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21+ Free Things to do in Reykjavik (+ free download)

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Looking for cheap or free things to do in Reykjavik? We’ve got you covered!

Reykjavik is the vibrant capital city of Iceland. With an area of 273 square kilometers and a population density of 451.5 people living per square kilometer, the city of Reykjavik pleasantly surprised us on our recent trip to Iceland. 

Rainbow street in Reykjavik Iceland

On our first visit, we stayed in Reykjavik downtown for 5 days and explored pretty much the entire city. I returned a few years later and kept the capital city as the base to explore more of west Iceland (and also enjoyed the Sky Lagoon Spa)!

This list of 25 free and affordable things to do in Reykjavik is perfect if you are spending one day in Reykjavik or if it’s just your stopover destination.

We created this handy list of free things so that you can budget well and save money, and maybe splurge on activities like the classic Golden Circle tour, snowmobile tour, or glacier lagoon tour to explore the beautiful Icelandic countryside.

Best Free Things to do in Reykjavik

Free Things to do in Reyjkavik
Free Things to do in Reyjkavik

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Airport Transfer – Keflavik to Reykjavik Return

But first things first, let’s get you the airport transfer to Reykjavik. If you are flying to Iceland from anywhere in Europe or North America, you will be arriving at Keflavik airport, which is located 45 minutes away from the capital city of Reykjavik.

Whether it’s a layover or a day Reykjavik itinerary, book your return trip to Reykjavik from Keflavik airport. Click here to reserve Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels Transfers.

Extending your stay in Reykjavik?Staying longer than a day in Reykjavik and need accommodation? Click to view Reykjavik Hotel Deals

Reykjavik Meaning – What does Reykjavik mean?

The word Reykjavik means ‘smoky bay. ‘ It originated from the Old Norse word ‘reykja’, for “smoke” and vík, meaning “bay”.

1. Tallest Church Hallgrímskirkja Tower

Hallgrímskirkja church is one of the iconic landmarks of Iceland. Located in the Reykjavik downtown area, Hallgrímskirkja church is the tallest church in the country, and its towers can be seen from most parts of the city.

Hallgrímskirkja

The Icelandic population follows Lutheranism, and hence, this is a Lutheran church. 

One of the unique features of the church is the gargantuan pipe organ that is located inside, which stands 15 meters tall and is stunning to look at. Entry to the church is completely free (you only pay to get to the tower, more on that below).

Inside Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrímskirkja inside
Hallgrímskirkja stained glasses

The church is designed in a very simple way – high ceilings, tall and airy. It is supposed to bring in light and wisdom, hence the simplistic design. 

Green spaces near Hallgrímskirkja

On the exterior, the church is tall and is situated on a square with green spaces nearby. If you’re lucky, you can witness parades and rallies at the church square. 

Standing in front of the church is the statue of Leifur Eiriksson, who was the first European to discover America. Records suggest that Leifur Eiriksson landed in the Americas about 500 years before Christopher Columbus did.

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland. #icelandtravel

The church has impressive towers. Although entry to the church towers is not free (it is ISK 1,000 for adults and ISK 100 for children ages 7–16), it is worth taking a ride to see the cityscape of Reykjavik from above.

An elevator takes you up to the observation tower, which has small windows, and you can see the colorful houses of Reykjavik from up there. Reykjavik, Iceland, is windy, so some days you can expect strong winds when you are up there. (We did too)

Views from Hallgrímskirkja church- Cheap and free things to do in Reykjavik
View of Reykjavik from Hallgrímskirkja tower

The church has different operating hours for the summer and winter seasons. During the summer months (May to September), tower access is available from 09:00 am to 09:00 pm. 

During winter (October to April), the tower is open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm. The church is closed on Sundays from 10:30 am to 12:15 pm for mass.

View of Hallgrímskirkja from Cafe Loki

If you would like to photograph the Hallgrímskirkja church, head there in the morning hours (08:00 am or before), when the streets are empty, and take shots from across the road or from Café Lokii.

