Places To Visit In Reykjavik

Places To Visit In Reykjavik

Reykjavik in Iceland is renowned to be an oasis of peace as it is splattered with viking heritage and history. There are many beautiful places to visit in Reykjavik which will most certainly appeal to the nature lovers out there. Be it taking a stroll down the downtown street or taking a dip in thermal hot springs, Reykjavik has a lot to offer. If you’re into checking off scenic places with a pinch of adventure, you cannot afford to miss out on Mount Esja and Videy island. They are renowned for their breathtaking beauty and array of adventure activities, the reason why lakhs of tourists flock to these places every year.Reykjavik might be a small city as compared to other modern metro cities of the world but it boasts of 65 parks and 400 cathedrals. The rich Viking history associated with Iceland and the colourful coastal homes are bound to mesmerise you. The Hallgrímskirkja Church is a sublime example of Icelandic architecture and remains one of the major landmarks of the city. If museums and history are your thing, then the Perlan Museum of Icelandic natural wonders and national museum of Iceland both make a strong case for themselves.

Whale Museum

The Whale museum in Reykjavik holds the designation of being Europe’s biggest museum dedicated to these majestic animals. On display here are 23 life-sized whales which seem almost realistic. Moreover, you can get to know more about these gigantic creatures through various interactive and educational experiences. If marine life excites you ,this is one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik.

Magic Ice Bar

If you’re looking for places to visit in Reykjavik with your friends or family, your search might end at Magic Ice bar - one of the most unique bars in the world! This enchanting and magical world is made out of crystal clear ice and features an ice-art gallery with a bar and sculptures. Inside the bar, the sub-zero temperatures will make you feel like you’re at the Arctic circle. To keep you warm, you will be provided with a winter poncho and warm gloves.

Perlan Museum

Perlan or ‘The Pearl’ museum in Reykjavik is renowned for its museum dedicated to the natural history of Iceland and a rotating glass dome. The Perlan Museum has a sassy restaurant, a viewing platform and a newly inaugurated educational site which boasts of several displays and exhibitions.

Hallgrimskirkja Church

This cathedral is one of the most renowned and popular places in Reykjavik because of its history and architecture. This cathedral is a mixture of history, beauty and surreal architecture, making it one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik. When you’re there, don’t forget to check out the unique white-concrete statue. Moreover, you can get a splendid view of the city by climbing 74 metres to the turret.

Downtown

Downtown Reykjavik is the perfect place for a brisk evening walk as it is dotted with comfy restaurants and wonky little houses. If you wish to take home souvenirs, the boutique shops downtown sell authentic volcanic rock pottery and Icelandic wool clothing.

Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall

Located in the middle of the city, the Harpa concert hall is a one-stop social and cultural stop which has invited more than 10 million travellers since 2011. The artistic honeycomb shaped exterior is an absolute delight for the eyes. Even if you visit the concert hall during the night, it will mesmerise you with its colour changing windows. For art lovers, this has to be one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik.

The Settlement Exhibition

Iceland has a glorious and rather interesting history and if you wish to know more about it, this is the place to be. Iceland is renowned to be the land of Vikings and you can get a deep insight into the Viking settlement life by walking through this exhibition. The Settlement exhibition also includes an excavated farmhouse dating back to 871 AD.

Mount Esja

It wouldn’t be wrong if we say that Mount Esja is the crown jewel of Reykjavik’s skyline. This can turn out to be an amazing workout station because the hike tests the mettle of your strength. However, even casual hikers can go to the top and adventure seekers consider Mount Esja to be one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik because of the majestic views it offers.

Perlan Museum Of Icelandic Natural Wonders

Iceland has a rich natural history which is evident by its scenic beauty and if you wish to know more about it then the Perlan museum should be a must visit on your list. The main highlight of this museum is the glacier exhibition which is basically a fresh display of an ice tunnel that spans over 100 metres.

National Museum of Iceland

You can take a visit to the National Museum of Iceland which is home to over 2000 artefacts. This museum is dedicated to the rich Icelandic history and its vibrant culture. A carved pine door that dates back to 1150 AD is the main point of attraction here. History buffs consider the national museum of Iceland to be one of the best things to see in Reykjavik.

Arbaer Open Air Museum

It is basically a small village located on the outskirts of Reykjavik, making it one of the most unique museums in the whole wide world. There are 20 restored historical old homes on display here, which showcase the lifestyle of the old Reykjavik. The museum remains open throughout the year with guided tours available as well.

Sun Voyager

A must visit for every voyager out there, the Sun Voyager is basically a large steel carving of a ship. Many tourists flock here to see the gorgeous sunset being reflected in the steel model of the ship. Some consider it as a near perfect example of the fusion of art with nature, making it one of the best things to see in Reykjavik.

Old Harbour Area

Talking about the best Reykjavik tourist attractions, the Old harbour area provides a sneak peek into the Icelandic culture while also offering scenic vistas of the bay and the Mount Esja. There are many water-facing restaurants here where you can grab a quick meal while overlooking the ocean. Apart from this, there are many boutiques and coffee shops as well.

Videy Island

Videy Island is where nature, art and history fuse together to form a peaceful paradise. This island is dotted with modern art pieces, historical remains and aesthetic views. The island is very small in size so everything is within a close proximity to each other. If spending quality time with your friends and family is in your mind, Videy Island has to be one of the best Reykjavik tourist attractions.

Bruarfoss Waterfall

Celebrated as Iceland’s Bluest waterfall, the Bruarfoss waterfall has to be one of the most scenic places in the whole of Reykjavik. The round-up hike is around 7 kilometres but it is going to be worth it once you reach the top. While the Bruarfoss might be the big show here, there are many smaller waterfalls that you can spot along the way. For nature lovers, this has to be one of the best things to see in Reykjavik.

FAQ's Of Reykjavik

What is special about Reykjavik?

Reykjavik comes out as a perfect fusion of everything – the nightlife here is thriving, this quaint town is rich in history and offers some mesmerising views at the same time. It offers a perfect mixture of social and cultural events as well.

What is the best time to visit Reykjavik?

June to August is the best time to visit Reykjavik because the temperature remains a bit bearable as compared to the winters here which are very extreme. Moreover, the days are comparatively much longer as compared to the other months.

Is Reykjavik expensive?

It is relatively expensive, yes, but not as compared to some other popular cities in the world. It is assumed that spending a day in Reykjavik will set you back by around 100$.

Which are some of the best places to visit in Reykjavik at night?

  • Try different craft beers at Skuli Craft bar: With an assortment of more than 130 different varieties of craft beer, the Skuli Craft bar is one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik once the sun sets.
  • Dance the night away at Paloma: Paloma is renowned to be Reykjavik’s biggest dance venues. From reggae to electro, Paloma is bound to make you move to its beats as this is the only nightclub in Reykjavik.
  • Admire the surreal northern lights: You can also go on a northern lights tour from Reykjavik if you wish to witness nature’s beauty in its truest form.

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