The Reykjavík area covers the city centre, plus a handful of satellite suburbs. The city’s tiny core consists of a historic precinct of lanes near the old harbour, easily covered on foot in a day. While the municipal buildings are made of stone or concrete – practical protection against the fierce winter winds – most of the area is residential, comprising wooden houses, weatherproofed in brightly coloured corrugated iron. Here you will find most of Iceland’s shops, cafés, restaurants and nightclubs, alongside museums and galleries. A distinctive landmark is Öskjuhlið hill, with panoramic views of more distant sights and suburbs.
1. Historic Midtown and Harbour
Midtown is the site of Iceland’s first Viking settlement and the city’s oldest building (on Lækjatorg Square). A statue of Jón Sigurðsson (see 1783: Lakagígar Eruption) faces the 1881 Parliament House, which replaced the Alþing’s home at Þingvellir. Visit the old harbour, Saga Museum and whaling fleet.
Historic buildings, midtown Reykjavík
2. Landnámssýningin (Settlement Exhibition)
Aðalstræti 16 • 411 6370 • Open 9am–6pm daily • Adm • www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
This impressive exhibition comprises the in-situ remains of a large Viking-age longhouse, possibly belonging to Iceland’s first settler, Norwegian Ingólfur Arnarson, who sailed to Iceland around AD 870 (see AD 870: Reykjavík Settled). There are virtually no other contemporary remains in such good condition. Its location under the capital’s streets makes it even more incredible.
3. Safnahúsið (Culture House)
Hverfisgata 15 • 545 1400 • Open May–mid-Sep: 10am–5pm daily; mid-Sep–Apr: 10am–5pm Tue–Sun • On-site café at weekends • Guided tours available • www.nationalmuseum.is
Part of the National Museum of Iceland, paintings, objects and archival materials, such as books and maps, all provide insights into Iceland’s heritage.
Medieval manuscript, Safnahúsið
4. Listasafn Íslands (National Gallery)
Fríkirkjuvegur 7 • 515 9600 • Open summer: 10am–5pm daily; winter: 11am–5pm Tue–Sun • www.listasafn.is
The nation’s main collection of art concentrates on early 20th-century Icelandic painters. The estimated 10,000 works are continually rotated.
5. Þjóðminjasafn Íslands (National Museum)
Suðurgata 41 • 530 2200 • Open May–mid-Sep: 10am–5pm daily; mid-Sep–Apr: 11am–5pm Tue–Sun • Adm • www.nationalmuseum.is
Documenting Iceland’s history and culture from the earliest evidence of settlement to the present, the museum offers interactive learning opportunities for visitors. Whether it is Viking graves, medieval statues from churches or modern-day objects, there is something for everyone in this interesting exhibition covering the museum’s two floors.
Statue, National Museum
6. Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrímstorg 1 • 510 1000 • Open 9am–5pm daily • Cathedral free; tower adm • www.hallgrimskirkja.is
The largest in Iceland, this 74-m- (240-ft-) high church took 40 years to build and resembles a volcanic formation, covered in hexagonal pillars. The sound of the stunning church organ, fitted with 5,275 pipes, is a highlight. Take the lift to the tower for views over Reykjavík’s colourful rooftops and Leifur Eiríksson’s statue.
Leifur Eiríksson
7. Kjarvalsstaðir (Reykjavík Art Museum)
Flókagata 24 • 411 6420 • Open 10am–5pm daily • Guided tours by arrangement • Adm • www.artmuseum.is
Jóhannes Kjarval (1885–1972), born in a tiny village in the northeast, studied painting in Europe. On returning to Iceland he began incorporating the landscapes into his brightly coloured paintings. Though considered Iceland’s greatest artist, his work often controversially blended folklore, Christianity and paganism. Apart from his works, this museum also exhibits contemporary Icelandic and foreign art.