Location: Hallgrímstorg 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Open Daily (hours listed above)

2. Einar Jónsson Art Museum Sculpture Gardens

Reykjavík also showcases some amazing sculptures for free. The sculpture garden of The Einar Jónsson Art Museum highlights some of the best pieces of Icelandic art history. This museum is located right beside the Hallgrímskirkja church and is completely free to visit. 

It is also open all 365 days of the year.

Einar Jónsson Art Museum Sculpture Gardens
Einar Jónsson Art Museum Sculpture Gardens

The museum is not free, and there is an entry fee of 600 ISK. The Einar Jónsson Art Museum building is unique and deserves a visit. 

The gardens are located behind the museum, at the back.

Location: Eiríksgata, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, except Mondays

3. Christ the King Cathedral 

Christ the King Cathedral Iceland

Christ the King Cathedral, also known as the Landakotskirkja, is the only Catholic cathedral in Iceland. It was opened in 1929. 

You can visit the basilica (interiors) and also explore the site, which is dotted with sculptures, info boards, and picnic areas.

Christ the King Cathedral Iceland stained glasses
Christ the King Cathedral Iceland stained glasses

This cathedral is built on large grounds, has a flat top, and is not as tall as the Hallgrímskirkja. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, designed both churches, including the Church of Akureyri in northern Iceland.

Scuptures at the Christ the King Cathedral complex

Location: Túngata 13, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: 07:30 am to 07:00 pm every day

4. Reykjavik Harbor

Reykjavik city is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean with a scenic harbor front. Located in the southwestern part of Iceland, Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital (and also the windiest place, which is also habitable). 

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland.
Reykjavik Harbor, Iceland (fall season)

Reykjavik is situated on the southern shore of Faxa Bay. It is located 37 meters above sea level.

The mountain views that you see from the harbor front are Akrafjall (on the western side) and Mount Esja (on the eastern side). 

Reykjavik Harbour in the summer months
Reykjavik Harbour in the summer months

Most Reykjavik sightseeing tours and buses start at the harbor front, including hop-on and hop-off tours. You can also start your walk from the harbor front and then continue on the walking path, and you will most likely find all the tourist stops that Reykjavik is popular for.

Location: 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Open Daily

Pro Tip: Downtown Reykjavik can be easily explored on foot. If you are visiting in winter, probably take a bus tour to explore the city.

5. Harpa Concert Hall

The Harpa Concert Hall is a stunning glass building located by the Reykjavik waterfront. This is the first planned concert hall built in Reykjavik to host various music events like the Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavik Midsummer Music, Reykjavik Arts Festival, Reykjavik Jazz Festival, Dark Music Days, etc. 

The Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center is home to the  Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Icelandic Opera, and the Reykjavik Big Band.

The designers of the Harpa Concert Hall are two architectural firms – Henning Larsen Architects (Danish) and Batteríið Architects (Icelandic). The construction of the building began in 2007 but was delayed in completion due to the financial crisis of Iceland. 

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland. #icelandtravel
Harpa Concert Hall

The concert hall was officially opened in 2011. You can enter the Harpa Concert Hall for FREE and admire the architecture. Concerts, however, are not free.

Location: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: 08:00 am to 12:00 am every day

6. Solfar Sun Voyager Sculpture

The Solfar Sun Voyager is a stunning steel structure designed by Jón Gunnar Árnason by the harbor in Reykjavik. The structure is a boat, pointing to the sky – in an ode to the sun. 

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland.
Sun Voyager

The artist reflected that it’s like traveling to undiscovered lands, from Mongolia to Iceland, some hundreds of years ago. The sunship, according to the artist, signified the promise of new and unknown territory.

It is an amazing experience to walk by the harbor front in the early morning/dawn or dusk hours and truly capture the beauty of the Sun Voyager.

