Reykjavik - Things To Do & Attractions

Top Things To Do in Reykjavik

See the Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. These incredible, otherworldly illuminations are best experienced from Reykjavik in the winter-time – and are an essential part of any trip here.

Relax in a Geothermal Spa

City breaks can be non-stop, so the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa offers the perfect solution to weary sightseers. It’s one of the most popular Reykjavik attractions but also gives you the opportunity for some fabulous relaxation time – and kids will love swimming around in the warm water!

The Golden Circle

You just can’t visit Iceland and not see its famous “Golden Circle”, visiting many of Iceland's must-see attractions, along rugged mountain roads and bumpy off-road tracks. Reykjavik may be a city break, but there’s a whole world of untouched nature right on its doorstep! A tour of Gullfoss & Geysir offers erupting geysers, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls and the country’s best-loved National Park, Thingvellir, in the space in a day.

Fancy adding some thrills to your day? Take the Golden Circle & Langjokull Jeep Tour, which throws in some added extra fun with a full-pelt snowmobile ride across Iceland’s second-biggest glacier!

Reykjavik – Quick Facts

Language:

Icelandic. English is also widely spoken along with Nordic languages and German.

Flight Time from UK:

Approx. 3 hours

Currency:

Icelandic Krona

Airports:

Reykjavík Airport

Opening Times:

• Shops are generally open from 9/10am - 5/6pm on weekdays and 10am – 4pm on Saturdays (although some are closed on Saturdays in Summer). Most shops are closed on Sundays, but shopping centres are open daily.
• Most businesses are open from 9am – 5pm, although some switch to slightly earlier in the summer months.

Temperatures:

The average temperature in Reykjavik ranges from a literally freezing 0°C from January – March (although it can get colder!) to 11°C in July.

Telephone:

• Country code: +354
• Emergency Services Number: 112

Electricity

240 volts, normally for two-pin plugs.

Getting Around in Reykjavik

Hop-on Hop-off Buses

• Probably the easiest way to get around all the must-see Reykjavik attractions
• These handy buses allow you to hop on and off as much as you like at stops around Reykjavik
• Tip: Hop off at Stop 2 for the chance spot minke and humpback whales, porpoises or even dolphins!.

Car

• Driving in Reykjavík is generally safe and renting a car is easy to do.
• However in certain conditions driving can be tricky, especially if you head out of the city into the Highlands, so we advise to make the necessary preparations.
• The "ring road" (highway one) runs in a circle along the coast and connects the most populous parts of the country.

Public Transport

• Reykjavík has an excellent bus system. Most buses run every 10-20 minutes, and every 30 minutes in the evening and on weekends.
• Buses generally charge a flat fare. If you need to change buses, ask for a skiptimidi (transfer ticket) on the first bus and you won’t need to pay on the second bus provided you change within 45 minutes.

Taxi

• Taxi ranks can be found all around downtown Reykjavik, and there are a number of taxi companies you can phone to book from anywhere in the city.
• All taxis have official mileage meters, and fares are charged at standard rates.

Walking

• The whole downtown area of Reykjavik is small enough that most visitors can easily explore it on foot.