8. Harpa
Austurbakki 2 • 528 5050 • Guided tours year-round • www.harpa.is
Harpa – Reykjavík’s Concert Hall and Conference Centre – is the most important performance venue in the country, and is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Icelandic Opera and the Reykjavík Big Band. With a façade by artist Olafur Eliasson, it is a symbol of the revitalization of Reykjavík’s historic waterfront and of Iceland’s dynamism.
Harpa, Reykjavík's Concert Hall and Conference Centre
9. Perlan
Öskjuhlið • Bus 18 from Hlemmur • Exhibition: 8am–7pm daily; observation deck: 8am–8pm daily • Adm • www.perlanmuseum.is
Just south of the city centre, wooded Öskjuhlíð hill is covered in a network of walking and cycling tracks. The summit is capped by the mirrored-glass dome of Perlan (“the Pearl”). This imaginative building, made from converted cylindrical water tanks, has fabulous city panoramas from the outside observation deck. Inside, the ice cave is the highlight of the interactive glacier exhibition.
Perlan’s mirrored-glass dome
10. Laugardalur Park and Recreation Area
Laugardalur • Bus 14 from Hlemmur • Pool: 411 5100 • Open Apr–Aug: 6:30am–10pm Mon–Fri, 8am–10pm Sat & Sun • Park free; activities adm
East of the city centre, Laugardalur Park is a great spot to join local families relaxing. The Botanic Gardens have a zoo full of native species and a duck pond. You can skate in winter at the adjacent sports centre. The naturally heated 50-m- (164-ft-) long outdoor pool, with three smaller play pools and hot tubs, is open year-round.
A DAY IN REYKJAVÍK
Morning
Kick off the day the way many Icelanders do – by having a swim at the central Sundhöllin indoor pool. After a coffee at Kaffitár on Bankastræti, head for the Þjóðminjasafn Íslands and get a solid grounding in Icelandic history, though don’t burn out by trying to cover it all on a single trip. Amble down to get some fresh air and feed the birds at Tjörnin, before ducking inside City Hall for a look at the giant relief map of the country, or to catch a lunchtime concert. Sit out on the grass at Austurvöllur Square to admire the humble Reykjavík Cathedral, the Art Deco Hótel Borg and the Parliament House. Then spend half an hour among Viking remains at the excellent Landnámssýningin, which is located nearby.
Afternoon
Reboot your energy levels with a bowl of lamb soup at Café Paris, then shop for jewellery, clothes or souvenirs along Laugavegur. Head uphill, past a street of colourful houses on Klapparstígur, to take in the cityscape from the top of Hallgrímskirkja. If you have room for another museum, soak up some Saga-Age ambience at Safnahúsið. Walk north to Harpa to take in a concert, or to see the striking Solar Voyager sculpture and historic Höfði House. After dinner, visit some of the city’s nightclubs – Prikið, in the city centre, is the best place to start.
The Best of the Rest
1. Norræna Húsið
Sæmundargata 11 • 551 7030 • Open daily; library: 10am–5pm daily (to 9pm Wed); exhibition room: 11am–5pm daily (to 9pm Wed) • www.nordichouse.is
Exhibitions, concerts and a library devoted to Nordic culture.
2. Höfði House
Borgartún
In this simple, whitewashed house, Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan ended the Cold War in 1986. Nearby sculpture Solar Voyager honours Viking travels.
Höfði House
3. Alþingishúsið
Austurvöllur • 563 0500 • Check for opening times • www.althingi.is
This building houses the national parliament. Founded at Þingvellir in AD 930, it relocated here in 1881.
4. Tjörnin
Locals bring their children to spot the ducks, geese and swans at this stone-edged lake in the city centre.
5. Sigurjón Ólafsson Sculpture Museum
Laugarnestangi 70 • Buses 12 & 15 • 553 2906 • Open Jun–Aug: 2–5pm Tue–Sun; Sep–May: 2–5pm Sat & Sun • www.lso.is
Once the studio of Sigurjón Ólafsson, this building displays his sculptures and hosts summer concerts.
6. Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum
Sigtún • 411 6430 • Open May–Sep: 10am–5pm daily; Oct–Apr: 1–5pm daily • Adm • www.artmuseum.is
With its Mediterranean and African influences, this building is as interesting as the works of the renowned sculptor displayed here.