Location: Sæbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Every day, 24 hours

Read: 5 days in Iceland itinerary

7. Hofdi House

We found a slice of modern history in Reykjavik – the Höfði house. Höfði house is on the historical map as the meeting place of the presidents of Russia (Mikhail Gorbachev) and the USA (Ronald Reagan) to end the Cold World War (the meeting was called the Reykjavik Summit). 

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland. #Reykjavik #icelandtravel
Hofdi House

The location of the house is interesting and is placed at the backdrop of the scenic Reykjavik waterfront.

This house was created and designed in Norway and then brought to Iceland (around 1909). The purpose of the Höfði house was to serve as the office of the French Consulate. Over the years, this house welcomed big political names like Sir Winston Churchill, Mikhail Gorbachev, Ronald Reagan, and several British officials.

Hofdi House on a cloudy day in Reykjavik
Hofdi House on a cloudy day in Reykjavik

The Höfði house is not open to the public, but you can explore the house from the outside. If you walk behind the house, you will see the window where the historic Reykjavik Summit took place. The house is currently used for official receptions and meetings only.

Location: Borgartún 105, Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Every day, 24 hours

8. Free Walking Tours Reykjavik

If you wish to explore and learn about Reykjavik’s history and culture in 2 hours or so, then reserve your spot for a free walking tour online.

This free walking tour is a great way to orient yourself about the city of Reykjavik and hear stories from local guides themselves.

Go on a walking tour (or just wander on your own)

Did you know? Reykjavík is the first city to receive the designation of UNESCO City of Literature – one that doesn’t have English as its native language.

9. Tjörnin or Reykjavik Pond

Located in the heart of Reykjavik is the Tjörnin, or the pond, as locals lovingly call it. The word  Tjörnin is derived from the old Norse, and it means “mountain lake”.

True to its name origins, the Tjörnin is not a pond actually, and is made up of 5 different water bodies. The pond is also known as Reykjavíkurtjörn.

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland.
The Pond

It is a beautiful oasis in the middle of downtown and is perfect for a stroll, to watch and feed birds, or just to relax. In winter, you can also skate on this pond (it is very shallow).

From the street or the walkway, you can see the beautiful red roofs and ducks, swans, and many other water creatures enjoying the pond. It is a real treat to the eye. 

Bird-watching and walking are the main reasons why this oasis was preserved for a long time.

The Pond had undergone several ecological changes over the years. There is a city hall located near it, the University of Iceland extends to the pond, the Reykjavik airport is on its southern side – so you get it, it is located in a prime spot, but is not ecologically friendly.

Structures by the Pond
Structures by the Pond (and the Free Church in the background)

Location: Tjarnargata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland (near City Hall)

Hours: Every day, 24 hours

10. Reykjavik City Hall Exhibits

The Reykjavik city hall is located near the Pond – Tjörnin. The city hall has an amazing exhibit of Reykjavik’s history and nature in its lobby. Entry is free and worth visiting if you are at the Pond.

Reykjavik city hall

Location: Tjarnargata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Open Daily, 08:00 am to 08:00 pm

11. Reykjavik Free Church

Just on the banks of the Pond, you will see a beautiful mint green building called the Free Church of Reykjavik aka Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík. This church was set up in the late 19th century as a community-building initiative rather than a religious organization.

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland. #Reykjavik
Reykjavik Free Church

12. Explore Laugavegur Street – Shops & Restaurants

Laugavegur Street is a popular street in Reykjavik. Our hotel in Reykjavik was located on Laugavegur Street, making it super easy for us to access transportation, restaurants, and sightseeing. 

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland.

Explore this street to experience the hip and vibrant Icelandic capital – enjoy their delicacies, shop or window shop for souvenirs, check out book shops, etc.  

The street comes alive when stores close in the evening, making it one of the popular “party” places here. There are close to 100 bars and restaurants located on Laugavegur Street alone. In the evening, the bars fill up fast, and it is crowded but pretty, hip, and vibrant with live music performances at the same time.

