Hallgrímskirkja church and colourful rooftops of Reykjavik

🇮🇸 Iceland · Reykjavík

Reykjavik: what to see, where to stay, 2026 tips

The world's northernmost capital, Reykjavik blends Hallgrímskirkja church, the old harbour, geothermal pools and northern lights. The perfect base for the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon, here's how to enjoy it in 2 or 3 days.

📍 See 📅 When to go 🗺️ Itinerary

Reykjavik at a glance

Population

140,000

Airport

KEF

Ideal stay

2 to 3 days

Budget / day

€120-350

Flight Paris

~3h30 direct

Time diff

-1h / -2h

Current climate

Best season

Photo : Einar H. Reynis / Unsplash

In brief

Reykjavik in brief

1

A compact capital best explored on foot

The city centre takes one day to walk. Count 2 to 3 days including the day trips around it.
2

The base for every southwest day trip

The Golden Circle, south coast, Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes peninsula all start from Reykjavik.
3

Rent a car to explore further

The centre works on foot or by Strætó bus, but a car is essential for the natural sites.
4

Everything is expensive, budget generously

Iceland is one of Europe's priciest countries. A restaurant meal easily tops €30.
5

Northern lights in winter, midnight sun in summer

September to March for the aurora, June to August for days that never end.

Must-see

What to see in Reykjavik?

★ #1 📍

Hallgrímskirkja church

The landmark church inspired by basalt columns. Climb the tower for the view.

⏱ 1 h 💰 1,400 ISK (€9) Must-see

★ #2 📍

Harpa concert hall

Honeycomb glass façade designed by Olafur Eliasson, right on the waterfront.

⏱ 1 h 💰 Free (open visit) Architecture

★ #3 📍

Sun Voyager sculpture

Steel longship facing Mount Esja, a photo spot at sunset.

⏱ 30 min 💰 Free Photo spot

★ #4 📍

Laugavegur (shopping street)

The lively downtown artery: wool shops, cafés, bars and street art.

⏱ 2-3 h 💰 Free Downtown

★ #5 📍

Perlan (museum and dome)

Icelandic nature museum under a glass dome, ice cave and 360° viewing deck.

⏱ 2 h 💰 4,990 ISK (€33) Family

★ #6 📍

Old harbour (whale watching)

Departure point for whale and puffin watching boats, with quayside cafés.

⏱ 3 h 💰 ~11,000 ISK (€73) Nature

★ #7 📍

Laugardalslaug geothermal pool

The city's largest pool, with open-air hot tubs year-round.

⏱ 1-2 h 💰 1,330 ISK (€9) Local

★ #8 📍

Old town and Lake Tjörnin

Colourful corrugated-iron houses, the city hall on the lake, statues and birds.

⏱ 1-2 h 💰 Free Stroll

Choose your district

Where to stay in Reykjavik?

Centre (101 Reykjavík)

The historic core, around Laugavegur. Everything on foot, bars and restaurants. From €110/night.

★ Recommended

Old harbour

Near the whale-watching boats and Harpa. Maritime vibe, design hotels. From €130/night.

Maritime

Laugardalur

Green district with the big pool and the park. Quieter, good value. From €90/night.

Quiet

Hlemmur / Rauðarárstígur

A 10-minute walk from the centre, around the Hlemmur food hall. Handy and cheaper. From €85/night.

Handy

Keflavík (airport)

45 min away, useful for an early flight or the Blue Lagoon. Airport hotels. From €95/night.

Airport

Getting around

Getting around Reykjavik

🚶

On foot

The centre is compact, most sites are within a 20-minute walk.

🚌

Strætó bus

The yellow city network. Buy tickets via the Klappið app, no change given on board.

🚗

Rental car

Essential for the Golden Circle and the south coast. Book early, especially in summer.

✈️

Flybus (KEF airport)

Direct shuttle between Keflavík airport and the city. Around 45 min.

Climate & crowds

When to visit Reykjavik?

Ideal Fair Avoid

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Summer

June to August · 10-15°C, endless days · Ideal: midnight sun, roads open, but peak season

Shoulder

Apr-May, Sep-Oct · 3-10°C, variable · Fair: first auroras in September, fewer crowds

Winter

Nov to March · -2 to 3°C, dark · Avoid for driving, ideal for northern lights

How much

Reykjavik budget (per day)

Backpacker

€120

per day

🏨 Hostel dorm: €50
🍜 Hot dog and supermarket: €25
🚌 Strætó bus: €8
🎫 1 geothermal pool

Recommended

Comfort

€220

per day

🏨 3★ hotel centre: €120
🍽️ Mixed restaurants: €55
🚗 Rental car: €30
🎫 1 museum or day trip

Premium

€450

per day

🏨 4★ design hotel: €250
🍽️ Fine dining: €100
🚗 Car + premium Blue Lagoon
🎫 Private aurora tour

Our tested itinerary

Reykjavik in 2 days

Day-by-day program.

Day 1: The centre on foot

9am Hallgrímskirkja and tower climb
11am Laugavegur, shops and cafés
1pm Lunch near the old harbour
3pm Sun Voyager then Harpa
6pm Laugardalslaug geothermal pool
8pm Dinner in the 101 centre

Day 2: Golden Circle

8am Drive out to Þingvellir
10am Geysir and the Strokkur eruption
12pm Gullfoss waterfall
2pm Lunch and Kerið crater
5pm Back to Reykjavik, Perlan
9pm Aurora hunt (Sep-Mar)

Detailed itinerary →

Around

Day trips from Reykjavik

📍

Golden Circle

1h away · Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss

📍

Blue Lagoon

50 min away · Milky geothermal lagoon

📍

Reykjanes peninsula

40 min away · Volcanoes and geothermal fields

📍

Vík

2h30 away · Black sand beach

FAQ

Reykjavik FAQ

How many days to visit Reykjavik? +

One day is enough for the centre on foot (Hallgrímskirkja, Laugavegur, old harbour, Harpa). Count 2 to 3 days to add the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon and an aurora hunt in winter.

What's the best neighbourhood to stay in Reykjavik? +

The 101 centre to do everything on foot and enjoy the bars and restaurants. The old harbour for a maritime vibe. Laugardalur if you want quiet and better value.

Is Reykjavik expensive? +

Yes, it is one of Europe's most expensive capitals. A restaurant meal often tops €30 and a beer costs €9 to €12. Geothermal pools and walking stay affordable.

Can you see the northern lights from Reykjavik? +

Yes from September to March, on clear nights with low light pollution. Move away from the centre (Grótta lighthouse, Reykjanes peninsula) or book a tour to maximise your chances.

Do you need a visa for Reykjavik? +

Not for EU nationals: Iceland is in the Schengen area, tourist stay up to 90 days. See our Iceland visa guide.