8. Viðey
mid-May–Sep: 8 ferries daily from Skarfabakka, and 2 daily from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour and Harpa • www.videy.com
Just off Reykjavík, this grassy isle boasts Iceland’s oldest stone building (now a restaurant), thousands of seabirds and the Imagine Peace Tower.
Viðey seabird
9. The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum
Eiríksgata • 561 3797 • Open 10am–5pm Tue–Sun • Adm • www.lej.is
Three hundred plaster and bronze statues by Iceland’s first modern sculptor, Einar Jónsson’s (1874–1954) are on display here.
10. Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Changing rooms open mid-May–mid Aug: 11am–1pm Mon–Fri (& 5–7pm Mon & Wed), 11am–3pm Sat
This yellow-sand beach is set right on the waterfront south of the city centre, complete with open-air hot tubs and pool. No less fun for being entirely artificial, its geothermal pumps keep the water at 18ºC.
Places to Shop
1. Aurum
Banakstræti 4 • 551 2770 • www.aurum.is
Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir’s jewellery is modelled on the landscape of Iceland, using precious metals to create delicate, fluid designs that are both modern and timeless.
2. The Viking
Hafnarstræsti 1–3 • 551 1250
Known for its friendly service and long opening hours, this gift shop has been in the same family for over 50 years. Now a chain with five stores across Iceland.
3. Thorvaldsens Bazar
Austurstræti 4 • 551 3509 • www.thorvaldsens.is
This charity shop has been in business for over a century and specializes in handmade Icelandic goods – knitted jumpers, local woodcarvings and silver jewellery.
4. Eymundsson
Skólavörðustíg 11 • 540 2350
This excellent bookshop offers a range of maps, from road atlases to hiking maps, as well as English-language books on Iceland and stationery. There is also a good café.
5. 12 Tónar
Skólavörðustíg 15 • 511 5656
Selling music CDs and vinyl, this shop also hosts concerts (especially during the summer) by an eclectic inventory of local artists covering jazz, classical and pop.
6. Kraum
Laugavegur 18b • 517 7797 • www.kraum.is
Local designers display and sell their clothes and accessories here. Look out for attractive silver and black lava jewellery.
7. Kirsuberjatréð
Vesturgata 4 • 562 8990 • www.kirs.is
This unique store, run by a women’s cooperative, offers distinctly Icelandic garments, fish-skin accessories, glassware, jewellery and gifts.
Paper bowls at Kirsuberjatréð
8. Michelsen Watchmakers
Laugavegur 15 • 511 1900 • www.michelsenwatch.com
Great old-style watchmaker, with a workshop full of pre-digital timepieces in the process of being repaired. Sells Rolexes and other classic wristwatches.
9. Búrið – The Icelandic Pantry
Grandagarður 35 • 551 8400 • blog.burid.is
Located in the old fishermen’s huts by the harbour, this gourmet shop offers a tempting selection of cheeses and local specialities. It also holds workshops on Iceland’s dairy history.
10. Kolaportið Flea Market
Tryggvagata 19 • 562 5030 • Open 11am–5pm Sat & Sun
Join the locals in spending a couple of hours sifting through acres of household junk at this market and you might uncover unexpectedly stylish designer clothing. Good home-grown vegetables are for sale here, too.
Bars, Cafés and Pubs
1. Café Paris
Austurstræti 14 • 551 1020 • Open 8:30am–10pm Sun–Thu, 8:30am–11pm Fri & Sat
Try the sandwiches at this popular café. Sit outside in good weather to enhance the Parisian ambience.
2. Prikið
Bankastræti 12 • 551 2866 • Open 8am–1am Mon–Thu, 11am–4:30am Fri & Sat, noon–1am Sun • www.prikid.is
This friendly café-diner, frequented by an arty crowd, has a bar feel by night. There are hip-hop DJs at weekends (see Prikið).