Iceland white ale

The Reykjavik Tourism Office is located at Laugavegur 5.

12. Hand-knitting Association of Iceland in Reykjavik

If you want to explore Icelandic textiles, like their popular sheep knit-wear with patterns, then head to the Hand-knitting Association of Iceland in Reykjavik.

Located at Skólavörðustígur 19, the association was started about 4 decades ago, when a few Icelandic women joined to form a unit to promote and grow the Icelandic knitting business. 

Although a store, this association gives you an insight into the popular textile of Iceland and for FREE. (purchases additional)

Read: 10 day Iceland guide

13. Admire Reykjavík’s Street art & murals

Reykjavík’s lanes and walls are painted with beautiful murals and tags. We learned that the graffiti and the murals are actually commissioned, and locals really enjoy them. True to that, as tourists, we enjoyed Reykjavik’s street art; it didn’t seem like property abuse like it does in other cities.

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik Iceland, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland.
Reykjavik Street Art- tosomeplacenew

The murals added a hip and a vibrant feel to this capital city. Some of our favorites include

  • Street in front of Joe and Juice at Laugavegur street
  • Wall by Ice Mart Souvenir Store at Laugavegur
  • Braud & Co bake shop at 16, Frakkastigur
  • C is for Cookie at 8, Týsgata Reykjavik

14. Reykjavik Flea Market – Kolaportið

Can you believe Iceland’s only flea market is located in Reykjavik? It is situated near the Old Harborfront and operates on weekends only (open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, covered marketplace).

The flea market is called Kolaportið because it was originally set up on land that used to serve as a coal processing plant. This flea market is not too old, only 30 years or so. Kolaportið translates to “coal yard”.

At the flea market, people sell second-hand fermented shark and other snacks, old books, clothes, and more. Due to the fermented snacks, you will be welcomed with a “weird” smell. Strange, but this flea market also sells some of the quirkiest things in Reykjavik. And at this market, you can bargain (haggle a bit), which you can’t anywhere else in Iceland.

Location: Tryggvagötu 19 , Old Harbour Grófin Reykjavik Kvosin, Iceland

Hours: Weekends 11:00 am to 05:00 pm

15. Austurvöllur Public Square (parliament building square/gardens)

Austurvollur is a large public square located in Reykjavik, Iceland. This is also called Parliament Square Park for a reason. Not only is it centrally located at 101 Reykjavik, but it was also the seat of Iceland’s parliament, the Alpingi.

Austurvollur grounds

If you are taking any guided walking tours, you will most likely explore the square. Since time immemorial and leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, the Austurvollur has played an important role in providing a stage for Icelanders to express their opinions.

The square is a favorite with the locals for sunbathing, picnicking, or just relaxing. Every year, a huge Christmas tree is lit at the square to welcome the holiday season.

Location: Pósthússtræti 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Every day, 24 hours

16. Elliðaárdalur Valley Park

Elliðaárdalur valley is a little oasis located a few minutes outside of Reykjavik downtown.

Elliðaárdalur is a perfect spot for light outdoor activities like biking, walking, enjoying a picnic, or reading a book in nature’s lap. The Elliðaárdalur valley gets its remarkable serenity from the river Elliðaár, which runs through the valley, creating multiple waterfalls.

Location: Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Every day, 24 hours

17. Midnight Sun or Northern Lights in Reykjavik

You can witness two of the beautiful natural phenomena in and around Reykjavik for free.

The Northern Lights can be seen in Reykjavik and other parts of Iceland from October to February.  Locate a spot away from the city lights and dark, preferably between 11:00 pm and 02:00 am, to see the northern lights.

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland. #Reykjavik #icelandtravel
Northern Lights

As you will be chasing these lights in wintertime, make sure you are bundled up. As the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and weather dependent, if it is raining or snowing, you won’t see any dancing green lights in the sky.

