,000 to 5,500 |
| Activities | roughly ISK 2,000 to 3,000 (pool, museum) | roughly ISK 7,000 to 14,000 (whales, lagoon, excursion) |
| Total | roughly ISK 15,000 to 22,000 per person per day | roughly ISK 34,000 to 54,000 per person per day |
Getting around Reykjavik
- From Keflavík Airport: shuttle buses to the BSÍ terminal or hotels (the Flybus takes about 45 minutes to BSÍ, according to its official site, checked 26 October 2026), taxis or a hire car.
- In the city: the centre is walkable; Strætó buses serve the metropolitan area.
- Day trips: by hire car or on an organised tour, especially in winter when roads can be snowy.
- Roads: check road and weather conditions with the Icelandic Road Administration before every drive. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), strong winds can throw sand or ash that damages hire cars, and this damage is not always covered by insurance.
Where to stay in Reykjavik
| Area | Best for | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Centre (101, around Laugavegur) | First visit | Everything on foot, restaurants, tour departures |
| Old Harbour and Grandi | Whales, sea views | Quiet in the evening, 10-15 min walk from the centre |
| Vesturbær (west) | Peace and quiet, neighbourhood pool | Residential, walking distance from the centre |
| Laugardalur | Budget travellers, families | Hostels, campsite, large pool |
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: Iceland is in the Schengen area. Your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your period of stay, and you need sufficient proof of funds and a return ticket (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated May 14, 2026).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive and be valid at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is being implemented: fingerprints and a photo may be taken at your first entry, free of charge (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026).
- Health: UK travellers can use a GHIC or EHIC for medically necessary state healthcare (GOV.UK); travel.state.gov advises being up to date on CDC-recommended vaccinations. Whatever your nationality, take out travel insurance covering medical costs.
- Volcanic risk: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), a series of eruptions has hit the Reykjanes Peninsula since December 2023, affecting the town of Grindavík and its surroundings; Reykjavik and Keflavík Airport have not been affected, but further eruptions are likely. Follow the authorities’ advice on areas to avoid.
- Crime: crime levels are low, but petty theft and antisocial behaviour can occur, particularly around bars in downtown Reykjavík (GOV.UK).
- Nature: the weather changes quickly; GOV.UK advises leaving details of your travel plans with Safe Travel Iceland. Do not head into the Highlands alone, and on south coast beaches keep well away from the waves.
- Emergencies: 112 (ambulance, fire, police, according to GOV.UK). See our travel insurance guide.
Practical tips for Reykjavik
- Money: check your bank’s fees on payments in krónur before you leave.
- Water: tap water is excellent; hot water sometimes smells of sulphur (geothermal).
- Mobile data: check your home carrier’s roaming charges; see our eSIM guide.
- Tipping: service is included; a tip is not expected.
- Alcohol: in shops, it is sold at Vínbúðin stores, run by the State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland (ÁTVR); in the Reykjavík area they open Monday to Thursday 11:00-18:00, Friday 11:00-19:00 and Saturday 11:00-18:00, with longer hours at some branches (vinbudin.is, checked 26 October 2026).
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
Two days for the city. Allow four to five days with the Golden Circle, the south coast and a lagoon.
When can you see the northern lights in Reykjavik?
From September to March. According to our calculation, there is not a single hour of truly dark night in Reykjavik from May to July, so the aurora cannot be seen then.
What is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
June to August for long days and excursions; September and March to combine the aurora with reasonably long days.
How do you get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavik?
The airport is about 50 km (31 mi) from the city. Shuttle buses run to the BSÍ terminal and hotels (about 45 minutes by Flybus); taxis and hire cars are also available.
Is Reykjavik expensive?
Yes. On a tight budget, allow at least roughly ISK 15,000 to 22,000 per person per day, excluding flights.
How many hours of daylight are there in winter in Reykjavik?
About 4 hours in mid-December, compared with more than 21 hours in mid-June.
Our sources
- Veðurstofa Íslands (Icelandic Met Office): 1991-2020 averages calculated from the monthly data for the Reykjavik station, also used on our best time to visit Iceland page
- Destination de Voyage calculation: day length, sunset and hours of dark night in Reykjavik (NOAA solar algorithm)
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Iceland country information (last updated May 14, 2026) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Iceland (updated 11 August 2026)
- City of Reykjavík, safety and conduct rules for swimming pools; Flybus (journey time); Vínbúðin (ÁTVR) (opening hours), all checked 26 October 2026
- European Central Bank, euro reference rates of 23 October 2026 (budget conversion)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To extend your trip, see our Iceland travel guide and our other destinations in Europe.