3. Vegamót
Vegamótstígur 4 • 511 3040
Vegamót is busy at lunchtime and after dark. People-watch over a drink, or sample the Mediterranean menu.
4. Íslenski Barinn
Ingólfsstræti 1a • 517 6767
Traditional Icelandic delicacies and beer are served here. There are also pancakes and coffee every Sunday. Live music is hosted on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
5. Grái Kötturinn
Hverfisgata 16a • 551 1544 • Open 7:15am–3pm Mon–Fri, 8am–3pm Sat & Sun
Huge breakfasts are served at this trendy basement café. It’s also a popular place to get coffee in the morning after a night out.
Grái Kötturinn
6. Hornið
Hafnarstræti 15 • 551 3340
In business since 1979, this family-run, cozy Italian pizzeria was one of the first places to serve espresso in Iceland. Their fresh seafood pastas are superb.
7. Café Rosenberg
Klapparstígur 27 • 551 2442
Despite its name, Café Rosenberg is an exhibition space, bar, lounge and brasserie serving everything from fish and chips to barley risotto. Although the original building burned down in 2007, the venue has been open for decades.
8. Boston
Laugavegur 28a • 571 5781
With a welcoming, wooden interior and quirky decor, this bar is always well-populated. Enjoy your selection from the extensive drinks menu, whilst listening to jazz, golden oldies and new music releases.
9. Sandholt
Laugavegur 36 • 551 3524
Tasty breads, Danish pastries, quiches, chocolates, sandwiches and superb coffee are all served at this family-run bakery.
10. Mokka
Skólavörðustíg 3a • 552 1174
Said to be the capital’s oldest café (it opened in 1958), the no-frills Mokka is credited with spearheading caffeine culture in Iceland.
Restaurants
1. Bergsson Mathús
Templarasund 3 • 571 1822 • 
Located near Tjörnin Lake, the menu here is both hearty and healthy, with chia and oatmeal breakfasts and Indian, Italian and Vietnamese meals for lunch and dinner. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are available.
2. Kolabrautin
Austurbakki 1 • 519 9700 • Closed L • 
Enjoy classic Italian cuisine made with Icelandic produce and innovative cocktails, whilst enjoying the best panoramic view of Reykjavík.
3. Lækjarbrekka
Bankastræti 2 • 551 4430 • 
Housed in an old storehouse in the city centre, this famous eatery is full of period furnishings. It serves top-notch traditional seafood.
4. The Lobsterhouse
Amtmannstíg 1 • 561 3303 • www.thelobsterhouse.is •
This intimate restaurant serves classic French cuisine with a refreshing Nordic twist.
5. Caruso
Austurstræti 22 • 562 7335 •
Caruso serves Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting. Live music at weekends.
6. Fjalakötturinn
Hótel Reykjavík, Aðalstræti 16 • 514 6060 •
This well-established restaurant offers delicious, locally inspired dishes including home-grown lamb and salmon. A Viking longhouse was excavated here.
7. Laundromat Café
Austurstræti 9 • 587 7555 •
Friendly and casual spot serving craft beers, pancakes, burgers and salads, as well as Sunday roasts. Books and boardgames help you settle in for the long haul.
8. Restaurant Reykjavík
Vesturgata 2 • 552 3030 •
Known for its seafood, this beautiful old wooden warehouse overlooks Ingólfstorg square. Try the delicious seafood buffet.
Dishes at Restaurant Reykjavík
9. Gló
Laugavegur 20b • 553 111 • www.glo.is •
A pioneer of healthy, vegetarian and vegan cuisine, this unpretentious spot offers a daily-changing menu of four different main courses (one of which is usually raw), plus a tasty dessert.
10. Dill
Hverfisgata 12 • 552 1522 •
The first Icelandic restaurant to win a coveted Michelin star, Dill specializes in New Nordic Cuisine, pairing traditional dishes such as arctic char, lamb shanks and pork belly with barley, berries and kale.
Price Categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), including taxes and extra charges.
under ISK5,000 
ISK5,000–9,000 
over ISK9,000