If you prefer to do it on a tour just outside of Reykjavik,. Then you can book a Northern Lights Tour. Tour operators normally carry binoculars, cameras, and tripods, and they are for 3-4 hours in duration.

If you are visiting Reykjavik in summer, you will most likely see the Midnight sun. You are more likely to see and experience the midnight sun than the northern lights in the middle of the city. 

The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon, which refers to the consecutive 24-hour periods of sunlight experienced in the Arctic and south of the Antarctic Circle.

During the summer solstice from late May to July, the sun in Iceland is visible for almost 24 hours (the sun sets after midnight, and sunrise occurs just before 03:00 am). Longer summer hours mean you can stay out exploring late into the night in Reykjavik.

Pro-tip: From October to December, you can witness the Imagine Peace Tower for FREE in Reykjavik 

Read more about the Imagine Peace Tower in Iceland activities for October

18. Grotto Reykjavik Lighthouse

The Grotta Lighthouse is a beautiful spot, located about 10-15 minutes outside of downtown Reykjavik. It is a stunning place to be at sunset and capture some amazing pictures of the lighthouse.

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik Iceland, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland.

The Grotta Lighthouse is located on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula. This place is a nature’s paradise close to downtown, and quite frankly a bit deserted too.

Location: Grótta Island Lighthouse, Seltjarnarnes, Iceland

Hours: Every day, 24 hours

Read: Iceland 8 day itinerary

19. Hafnarfjordur Reykjavik Museum Village

Hafnarfjordur Museum is sort of like a “living” museum that showcases artifacts and photographs of the town of Hafnarfjordur (settlement exhibition of the town).

The museum items and the display exhibits are housed in 6 different homes within the town. These houses are

  • Pakkhúsið (history and toy exhibition)
  • Converted House,
  • Siggubær (fisherman’s maisonette)
  • Beggubúð (merchant house)
  • Strandstígur (merchant house)
  • Bookless Bungalow (showcases maritime history)
Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland. #icelandtravel
Hafnarfjordur Reykjavik

This museum village is located about 15 minutes outside of Reykjavik City, and entry to the homes is free.  

The museum is open every day during summer from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (Jun- Aug). In winter, they operate only on weekends from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sept through May)

Location: Vesturgata 6, Hafnarfjörður, Iceland

Hours: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (Jun- Aug) and 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sept through May)

20. Free W’s – Wifi and Water

These two items are free, and they are essential for surviving in a modern city. Wifi and water (well, this one is not so modern)

So, Reykjavik has many hot spots in the city. So don’t pay for an internet card or wifi if you are just in town. Hotels and restaurants will have free wifi too. 

Water is pure and can be directly consumed. You don’t have to spend money on bottled water.

Map of Free Things to Do in Reykjavik 

Cheap Things to do in Reykjavik – Ideas for exploring in Reykjavik

So, these were some cool and free things to do in Reykjavik. There are a few more exciting things that you can do in Reykjavik, however, they are not free. 

We will list them out here for your reference

21. Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach

Skipping Blue Lagoon Spa? Then head to Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach – one of a kind in the world. The bathing area is FREE for use in the summertime. 

Wintertime swimming is not recommended, as change rooms may or may not be available. (although swimming in cold water is considered good for you!)

Email them to confirm the timings or visit their website. Their typical season starts in mid-May and ends in August.

There is a sailing club at the beach area, and the entry fee is 650 ISK. (must do in Reykjavik in summer).

Read: Best geothermal spas in Iceland

22. Reykjavik swimming pool Laugardalslaug 

Swimming pools are fun in Iceland. This is the largest swimming pool in Iceland, located in Reykjavik with world-class facilities. Entry is free with the Reykjavik City Card.

Location: Sundlaugavegur 105, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Every day. Weekdays from 06:30 am to 10:00 pm; weekends from 08:00 am to 09:00 pm

Read: Should you visit Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon

23. Admire the Perlan – The Pearl Reykjavik

Perlan, or the Pearl, is one of the stunning landmarks of Reykjavik, Iceland. It is a dome-shaped planetarium and exhibit hall. It is located on a hilltop – Oskjuhlid and offers great views of the city. 

The Perlan is popular for its Wonders of Iceland exhibition, which showcases real Icelandic (man-made) ice caves. It is a man-made ice cave.

There is an entry fee for the exhibit hall (3500 ISK) and the observation deck (460 ISK). Click here to book your Perlan – Wonders of Iceland tour.

But it is FREE to admire the Perlan (as an architectural marvel) from the outside. You can also view the Pearl from near Hotel Icelandair Natural.

The Pearl is not located on Main Street in Reykjavik, but you can take a FREE shuttle from Harpa concert hall to arrive at the Perlan.

Location: Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Every day, 09:00 am to 09:00 pm

24. National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland is the oldest in Iceland (created in 1863). It houses legendary Icelandic carvings, including artifacts (an anti-aquarium was set up in 1911). Entry to the museum is 2000 ISK per person. 

Guided tours are available, or take FREE audio tours with the entry fee.

Location: Suðurgata 41, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Every day, 10:00 am to 05:00 pm

25. Phallus Museum

The Icelandic Phallological Museum aka the Penis museum is one of the quirkiest things we have seen in Iceland. This museum showcases over 215 species of phallus, including that of homo sapiens (aka humans). 

The entry to the museum is 1700 ISK.

Location: Reykjastræti 4, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Every day, 10:00 am to 07:00 pm

Reykjavík City Card is a good option for you if you are planning to visit multiple attractions. Reykjavik City Card will provide you with discounted passes and tickets. Click here to get your Reykjavik City Card

Museums in Iceland

Other Museums in Reykjavik – If interested, visit the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, National Gallery of Iceland, Nordic Culture House (includes some FREE exhibitions), Museum of Rock n Roll Iceland, Reykjavik Art Museum (contemporary art).

Day trips from Reykjavik, Iceland

If you are in Iceland for a short duration, consider taking a day tour from Reykjavik. Many Iceland Reykjavik tours start at $45 USD.

Need more information on Iceland Tours? Read this ultimate guide!

Whale Watching tour

Many group tours like Whale watching tours can be taken from Reykjavik – they are a short tour of 3 hours duration

Golden Circle and South Coast Tour

If you are staying for more than one day in Reykjavik, definitely take a day tour to explore the countryside. The most popular ones are the Golden Circle (6 hours) and the South Coast Tour (8-10 hours)

Northern Lights Tour

You can see the northern lights near Reykjavik. There are lots of guided tours available, and they last 2-4 hours. Most tours leave after 09:30 pm, and you can hop on a tour again if no northern lights are visible on the trip. 

You can book a combined Iceland Reykjavik city and Northern Lights tour (in the winter).

Food & Restaurants in Reykjavik Downtown

Food and restaurant eating is expensive in Iceland. For reference, a bowl of soup in North America will cost you around 8-10 USD. It is about $16 USD in Iceland.

But if you are spending a day in Reykjavik, there are some delicacies that you gotta try. We have included some cheap eating out options.

Hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur 

The Baejarins Beztu Pylsur is an 80-year-old Icelandic hot dog place that is a must-visit for the food lover in Reykjavik. Try their lamb hot dog, add some fried onions and hot sauce. 

Icelandic hot dog

You will see a line most of the time, but be patient – it is worth the wait!

Icelandic Street Food 

Our favorite restaurant in Reykjavik, Iceland – Icelandic Street Food is an “all you can eat” place. This is the only place we found where traditional lamb soup is offered at half the price (soup cup) for around 860 ISK. 

A bowl of soup (in a bread bowl) is about 1950 ISK – a pretty standard price (as compared with other restaurants). But this is an all-you-can-eat – so you can keep eating as much as you can!

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik Iceland, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland. #icelandtravel #icelandicfood

Braud & Co Bakeshop

Braud & Co Bakeshop at 16, Frakkastigur – The best place to try Icelandic baked goods is at the Braud & Co Bake Shop.

Valdis Although not a cheap option for ice cream, Valdis has a great variety of ice creams in Iceland. This place is very Instagram-worthy!

Grocery store in Iceland

Grocery stores in Reykjavik carry some of the local delicacies that are worth trying in your day itinerary. Some of the options include dark rye bread, Icelandic chocolate, SKYR (try their vanilla or chocolate flavor), fermented shark (if you are into that), or veggies (organic).

Grocery stores located in downtown Reykjavik include 10-11, Kronos, and Bonus.

Read: Best food tours in Reykjavik, Iceland

Best Hotels in Reykjavik Iceland

If you plan on extending your stay in Reykjavik, here is a list of accommodation options. During our trip to Iceland, we stayed at an apartment hotel, Room with a View, located in downtown Reykjavik. Our stay averaged $95 USD a night.

Inside Room with a view

The rooms were spacious and had a kitchen and attached bathroom. Detached washrooms were cheaper. Check prices for Room with View hotel rates.

On our subsequent trips, we stayed in two other properties – Center Hotels Plaza and Guesthouse Sunna. Both are great options to stay in the city center and explore more of Reykjavik and venture outside (on day tours).

Girl in Iceland hotel
Center Hotels Plaza
Guesthouse Sunna
Guesthouse Sunna

Tip: If you wish to take photos of the Hallgrimskirkja, consider staying at the Guesthouse Sunna. The church will be right at your doorstep! The popular Cafe Loki is also nearby.

Luxury Hotels Reykjavik Iceland

Looking for luxury in Reykjavik? Here are some Reykjavik hotels for you to consider

Read: Best aparthotels in Reykjavik Iceland

Budget/Cheap Accommodation Reykjavik

Here are some budget options for Reykjavik accommodation

  • Bus Hostel Reykjavik – Located near BSI terminal (central bus depot) in Reykjavik, the Bus Hostel is a budget option for accommodation. Easily avail bus tours and other downtown Reykjavik tourist attractions. Check room rates for Bus Hostel Reykjavik
  • Galaxy Pod Hostel – A pod-style hostel in Reykjavik – ideal for solo or couple travelers. Great reviews. Check room rates for Galaxy Pod Hostel

Now you know what to do in Reykjavik for free, get planning! 

Additional Reading for Things to Do in Reykjavik

Pin – Cheap and Free Things to do in Reykjavik

Get the 20+ free things to do in Reykjavik, perfect for a stopover for one day in Reykjavik Itinerary or more. A budget friendly way to see more of Iceland. #Reykjavik #icelandtravel
20+ Free things to do in Reykjavik Itinerary

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8 Comments

  1. Love this post! I’ve heard Iceland is so expensive, so a list of free things to do is always great to keep your costs low. Thanks for sharing!

  2. We didn’t really spend any time in Reykjavik since we were trying to fit in all of Ring Road, but I’m saving this for when we eventually go back. I didn’t realize there were so many options for free things to do!

  3. I am so happy to find this site…….I am going to Iceland next week Oct. 8, 2019. I do wish that I had discovered this information before I booked our hotel. We are paying MUCH more for the hotel we booked. Also, I am happy to know that October is the best time to visit Iceland.
    I anticipate a great visit there.

  4. Great post!

    I just wanted to let you know that the Sun Voyager’s address is not Rekagrandi 14 – Rekagrandi is in a different part of town. The Sun Voyager doesn’t have an address but it’s on a street called Sæbraut. Maybe you want to update that just in case somebody uses this info for their GPS or something 🙂

  5. What a colorful place! That church is extraordinary. I’ve never seen a building like that. I am pretty sure that Blue Lagoon would be my favorite place though 🙂

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